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Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #1
Dump and Chase
Shelli Adler has known what she wanted since she was eleven years old.
Aiden Brooks.
But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor. He won’t give his heart to any one girl, but they can have his body—all night long.
The party to celebrate the start of the second half of the season was supposed to be no different from any other night. And when a stunning stranger approaches him, he can’t seem to keep his hands off her.
The next morning, she’s gone, and he’s been traded to his dad’s former team, the Nashville Assassins. All of his professional dreams are coming true, but he can’t shake the memory of the girl from that last party. He wants to see her again. Though, after moving across the country—and without knowing her name—that dream seems like a puck destined to miss the net.
For Shelli, her night with Aiden was everything she’d ever imagined it could be, and she’s sure it is all about to change for them. But for that to happen…he would have to know who she was.
The Dump was only the beginning. The Chase is worth waiting a lifetime for.
Aiden Brooks.
But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor. He won’t give his heart to any one girl, but they can have his body—all night long.
The party to celebrate the start of the second half of the season was supposed to be no different from any other night. And when a stunning stranger approaches him, he can’t seem to keep his hands off her.
The next morning, she’s gone, and he’s been traded to his dad’s former team, the Nashville Assassins. All of his professional dreams are coming true, but he can’t shake the memory of the girl from that last party. He wants to see her again. Though, after moving across the country—and without knowing her name—that dream seems like a puck destined to miss the net.
For Shelli, her night with Aiden was everything she’d ever imagined it could be, and she’s sure it is all about to change for them. But for that to happen…he would have to know who she was.
The Dump was only the beginning. The Chase is worth waiting a lifetime for.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2019
1280 people are currently reading
3584 people want to read
About the author
Toni Aleo
105 books6,714 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 491 reviews
November 22, 2025
4 stars
Dump & Chase is the first book in Toni Aleo’s ‘Nashville Assassins: Next Generation’ series, but it didn’t feel like a new series to me. I love the Assassins so much, new and old. This book is about Shelli Adler (Shea & Elle’s daughter) and Aiden Brooks (Lucas and Fallon’s son).
Shelli and Aiden have known each other their entire lives, but Aiden never really saw Shelli. Not the way she saw him. Shelli has been in love with Aiden for as long as she can remember. These two have a bit of an age difference, so she was always one of the kids to him. Now, they are both in their twenties and he sees her differently.
As much as Aiden wants Shelli, he doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t do love, and his career always comes first. But that doesn’t really work for our headstrong Shelli. In almost all of Toni’s books, the hero trumps all for me. This is the first time I can 100% say the heroine stole the show. I adored Shelli. I loved her confidence and that she never took less than what she deserved.
I’ve got to say… I was not Aiden Brooks biggest fan for a lot of this book. I loved his family, his relationship with his brother Asher was everything, but Aiden as a person rubbed me the wrong way. Until he didn’t. Aiden really grew on me, and by the end, I adored him too. That grand gesture was super swoony and I fell hard for it.
Shelli and Aiden’s relationship had a lot of back and forth, and was hard at times, but I loved them together. Their chemistry was insane and you could see that they were meant to be (even when Aiden couldn’t).
The Assassins are a hockey team, but they’re also family. That is my favorite aspect of Aleo’s hockey books. These characters are so close knit and I absolutely love that. As much as I loved getting Shelli and Aiden’s story, I loved catching up with their parents and the rest of the gang just as much. I’ve read every hockey book Toni has written so many of these characters made appearances. It was awesome to see.
Dump & Chase is a story that made me nostalgic for my OG Assassins books. If you’re a fan of those books, this is a must read for you. And if you haven’t read them, you really should! This can easily be read as a stand-alone, but you are missing out on the original squad. If you’re looking for a sports romance with a headstrong heroine and a sexy, funny, storyline, pick this up!!!
Dump & Chase is the first book in Toni Aleo’s ‘Nashville Assassins: Next Generation’ series, but it didn’t feel like a new series to me. I love the Assassins so much, new and old. This book is about Shelli Adler (Shea & Elle’s daughter) and Aiden Brooks (Lucas and Fallon’s son).
Shelli and Aiden have known each other their entire lives, but Aiden never really saw Shelli. Not the way she saw him. Shelli has been in love with Aiden for as long as she can remember. These two have a bit of an age difference, so she was always one of the kids to him. Now, they are both in their twenties and he sees her differently.
As much as Aiden wants Shelli, he doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t do love, and his career always comes first. But that doesn’t really work for our headstrong Shelli. In almost all of Toni’s books, the hero trumps all for me. This is the first time I can 100% say the heroine stole the show. I adored Shelli. I loved her confidence and that she never took less than what she deserved.
I’ve got to say… I was not Aiden Brooks biggest fan for a lot of this book. I loved his family, his relationship with his brother Asher was everything, but Aiden as a person rubbed me the wrong way. Until he didn’t. Aiden really grew on me, and by the end, I adored him too. That grand gesture was super swoony and I fell hard for it.
Shelli and Aiden’s relationship had a lot of back and forth, and was hard at times, but I loved them together. Their chemistry was insane and you could see that they were meant to be (even when Aiden couldn’t).
The Assassins are a hockey team, but they’re also family. That is my favorite aspect of Aleo’s hockey books. These characters are so close knit and I absolutely love that. As much as I loved getting Shelli and Aiden’s story, I loved catching up with their parents and the rest of the gang just as much. I’ve read every hockey book Toni has written so many of these characters made appearances. It was awesome to see.
Dump & Chase is a story that made me nostalgic for my OG Assassins books. If you’re a fan of those books, this is a must read for you. And if you haven’t read them, you really should! This can easily be read as a stand-alone, but you are missing out on the original squad. If you’re looking for a sports romance with a headstrong heroine and a sexy, funny, storyline, pick this up!!!
July 2, 2019
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
================
Our hero prefers having sex with whores and without using a condom than risking his heart in a real relationship.
What?
Unprotected sex?
WTF!
Our heroine despite being a fool, requires sex with a condom. Good for her.
The rest of the story is the same as always.
She has been in love with him since she was a child and he has never seen her like that.
But the wild sex made him curious about her.
He has childhood traumas that prevent him from committing himself or saying I love you.
Blah blah blah...
================
Our hero prefers having sex with whores and without using a condom than risking his heart in a real relationship.
What?
Unprotected sex?
WTF!
Our heroine despite being a fool, requires sex with a condom. Good for her.
The rest of the story is the same as always.
She has been in love with him since she was a child and he has never seen her like that.
But the wild sex made him curious about her.
He has childhood traumas that prevent him from committing himself or saying I love you.
