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Nashville Assassins #6
Rushing the Goal
Introduced in Toni Aleo’s Bellevue Bullies Series, it’s the Sinclair brothers’ big sister’s turn to find love in the next installment of the New York Times and USA Today best-selling series, the Assassins.
Lucy Sinclair was no stranger to pain.
She grew up with three younger brothers, met a bad boy, got pregnant by him, married him, and then suffered through a nasty divorce from him. Pain. That was pain. To top it off, she even had to go through the heartbreaking divorce of her parents. Through it all, she survived. All she cared about was making sure her daughter was happy and taken care of. Despite an ex-husband hell-bent on ruining her life, she fought to overcome. She’s gotten to the point that she’s okay with being just okay. She never cared about herself because she never had the time. It was Angie and only Angie she focused on, but that all changed when Benji Paxton offered to help her daughter on the ice.
Benji knew the moment he saw Lucy, he’d never be the same. Especially when she came with the bundle of crazy that was her daughter. His heart wasn’t ready for them. After years spent sobering up and finding who he was without the alcohol, he never forgot he was being punished for not appreciating the love he had when he was younger. Because of his past, he had gotten used to being alone, a recluse, but even he had to admit it was getting old. He was lonely. Hockey wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted a family; he wanted his true love.
And Lucy and Angie were just that.
They were just two lost souls.
Floating through life with no purpose.
But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future.
And had them both Rushing the Goal to be together.
Lucy Sinclair was no stranger to pain.
She grew up with three younger brothers, met a bad boy, got pregnant by him, married him, and then suffered through a nasty divorce from him. Pain. That was pain. To top it off, she even had to go through the heartbreaking divorce of her parents. Through it all, she survived. All she cared about was making sure her daughter was happy and taken care of. Despite an ex-husband hell-bent on ruining her life, she fought to overcome. She’s gotten to the point that she’s okay with being just okay. She never cared about herself because she never had the time. It was Angie and only Angie she focused on, but that all changed when Benji Paxton offered to help her daughter on the ice.
Benji knew the moment he saw Lucy, he’d never be the same. Especially when she came with the bundle of crazy that was her daughter. His heart wasn’t ready for them. After years spent sobering up and finding who he was without the alcohol, he never forgot he was being punished for not appreciating the love he had when he was younger. Because of his past, he had gotten used to being alone, a recluse, but even he had to admit it was getting old. He was lonely. Hockey wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted a family; he wanted his true love.
And Lucy and Angie were just that.
They were just two lost souls.
Floating through life with no purpose.
But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future.
And had them both Rushing the Goal to be together.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2016
347 people are currently reading
3047 people want to read
About the author
Toni Aleo
101 books6,717 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 434 reviews
March 30, 2025
4 stars
Rushing the Goal is the 8th book in Toni Aleo’s Assassin’s series. No matter how many books I read about these Assassin hockey players, I never tire of reading about them. This book was even better because it felt like a crossover book. If you’ve read the Bellevue Bullies series, you know all about the Sinclairs. I was happy to see so much of them in this book, along with all my favorite Assassin’s family.
Lucy Sinclair is a single mom with a past she isn’t proud of. Her ex-husband is awful and she is completely focused on her daughter and thats that. When her brothers insist they put her daughter, and their niece in hockey she agrees. That’s what Angie wants. At Angie’s first practice, Lucy meets Benji Paxton, a player on the Assassins, the same team her brother plays for. Benji likes Lucy right away, but she is a tough nut to crack. She’s stubborn to a fault but the more time he spends with Angie and Lucy, the more determined he is to get her to give him a chance.
Lucy is used to being independent and strong. She has to be. She’s not used to having someone to lean on. Someone who wants to be there for her, to be with her. Someone who cares about her and Angie. As much as she knows a relationship is not a good idea, Benji wears her down. Benji is an alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years. He’s a bit of a nerd, a great friend and teammate. He’s also someone Lucy cannot resist. I loved Benji and Lucy together. They are so different, but compliment each other. Benji is pretty darn perfect. I can’t think of one thing I didn’t like about him. Lucy frustrated me at times, but I understood her situation and why she was the way she was. I love that Benji always reassures her.
Even better than Benji with Lucy was Benji with Angie. So sweet. I love the family dynamic of these books. It’s my favorite thing about the Assassins series. I especially loved the Sinclair tie in. Getting to catch up with Jude, Jayden and Jace was great. This book was a little bit on the lengthy side and had a few moments it dragged, but overall, it was fantastic.
Toni Aleo writes sports romance like no other. If you love romances that are steamy, funny, and ones that also focus on friendships and family- this is the book/series for you! 4 stars!
Rushing the Goal is the 8th book in Toni Aleo’s Assassin’s series. No matter how many books I read about these Assassin hockey players, I never tire of reading about them. This book was even better because it felt like a crossover book. If you’ve read the Bellevue Bullies series, you know all about the Sinclairs. I was happy to see so much of them in this book, along with all my favorite Assassin’s family.
Lucy Sinclair is a single mom with a past she isn’t proud of. Her ex-husband is awful and she is completely focused on her daughter and thats that. When her brothers insist they put her daughter, and their niece in hockey she agrees. That’s what Angie wants. At Angie’s first practice, Lucy meets Benji Paxton, a player on the Assassins, the same team her brother plays for. Benji likes Lucy right away, but she is a tough nut to crack. She’s stubborn to a fault but the more time he spends with Angie and Lucy, the more determined he is to get her to give him a chance.
Lucy is used to being independent and strong. She has to be. She’s not used to having someone to lean on. Someone who wants to be there for her, to be with her. Someone who cares about her and Angie. As much as she knows a relationship is not a good idea, Benji wears her down. Benji is an alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years. He’s a bit of a nerd, a great friend and teammate. He’s also someone Lucy cannot resist. I loved Benji and Lucy together. They are so different, but compliment each other. Benji is pretty darn perfect. I can’t think of one thing I didn’t like about him. Lucy frustrated me at times, but I understood her situation and why she was the way she was. I love that Benji always reassures her.
“When I’m with you, I’m just blissful and feel like nothing can touch me. So, no, I don’t want to go back to my life before, because that life wasn’t something I wanted. You are something I want in my life.”
Even better than Benji with Lucy was Benji with Angie. So sweet. I love the family dynamic of these books. It’s my favorite thing about the Assassins series. I especially loved the Sinclair tie in. Getting to catch up with Jude, Jayden and Jace was great. This book was a little bit on the lengthy side and had a few moments it dragged, but overall, it was fantastic.
Toni Aleo writes sports romance like no other. If you love romances that are steamy, funny, and ones that also focus on friendships and family- this is the book/series for you! 4 stars!
April 2, 2016
***4 "Just a hug!" stars from me***
This story was amazing!!!
It was funny as hell, very emotional, angsty at times and i enjoyed it very much!!!
Lucy was a bitter bitch and Benji was an awkard huge dude but they were fitting so great together...
Add to this equation a lovely, smartass little girl and a huge bunch of Sinclair family and you will have the time of your life!!!
To be honest with you, I didn't know the "Assassins" before this book, but i'm lusting over Sinclair brothers in the "Bellevue Bullies" series for such a long time... so, when i saw that this book was about the 3J Sinlair's sister, i wanted like a crazy train to get my hands in it!!!
And yep, I'm kicking my a$$ that i haven't read about those guys yet, but i will do it very soon, and the same goes for all the "Assasssins" previous books...
Because I liked so much all those guys!!!
God, the Sinclair bunch are so crazy people and when they were together, they were just hilarious...
And the rest of the Assassins were such great personalities!!!
But enough with them, i have to focus to Benji and Lucy... and Angie, of course!!!
"They were just two lost souls.
Floating through life with no purpose.
But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future."
Benji's last twelve years was like a hell... He had lost three important persons of his life and he was living with guilts of what happened then and how he used to be...
Now, he was for such a long time a single man and he had become a hermit... He had also lost his ability to flirt with women without his mind wandering to what he lost once upon a time!!! The only thing that was making him to get out of his house was hockey and his position to the Assassins hockey team...
"Ooh-wee, she’s trouble.
The kind of trouble he was starting to think he needed in his life."
Lucy Sinclair was a young woman who had been through lots of ugly situations... She was a devoted mother to her little girl and she was trying to be a rock for her child. Her biggest problem was her ex and his malicious ways... Even though that Lucy was an amazing person to her daughter, for the rest of the world was a bitter, angry bitch and everyone was keeping a distance from her...
But Lucy didn't have any problem with that... She knew that she and men were through, because she couldn't trust any of them after her ex and her father's actions in the past...
So, she didn't need any man in her life and she was better on her own... and except of that, she was having her lovely and crazy family by her side...
"All she knew was her daughter loved him, and Lucy was sort of, in some crazy, weird way, attracted to him.
It was bizarre.
Or she was losing it."
