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Posey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change. She’s been haunted by her place in her sister’s shadow, but this is her chance to shine and force her family to take notice. But in order to make a name for herself, she’s going to have to go toe-to-toe with her team’s leading power play scorer.

Boon Hoenes lives for special teams. The power play is his favorite thing about the game. He loves having that advantage over his opponent. And most of the time, it’s his quick thinking that sends the puck to the back of the goal when he’s on the ice. Off the ice, however, no amount of quick thinking prepared his heart for being dumped by his college sweetheart. Boon has sworn off women, but when Posey Adler comes onto his ice—and kicks him off his beloved power play—he decides she’s one woman he doesn’t want to swear off.

They’ve both been hurt, but instead of going in for the penalty kill, Boon is ready to convince Posey their hearts are the secret to how they’ll win.

How they’ll score the ultimate goal.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2019

478 people are currently reading
1671 people want to read

About the author

Toni Aleo

101 books6,718 followers
WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN'T MISS!

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

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

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

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

Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,542 reviews35.9k followers
December 30, 2019
4 stars

 photo AEFDB134-C04F-43B1-B55C-8DA6D9CC0FE9_zpsemlcyd7q.png

Power Play is the second book in Toni Aleo's 'Nashville Assassins: Next Generation' series. Her Assassins series is my favorite hockey series so any time we get a new book from that group of characters, I'm thrilled. This was Posey Adler (Shea and Ellie Adler) and Boon Hoenes story.

Boon is a new-ish character to this series and an Assassins player. Posey Adler knows hockey better than most and has just taken a job as a coach with the Assassins. She's talented at making plays and is mainly there to help the team with their power play, which Boon is a part of. These two have a rocky start. It's apparent there is an attraction between them, but neither of them are willing to act on it so there is all this sexual tension between them.
It’s obvious she doesn’t want a damn thing to do with me, but I want her. Oh fuck, I want her. Bad.

These two can only stay away from each other for so long, though. They start a secret relationship (they aren't ready to go public due to their careers) and I loved them together. Honestly, I wasn't Posey's biggest fan in the first book in this series, but I adored her in this book. And Boon... he was a bit surely at first, but he is now one of my favorite heroes of Toni's. He totally won me over and was pretty close to perfect.

Things aren't always easy for Posey and Boon, and there is some miscommunication between them and a bit of angst and heartbreak in their story-line, but overall, this is a really sweet and fun romance. As always, I loved the family dynamic aspect of this book. Though the Assassins group have a lot of family members, the team is a family in itself. One of Boon's teammates, Wes was amazing and I really hope he gets his own book!

Power Play is a fantastic sports romance that was fun, steamy, and entertaining. If you're a fan of sports romance I can't recommend this series (as well as the original Assassins series) enough!!
“I’ve got you forever, Adler.”
“Right back atcha, Hoenes.”
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,284 reviews2,389 followers
December 31, 2019
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK



Power Play is the second installment of Toni Aleo's Nashville Assasins: Next Generation series and follows Posey Adler. This book can be read as a standalone with no problem but for fans of this series and author there are a ton of cameo's from previous characters.

Boon and Posey have both been in hurt in the past so they're not exactly looking for a relationship. But on the ice with Posey pushing Boon to be a better Hockey player the sparks fly and neither of them can skate away from each other. The chemistry between them was so strong and it made for a very intriguing story. They grew from friends to something so much more and getting to see that was amazing.

In all honesty I wasn't sure how I would feel about Posey in her own story since she wasn't my favorite character in the last book but all of my fears about her quickly vanished once I started this book. She was a strong character and it was easy to admire her.