Blah blah blah...
He never noticed. It was like I was invisible to him.
“Whoa, buddy. Where is the condom?” He draws his brows in. “I’m clean.” “So? I don’t know that, and you also don’t know that I’m clean—though I am.” He looks so offended. “Usually, the girls Chris brings don’t make me wear one.” Now, I’m offended. “Well, I’m not like these other girls you keep bringing up.” He blinks, and I narrow my eyes. “You’re sure the hell not.”
“Wow. Couldn’t wait for me?” He trails kisses down my back, squeezing my ass as he chuckles. “No one has ever said that to me.” “Well, you may be some hotshot hockey player, but I like getting mine just as much as you do.”
“So, sorry for not asking earlier—” I look up at him, the shadows hiding his beautiful eyes. “But what’s your name?” I blink. A cold feeling fills me as my heart sinks. He doesn’t know who I am?
“I know it’s shitty, but Chris didn’t tell me your name. He usually tells me the names of the girls he brings for me to hook up with.” “For you to hook up with…” I say slowly. “Yeah. You knew that, right?” Now, anger explodes inside me. “Yeah,” I lie as I close my eyes. I feel tears gather behind my lids as I ask, “So, you don’t know who I am?”
I was just another girl for him to fuck.
My bedmate’s legs are tangled with mine as my arm rests lazily against her waist. She is so soft. A bit thicker than I’m used to, but one night with her, and I realize I’ve been missing out. Hell, Chris has been holding out on me. He should have brought her in at the beginning of our little arrangement. I’ve never felt this satisfied in my life, and man, I want more.
It’s the first time I regret not being sober when I had sex.
I owe Chris for this one. He never disappoints. He brings me some really great girls who keep quiet about our time together, but he went above and beyond with her.
“He wasn’t interested in you, never has been. Like you’ve said many times, it’s as if he doesn’t even know you’re there. Why in the world would you think, after ten years of being ignored, he finally sees you and wants to bang?”
“I just wanted him so bad.” “And now you’re just a little notch on his bedpost.”
I grin. “I’m special.” “You are,” she agrees, and then she sets me with a look. “Which is how you should be treated. Don’t be slumming it with assholes who thought you were brought there to be a booty call.”
“No, Aiden. I am not. I wanted to sleep with you, and that was it. But a bit of advice…” She leans in, and I hold my breath. “Next time you decide to fuck some girl who walks up to you, ask for her name and maybe volunteer to wear a condom.”
“Hey, don’t blame me for liking it without a condom. It’s a different sensation, and I get off faster.”
“Faster?” she asks incredulously. “You get off faster than that? Thank God I made you wear one.”
I have never been accused of not satisfying my partner in bed, and it drives me crazy that she is claiming I didn’t.
“But, honestly, Shelli. You were just another fuck. You gotta remember that.”
April 30, 2019
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I somehow got behind on Toni Aleo's books, but that is definitely something I'm going to fix soon. Reading Dump and Chase was the reminder of how much I love her stories and characters that I needed and I'm dying to go back and read the books I missed now. Especially when I saw so many past characters pop up in this book.
I love the way she creates this big family unit in the hockey world. Aiden and Shelli's families are super close, if you've read her Assassins series you'll know that, and Aiden was the boy that Shelli grew up idolizing. Knowing that, I was nervous at first that Shelli was going to be some naive heroine that had her heart set on only Aiden and would end up letting that distract her from living her life. But I was very wrong about that, which I was super happy about. Shelli was actually a pretty kickass heroine and even though she had feelings for Aiden, she didn't let them or him stop her from moving on with her life.
When it came to those feelings, Aiden was a little slow on the uptake, but he eventually figured it out and I loved getting to see him make his way to that realization. This couple had a lot of ups and downs and some major things to figure out between them. That's what made their story so good though, that we got to experience those times with them and it made their romance all the sweeter to see them struggle and overcome.
Bottom line, this is a brilliant book and one I highly recommend reading. It can be read as a complete standalone and starts off the Next Generation series, but if you're already familiar with Ms. Aleo's books you'll have some really fun surprises with all the cameo's previous characters have.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I somehow got behind on Toni Aleo's books, but that is definitely something I'm going to fix soon. Reading Dump and Chase was the reminder of how much I love her stories and characters that I needed and I'm dying to go back and read the books I missed now. Especially when I saw so many past characters pop up in this book.
I love the way she creates this big family unit in the hockey world. Aiden and Shelli's families are super close, if you've read her Assassins series you'll know that, and Aiden was the boy that Shelli grew up idolizing. Knowing that, I was nervous at first that Shelli was going to be some naive heroine that had her heart set on only Aiden and would end up letting that distract her from living her life. But I was very wrong about that, which I was super happy about. Shelli was actually a pretty kickass heroine and even though she had feelings for Aiden, she didn't let them or him stop her from moving on with her life.
When it came to those feelings, Aiden was a little slow on the uptake, but he eventually figured it out and I loved getting to see him make his way to that realization. This couple had a lot of ups and downs and some major things to figure out between them. That's what made their story so good though, that we got to experience those times with them and it made their romance all the sweeter to see them struggle and overcome.
Bottom line, this is a brilliant book and one I highly recommend reading. It can be read as a complete standalone and starts off the Next Generation series, but if you're already familiar with Ms. Aleo's books you'll have some really fun surprises with all the cameo's previous characters have.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
will-not-read
November 5, 2024He doesn’t wear condoms with any of the girls he hooks up with 🤢
i-rather-throw-myself-over-a-cliff
May 6, 2019“He won’t give his heart to any one girl, but they can have his body—all night long.”
February 25, 2020
This book should be title, Growing Aiden. Aiden is the hero in this story. At the beginning of the story he is the typical man whore who needs his friend to bring him puck bunny. Then by accident he hooked up with Shelly. His childhood friend. Shelly is forever have a crush on Aiden.
Then we see Aiden grows up into immature man. Where he is too terrified with his own feeling toward Shelly. They keep their relationship secret from their families. Why? I do not know. I guess because Aiden is coward. At the end when he finally gathers his courgae, he said a very jerky comment about Shelly in front of his friends. Friends who already knew about their relationship.
So I am bit confuse with Aiden's character. I do not understand why the author put such confusing character development on Aiden.
In nutshell, I still feel swooned by the romantic writing of Miss Aleo. I do enjoy the sassy banter between Aiden and Shelly. I like Shelly. She has some backbone. I wish she can make Aiden character more makes sense.