Lucy's daughter, Angie, since she was been raised among hockey players, she wanted to play hockey as well...
So fate, brought Lucy and Benji together since Benji had promised to help Angie with her hockey skills... Their first encounter was so hilarious... Benji was always kind and unexpectedly more confident than ever and Lucy was her usual bitch self...
But the attraction between them was electrifying the air around them...
Lucy was determined to stay away from this sexy dork and Benji decided that this woman was the woman of his life and that he couldn't stay away from her, even her unnecessary protests!!!
So, an awkard and sexy game is starting....
"It was easy to tell that she didn’t like him. For no reason at all...
But he didn’t mind. He liked her, and her sassy mouth and resting bitch face wouldn’t stop him. No, he’d change her mind. He’d get her to like him."
What will happen with Lucy and Benji???
Can they work out their problems and to be together???
They are both having heavy baggages upon their shoulders...
Can they get over all those things that are standing between them???
And what about Angie??? And what about Rick the dick???
"He was finally good in life. He had a good career, he had friends, but he yearned for love.
And then Lucy and Angie came along.
They were different.
They were special.
He just needed a chance.
And he was going to get it."
As i told you above, Benji had rough baggages upon his shoulders and he was so closed off to himself... He was like a huge teddy bear... He was sexy and wonderful and so shy... He was so awkard around people and women...
But Lucy changed him so much!!! He became more confident, he was chasing after what he really wanted and he never took no for an answer.
I also loved him for the way he loved not only Lucy, but Angie as well!!! He was standing by their sides no matter how hard the things were going and that was such a wonderful thing to do...
"This girl was a mess. So much like her mother it was scary. The more time he spent with her, the more he fell for the mini Lucy..."
Lucy had lost her trust in men and with good reason... They didn't offer her anything than pain and heartache. She was in the middle of a very shitty situation and i understand her bitchiness, even though that i have to admit that sometimes, she was being unfair...
Even though that she wouldn't admit that she needed a man by her side, Benji was so perfect for her. He unlock her and brought the smile back in her face... With him, Lucy was a really amazing person... Also, i adored the way she was taking care of her child...
Angie was her whole world and that was so obvious from the first page till the last...
“When I’m with you, I’m just blissful and feel like nothing can touch me. So, no, I don’t want to go back to my life before, because that life wasn’t something I wanted. You are something I want in my life.”
Angie was a wonderful kind that had been raised in a really good way.
I liked her sassiness... I liked how clever and how authentic she was.
She was just a kid and she had to go through lots of ugly shits because of her asshole father...
No kid have to go through these things!!!
Her heart was knowing what was good for her and her mother and she was chasing after it!!!
“So what do I gain here? From him being your boyfriend?”
Covering her face again, Lucy moaned as Benji laughed. “You get a friend,” he answered, ruffling her hair as she giggled. “Plus, I’ll always make your mom smile.”
She shrugged as Lucy looked over at him, a grin pulling at her lips. Angie smiled and then said, “Cool.”
“Cool?”
“Yeah, cool.”
Yep, i loved this book and my only objection could be that the things between Benji and Lucy were moving in very fast pace, but Mrs. Aleo manage to give this story with such a great way that it didn't bother me all this rush after all!!!
“Why are you rushing this? Just let it ride.”
“’Cause it’s what I do. I rush the goal to score. You are the ultimate goal, and I want to score.”
As i told you above, i loved all the Sinclairs and their wives and future husband... They were so close to each other as a real family should be and they were standing beside their people...
When Lucy and her brothers were in the same room or in the same group text, they were bickering so badly with each other but they were so hilarious... I loved them so much!!!
For the end, i left this asshole Rick!!!
His nickname was so true... Rick the Dick!!!
The man was such an asshole and his attitude toward Lucy and his own child was making the blood rising in my head!!! If i would have him in front of me, i could kill that guy!!!
I don't like when people is treating the others the way Rick was treating Lucy and Angie!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
This story was amazing!!!
It was funny as hell, very emotional, angsty at times and i enjoyed it very much!!!
Lucy was a bitter bitch and Benji was an awkard huge dude but they were fitting so great together...
Add to this equation a lovely, smartass little girl and a huge bunch of Sinclair family and you will have the time of your life!!!
To be honest with you, I didn't know the "Assassins" before this book, but i'm lusting over Sinclair brothers in the "Bellevue Bullies" series for such a long time... so, when i saw that this book was about the 3J Sinlair's sister, i wanted like a crazy train to get my hands in it!!!
And yep, I'm kicking my a$$ that i haven't read about those guys yet, but i will do it very soon, and the same goes for all the "Assasssins" previous books...
Because I liked so much all those guys!!!
God, the Sinclair bunch are so crazy people and when they were together, they were just hilarious...
And the rest of the Assassins were such great personalities!!!
But enough with them, i have to focus to Benji and Lucy... and Angie, of course!!!
"They were just two lost souls.
Floating through life with no purpose.
But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future."
Benji's last twelve years was like a hell... He had lost three important persons of his life and he was living with guilts of what happened then and how he used to be...
Now, he was for such a long time a single man and he had become a hermit... He had also lost his ability to flirt with women without his mind wandering to what he lost once upon a time!!! The only thing that was making him to get out of his house was hockey and his position to the Assassins hockey team...
"Ooh-wee, she’s trouble.
The kind of trouble he was starting to think he needed in his life."
Lucy Sinclair was a young woman who had been through lots of ugly situations... She was a devoted mother to her little girl and she was trying to be a rock for her child. Her biggest problem was her ex and his malicious ways... Even though that Lucy was an amazing person to her daughter, for the rest of the world was a bitter, angry bitch and everyone was keeping a distance from her...
But Lucy didn't have any problem with that... She knew that she and men were through, because she couldn't trust any of them after her ex and her father's actions in the past...
So, she didn't need any man in her life and she was better on her own... and except of that, she was having her lovely and crazy family by her side...
"All she knew was her daughter loved him, and Lucy was sort of, in some crazy, weird way, attracted to him.
It was bizarre.
Or she was losing it."
Lucy's daughter, Angie, since she was been raised among hockey players, she wanted to play hockey as well...
So fate, brought Lucy and Benji together since Benji had promised to help Angie with her hockey skills... Their first encounter was so hilarious... Benji was always kind and unexpectedly more confident than ever and Lucy was her usual bitch self...
But the attraction between them was electrifying the air around them...
Lucy was determined to stay away from this sexy dork and Benji decided that this woman was the woman of his life and that he couldn't stay away from her, even her unnecessary protests!!!
So, an awkard and sexy game is starting....
"It was easy to tell that she didn’t like him. For no reason at all...
But he didn’t mind. He liked her, and her sassy mouth and resting bitch face wouldn’t stop him. No, he’d change her mind. He’d get her to like him."
What will happen with Lucy and Benji???
Can they work out their problems and to be together???
They are both having heavy baggages upon their shoulders...
Can they get over all those things that are standing between them???
And what about Angie??? And what about Rick the dick???
"He was finally good in life. He had a good career, he had friends, but he yearned for love.
And then Lucy and Angie came along.
They were different.
They were special.
He just needed a chance.
And he was going to get it."
As i told you above, Benji had rough baggages upon his shoulders and he was so closed off to himself... He was like a huge teddy bear... He was sexy and wonderful and so shy... He was so awkard around people and women...
But Lucy changed him so much!!! He became more confident, he was chasing after what he really wanted and he never took no for an answer.
I also loved him for the way he loved not only Lucy, but Angie as well!!! He was standing by their sides no matter how hard the things were going and that was such a wonderful thing to do...
"This girl was a mess. So much like her mother it was scary. The more time he spent with her, the more he fell for the mini Lucy..."
Lucy had lost her trust in men and with good reason... They didn't offer her anything than pain and heartache. She was in the middle of a very shitty situation and i understand her bitchiness, even though that i have to admit that sometimes, she was being unfair...
Even though that she wouldn't admit that she needed a man by her side, Benji was so perfect for her. He unlock her and brought the smile back in her face... With him, Lucy was a really amazing person... Also, i adored the way she was taking care of her child...
Angie was her whole world and that was so obvious from the first page till the last...
“When I’m with you, I’m just blissful and feel like nothing can touch me. So, no, I don’t want to go back to my life before, because that life wasn’t something I wanted. You are something I want in my life.”
Angie was a wonderful kind that had been raised in a really good way.
I liked her sassiness... I liked how clever and how authentic she was.
She was just a kid and she had to go through lots of ugly shits because of her asshole father...
No kid have to go through these things!!!
Her heart was knowing what was good for her and her mother and she was chasing after it!!!
“So what do I gain here? From him being your boyfriend?”
Covering her face again, Lucy moaned as Benji laughed. “You get a friend,” he answered, ruffling her hair as she giggled. “Plus, I’ll always make your mom smile.”