Overall, this is a definite recommended read for any fans of a steamy sports romance.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Andrea Fleury.
1,014 reviews79 followers
February 16, 2021
I really loved Posey and boon. They both had been through some tough stuff when it came to relationships. But Boon was a goner when he saw Posey. Only thing is she was the new coach.There connection was smoking hot.
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
dnf
March 1, 2024
DNF @ 4% - the h is giving too much cringe-tastic second hand embarrassment for me. She describes herself In a way that all I can picture is a ball-busting linebacker. She’s real good at hockey too… much better than any guy, but she wants to coach instead, since skates hurt her feet 🙄. She throws herself at her guy friend and he tells her he’s not attracted to her. It’s just too much that isn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mia Book Addict.
274 reviews25 followers
September 20, 2022
OMG! This book was amazing. I read it not once but twice and I am 100% sure it won’t stay at two :) I can easily say this was my favorite 2019 read and most probably one of my all time favorites. I wanted to write my review the moment I finished the book for the first time, but I was afraid that my review won’t make justice to the book. I am still not sure how this will go but here I go :)

I love and adore Shea and Elli. I don’t even remember how many times I went back and reread Taking Shots. It was my safe heaven, which gave me hope, happiness and took me to an amazing journey every time. I never thought I could possibly love another couple as much as I love Shea and Elli, till reading Power Play.

Posey Rose Adler is the daughter of legendary Shea Adler and owner of Assassins hockey team Elli Adler. She is smart, beautiful and strong. She thinks she is in love with Maxim, the billet boy and when Shea sends him away, for the first time in her life she decides to jump into action and follow her heart. Unfortunately, her journey to happily-ever-after ends up with a broken heart. Being the daughter of two legends and also sister of a Broadway star, she always felt invisible. By becoming special teams’ assistant coach for Assassins, she wants to make her parents proud and prove everyone that she is best at what she does and for the first time in her life outshine her sister. However, her priorities changes a bit thanks to Boon. Boon Zachariah Hoenes is winger for the Assassins. He is hardworking, loyal, super hot and sweet. Our sweet boy’s heart has been shattered by his cheater of an ex-fiancee and now all he is left with is hockey. He loves being part of the special teams but his new assistant coach doesn’t believe he is good enough to be in the special teams. He is happy to work hard and prove her wrong but there is an itsy bitsy problem, there is something about her that bugs him and also he believes she hates him. It takes tons of bugging by Wes to realize that the bugging feeling is because he is insanely attracted to her. The chemistry and attraction between Posey and Boon is explosive. Once the rocky start is in the past, you start seeing how right they are for each other. Watching her parents love for each other from the front seat all her life, her relationship expectations are pretty hard to reach but Boon exceeds them all. Their support for each others’ success was amazing. It feels like if I don’t stop writing, I will let all the cats out of bag so I will jump to other characters in the book and leave you to find out more of Boon and Posey’s swoon-worthy relationship.

You will see more of Shelli and Aidan since Shelli is Posey’s sister and Aidan is one of Boon’s best friends. From the bits and pieces I got from Juicy Rebound and Dump and Chase, I always thought Shelli and Posey didn’t like each other but this book will show you it is not the case. It was great to see how much they care for each other. As always Elli and Shea are AMAZING :) Shea, his ‘‘daughters’ dating-induced’’ angina and his dramatics were hilarious. You will see a bit of boys of Adler-clan, Owen, Evan and Quinn. I am really curious about them, especially Quinn. Also, I am dying to learn more about Wesley McMillan, aka Wes, Boon’s best friend and his past. He was also crushing Aiden’s little sister Stella. I am not sure if I should like her or hate her, so jury is still out. Annnnndddd villain of Dump and Chase, Asher Brooks is back in town and I really liked him in this book :) Last but not least Allison Titov, who is Posey’s best friend. Thanks to her and her mistakenly thought true love, we get the story of Jakob and Harper in One Timer but I get a feeling she will find her happily-ever-after soon, maybe with Asher? :) Yeah, I think this covers most of the side characters LOL!

It was one of the hardest reviews I ever wrote. This book is amazing and I feel like whatever I say won’t be enough to convey my feelings. I hope I wasn’t all over the place that much :) Power Play is captivating, sweet, inspiring, emotional, funny and sizzling hot story that you cannot do anything other than being drawn in by the story.

Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Twice already, more to come :)
Would I read future books by this author: Yes

e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miabookaddict.com/
193 reviews47 followers
Read
January 10, 2020
*sigh*

Another virgin with a manwhore. Didn’t care his was a former manwhore until I found out heroine was a virgin. I like both MCs to be on an even playing field. Both experienced.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,622 reviews151 followers
December 20, 2019
Up until this book I didn't think anyone could dethrone Shea and Elli as my favourite Assassins couple but Posey and Boon definitely give them a run for their money. I loved Posey's character she is a mix of both parents and has a stubborn determined nature but with a soft heart of gold. Boon is just swoon worthy I adored the way he loved and supported her. The story was romantic sexy and very emotional but always felt real. Toni continues to build on the original series with the next generation's stories and I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,028 reviews12 followers
April 10, 2020
Audible review

Throw everything you think you know about Posey Adler out the window when you pick up Power Play.

Her story was everything and more I could have ever asked for.

Now, I will admit that I need an organisational chart keep up with who is whom in this series, but after a bit I get my head around who everyone belongs too.

Posey and Boon are just goals. Their journey from friends to so much more is relatable. I am sure most of us have had to deal with one or more of the things that they deal with during the tale. I love how they dealt with things.

It was great to see some of the Assassins Pt 1 throughout. Though I have to say, Posey's dad Shea I went from laughing at him to rolling my eyes. He really was acting like a 4 year old throwing a tantrum a lo of the time.

Now the narration. I really enjoyed Tanya Eby's portrayal of Posey. She drew me right into Posey's life. She was fun and fliratious and all the emotion shone through.

However, Stephen Dexter, whilst wonderful as the other characters in the story, was quote monotonal to me a Boon. It was like he was narrating a a quite stalker story, nice and quiet waiting for a big BAM surprise However, this could just be me, and it didn't make me want to stop listening at all, and wouldn't stop me from listening to him again.

It was great to get back into Assassin-land, and look forward to more of the next generation.



Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Tpagirl Loves Romance.
1,672 reviews185 followers
January 4, 2020
Power Play was the second book in the Nashville Assassins Next Generation series by Toni Aleo. Although it was part of a series, it could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Posey Adler was the second daughter to Elli and Shae Adler, Taking Shots, book one of the original series. She was always in the shadow of her older more confident sister, Shelly (Dump and Chase, Next Generation, book one), but not a shrinking violet. She was gorgeous in her own way, born and raised by NHL Hockey greats, was strong, independent, and insanely skilled for developing strategic hockey power plays. She was the new assistant power play coach and determined to make their power play great.

Boon Hoenes was a winger for the NHL Nashville Assassins. He was skilled, part of one of the strongest lines in the NHL, loved hockey, was on the power play and was loyal to his friends and family.

Both Posey and Boon had their hearts broken and had sworn off relationships. They were focused solely on their careers. However, their careers collided and their chemistry was off the charts. They were both passionate and it was fun following their bantering, and push and pull. At times, it was slow with their head games, but once they got on the same page, it was enjoyable and entertaining.

I totally loved both characters and they were perfect for each other. There were a couple conflicts that I would have liked fleshed out a little more, but that was minor. I loved how Aleo built their relationship, included an abundance of realistic hockey scenes and involved some of our favorite characters from previous and other series. The plot was solid and had depth and dimension.

All in all, it was well written, well developed, fun, entertaining, endearing, humorous and a great addition to the series. Hopefully Wes is up next, but regardless, I’m all in and can’t wait!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,394 reviews622 followers
December 31, 2019
Before I say anything about the story, I have to ask this of anyone who’s read Dump and Chase … raise your hand if you even thought for one minute you would totally and absolutely fall madly in love with Posey, ever! If you raised your hand, then welcome to the club! But guess what? We must dismantle the club. Whatever you may or may not have thought of her … banish it from your mind immediately, because she is about to steal your heart! Well, she stole mine LOL

I haven’t picked up a Toni Aleo book in the last couple of years that was not a great read. The original Assassins series was not my favorite back in the day, and it caused me to not pick up one of her books for a long time. But then I did …. And as they say, the rest is history! She’s a go-to author for me now and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