3 stars
Then we see Aiden grows up into immature man. Where he is too terrified with his own feeling toward Shelly. They keep their relationship secret from their families. Why? I do not know. I guess because Aiden is coward. At the end when he finally gathers his courgae, he said a very jerky comment about Shelly in front of his friends. Friends who already knew about their relationship.
So I am bit confuse with Aiden's character. I do not understand why the author put such confusing character development on Aiden.
In nutshell, I still feel swooned by the romantic writing of Miss Aleo. I do enjoy the sassy banter between Aiden and Shelly. I like Shelly. She has some backbone. I wish she can make Aiden character more makes sense.
3 stars
May 19, 2019
1.5 Stars - Disappointing.
This is Shelli (Elli & Shea Adler’s daughter) and Aiden’s ( Lucas & Fallon Brooks’ son) story.
I feel awful giving this book such a low rating and this is purely my opinion , but I was not feeling it with this book. The reason is that I really didn’t like Shelli or Aiden. They both came across as really indulged rich kids. Shelli especially was a real brat imo. And I can’t believe Aiden didn’t recognise her at the party where they connected. They had known each other for years.
Also , just to say that at the start , they have sex and she stops him to get him to put a condom on. He moans that the girls he usually hooks up with don’t make him do that. *cue serious frowning at kindle*. That immediately put me off him. Eeeww.
I speed read the end of the book because I honestly lost interest and just didn’t care for the characters. It kills me to say that because the Assassins is one of my Top 5 fave series ever. But I will read more because this author usually hits the mark for me.
This is Shelli (Elli & Shea Adler’s daughter) and Aiden’s ( Lucas & Fallon Brooks’ son) story.
I feel awful giving this book such a low rating and this is purely my opinion , but I was not feeling it with this book. The reason is that I really didn’t like Shelli or Aiden. They both came across as really indulged rich kids. Shelli especially was a real brat imo. And I can’t believe Aiden didn’t recognise her at the party where they connected. They had known each other for years.
Also , just to say that at the start , they have sex and she stops him to get him to put a condom on. He moans that the girls he usually hooks up with don’t make him do that. *cue serious frowning at kindle*. That immediately put me off him. Eeeww.
I speed read the end of the book because I honestly lost interest and just didn’t care for the characters. It kills me to say that because the Assassins is one of my Top 5 fave series ever. But I will read more because this author usually hits the mark for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
nope-nope-nope
May 6, 2019I am so over the heroine is younger than hero so pines in a frozen state, and watches him with other women till he ~sees~ her. Also, does every single hero have to be a manwhore? It seems that way. These things have been done to death, be more creative. I am not paying $5 for a story I have read a million times already.
Also per a few other reviews this hero does not use condoms because he "doesnt like them." The heroine teaches him you only do it with ppl you trust, WHAT? He doesnt know that as a grown man? He was having sex with escorts with no protection, that is disgusting.
Also per a few other reviews this hero does not use condoms because he "doesnt like them." The heroine teaches him you only do it with ppl you trust, WHAT? He doesnt know that as a grown man? He was having sex with escorts with no protection, that is disgusting.
August 7, 2023
I had been anxiously anticipating this story.
I don't think I've missed any of the series and I loved Shelli since Amelia's book (or really before but she was great with Amelia story especially). She's so talented, self assured, and loyal and brave.
I guess I had lots of hopes for Shelli and they were realized when Aiden did get together with Shelli. However, he doesn't realize it's her. Now Shelli has had feelings for Aiden since she was 11. He doesn't recognize her and treats her like an escort. While I appreciate his caution as a celebrity and learning from his mistakes......why the ever living hell does he normally not use a condom with the strange women his friend Chris brings him???" I don't like them " is a horrible excuse and I did not like Aiden all that much by that statement but I loved Shelli all the more for insisting on using one. I really don't know what Toni was thinking. If anyone does, let me know. Later in the book Aiden says "I know now that only people who trust each only should have sex without condoms." I really can't believe a professional athlete would not have been told this by everyone from his agent to this parents and teammates from early on. Seemed like a weakness. In fact, I kept waiting for a hook up to come out of the woodwork and claim pregnancy. I wasn't sure how Chris vetted these women or if he even did. Aiden took their word that they were on birth control or not diseased???
It sort of made me feel that he really wasn't a professional athlete or very bright.
So much to like here besides my rant...I apologise because story's a great shine on Shelli. Aiden seems along for the ride as men in Toni's books get smart finally. It's the deal and Toni Aleo is Queen of writing smart talented women.
I don't think I've missed any of the series and I loved Shelli since Amelia's book (or really before but she was great with Amelia story especially). She's so talented, self assured, and loyal and brave.
I guess I had lots of hopes for Shelli and they were realized when Aiden did get together with Shelli. However, he doesn't realize it's her. Now Shelli has had feelings for Aiden since she was 11. He doesn't recognize her and treats her like an escort. While I appreciate his caution as a celebrity and learning from his mistakes......why the ever living hell does he normally not use a condom with the strange women his friend Chris brings him???" I don't like them " is a horrible excuse and I did not like Aiden all that much by that statement but I loved Shelli all the more for insisting on using one. I really don't know what Toni was thinking. If anyone does, let me know. Later in the book Aiden says "I know now that only people who trust each only should have sex without condoms." I really can't believe a professional athlete would not have been told this by everyone from his agent to this parents and teammates from early on. Seemed like a weakness. In fact, I kept waiting for a hook up to come out of the woodwork and claim pregnancy. I wasn't sure how Chris vetted these women or if he even did. Aiden took their word that they were on birth control or not diseased???
It sort of made me feel that he really wasn't a professional athlete or very bright.
So much to like here besides my rant...I apologise because story's a great shine on Shelli. Aiden seems along for the ride as men in Toni's books get smart finally. It's the deal and Toni Aleo is Queen of writing smart talented women.
February 15, 2021
This was so good. The cover was the first thing i noticed. It is smoking hot..Shelli's mom is the owner of the Nashville Assasins hockey team. So shelli has been around hockey her whole life. Aidens parents and shelli's parents are best friends. She has had a crush on him forever. He is older then her and figures he has never noticed her. This is there story.