She shrugged as Lucy looked over at him, a grin pulling at her lips. Angie smiled and then said, “Cool.”
“Cool?”
“Yeah, cool.”
Yep, i loved this book and my only objection could be that the things between Benji and Lucy were moving in very fast pace, but Mrs. Aleo manage to give this story with such a great way that it didn't bother me all this rush after all!!!
“Why are you rushing this? Just let it ride.”
“’Cause it’s what I do. I rush the goal to score. You are the ultimate goal, and I want to score.”
As i told you above, i loved all the Sinclairs and their wives and future husband... They were so close to each other as a real family should be and they were standing beside their people...
When Lucy and her brothers were in the same room or in the same group text, they were bickering so badly with each other but they were so hilarious... I loved them so much!!!
For the end, i left this asshole Rick!!!
His nickname was so true... Rick the Dick!!!
The man was such an asshole and his attitude toward Lucy and his own child was making the blood rising in my head!!! If i would have him in front of me, i could kill that guy!!!
I don't like when people is treating the others the way Rick was treating Lucy and Angie!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
March 29, 2016
THREE BENJI PAXTON STARS.
"Finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future."
Toni Aleo must be crowned the queen of a hockey romance by now, Surely? If there is anyone who knows how to build a family of books and characters in a series then this is the author. The assassins series has been a favourite sports romance series of mine since way back when I first started to read e-books and even though this book didn't win any top spots for my reading tastes, it was still a well likeable read with characters that I've been dying to know more about. Plenty of sweet and a whole lot of sweaty hockey references, 'Rushing the goal' delivered mostly what I was experiencing from an author that will always release books that I'm waiting for.
Why not five?
As you have already guessed, there's not much I don't love about Toni Aleo. Her books normally tick all my boxes and there's not a book that this author has released that I haven't been queuing up to read. Unfortunately this time around I fell firmly into a case of like and not love. Why is that you may ask, well sadly I had some niggles with the story telling, mainly the likability of the heroine which I struggled with and although the story had moments where I was swooning over this authors romantic dialogue I was also distracted by the length of the book, which at times made me a little disinterested. Overall I enjoyed this story it just didn't have that impact that I have come to expect from my time spent with this authors work. A likeable but not wow worthy book that I'm convinced most of this authors fans will enjoy.
Final thoughts ...
Readers, if you've been waiting for the story of Lucy Sinclair then it's finally here. The wait is over for this troubled heroine and I can promise you that Aleo has provided a hero that will not only sweep the heroine off her feet but you as the reader too. If you haven't yet met the Assassins then you are missing out big time, especially if you are partial to a sports romance series that will win you over hero by hero. As for this book, try it out for yourself I'll just be over here reminiscing about all of my Aleo favourites. Enjoy ... Kisses.
**ARC provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
**Stock Images purchased.
"Finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future."
Toni Aleo must be crowned the queen of a hockey romance by now, Surely? If there is anyone who knows how to build a family of books and characters in a series then this is the author. The assassins series has been a favourite sports romance series of mine since way back when I first started to read e-books and even though this book didn't win any top spots for my reading tastes, it was still a well likeable read with characters that I've been dying to know more about. Plenty of sweet and a whole lot of sweaty hockey references, 'Rushing the goal' delivered mostly what I was experiencing from an author that will always release books that I'm waiting for.
Why not five?
As you have already guessed, there's not much I don't love about Toni Aleo. Her books normally tick all my boxes and there's not a book that this author has released that I haven't been queuing up to read. Unfortunately this time around I fell firmly into a case of like and not love. Why is that you may ask, well sadly I had some niggles with the story telling, mainly the likability of the heroine which I struggled with and although the story had moments where I was swooning over this authors romantic dialogue I was also distracted by the length of the book, which at times made me a little disinterested. Overall I enjoyed this story it just didn't have that impact that I have come to expect from my time spent with this authors work. A likeable but not wow worthy book that I'm convinced most of this authors fans will enjoy.
Final thoughts ...
Readers, if you've been waiting for the story of Lucy Sinclair then it's finally here. The wait is over for this troubled heroine and I can promise you that Aleo has provided a hero that will not only sweep the heroine off her feet but you as the reader too. If you haven't yet met the Assassins then you are missing out big time, especially if you are partial to a sports romance series that will win you over hero by hero. As for this book, try it out for yourself I'll just be over here reminiscing about all of my Aleo favourites. Enjoy ... Kisses.
**ARC provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
**Stock Images purchased.
March 29, 2016
*** ARC kindly provided by the publisher Season Publishing and the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
This is the story of Benji, Lucy and Angie. Lucy fell in love young, had a baby and a nasty marriage ending in an ugly divorce. She already has to deal with her horrible ex Rick when their sweet little girl Angie visits him and doesn't want a new man in their life. Just like her uncles Angie wants to play Hockey. She soon has Hockey player Benji wrapped around her little finger. Benji has lost his wife and 2 year old daughter after a terrible accident and hasn't had a real relationship since it happened 12 years ago. He has been lonely since and could see himself in a family with Angie and Lucy but first he has to win Lucy's heart... That's all I'm going to tell about this wonderful love story!
And that's all it was.. a wonderful love story. For me personally it was a winner but I usually need some more drama, suspense, ... in my books. This one gets 4 stars and I look forward to read more books from this author and especially this series!
I loved all 3 main charactes but also lots of side characters and the fun banter between them all. I also love the bond between Lucy, her brothers and their mom...
I'm usually not a big fan of insta-love but somehow for this book it worked!
This one hit close! I'm in a nasty divorce myself at the moment and reading this book gave me a little hope. Maybe someday I'll find my own Benji...
This is the story of Benji, Lucy and Angie. Lucy fell in love young, had a baby and a nasty marriage ending in an ugly divorce. She already has to deal with her horrible ex Rick when their sweet little girl Angie visits him and doesn't want a new man in their life. Just like her uncles Angie wants to play Hockey. She soon has Hockey player Benji wrapped around her little finger. Benji has lost his wife and 2 year old daughter after a terrible accident and hasn't had a real relationship since it happened 12 years ago. He has been lonely since and could see himself in a family with Angie and Lucy but first he has to win Lucy's heart... That's all I'm going to tell about this wonderful love story!
And that's all it was.. a wonderful love story. For me personally it was a winner but I usually need some more drama, suspense, ... in my books. This one gets 4 stars and I look forward to read more books from this author and especially this series!
I loved all 3 main charactes but also lots of side characters and the fun banter between them all. I also love the bond between Lucy, her brothers and their mom...
I'm usually not a big fan of insta-love but somehow for this book it worked!
This one hit close! I'm in a nasty divorce myself at the moment and reading this book gave me a little hope. Maybe someday I'll find my own Benji...
August 16, 2016
I have to say I'm surprised! Toni Aleo wrote something that didn't make me want to throw my kindle off the window!
I dunno why I keep reading her books, I know I won't like them.
Normally, this book would get 2, maybe 2.5 stars. It was that "meh" kind of book that pissed me off but not bad enough to dislike it completely and then it had some stuff that I actually enjoyed, but again, not enough to say I actually really liked this book.
Still, if you liked her previous books, you'll like this one a lot, she outdid herself this time.
I dunno why I keep reading her books, I know I won't like them.
Normally, this book would get 2, maybe 2.5 stars. It was that "meh" kind of book that pissed me off but not bad enough to dislike it completely and then it had some stuff that I actually enjoyed, but again, not enough to say I actually really liked this book.
Still, if you liked her previous books, you'll like this one a lot, she outdid herself this time.
February 3, 2017
This novel had all the things that I enjoy, single and damaged people, children, sports and romance. Lucy Sinclair had a ten-year-old Angie and she was struggling. Her heart has been so damaged by the men she chose to be in relationships with, that Lucy was jaded and bitter. When Lucy signs Angie up for Hockey, she wasn’t prepared for the gorgeous Hockey coach who was substituting for Lucy’s brother.
Benji Paxton agreed to teach hockey as a favor for Lucy’s brother, and had been warned that Lucy was hostile and cankerous. But Benji knew it was a veneer hiding a hurt heart. He would know since he has been there. Benji’s past was sad but it was satisfying to know he waded through the muddy water and came out somewhat clean. So Benji set out to find the woman hidden behind all that all of protection.
I have to say that I enjoyed this story despite the narrator. Maybe it was a language thing, but I hated the way the narrator said “Bin-ji” instead of “Ben-ji”. Also, other words gave me a pause. The author really took her time to lay foundation for this romance because both characters were quite damaged. It took work to really like Lucy because she was just mean and vicious. It made me like Benji that much more as he was patient and persistent. I am a sucker for men who are able to love kids that aren’t their own biological offspring. Benji put in work and eventually built up trust with Lucy and Angie. Lucy was so hard to get close to and she didn’t even let her family in because of her anger, hurt and general wounded heart. Regardless, her family stood by her and supported her.