April 6, 2019
If this is your first Toni book or you follow her religiously this book is spot on and a can't miss. I could not wait to read this book from the moment it was announced until I had it in my hands. I have wanted Shelli's story since reading Taking Shots and I could not have been more satisfied with how it turned out. Dump and Chase is a wonderful story about a strong women who isn't afraid to be vulnerable while kicking ass and taking names. I love how Shelli loves so hard, she has been in love with Aiden for what seems like her whole life but he never saw her. With Shelli being strong I love that she doesn't come across as desperate for Aiden to love her, she loves with her everything but is willing to walk away if she isn't getting what she deserves and what she is worth. Aiden is more messed up than even he knows, seeing the pain his Mom went through when he was younger was not something he was willing to risk and seeing him realize just why Shelli is worth it is written so well, I felt for him, every misstep, every knee jerk reaction, I could see the wheels turning with his inability to stop himself from hurting someone he cares about and ultimately himself. There are so many smiles and laughs throughout this story, yes there is turmoil and suspense and oh so much emotion but I love how the characters from previous books stayed true to how I pictured them and that their personalities although matured were most definitely matched with the traits I love in them. The way that Toni blends the old and the new characters while closing the gaps and answers questions for those of us who have followed along with these characters amazes me. The set up for future books makes me oh so excited and I cannot wait to see what comes next.
May 1, 2019
Dump and Chase was the first book in the Nashville Assassins: Next Generation series by Toni Aleo. I loved the original series and was ecstatic to start the legacy series.
Aiden Brooks was the son of Lucas and Fallon Brooks (book two, Nashville Assassins, Trying to Score). We met him as a child and watched him grow up through the years. He was now twenty seven, an NHL star and was just traded from New York to his father’s old team, the Assassins.
Shelli Adler was the eldest daughter to Ellie and Shea Adler (book one, Nashville Assassins, Taking Shots). She was twenty one and just returned to Nashville from a successful two years on Broadway. She was beautiful, sassy, smart and loved hockey as much as her parents.
Shelli crushed on Aiden as a child and it never dimmed. They grew up together but their paths hadn’t really crossed much since she was a child. Until now.
As expected from Aleo, it was well written, well developed, and filled with strong and lovable supporting characters. The storyline went a different direction then I expected. I enjoyed it but at times was frustrated with Aiden - however, it was written to be that way. We watched his journey with his struggles and he had to get through it to get to the other side.
It also set the stage for the rest of the series through great support characters. I’m not sure Aleo’s direction next, but there are so many great possibilities.
Aiden Brooks was the son of Lucas and Fallon Brooks (book two, Nashville Assassins, Trying to Score). We met him as a child and watched him grow up through the years. He was now twenty seven, an NHL star and was just traded from New York to his father’s old team, the Assassins.
Shelli Adler was the eldest daughter to Ellie and Shea Adler (book one, Nashville Assassins, Taking Shots). She was twenty one and just returned to Nashville from a successful two years on Broadway. She was beautiful, sassy, smart and loved hockey as much as her parents.
Shelli crushed on Aiden as a child and it never dimmed. They grew up together but their paths hadn’t really crossed much since she was a child. Until now.
As expected from Aleo, it was well written, well developed, and filled with strong and lovable supporting characters. The storyline went a different direction then I expected. I enjoyed it but at times was frustrated with Aiden - however, it was written to be that way. We watched his journey with his struggles and he had to get through it to get to the other side.
It also set the stage for the rest of the series through great support characters. I’m not sure Aleo’s direction next, but there are so many great possibilities.
Read
July 2, 2019OH MY GOD!!! For whom have these authors written their books ?? Are the main target audience women or disgusting men who carry venereal diseases as a trophy?
November 20, 2025
3.75 stars
Nashville Assassins: Next Generation Series:
#1 Aiden & Shelli – Dump & Chase
#2 Boon & Posey - Power Play
# 3 Boon & Posey - Bring It Home
#4 Wesley & Stella - Dirty Toe-Drag
#5 Dimitri & Austen - Heavy Shot
Nashville Assassins: Next Generation Series:
#1 Aiden & Shelli – Dump & Chase
#2 Boon & Posey - Power Play
# 3 Boon & Posey - Bring It Home
#4 Wesley & Stella - Dirty Toe-Drag
#5 Dimitri & Austen - Heavy Shot
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Stephen Dexter & Tanya Eby
Length: 11h 05m
February 20, 2025
Barf... you couldn't pay me to read till end and see if Aiden gets some character development... also jail for the author for ruining the OG story for me..
July 5, 2019
I have strong mixed feelings on this one. I loved the original Assassin's books and this family of hot hockey players Toni Aleo had created. Shea and Elli were my favorite couple, with Lucas (and I guess Fallon) coming in at a close second. I was so eager to read about their kids finding love with each other. Sadly, it didn't work out so well for me. Tbh, I'm pretty sure I only finished because I'm stubborn and wanted to see how it ended.
First up is Aiden. I was highly disappointed that he turned out more like his mom than his dad. In their book, I adored Lucas. He was damn near perfect, and for the majority of that book I detested Fallon. She's probably one of my least favorite heroines of all times. So you can see why I was so sad Aiden wasn't the hero his dad was. I understood his reasoning for being such a commitmentphobe. I get it. But what I didn't understand was his utter stupidity when it came to sex. ☝🏻 He used escorts. Ok, I can *almost* see that. You're a hot shot hockey player with a lot of money, and you got burned by a psycho chick who framed you for doing bad stuff, so you use escorts who know it's a one and done. I don't agree or like it, but I can see it. What I absolutely can't see, is why the hell you never use a condom! With an escort! 🤦🏻♀️ I was disgusted. Even in the books I've read with porn stars, they use freaking condoms! Just gross. On that subject, I loved that Shelli refused to go there with him without one and she stood her ground. I loved it even more when Lucas gave him shit for it too. Because it was stupid. Aiden was also a total jerk for the first half of the book. Telling Shelli she was just a f*¢% . I will give him credit, he wasn't with anyone else after their first time together, and there was never an issue with ow drama. But the other thing that bugged me was how he's known her since she was born, yet didn't recognize her that first night. 🙄 Ugh whatever moving on...
Shelli was ok for me. I loved that she was a strong independent woman and stood up for herself. But during the "big fight" her stubbornness was annoying. Her lifelong crush on Aiden did somewhat shine a bit of an obsessive light on her at times, and not always in a good way. However, I could understand how she was way ahead of him in the feelings game and how she was frustrated he wasn't there yet since she'd had those feelings for him for so long. But it bothered me she couldn't see through that to see she might be pushing him too far too soon. I don't know... They both bugged me with the push and pull in the love department. They were both stubborn and had issues. So... Pretty perfect for each other.