I felt the drama with Lucy and her ex-husband Rick was quite realistic, but it was still really hard to watch unfold. I wish Lucy went to some kind of counseling because she made everyone around her walk on eggshells. I do commend her for always keeping her daughter the main priority. The growth that Lucy displayed as this story progressed. I appreciate the character development and how Benji and Lucy came together as a couple. This was an enjoyable audiobook.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
Benji Paxton agreed to teach hockey as a favor for Lucy’s brother, and had been warned that Lucy was hostile and cankerous. But Benji knew it was a veneer hiding a hurt heart. He would know since he has been there. Benji’s past was sad but it was satisfying to know he waded through the muddy water and came out somewhat clean. So Benji set out to find the woman hidden behind all that all of protection.
I have to say that I enjoyed this story despite the narrator. Maybe it was a language thing, but I hated the way the narrator said “Bin-ji” instead of “Ben-ji”. Also, other words gave me a pause. The author really took her time to lay foundation for this romance because both characters were quite damaged. It took work to really like Lucy because she was just mean and vicious. It made me like Benji that much more as he was patient and persistent. I am a sucker for men who are able to love kids that aren’t their own biological offspring. Benji put in work and eventually built up trust with Lucy and Angie. Lucy was so hard to get close to and she didn’t even let her family in because of her anger, hurt and general wounded heart. Regardless, her family stood by her and supported her.
I felt the drama with Lucy and her ex-husband Rick was quite realistic, but it was still really hard to watch unfold. I wish Lucy went to some kind of counseling because she made everyone around her walk on eggshells. I do commend her for always keeping her daughter the main priority. The growth that Lucy displayed as this story progressed. I appreciate the character development and how Benji and Lucy came together as a couple. This was an enjoyable audiobook.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
4 stars
I really enjoyed Rushing the Goal.
Right from the beginning I fell in love with Benji, he was a sweet, fun, a little nerdy, honest and had the biggest heart, loved him.
I loved how he knew from the moment he first saw Lucy she was his forever, this man knew what he wanted and no amount of drama was going to stop him from going after what his heart wanted.
Lucy took a little while for me to warm up to. I found her a little too hard on her friends & family. While I understood she wanted to do things on her own, especially after what her prick of an ex had put her through and was still putting her through, sometimes it's OK to accept the help and let people care and love you.
Beji was the perfect man for Lucy, he was gentle, loving and trustworthy. And the way Benji connected with her daughter Angie... *swooooon*
Overall this was a well written heartwarming story, with lovable, entertaining and memorable characters that will bring out all the feels, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Toni Aleo Books LLC via NetGalley for the advance copy.
I really enjoyed Rushing the Goal.
Right from the beginning I fell in love with Benji, he was a sweet, fun, a little nerdy, honest and had the biggest heart, loved him.
I loved how he knew from the moment he first saw Lucy she was his forever, this man knew what he wanted and no amount of drama was going to stop him from going after what his heart wanted.
Lucy took a little while for me to warm up to. I found her a little too hard on her friends & family. While I understood she wanted to do things on her own, especially after what her prick of an ex had put her through and was still putting her through, sometimes it's OK to accept the help and let people care and love you.
Beji was the perfect man for Lucy, he was gentle, loving and trustworthy. And the way Benji connected with her daughter Angie... *swooooon*
Overall this was a well written heartwarming story, with lovable, entertaining and memorable characters that will bring out all the feels, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Toni Aleo Books LLC via NetGalley for the advance copy.
March 13, 2016
ARC received via Netgalley for honest review.
Review in Portuguese and English.
------------------------
Gostei muito e achei uma história que somou muito à série. Os personagens são muito carismáticos e amei a heroína.
O heróis é um fofo e tem uma interação muito legal com as crianças e uma alma gentil e amável.
A heroína com sua cara amarrada e má atitude é cheia de charme e me cativou desde o início.
Fiquei torcendo pelo casal desde as primeiras páginas do livro e realmente não larguei até chegar ao final.
Recomendo muito.
---------------------------
I really enjoyed and found a story that added a lot to the series. The characters are very charismatic and loved the heroine.
The hero is sweet and has a very cool interaction with children and a gentle soul.
The heroine with her resting bitch face and bad attitude is full of charm and captivated me from the beginning.
I was rooting for the couple since the first pages of the book and really don't quit until you reach the end.
I highly recommend.
Review in Portuguese and English.
------------------------
Gostei muito e achei uma história que somou muito à série. Os personagens são muito carismáticos e amei a heroína.
O heróis é um fofo e tem uma interação muito legal com as crianças e uma alma gentil e amável.
A heroína com sua cara amarrada e má atitude é cheia de charme e me cativou desde o início.
Fiquei torcendo pelo casal desde as primeiras páginas do livro e realmente não larguei até chegar ao final.
Recomendo muito.
---------------------------
I really enjoyed and found a story that added a lot to the series. The characters are very charismatic and loved the heroine.
The hero is sweet and has a very cool interaction with children and a gentle soul.
The heroine with her resting bitch face and bad attitude is full of charm and captivated me from the beginning.
I was rooting for the couple since the first pages of the book and really don't quit until you reach the end.
I highly recommend.
April 3, 2016
I love The Assassins Series and The Bellevue Bullies . Each book focuses on a different couple and there are lots of opportunities to catch up with previous characters. This one puts together Lucy Sinclair - eldest sister of the legendary Sinclair Hockey Brothers , with Benji Paxton who is a rather yummy, sweet hockey player with a tragic past. Lucy is a feisty , loyal and love jaded single mum. Could Benji be the man to win her heart?
I liked this book very much. Why not 5 stars? Benji was gorgeous as a hero but Lucy spent so much time crying , it became a bit too much. There were some happy and funny parts - I loved the sibling banter and Lucy's daughter Angie is beautifully written. Enjoyable book that I would recommend to any fellow ice hockey hottie junkie like me!
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
One of the sweetest hero's ever? Hell yeah.
I liked this book very much. Why not 5 stars? Benji was gorgeous as a hero but Lucy spent so much time crying , it became a bit too much. There were some happy and funny parts - I loved the sibling banter and Lucy's daughter Angie is beautifully written. Enjoyable book that I would recommend to any fellow ice hockey hottie junkie like me!
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
One of the sweetest hero's ever? Hell yeah.
August 14, 2017
FAVORITE!! FAVORITE!! FAVORITE!!
I need Benji to be real.. So sweet and dorky. I loved him!
I need Benji to be real.. So sweet and dorky. I loved him!
March 28, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via Toni's representative in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
Benji was one of those genuine, all around good guys that you want as your boyfriend. He's kind, handsome, athletic, and possesses a heart of pure gold.
His openness and acceptance of Lucy and her daughter, Angie, was truly heartfelt and amazing. It's not an every day reaction any normal guy would have to automatically want to pursue
a single mother who happens to be the sister of one of his teammates. Not to mention, who is stubborn as a mule and has built a wall as high as Fort Knox built around her.
He is definitely one of those one of a kind, rare guys.
Lucy, on the other hand, is a finicky but understandable character. She has been spurned in the past by a man she thought was going to be her forever which ended in turbulence and in shabbles.
Now, apprehensive about men and engaging in any type of relationship with one, Lucy soon finds herself on the fence about Assassin's player, Benji Paxton, who infuriates her as he does make her heart stir.
But, despite what her heart wants, she has her daughter to think of first, along with an ex husband who is hellbent on making her life a miserable one.
And now with Benji in the picture, he shakes everything Lucy could have ever expected upon in her life.
He represents hope. Something Lucy has yet to come across in a while.
But, when Benji's own tragic past reveals itself, will it be too much for the both of them to handle?
I really enjoyed this story. Lucy, whom we already had met in the Bellevue Bullies Series, as Jace and Jude's sister, was kind of a mystery to me aside from the fact that we knew that she was a mother and kind of a prude.
Delving into her though, I learned much more about her that gave her much more of a layered appeal and what was on the inside of the angry, conflicted facade she carried.
As for Benji. The man was like a walking, bleeding heart that draws you in and want to know more. He's a man barely holding it together and looking for love and his place in the world.
Enter the answers to his prayers, when he meets Lucy and Angie, whom seem to bring him back to life and want to be an even better version of his self and give him a true purpose admist all the darkness.
Loved this!!
Benji was one of those genuine, all around good guys that you want as your boyfriend. He's kind, handsome, athletic, and possesses a heart of pure gold.
His openness and acceptance of Lucy and her daughter, Angie, was truly heartfelt and amazing. It's not an every day reaction any normal guy would have to automatically want to pursue
a single mother who happens to be the sister of one of his teammates. Not to mention, who is stubborn as a mule and has built a wall as high as Fort Knox built around her.
He is definitely one of those one of a kind, rare guys.
Lucy, on the other hand, is a finicky but understandable character. She has been spurned in the past by a man she thought was going to be her forever which ended in turbulence and in shabbles.
Now, apprehensive about men and engaging in any type of relationship with one, Lucy soon finds herself on the fence about Assassin's player, Benji Paxton, who infuriates her as he does make her heart stir.
But, despite what her heart wants, she has her daughter to think of first, along with an ex husband who is hellbent on making her life a miserable one.
And now with Benji in the picture, he shakes everything Lucy could have ever expected upon in her life.
He represents hope. Something Lucy has yet to come across in a while.
But, when Benji's own tragic past reveals itself, will it be too much for the both of them to handle?
I really enjoyed this story. Lucy, whom we already had met in the Bellevue Bullies Series, as Jace and Jude's sister, was kind of a mystery to me aside from the fact that we knew that she was a mother and kind of a prude.
Delving into her though, I learned much more about her that gave her much more of a layered appeal and what was on the inside of the angry, conflicted facade she carried.
As for Benji. The man was like a walking, bleeding heart that draws you in and want to know more. He's a man barely holding it together and looking for love and his place in the world.
Enter the answers to his prayers, when he meets Lucy and Angie, whom seem to bring him back to life and want to be an even better version of his self and give him a true purpose admist all the darkness.
Loved this!!
April 1, 2025
RUSHING THE GOAL
● Lucy & Benji
● Benji is a NHL player
● Angie is Lucy’s young daughter
● Lucy’s ex-husband is horrible
● Benji lost his family
● Benji used to have a drinking problem
Lucy is the older sister to:
Jude from Boarded By Love
Jayden from Clipped By Love
Jace from Hooked By Love
NASHVILLE ASSASSINS:
#1 Phillip & Reese - Breaking Away
#2 Karson & Lacey - Laces and Lace
#3 Jordie & Kacey - Overtime
#4 Benji & Lucy - Rushing the Goal
#5 Markus & Mekena - Face-off at the Altar
#6 Vaughn & Brie - Delayed Call
#7 Lucas & Fallon - Twenty-Two/ Jakob and Harper -One Timer
#8 Jensen & Wren - In the Crease
Again, this book was too long.
● Lucy & Benji
● Benji is a NHL player
● Angie is Lucy’s young daughter
● Lucy’s ex-husband is horrible
● Benji lost his family
● Benji used to have a drinking problem
Lucy is the older sister to:
Jude from Boarded By Love
Jayden from Clipped By Love
Jace from Hooked By Love
NASHVILLE ASSASSINS:
#1 Phillip & Reese - Breaking Away
#2 Karson & Lacey - Laces and Lace
#3 Jordie & Kacey - Overtime
#4 Benji & Lucy - Rushing the Goal
#5 Markus & Mekena - Face-off at the Altar
#6 Vaughn & Brie - Delayed Call
#7 Lucas & Fallon - Twenty-Two/ Jakob and Harper -One Timer
#8 Jensen & Wren - In the Crease
Again, this book was too long.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Lucy Malone
Length: 17h 30m
March 27, 2016
Boy can Toni Aleo craft a story that totally consumes her readers, allowing us to see every facet of the plot unfold naturally, not rushing actions to speed up the timeframe and not making the characters act or feel a certain way until they’re ready.
With a story like Lucy and Benji's, there's a lot of baggage to sift through, and Lucy has to be able to get out of her own head in order to give him a chance. Nothing's easy about the situation they find themselves in, but Benji knows that Lucy and Angie are worth it, and they may just be what each other needs in order to move forward, letting go of the guilt and pain of the past and grabbing hold of the happiness that's now within their grasp.
I don’t know if I’ve read about a stronger heroine than Lucy Sinclair. Miss Do-It-All herself depends on no one else and refuses to ask for help even when she desperately needs it. Lucy hides her fear, sadness, and pain behind her “resting bitch face,” and let me tell you – that shield she wears is full of snark, sass, and meanness that even her brothers fear. But that’s what happens when the two men she loved, trusted, and depended on betrayed her in a multitude of ways, forcing her to construct a wall around her heart that only her daughter can penetrate because there’s too great a risk to trust anyone outside of her family.
Benji Paxton is the gentlest of giants, but he doesn’t let anyone see who he truly is. For the past 12 years, he’s lived a solitary life, battling his demons and focusing on his recovery. Guilt and loneliness consume him, and he believes that’s his penance for the heartache and pain he caused by his actions. Happiness is not something Benji believes he deserves, but when he meets Lucy and her daughter, Angie, he finds himself wanting to climb over Lucy’s walls and stand up for a woman and a child who could make him feel whole again.
Professionally, Lucy and Benji are excelling, but personally, they have been at a stalemate for quite some time – partly out of fear and rejection but mostly because the scars they carry dominate their lives, and their pasts won’t allow them to move forward. But Benji is all about rushing the goal on the ice, so he doesn’t see why he can’t attempt to do so in his personal life as well because Lucy and Angie just might be his ultimate goal.
I don’t know if I’ve ever hated an antagonist as much as I loathe “Rick the Dick,” Lucy’s ex-husband. He is nothing but a selfish bastard who gets off on tormenting the people he’s supposed to love and protect. He is the type of man who deserves to get the shit kicked out of him repeatedly and then that still won’t be enough to make up for the evil that consumes him.
Some readers might get annoyed with Lucy’s attitude and actions towards Benji, but no one can understand the depth of her pain and what Rick’s actions did to her unless they’ve been there themselves. Lucy has lived for her daughter since she was born, and she is an amazing mom, but she deserves her own happiness, but she’s going to have to fight herself more than anyone else because being torn down for so long doesn’t allow for much optimism and enough bad days make nothing seem possible.
Rushing the Goal is exactly what I wanted from Lucy and Benji’s story. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and even when a good thing is standing right in front of someone, there’s no guarantee that it will work out, and with how much both characters have had to endure, it’s amazing that they’re even willing to put themselves out there again.
The Sinclairs are an amazing family; the support and love they show each other is unconditional and their closeness is essential for all of the highs and lows their lives have dealt with over the years.
Benji Paxton is definitely up there on my list of book boyfriends. I adore his geekiness and he’s unbelievably caring and considerate even when Lucy is giving him shit. Benji faced his demons and even though he felt undeserving for so many years, his actions with Lucy, Angie, and even Jordie prove the true man Benji is, and Lucy couldn’t ask for a better man to stand by her side and provide her daughter with the father figure she deserves.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
With a story like Lucy and Benji's, there's a lot of baggage to sift through, and Lucy has to be able to get out of her own head in order to give him a chance. Nothing's easy about the situation they find themselves in, but Benji knows that Lucy and Angie are worth it, and they may just be what each other needs in order to move forward, letting go of the guilt and pain of the past and grabbing hold of the happiness that's now within their grasp.
I don’t know if I’ve read about a stronger heroine than Lucy Sinclair. Miss Do-It-All herself depends on no one else and refuses to ask for help even when she desperately needs it. Lucy hides her fear, sadness, and pain behind her “resting bitch face,” and let me tell you – that shield she wears is full of snark, sass, and meanness that even her brothers fear. But that’s what happens when the two men she loved, trusted, and depended on betrayed her in a multitude of ways, forcing her to construct a wall around her heart that only her daughter can penetrate because there’s too great a risk to trust anyone outside of her family.
Benji Paxton is the gentlest of giants, but he doesn’t let anyone see who he truly is. For the past 12 years, he’s lived a solitary life, battling his demons and focusing on his recovery. Guilt and loneliness consume him, and he believes that’s his penance for the heartache and pain he caused by his actions. Happiness is not something Benji believes he deserves, but when he meets Lucy and her daughter, Angie, he finds himself wanting to climb over Lucy’s walls and stand up for a woman and a child who could make him feel whole again.
Professionally, Lucy and Benji are excelling, but personally, they have been at a stalemate for quite some time – partly out of fear and rejection but mostly because the scars they carry dominate their lives, and their pasts won’t allow them to move forward. But Benji is all about rushing the goal on the ice, so he doesn’t see why he can’t attempt to do so in his personal life as well because Lucy and Angie just might be his ultimate goal.
I don’t know if I’ve ever hated an antagonist as much as I loathe “Rick the Dick,” Lucy’s ex-husband. He is nothing but a selfish bastard who gets off on tormenting the people he’s supposed to love and protect. He is the type of man who deserves to get the shit kicked out of him repeatedly and then that still won’t be enough to make up for the evil that consumes him.
Some readers might get annoyed with Lucy’s attitude and actions towards Benji, but no one can understand the depth of her pain and what Rick’s actions did to her unless they’ve been there themselves. Lucy has lived for her daughter since she was born, and she is an amazing mom, but she deserves her own happiness, but she’s going to have to fight herself more than anyone else because being torn down for so long doesn’t allow for much optimism and enough bad days make nothing seem possible.