I guess I was just thrown by the characters. Neither were really how I expected them to be. The betrayal of Aiden being more like Fallon was something I just couldn't quite get passed. I did enjoy the secondary charterers and getting to see the parents. The writing was great and as contradictory as this will sound, I love how Ms. Aleo tells a story. She's a great author. I feel bad I didn't love this. But I can say, I am glad that in the end I didn't hate it. That sounds terrible, but in the beginning it felt like an awful train wreck that I couldn't look away from and I fully expected to be giving a one or two star review. But by the time I finished, Aiden had redeemed himself, for the most part and I felt I should bump it up to three stars. If for nothing else, I couldn't stop reading it. 🤷🏻♀️
First up is Aiden. I was highly disappointed that he turned out more like his mom than his dad. In their book, I adored Lucas. He was damn near perfect, and for the majority of that book I detested Fallon. She's probably one of my least favorite heroines of all times. So you can see why I was so sad Aiden wasn't the hero his dad was. I understood his reasoning for being such a commitmentphobe. I get it. But what I didn't understand was his utter stupidity when it came to sex. ☝🏻 He used escorts. Ok, I can *almost* see that. You're a hot shot hockey player with a lot of money, and you got burned by a psycho chick who framed you for doing bad stuff, so you use escorts who know it's a one and done. I don't agree or like it, but I can see it. What I absolutely can't see, is why the hell you never use a condom! With an escort! 🤦🏻♀️ I was disgusted. Even in the books I've read with porn stars, they use freaking condoms! Just gross. On that subject, I loved that Shelli refused to go there with him without one and she stood her ground. I loved it even more when Lucas gave him shit for it too. Because it was stupid. Aiden was also a total jerk for the first half of the book. Telling Shelli she was just a f*¢% . I will give him credit, he wasn't with anyone else after their first time together, and there was never an issue with ow drama. But the other thing that bugged me was how he's known her since she was born, yet didn't recognize her that first night. 🙄 Ugh whatever moving on...
Shelli was ok for me. I loved that she was a strong independent woman and stood up for herself. But during the "big fight" her stubbornness was annoying. Her lifelong crush on Aiden did somewhat shine a bit of an obsessive light on her at times, and not always in a good way. However, I could understand how she was way ahead of him in the feelings game and how she was frustrated he wasn't there yet since she'd had those feelings for him for so long. But it bothered me she couldn't see through that to see she might be pushing him too far too soon. I don't know... They both bugged me with the push and pull in the love department. They were both stubborn and had issues. So... Pretty perfect for each other.
I guess I was just thrown by the characters. Neither were really how I expected them to be. The betrayal of Aiden being more like Fallon was something I just couldn't quite get passed. I did enjoy the secondary charterers and getting to see the parents. The writing was great and as contradictory as this will sound, I love how Ms. Aleo tells a story. She's a great author. I feel bad I didn't love this. But I can say, I am glad that in the end I didn't hate it. That sounds terrible, but in the beginning it felt like an awful train wreck that I couldn't look away from and I fully expected to be giving a one or two star review. But by the time I finished, Aiden had redeemed himself, for the most part and I felt I should bump it up to three stars. If for nothing else, I couldn't stop reading it. 🤷🏻♀️
June 11, 2024
5 star Review Dump & Chase (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #1) by Toni Aleo
I am relatively new to Toni Aleo so I thought this was a good opportunity to make a start since it is book one in her new series Nashville Assassins: Next Generation and is Aiden Brooks and Shelli Adler’s story.
Shelli has wanted Aiden for as long as she can remember but Aiden is fixated on living the high life as an NHL player both on and off the rink, determined to succeed professionally before he finds the woman he wants to settle down with.
A one night stand with a mysterious woman leaves him wanting more but he has no name or a way to find her. Shelli knows that what transpired between her and Aiden could be the start of something big, but since he doesn't have a clue who she is it may be rather difficult.
When Aiden is traded to his father’s old team he firmly believes that he is on the rise and his professional dreams are about to become a reality. Now all he needs is to find his mystery woman.
I thoroughly enjoyed Toni Aleo’s style of writing and Dump & Chase was an entertaining story which hooked me from the start and did not let me go until the end.
I am relatively new to Toni Aleo so I thought this was a good opportunity to make a start since it is book one in her new series Nashville Assassins: Next Generation and is Aiden Brooks and Shelli Adler’s story.
Shelli has wanted Aiden for as long as she can remember but Aiden is fixated on living the high life as an NHL player both on and off the rink, determined to succeed professionally before he finds the woman he wants to settle down with.
A one night stand with a mysterious woman leaves him wanting more but he has no name or a way to find her. Shelli knows that what transpired between her and Aiden could be the start of something big, but since he doesn't have a clue who she is it may be rather difficult.
When Aiden is traded to his father’s old team he firmly believes that he is on the rise and his professional dreams are about to become a reality. Now all he needs is to find his mystery woman.
I thoroughly enjoyed Toni Aleo’s style of writing and Dump & Chase was an entertaining story which hooked me from the start and did not let me go until the end.
May 31, 2019
Not a fan at all.
At half way I skipped through the chapters quickly u til I got the epilogue, which was very disappointing. So, I found both the main characters to be too immature. Aiden was 27 but he acted like a 20yr old and was treated like the man-child he was. He was rude, cocky and apparently a genius but I never got that impression at all. Shelli I also found immature and even though she was only 21 her behavior just bothered me too much to enjoy her as a character. She acted like a teenager. To me there wasn’t much of a conflict except for her pushy and needy behavior and his fear of commitment, both of those got old real fast. Sorry to give such a low rating but I didn’t enjoy this at all.
At half way I skipped through the chapters quickly u til I got the epilogue, which was very disappointing. So, I found both the main characters to be too immature. Aiden was 27 but he acted like a 20yr old and was treated like the man-child he was. He was rude, cocky and apparently a genius but I never got that impression at all. Shelli I also found immature and even though she was only 21 her behavior just bothered me too much to enjoy her as a character. She acted like a teenager. To me there wasn’t much of a conflict except for her pushy and needy behavior and his fear of commitment, both of those got old real fast. Sorry to give such a low rating but I didn’t enjoy this at all.
April 11, 2019
There’s just something about a Toni Aleo book that draws you in. Add to it that I have been dying for Aiden and Shelli’s story and I was completely hooked from that first page till the end. This book started with a bang and never stopped, getting better with each page turn. The Adler and Brooks families are literally cray-cray and I don’t think I laughed so hard at their antics. It was a nice surprise to see all the Assassins but I mean it’s a given with this close knit family. I got to swoon all over again for those unforgettable characters.
Toni brought her A-game with this story giving you all the feels and a perfect love story to melt your heart. I loved seeing Aiden grow into a man and Shelli with such confidence and grace. These two have been skirting around each other even if they didn’t know it and their love has just been blooming for years. Their HEA was perfection and Toni couldn’t have wrote it any better.