Rushing the Goal is exactly what I wanted from Lucy and Benji’s story. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and even when a good thing is standing right in front of someone, there’s no guarantee that it will work out, and with how much both characters have had to endure, it’s amazing that they’re even willing to put themselves out there again.
The Sinclairs are an amazing family; the support and love they show each other is unconditional and their closeness is essential for all of the highs and lows their lives have dealt with over the years.
Benji Paxton is definitely up there on my list of book boyfriends. I adore his geekiness and he’s unbelievably caring and considerate even when Lucy is giving him shit. Benji faced his demons and even though he felt undeserving for so many years, his actions with Lucy, Angie, and even Jordie prove the true man Benji is, and Lucy couldn’t ask for a better man to stand by her side and provide her daughter with the father figure she deserves.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
March 13, 2016
All I can say is that this book left me speechless at times, laughing out loud at times, and crying at other times...... BUT it was FREAKING AMAZING!!!! A must read..
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
March 31, 2016
4/4.5 stars
I love the Assassins and the Bellevue Bullies series and in this one we get both!
Lucy Sinclair is a lonely, tired, single mom who has lived with hockey her whole life due to her brother Jude, Jace, and Jayden. She is feisty, moody, prickly stubborn, and difficult. She has serious trust issues after being burned by the men in her life. Her main focus is her daughter, Angie.
Benji Paxton is also a lonely man suffering from guilt due to his tragic past and unable to move on. He has been living for hockey but not really engaging in a real personal life. He is that great combo of being a bit awkward and dorky, sweet, sexy, and funny. But Lucy challenges him from the start and gets on his radar.
Together they tangle, spark, and have a hidden attraction just waiting to explode. But they've both got issues and there is also a seven year old girl to consider. And when Benji sets his mind on something, he has no problem rushing in. But Lucy has up big walls that she has spent years building up. But once he decides he is going to wear her down there was no stopping him from pursuing her.
This is a current story line facing struggling mothers with nasty exes, betrayal, stress, trust issues, fear, and wanting to protect her child from being hurt. It was understandable that she was so jaded, cautious, and protective and I really liked her more than I thought I would. But Benji--I freaking adored him! I loved that he got Lucy's attitude and snark, and could give it right back to her. He was so patient, kind, protective, and loving. He was not a door mat, and could manage her moods and ground her. And she and Angie brought light and and hope back to his life. Their little pseudo-family made me smile so big. I loved his relationship with her daughter and how he and Lucy were as a couple. I hated the antagonist with a passion and wanted him to be taken down.
I loved the banter and dynamics with her and her siblings and family. It added so much humor. They taunt and tease each other but under it was so much love. This was a sweet, sexy, heartwarming story and totally a comfy read for me since I love these series and these characters. I always enjoy getting more cameos from the Assassins family and it was so much fun tying it all together even more with the Sinclair siblings. I was glad that she did not give them over the top relationship angst. My only complaint is that it was a little long, but at the same time I was sad to leave them.
I love the Assassins and the Bellevue Bullies series and in this one we get both!
Lucy Sinclair is a lonely, tired, single mom who has lived with hockey her whole life due to her brother Jude, Jace, and Jayden. She is feisty, moody, prickly stubborn, and difficult. She has serious trust issues after being burned by the men in her life. Her main focus is her daughter, Angie.
Benji Paxton is also a lonely man suffering from guilt due to his tragic past and unable to move on. He has been living for hockey but not really engaging in a real personal life. He is that great combo of being a bit awkward and dorky, sweet, sexy, and funny. But Lucy challenges him from the start and gets on his radar.
Together they tangle, spark, and have a hidden attraction just waiting to explode. But they've both got issues and there is also a seven year old girl to consider. And when Benji sets his mind on something, he has no problem rushing in. But Lucy has up big walls that she has spent years building up. But once he decides he is going to wear her down there was no stopping him from pursuing her.
This is a current story line facing struggling mothers with nasty exes, betrayal, stress, trust issues, fear, and wanting to protect her child from being hurt. It was understandable that she was so jaded, cautious, and protective and I really liked her more than I thought I would. But Benji--I freaking adored him! I loved that he got Lucy's attitude and snark, and could give it right back to her. He was so patient, kind, protective, and loving. He was not a door mat, and could manage her moods and ground her. And she and Angie brought light and and hope back to his life. Their little pseudo-family made me smile so big. I loved his relationship with her daughter and how he and Lucy were as a couple. I hated the antagonist with a passion and wanted him to be taken down.
I loved the banter and dynamics with her and her siblings and family. It added so much humor. They taunt and tease each other but under it was so much love. This was a sweet, sexy, heartwarming story and totally a comfy read for me since I love these series and these characters. I always enjoy getting more cameos from the Assassins family and it was so much fun tying it all together even more with the Sinclair siblings. I was glad that she did not give them over the top relationship angst. My only complaint is that it was a little long, but at the same time I was sad to leave them.
March 10, 2016
Advanced Readers Copy courtesy of Publisher via Netgalley....:)
WOW!!!!! I honestly think this may very well be my favorite book in the entire series..... I loved every single minute of it....In my personal opinion Toni Aleo knocked this one out the park!!!!
I have kind of wanted Lucy's story ever since we were introduced to her in the Bellvue Bullies series. There was just something about her that made you want to know more about the single mother, who was not only snarky and mean, but also carried some deep and dark demons inside of her. And of course who could not love Angie, I swear that little girls stole the book from start to finish.... In the beginning I really had to put myself in Lucy's shoes, because I was getting frustrated at how stubborn she was, but then I realized that this poor women has been hurt and treated badly by 2 men who meant a great deal to her. It's no wonder she closed herself off to everyone around her. I loved how she started to open herself up and when she did she became the warm and loving women you knew was somewhere inside. I also loved the scenes between her and her brothers....Their text messages were so funny!!!
Benji, man what can I say about him, other than who would have known geeks could be so hot!!! When we heard his story in Jordie's book, your heart could not help but break for the man who had lived through such epic tragedy. I absolutely loved how even though this terrible thing had happened to him, he still wanted to find someone to love and spend his life with. He was such a strong character and I adored his scenes with Angie. Lots of fun, sweet and beautiful moments between them.
All in all this was really a great read and if you are a fan of this series, then you are going to be blown away by this book. It is full of hockey, romance, love, drama, angst and all the other nitty gritty things we have come to love from this author!!!!
Cannot wait to see which Assassin will be next, because even after 8 books there is no way I am ready for this series to end!!!
WOW!!!!! I honestly think this may very well be my favorite book in the entire series..... I loved every single minute of it....In my personal opinion Toni Aleo knocked this one out the park!!!!
I have kind of wanted Lucy's story ever since we were introduced to her in the Bellvue Bullies series. There was just something about her that made you want to know more about the single mother, who was not only snarky and mean, but also carried some deep and dark demons inside of her. And of course who could not love Angie, I swear that little girls stole the book from start to finish.... In the beginning I really had to put myself in Lucy's shoes, because I was getting frustrated at how stubborn she was, but then I realized that this poor women has been hurt and treated badly by 2 men who meant a great deal to her. It's no wonder she closed herself off to everyone around her. I loved how she started to open herself up and when she did she became the warm and loving women you knew was somewhere inside. I also loved the scenes between her and her brothers....Their text messages were so funny!!!
Benji, man what can I say about him, other than who would have known geeks could be so hot!!! When we heard his story in Jordie's book, your heart could not help but break for the man who had lived through such epic tragedy. I absolutely loved how even though this terrible thing had happened to him, he still wanted to find someone to love and spend his life with. He was such a strong character and I adored his scenes with Angie. Lots of fun, sweet and beautiful moments between them.
All in all this was really a great read and if you are a fan of this series, then you are going to be blown away by this book. It is full of hockey, romance, love, drama, angst and all the other nitty gritty things we have come to love from this author!!!!
Cannot wait to see which Assassin will be next, because even after 8 books there is no way I am ready for this series to end!!!
April 6, 2016
At first, I wasn't sure this book would work for me. Lucy was SO closed off that I felt she would never open up enough to deserve Benji. He was this perfect, yet tragic, man and Lucy was just so MEAN. But, Aleo did a good job allowing her to open up slowly. What made this book for me? Benji and Angie! Those two are a-dork-able! I felt the pace of the book was a little slow though.
March 17, 2020
I am having a hard time enjoying this series the way I liked it before.
I relistened to a few of the first books and enjoyed them, but I forgot about the drama for the sake of drama.
I wanted to catch up on the series so I listened to 3 -6 hours of the other books so I had all the characters fresh in my head when I started this book.
Overall this book was good but the drama of Lucy’s ex and how he manipulated his daughter and all the pedophile stuff just left a bad taste in my mouth. Like did we really need all that? No the story stood alone without all that.
I just don’t understand how every character has to have this tragic past or they can’t co-parent, I wonder if it’s just for the drama.