Toni brought her A-game with this story giving you all the feels and a perfect love story to melt your heart. I loved seeing Aiden grow into a man and Shelli with such confidence and grace. These two have been skirting around each other even if they didn’t know it and their love has just been blooming for years. Their HEA was perfection and Toni couldn’t have wrote it any better.
May 4, 2019
Boring. I didn’t really like Shelli or Aidan. Both are extremely immature and for some reason their age difference bothered me. The whole book was them arguing over Aidan’s fear of being in a relationship. Only parts that really entertained me were when their families were involved.
June 13, 2020
goddamn pride creating useless drama
April 30, 2019
I am so happy to be back in this world and to begin the Assassins Next Gen series. And what a way to kick it off! Toni Aleo does not dissapoint, in fact this story is everything I hoped for and more! I honestly love Shelli! It is fun seeing her all grown up now! She is the absolute perfect blend of her parents, Shea and Elli Adler. I love her fire, sass and determination!! She is quite the amazing and talented young woman! Despite the fact that I end up hopelessly adoring Aiden Brooks, this book starts out with him in full on man-whore mode, and boy did I want to dump him on his head!! Luckily he redeems himself and more by how much he wants to be better than that and be the man Shelli deserves.
Even though he literally held her when she was a baby, for as long as Shelli can remember she has been in love with Aiden. When their lives end up mingling again now that she is old enough, will she be able to get him to really see her? The Chase is on towards her HEA and let me tell you it's one heck of a ride! So much goodness in this book and boy did I miss Shea! I love him and Elli in parent mode! I also love getting Lucas and Fallon in parent mode as well.
This book is just fantastic!
Even though he literally held her when she was a baby, for as long as Shelli can remember she has been in love with Aiden. When their lives end up mingling again now that she is old enough, will she be able to get him to really see her? The Chase is on towards her HEA and let me tell you it's one heck of a ride! So much goodness in this book and boy did I miss Shea! I love him and Elli in parent mode! I also love getting Lucas and Fallon in parent mode as well.
This book is just fantastic!
May 5, 2019
Shelli has been in love with Aiden since she was a child. He has never noticed her. Until now. Can she walk away without her heart being left behind?
Aiden had no idea he would be traded to the team where team owner is the mom of the woman he is currently interested in. Can he trust her after all that has happened? With their lives and their families so intertwined it is a scare that even the most ready bachelor would run from.
This series is a continuation of great characters from the original Nashville Assassins series. They make for some really hot cameos. I loved the family dynamic. The characters felt very real and their story was solid. I cannot wait to see who else we get to read about in this new series!
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Aiden had no idea he would be traded to the team where team owner is the mom of the woman he is currently interested in. Can he trust her after all that has happened? With their lives and their families so intertwined it is a scare that even the most ready bachelor would run from.
This series is a continuation of great characters from the original Nashville Assassins series. They make for some really hot cameos. I loved the family dynamic. The characters felt very real and their story was solid. I cannot wait to see who else we get to read about in this new series!
***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
May 14, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. Ok at first I thought shelli and Nico were gonna be perfect for each other, the reason I thought this was because how they were in juicy rebound. I just thought shelli was to good for Aiden. But now I see the history these two shared and it's thick and strong. Aiden so not who I thought he was he's ten times better and I freaken love him. And shelli I love everthing about her. From moment she kicked Amelia's ex husband I'm in awe of her.
April 30, 2019
I love
second generation
stories! I feel like even tho they are not their parents, I’m reading more of their HEA anyway. I dunno, I just like it LOL
This one in particular gets more props from me. Why? Because the author has grown/developed ten-fold since we met Shelli and Aiden’s parent is their stories, imo that is. I honestly was not a fan of this author waaaay back in the day. I felt the books were looooooooonger than necessary and the characters spent more time telling me the story from their thoughts than from actions with each other. I like conversational books and I like my characters to interact with each other more. Anyway, I digress. I LOVED THIS STORY!!
Shelli was a strong female lead and Aiden was her equally strong counterpart. The characterization for both of them was on point and felt very real and relatable to me. Aiden put a smile on my face thru this whole thing because he was just such a guy . Ya’ll know what I mean … I spent a lot of time side-eyeing my kindle and screaming “just get out of your head already”!! Don’t take that wrong, this is an excellent read. I mean for me, these guys are young, and everything that happened in the story was true to their age, imo. SO while I wanted to slap him something silly, I couldn’t fault him LOL
You guys have no idea how big a smile I get every time I know this author is publishing something now. She is a joy to read and just keeps getting better and better every book!
This one in particular gets more props from me. Why? Because the author has grown/developed ten-fold since we met Shelli and Aiden’s parent is their stories, imo that is. I honestly was not a fan of this author waaaay back in the day. I felt the books were looooooooonger than necessary and the characters spent more time telling me the story from their thoughts than from actions with each other. I like conversational books and I like my characters to interact with each other more. Anyway, I digress. I LOVED THIS STORY!!
Shelli was a strong female lead and Aiden was her equally strong counterpart. The characterization for both of them was on point and felt very real and relatable to me. Aiden put a smile on my face thru this whole thing because he was just such a guy . Ya’ll know what I mean … I spent a lot of time side-eyeing my kindle and screaming “just get out of your head already”!! Don’t take that wrong, this is an excellent read. I mean for me, these guys are young, and everything that happened in the story was true to their age, imo. SO while I wanted to slap him something silly, I couldn’t fault him LOL
You guys have no idea how big a smile I get every time I know this author is publishing something now. She is a joy to read and just keeps getting better and better every book!
April 29, 2019
3.25 Stars ⭐️
I’m struggling a little bit with this review. Ms Aleo and her Assassins series is a favorite, so I was excited about the new generation appearing starting with Dump & Chase. The premise of Shelli and Aiden’s story - her life long crush + a case of mistaken identity was intriguing and had me looking forward to seeing where things would go.
Given that I went into this read with somewhat high expectations, I felt a bit let down when I reached the end of the book.
Dump & Chase is well written (as expected) and some of my issues with the read fall under personal preference, so I won’t go there, but the big things that had me rating this as just above average are:
1) Shelli and Aiden - these two are our main characters, yet i struggled with liking them. They both had an element of “poor little rich kid” that just didn’t sit well. This was especially true of Shelli. She was supposedly interning with the team, but never went to work.
2) The conflicts- yes, repeated conflicts all basically around the same issue. Some of Aiden’s issues could be understood, but Shelli frustrated me by creating issues then not being able to deal with them.
3) The secondary cast/world building - yes, this is a spin off series and I would expect the older characters to be present and active, but it was almost too much. The extensive introduction of secondary characters that didn’t relate to this particular story would make it hard for a new reader to start with this book.
Overall, if you are a loyal Assassins reader, you will probably enjoy catching up with the characters here. If you are new to Ms Aleo, you might want to read some of the other books first.
I’m struggling a little bit with this review. Ms Aleo and her Assassins series is a favorite, so I was excited about the new generation appearing starting with Dump & Chase. The premise of Shelli and Aiden’s story - her life long crush + a case of mistaken identity was intriguing and had me looking forward to seeing where things would go.
Given that I went into this read with somewhat high expectations, I felt a bit let down when I reached the end of the book.
Dump & Chase is well written (as expected) and some of my issues with the read fall under personal preference, so I won’t go there, but the big things that had me rating this as just above average are:
1) Shelli and Aiden - these two are our main characters, yet i struggled with liking them. They both had an element of “poor little rich kid” that just didn’t sit well. This was especially true of Shelli. She was supposedly interning with the team, but never went to work.
2) The conflicts- yes, repeated conflicts all basically around the same issue. Some of Aiden’s issues could be understood, but Shelli frustrated me by creating issues then not being able to deal with them.
3) The secondary cast/world building - yes, this is a spin off series and I would expect the older characters to be present and active, but it was almost too much. The extensive introduction of secondary characters that didn’t relate to this particular story would make it hard for a new reader to start with this book.
Overall, if you are a loyal Assassins reader, you will probably enjoy catching up with the characters here. If you are new to Ms Aleo, you might want to read some of the other books first.
May 14, 2019
Expected
So this is the new generation, huh? Dump and Chase is the newest addition to the Assassins series, which focuses on the next generation from the previous series. Shelli (Shea and Elli) and Aiden (Lucas and Fallon) are the kick off of the newest couple and it was exactly what you expect from Toni Aleo. It hits everything in her formula for her novels, boy meets girl, they fall in love, they have at least 2 fights-one small and the other “huge/I’m gonna end the relationship”, boy does grand gesture, couple gets together forever. I’m not gonna lie, this one was corny as hell. Dare I would ask for the author to shake things up, but I guess what ain’t broke don’t fix, right? Overall, it was okay. Nothing note worthy; it was nice to have the parents pop in and out and the camels of the main characters siblings. The “conflict” could have been thought my out more and even drawn out with more self reflection, but nope it was tied up in a big corny bow. Plus, the main characters issues were surface area issues, no big deeper meaning to them, or even explored.If I remember correctly, the grand gesture has already happened in at least 2 other novels of hers; so I would hope she finds a new one in her next novel. For a rating I give it a 2.5, mainly because it was nothing new.
So this is the new generation, huh? Dump and Chase is the newest addition to the Assassins series, which focuses on the next generation from the previous series. Shelli (Shea and Elli) and Aiden (Lucas and Fallon) are the kick off of the newest couple and it was exactly what you expect from Toni Aleo. It hits everything in her formula for her novels, boy meets girl, they fall in love, they have at least 2 fights-one small and the other “huge/I’m gonna end the relationship”, boy does grand gesture, couple gets together forever. I’m not gonna lie, this one was corny as hell. Dare I would ask for the author to shake things up, but I guess what ain’t broke don’t fix, right? Overall, it was okay. Nothing note worthy; it was nice to have the parents pop in and out and the camels of the main characters siblings. The “conflict” could have been thought my out more and even drawn out with more self reflection, but nope it was tied up in a big corny bow. Plus, the main characters issues were surface area issues, no big deeper meaning to them, or even explored.If I remember correctly, the grand gesture has already happened in at least 2 other novels of hers; so I would hope she finds a new one in her next novel. For a rating I give it a 2.5, mainly because it was nothing new.
September 19, 2022
If you are following my blog you know that I am a huge Toni Aleo fan. I love all her books and I read each one of more than once. I think my least re-read is twice. As for Assassins series, for me it is the BEST hockey series ever. But now her ‘Ice Cats’ and ‘Nashville Assassins: The Next Generation’ series are fighting for the spot. But with her this seems soooo normal because for me with each of her books, you are debating and keep changing your favorite hero and heroine :) ‘Dump & Chase’ is the first book of Toni Aleo’s brand new series ‘Nashville Assassins: The Next Generation’, which is Assassins’ spin off series. When I first heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I was super excited and the moment I received it, I start reading it right away and me being me I couldn’t put it down until I was done with it. Soooo thank you so much Toni Aleo for a sleepless night but it was so worth it. After finishing the book, I couldn’t stop myself and went back and re-read the whole Assassins series because I realized how much I missed the gang. I think deep down I was just postponing writing this review because I wasn’t sure if I could write a review that would be enough to convey my feelings and make justice to the book. So here goes nothing, let’s get to the good and exciting stuff.
If you read the Assassins series our hero and heroine is familiar to you guys. This book is about Shelli Grace Adler, who is Shea and Elli’s daughter and Aiden James Brooks, who is Lucas and Fallon’s son. Shelli and Aiden known each other their entire lives and Shelli had a crush on Aiden since childhood. Aiden never new about this and never really paid much attention to her. Just like his father, Aiden is a successful NHL player. He plays for Rangers in NY. He is an amazing guy. He is responsible, loyal, and respectful and of course he is super hot. His biggest flaw is his commitment issue. I will come back to this shortly but first let me introduce you guys our sassy, strong and beautiful heroine Shelli. Since childhood being a Broadway star was Shelli’s dream and now she is living her dream but she is not sure if the life style is for her. So she decides to leave it all behind and go back home to Nashville. But the night before her departure, she gets invited to one of Aiden’s infamous parties. Even though timing is not ideal, it is not something Shelli will pass. The moment Shelli gets to the party and makes an eye contact with Aiden, Aiden is on to her. Their chemistry is off the charts and they shared the most passionate night of their lives. There are two things Aiden doesn’t expect to happen next morning. One he doesn’t want to let go of Shelli, aka Angel, he spend an amazing night with but Shelli gets up and basically runs out of his apartment and then he receives a call that makes his life long dream come true. Since he started playing hockey, his dream was to play for Assassins and now his time has come. He is off to his hometown. He is excited to be with his family and finally play for Assassins but he cannot let go of the Angel, he spent the night with. Wooohoooo Nashville is about to get hotter!!!