I am going to keep going with the series because I really want to finish it.
The narration was ok. She just sounds older than these characters though.
I relistened to a few of the first books and enjoyed them, but I forgot about the drama for the sake of drama.
I wanted to catch up on the series so I listened to 3 -6 hours of the other books so I had all the characters fresh in my head when I started this book.
Overall this book was good but the drama of Lucy’s ex and how he manipulated his daughter and all the pedophile stuff just left a bad taste in my mouth. Like did we really need all that? No the story stood alone without all that.
I just don’t understand how every character has to have this tragic past or they can’t co-parent, I wonder if it’s just for the drama.
I am going to keep going with the series because I really want to finish it.
The narration was ok. She just sounds older than these characters though.
March 9, 2016
I can't believe this is Book Eight in The Assassin's Series but really this series continues to get more incredible with each new book. Toni Aleo has touched so many emotions in this book that at times you will be laughing out loud, reaching for the tissues and even say WTH.
We meet once again Lucy Sinclair sister of Jude,Jace and newly Captain Jayden Sinclair. She is a single Mom to the most adorable little girl Angie has her own business but really is not living the life that she should cause all she does is worry about
Her Ex husband and all the troubles he causes in her life leaving her more bitter than happy.
Benji Paxton a player for The Assassins has been living with his own demons but what he wants is to start living and when he meets Lucy and Angie he thinks he might have found that reason.
Lucy & Benji have gone through so much alone but so much together that these two truly deserve to have a HEA.
What we also see in Rushing the Goal is all the other incredible Assassin Families and where they are and how they have all grown. If you love Hockey, Romance and Everything in between this is not only the book you want to read a series you don't want to miss.
We meet once again Lucy Sinclair sister of Jude,Jace and newly Captain Jayden Sinclair. She is a single Mom to the most adorable little girl Angie has her own business but really is not living the life that she should cause all she does is worry about
Her Ex husband and all the troubles he causes in her life leaving her more bitter than happy.
Benji Paxton a player for The Assassins has been living with his own demons but what he wants is to start living and when he meets Lucy and Angie he thinks he might have found that reason.
Lucy & Benji have gone through so much alone but so much together that these two truly deserve to have a HEA.
What we also see in Rushing the Goal is all the other incredible Assassin Families and where they are and how they have all grown. If you love Hockey, Romance and Everything in between this is not only the book you want to read a series you don't want to miss.
March 28, 2016
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review:
I must say I did really enjoy this book even though my rating for it isn't the highest. I have read several of Toni Aleo's book before (all from the same series) and I do enjoy them. They have independent female characters and hot hockey players so what's there not to love? So even though this wasn't my favorite of the series it was a good book. Lucy and Benji have a wonderful (and hot) relationship and Angie is so cute I just loved every scene with her in it. Benji was so cute and geeky and that's one of my favorite types of characters so I adored him. Rick the Dick was a huge dick and I wanted to reach through into the book and punch him so badly. Like most romance novels I found the usual things annoying such as stubbornness in the characters, the 'big misunderstanding', and how quickly relationships develop but that's something I'm getting used to and pretty much staples of the genre. Overall I enjoy Toni Aleo's books (love The Assassins series) and this one is a great, fun, and fairly quick read.
I must say I did really enjoy this book even though my rating for it isn't the highest. I have read several of Toni Aleo's book before (all from the same series) and I do enjoy them. They have independent female characters and hot hockey players so what's there not to love? So even though this wasn't my favorite of the series it was a good book. Lucy and Benji have a wonderful (and hot) relationship and Angie is so cute I just loved every scene with her in it. Benji was so cute and geeky and that's one of my favorite types of characters so I adored him. Rick the Dick was a huge dick and I wanted to reach through into the book and punch him so badly. Like most romance novels I found the usual things annoying such as stubbornness in the characters, the 'big misunderstanding', and how quickly relationships develop but that's something I'm getting used to and pretty much staples of the genre. Overall I enjoy Toni Aleo's books (love The Assassins series) and this one is a great, fun, and fairly quick read.
May 15, 2016
Loved the story line and love love loved the heroine and hero BUT I don't know if I somehow missed in the other books of this series that the author was a bible thumper or if she just found Jesus or what but honestly I don't need to be reminded every five seconds that this family loves God and Jesus. Plenty of other romances have religious characters without throwing it in the readers face over and over again. It's really off putting.
June 7, 2024
I love this series. If you’ve read the Bellevue Bullies series, this is a crossover to the Assassins series featuring the Sinclair guys’ sister, Lucy. Lucy is a single mom and was so burned by her ex that she has a hard time trusting anyone. Benji Paxton is a defenseman for the Assassins and in his spare time helps out with kids’ hockey leagues (along with retired player Shea Adler). He meets Lucy through her daughter, Angie, and Benji is smitten with both mother and daughter. He lost his family years before in a tragic accident that he feels responsible for and hasn’t really connected with anyone since then, but Lucy just does it for him. This was a nice story about 2 people who have been hurt and are now learning to trust each other. Benji is one of my favorite characters in the Assassins series. He has such a big, open heart. Another good novel in one of my favorite series.
dnf
March 10, 2017Giving this a DNF at 51%. It's been weeks and weeks and weeks and I just can't get into it. This is definitely a case of 'it's not you, it's me'. There's no reason why I shouldn't like it, no reason why I shouldn't at least be able to power through, but I just can't. *Shrug*
April 14, 2022
‘Rushing the Goal’ is the 8th book of the ‘Assassins’ series. This book is like a crossover book between ‘Bellevue Bullies’ and ‘Assassins’. The hero and heroine of the book are Benji Paxton and Lucy Sinclair. Ohh and we also have our little heroine Angie :)
If you read the ‘Bellevue Bullies’, you already know who Lucy Sinclair is. She grew up in a loving family but everything changed for her when she got pregnant and married ‘Rick the Dick’. Yeah be ready for murderous thoughts to be awakening by ‘Rick the Dick’. He is the king of a.holes. I hate him with all my heart. After a horrible marriage and suffering through a nasty divorce, Lucy is left angry and bitter. She is also really strong and independent. After Elli Lucy is my favorite heroine from the series. Her only concern is her daughter Angie. She has three younger brothers whom are professional hockey players so when Angie wants to play hockey, Lucy agrees to it and that is how our story really starts :)
At Angie’s first practice Jayden, who is Lucy’s middle brother and the captain of Assassins, promises to be there to help Angie to get ready. But because Jayden has to be at the hospital with his wife, he asks Benji to go and help Angie to get ready. When Lucy realizes that Jayden send Benji on his behalf, she is super pissed and really mean to Benji but somehow she lets him help Angie.
Benji is really sweet, loving, loyal, dependable and a little nerdy. He is perfect and I loved him. He is also an alcoholic, who has been sober for 12 years. The moment he meets with Lucy and Angie, he wants them in his life. But Lucy being so stubborn and not wanting a man in their life, she gives Benji a hard time. I loved and adored Benji and Angie’s relationship. He is really good with Angie and deserves to be her father for that little angel way more than 'Rick the Dick’. I think this is one of the reasons it makes it easier for Lucy to accept him in their life. Both Lucy and Benji is broken and damaged because of their pasts. I loved the way they help each other heal and move past their hurt.
‘Rushing the Goal’ is an emotional and sweet story, which gives you hope for a better future.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
The review was originally posted on: https://miathebookaddict.wordpress.com/
If you read the ‘Bellevue Bullies’, you already know who Lucy Sinclair is. She grew up in a loving family but everything changed for her when she got pregnant and married ‘Rick the Dick’. Yeah be ready for murderous thoughts to be awakening by ‘Rick the Dick’. He is the king of a.holes. I hate him with all my heart. After a horrible marriage and suffering through a nasty divorce, Lucy is left angry and bitter. She is also really strong and independent. After Elli Lucy is my favorite heroine from the series. Her only concern is her daughter Angie. She has three younger brothers whom are professional hockey players so when Angie wants to play hockey, Lucy agrees to it and that is how our story really starts :)
At Angie’s first practice Jayden, who is Lucy’s middle brother and the captain of Assassins, promises to be there to help Angie to get ready. But because Jayden has to be at the hospital with his wife, he asks Benji to go and help Angie to get ready. When Lucy realizes that Jayden send Benji on his behalf, she is super pissed and really mean to Benji but somehow she lets him help Angie.
Benji is really sweet, loving, loyal, dependable and a little nerdy. He is perfect and I loved him. He is also an alcoholic, who has been sober for 12 years. The moment he meets with Lucy and Angie, he wants them in his life. But Lucy being so stubborn and not wanting a man in their life, she gives Benji a hard time. I loved and adored Benji and Angie’s relationship. He is really good with Angie and deserves to be her father for that little angel way more than 'Rick the Dick’. I think this is one of the reasons it makes it easier for Lucy to accept him in their life. Both Lucy and Benji is broken and damaged because of their pasts. I loved the way they help each other heal and move past their hurt.