I loved what a strong woman character, Toni Aleo created. Just like her momma Shelli is strong. She knows her worth and she doesn’t settle less then what she deserves. She wants Aiden but his commitment issue keeps breaking Shelli’s heart. Even though, Aiden wants Shelli and cannot let her go, he doesn’t do love or relationships. After seeing the damage love caused to his mom, the pain she had to endure, he never wants to go through something similar. That is why he doesn’t want to be in love or in a relationship and his career always the priority. It was amazing to see his relationship with his family but his confrontation with Fallon and Lucas regarding his commitment issue was heartbreaking which brought tears to my eyes. It takes Aiden a while to realize Shelli’s importance in his life and let go of his fears. Unfortunately, his wake up call is when Shelli dumps him. How he gets her back? What is his swoony gesture? You need to grab your own copy to learn about those :)
Let me take a second and go back to the origin :) Assassins are more than a hockey team; they’re a close-knit family. I love how amazing Toni portrays family and it is not only in this book. In all her books family values and importance of family is always there. I LOVE IT!!! Also it was amazing to seeing all my favorites again, Shea Adler, Lucas Brooks, Phillip Anderson, Erik Titov, Karson King, Jordie Thomas and all my favorite hotties are over forty. Late forties!!! Say what!!! OMG! Kill me now!! Also, Jayden Sinclair, Markus Reeves, Jensen Moore, Vaughn Johansson and Benji Paxton were in the book as well but since they’re still playing I am assuming they are not old enough to be grandpas just yet :) Since there are so many kids on the original series, I cannot wait to read more from the Next Generation, if we only consider rest of the Adler & Brooks clans that make 7 books. YEAY!!!
Back to the main topic: ‘Dump & Chase’. There were so many amazing moments through the story that made me laugh, swoon, get pissed and brought tears to my eyes. Literally I felt all the emotions at one point or another. If you are an Assassins fan, this book is an auto-buy for you guys. If you are new to Toni Aleo but enjoy sports romance give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. And no worries, this can easily be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend you to read the original series as well.
P.S. I really want to read Nico Merryweather, Wesley McMillian and Boon Hoenes stories as well.
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://miabookaddict.com/
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you read the Assassins series our hero and heroine is familiar to you guys. This book is about Shelli Grace Adler, who is Shea and Elli’s daughter and Aiden James Brooks, who is Lucas and Fallon’s son. Shelli and Aiden known each other their entire lives and Shelli had a crush on Aiden since childhood. Aiden never new about this and never really paid much attention to her. Just like his father, Aiden is a successful NHL player. He plays for Rangers in NY. He is an amazing guy. He is responsible, loyal, and respectful and of course he is super hot. His biggest flaw is his commitment issue. I will come back to this shortly but first let me introduce you guys our sassy, strong and beautiful heroine Shelli. Since childhood being a Broadway star was Shelli’s dream and now she is living her dream but she is not sure if the life style is for her. So she decides to leave it all behind and go back home to Nashville. But the night before her departure, she gets invited to one of Aiden’s infamous parties. Even though timing is not ideal, it is not something Shelli will pass. The moment Shelli gets to the party and makes an eye contact with Aiden, Aiden is on to her. Their chemistry is off the charts and they shared the most passionate night of their lives. There are two things Aiden doesn’t expect to happen next morning. One he doesn’t want to let go of Shelli, aka Angel, he spend an amazing night with but Shelli gets up and basically runs out of his apartment and then he receives a call that makes his life long dream come true. Since he started playing hockey, his dream was to play for Assassins and now his time has come. He is off to his hometown. He is excited to be with his family and finally play for Assassins but he cannot let go of the Angel, he spent the night with. Wooohoooo Nashville is about to get hotter!!!
I loved what a strong woman character, Toni Aleo created. Just like her momma Shelli is strong. She knows her worth and she doesn’t settle less then what she deserves. She wants Aiden but his commitment issue keeps breaking Shelli’s heart. Even though, Aiden wants Shelli and cannot let her go, he doesn’t do love or relationships. After seeing the damage love caused to his mom, the pain she had to endure, he never wants to go through something similar. That is why he doesn’t want to be in love or in a relationship and his career always the priority. It was amazing to see his relationship with his family but his confrontation with Fallon and Lucas regarding his commitment issue was heartbreaking which brought tears to my eyes. It takes Aiden a while to realize Shelli’s importance in his life and let go of his fears. Unfortunately, his wake up call is when Shelli dumps him. How he gets her back? What is his swoony gesture? You need to grab your own copy to learn about those :)
Let me take a second and go back to the origin :) Assassins are more than a hockey team; they’re a close-knit family. I love how amazing Toni portrays family and it is not only in this book. In all her books family values and importance of family is always there. I LOVE IT!!! Also it was amazing to seeing all my favorites again, Shea Adler, Lucas Brooks, Phillip Anderson, Erik Titov, Karson King, Jordie Thomas and all my favorite hotties are over forty. Late forties!!! Say what!!! OMG! Kill me now!! Also, Jayden Sinclair, Markus Reeves, Jensen Moore, Vaughn Johansson and Benji Paxton were in the book as well but since they’re still playing I am assuming they are not old enough to be grandpas just yet :) Since there are so many kids on the original series, I cannot wait to read more from the Next Generation, if we only consider rest of the Adler & Brooks clans that make 7 books. YEAY!!!
Back to the main topic: ‘Dump & Chase’. There were so many amazing moments through the story that made me laugh, swoon, get pissed and brought tears to my eyes. Literally I felt all the emotions at one point or another. If you are an Assassins fan, this book is an auto-buy for you guys. If you are new to Toni Aleo but enjoy sports romance give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. And no worries, this can easily be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend you to read the original series as well.
P.S. I really want to read Nico Merryweather, Wesley McMillian and Boon Hoenes stories as well.
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://miabookaddict.com/
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2025
Great story!!
This is the first book in a new series and what an intriguing beginning this story is!
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, humour, witty banter, challenges, heartbreak, undeniable chemistry, and love which all leads to an entertaining, and compelling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is the first book in a new series and what an intriguing beginning this story is!
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, emotions, humour, witty banter, challenges, heartbreak, undeniable chemistry, and love which all leads to an entertaining, and compelling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
August 14, 2019
3.75 Glad to see next generation
I am very pleased to see the next generation of Assassins. The first books in the series were great. This started well but AJ’s development and character are was not really developed as well as it could have been. I just got tired of him constantly apologising. I do look forward to more in this series because the family elements are just as amazing as the steamy romance.
I am very pleased to see the next generation of Assassins. The first books in the series were great. This started well but AJ’s development and character are was not really developed as well as it could have been. I just got tired of him constantly apologising. I do look forward to more in this series because the family elements are just as amazing as the steamy romance.
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