‘Rushing the Goal’ is an emotional and sweet story, which gives you hope for a better future.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
The review was originally posted on: https://miathebookaddict.wordpress.com/
April 6, 2016
Title: Rushing the Goal
Series: Assassins #8
Author: Toni Aleo
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 513
Heat Level: 3 out of 4 flames
Overall Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kay the Snitch Bitch
Life can change in an instant. Our decisions, good or bad, can cause us so much heartache or happiness. When you make a really shit decision that causes you to lose all you hold dear, what do you do? Enter Benji Paxton, pro hockey player. He's talented, just made the pro hockey world, has a great wife, precious baby girl and he's an alcoholic. The worst kind of alcoholic. Like with any addiction, it is always foremost in your mind. Benji learned that the hard way. He got drunk one night and his brother had to drive him and his family home. There was a car crash and everyone but Benji was killed. Benji has been sober for over a decade. He's a bit of a nerd and socially awkward with women. He gets roped into coaching a little girls' hockey team and meets a woman almost as broken as he is.
Lucy Sinclair is from a hockey family. She got pregnant young and married her baby daddy. Her ex is truly a vile human being. He constantly bullies and fucks with her just because he can. The only good thing she got out of that relationship was Angela, her daughter. Being the only sister with three brothers has made her a force to be reckoned with. She has a nasty reputation as a ball buster and she totally lives up to it. When she meets Benji, sparks fly.
Toni Aleo is such a talented author. She makes you feel something for her characters. Good or bad. I enjoyed this story of love, loss, guilt and self forgiveness a lot. I laughed, I teared up and I cheered a couple that truly deserved the happiness they found. I'm ready for the next installment.
Book given in exchange for an honest review via the publisher and NetGalley.
Series: Assassins #8
Author: Toni Aleo
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 513
Heat Level: 3 out of 4 flames
Overall Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kay the Snitch Bitch
Life can change in an instant. Our decisions, good or bad, can cause us so much heartache or happiness. When you make a really shit decision that causes you to lose all you hold dear, what do you do? Enter Benji Paxton, pro hockey player. He's talented, just made the pro hockey world, has a great wife, precious baby girl and he's an alcoholic. The worst kind of alcoholic. Like with any addiction, it is always foremost in your mind. Benji learned that the hard way. He got drunk one night and his brother had to drive him and his family home. There was a car crash and everyone but Benji was killed. Benji has been sober for over a decade. He's a bit of a nerd and socially awkward with women. He gets roped into coaching a little girls' hockey team and meets a woman almost as broken as he is.
Lucy Sinclair is from a hockey family. She got pregnant young and married her baby daddy. Her ex is truly a vile human being. He constantly bullies and fucks with her just because he can. The only good thing she got out of that relationship was Angela, her daughter. Being the only sister with three brothers has made her a force to be reckoned with. She has a nasty reputation as a ball buster and she totally lives up to it. When she meets Benji, sparks fly.
Toni Aleo is such a talented author. She makes you feel something for her characters. Good or bad. I enjoyed this story of love, loss, guilt and self forgiveness a lot. I laughed, I teared up and I cheered a couple that truly deserved the happiness they found. I'm ready for the next installment.
Book given in exchange for an honest review via the publisher and NetGalley.
March 28, 2016
This is the eighth book in the Assassins series and I’m going to have to go ahead and say it’s my favorite! This is my go-to hockey series that just keeps getting better and better! This isn’t just a hockey team; this is a close-knit group of people that have become family. With each book spotlighting a particular couple, Toni Aleo doesn’t fail to give you updates and insight into the lives of the previous characters — even all the way back to book one. That said, each book can be read as a standalone but why miss out on any of them!
In this installment, Lucy is the big sister of the infamous Sinclair brothers. The brothers make up the Bellevue Bullies series, you can catch glimpses of Lucy but it won’t be favorable. Lucy was dealt a rough hand and is a single mother trying to keep it all together. Angie, her daughter, makes it easy and is the light of her life. However, she keeps everyone else at bay with her resting bitch face and standoffish attitude. Benji is a member of the Assassins team that is trying to put his life back together. A recovering alcoholic, he has his own brand of demons he’s dealing with and Lucy (and Angie) might just be the relief for him.
Full Review on www.bookcrack.com
March 28, 2016
This book had all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I got angry. I got angry a lot. Rick Hart was a total douche I wanted to nut punch. I hope he dies a slow death.
From the moment I met Lucy Sinclair in the Bellevue Series I knew there was something under all that sass and bitch face. She just needed the perfect man to knock down those walls and love her. Benji Paxton was that man. He is the most sweetest man alive. He is a trillion times better man than Rick the Dick.
This book had everything and more. It was one of those books you couldn’t put down, needing to turn the pages faster to find out what was going to happen next. I love how the two series crossed over meshing together great characters. We saw all the Sinclair brothers as well as all the beloved Assassins. It was absolutely funny how every Assassins woman loved Benji. But then why wouldn’t you, he was that lovable.
This was one of Toni’s best books. It was well written with a relatable story line and heartfelt characters with depth and emotion. It sucked me in from page one till the very last page and perfect ending. I look forward to seeing what Toni has in store for us next!
From the moment I met Lucy Sinclair in the Bellevue Series I knew there was something under all that sass and bitch face. She just needed the perfect man to knock down those walls and love her. Benji Paxton was that man. He is the most sweetest man alive. He is a trillion times better man than Rick the Dick.
This book had everything and more. It was one of those books you couldn’t put down, needing to turn the pages faster to find out what was going to happen next. I love how the two series crossed over meshing together great characters. We saw all the Sinclair brothers as well as all the beloved Assassins. It was absolutely funny how every Assassins woman loved Benji. But then why wouldn’t you, he was that lovable.
This was one of Toni’s best books. It was well written with a relatable story line and heartfelt characters with depth and emotion. It sucked me in from page one till the very last page and perfect ending. I look forward to seeing what Toni has in store for us next!
March 28, 2016
I'm giving this book a hat trick and the Stanley cup.. because this book was just simply amazing and beautiful! I fell in love with Lucy from the moment I met her in Jude's book because of her strength and determination from the very beginning.. Yes she is very rough around the edges, but the reasons why she is are totally understandable.. Then we meet Angie man I've never loved a kid in a book so much as much as I did Angie!! what a little sweetheart!! I loved her sense of humor, her talks with everyone and her passion for hockey just like her uncles!!! I wanted to squeeze her and hug her so hard!!! Then we have Benji which let me tell you.. its the best hero after Tate of course!!! what an amazing dude!! this book was just amazing honestly.. I fell in love with the characters since page one! the banter, the romantic scenes, hot scenes, the hard ones to read because of the tears.. just everything.. and yes I still hate her father and her ex.. #Twatwaffles so do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing Hattrick and Stanley Cup combined in one.. because Toni Freaking Aleo is the Queen of Hockey Romance! *ARC Provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
March 15, 2016
I think Hockey romance books are becoming my favorite! Lucy Sinclair is a no nonsense woman who has been burned one too many times and is done with men. That is until Benji walks into her life. Benji steps in to help Lucy's daughter get ready for her first hockey practice when Angie's uncle can't make it. Benji is immediately attracted to Lucy despite the back off vibes she is shooting his way. After helping Angie with her first practice, he's hooked on the two of them. Neither Lucy nor Benji have had a very good beginning and after years of loneliness and bitterness, they both recognize the other is different. Benji is ready, but Lucy isn't, so he has to "fight her for her" (A quote from the book I love). Benji was one of my favorite characters. He was goofy, shy, awkward and incredibly sweet. He was a nice balance to Lucy's harshness, which he softens by the end of the book. Throw in a douchebag of an ex, Lucy's, and you got your bit of drama that has Benji stepping up to be the man Lucy didn't know existed. Great read!
ARC proved by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC proved by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2016
I have been waiting, sometimes not so patiently for Lucy's story. I have always wanted to get to know Lucy and Angie and I loved every bit of learning about them. I wasn't sure how Lucy and Benji would work especially after their first meeting but I was pleasantly surprised. Even through the lowest of downs I knew that they would be great when they got it all together. Lucy had such a bad experience with her ex (Angie's dad) and then her own dad with how he treated her mom. I was concerned how she would ever get to the point to trust a man again. I was so impressed with Benji's determination to get both Lucy and Angie to let him in their life and family. Benji had so much to work through on his own, most important was learning to forgive his past mistakes and open himself to love again. When they get on the same path, Lucy and Benji make an amazing couple and Benji is a great father figure for Angie. It was truly a wonderful journey to read about them on the path to becoming a family. It was also great to get glimpses of Jude, Jace and Jayden. I love the Sinclair family and am so glad to have read Lucy's story.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
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