Now, a few thoughts on Power Play. It’s a well thought out story with real and relatable characters. The chemistry between Posey and Boon was incredible from the very beginning. Their growth from friendship to sooooo much more was amazing to read because it was natural. That’s where the relatable part comes in. There’s nothing about this story that couldn’t happen to you or me and I’d venture to guess that some it probable already has. That’s my favorite thing to read as part of a journey. I feel the best when I read a story and think it could happen to me. And not just a farfetched could. I’m talking about an organic could. And this story had it in spades. I felt good the entire time I read it and my heart was happy! Feel good stories for the #win!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,194 reviews220 followers
December 23, 2019
5 star Review Power Play (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #2) by Toni Aleo

This is the second book in her latest series and is Boon Hoenes and Posey Adler’s story. Both Posey and Boon have been hurt in the past and neither are looking for a new relationship. However all that is about to change.

Posey feels the time is right to shine and show her family that she deserves to be a part of the family business, finally enabling her to step out from behind her sister’s shadow. With this in mind, she returns home to take on a job as a special teams assistant with the Assassins.

Posey and Boon go head to head over the power play and despite himself, Boon is intrigued by the feisty and sassy Posey. In fact she captures his attention so much, that he feels that she is worth the risk of getting hurt again.

As the friendship between them grows, the chemistry between them builds until neither of them can resist. I loved the characters, they were easy to relate too and I can easily see them as friends.

There were times that my heart broke for Posey as she struggled with the belief that she is never going to be good enough, her lack of self esteem off the ice showed her vulnerability. I loved how supportive Boon was as she struggled, totally swoon worthy.

You cannot help but be drawn in by the story Ms. Aleo weaves. I really enjoyed Toni Aleo’s style of writing and Power Play was an entertaining story which hooked me from the first to the last chapter.
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
January 3, 2020
There's not enough words to describe what this story made me feel, I cried for a good hour after I finished it, I've always felt exactly the way the heroine feels in this story, the fact that the author used Someone you loved by Lewis Capaldi broke my soul, man that song works perfectly with the story, so grab your tissues and read this wonderful story.
Profile Image for Beth.
781 reviews
January 3, 2020
I loved this book! Boone and Posey were amazing and their love story captured my heart! This is one of the books that I will reread for years to come.
Profile Image for Emily Utsch.
589 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2019
I am so happy that Posey gets her own story! And Boon is the perfect match for her! So swoonworthy.

First off this is a book in a series but can be read as a standalone. All pertinent information that you need is given. If you have read the other books in the series you do get a lot more out of the secondary characters though.

Posey has been burned and has felt out shadowed by her older sister. Sound familiar? I love that this and other things match her story with her mother. But her mother is so supportive. Boon has been burned in the past and is a bit wary of another girlfriend, but he jumps in when he knows it is right. I love that they had to work together to get through certain things together, and that communication is important in their relationship.

I can't wait for more of this series.
Profile Image for ⇝ b ⇝.
1,418 reviews62 followers
February 2, 2020
If you know me, then you know that Toni Aleo writes my favorite hockey romances. No other author writes as many or knows hockey like she does. She’s truly dedicated to writing a legit sports romance, and that’s why I’m a huge fan. It’s also why I’ve read all of her hockey romances multiple times. At times it can get redundant, sure. Any author who sticks to a general theme becomes predictable. I mean characters meet, sleep together, have some issues, have a huge conflict, and then some type of grand gesture. But I don’t mind because I’ve come to love Toni Aleo’s works.

My only problems of redundancy is the writing? Her heroines tend to have insecurities that define them, and after awhile that gets old. I get it, I’m a woman, I have my own insecurities too. But Toni Aleo kind of beats a dead horse with it. We get it, you like your heroines to be thicker and your males to love something to grab onto. I’m more on the curvier side myself, but I don’t constantly make comparisons all day. And I swear to god, if a man ever told me he likes that I eat I’d lose my mind. The constant comparisons made between women is annoying and it kind of ruined this book to me.

The book was Posey feeling like second fiddle to everybody else. Hell, I’d totally be down for that if it were believable. Chapter 1 was a great example, but that’s about it. Boon was also as interesting as watching paint dry. I don’t know what’s going on because I freaking love her Ice Cats series and the older Assassins series. I’m definitely going to continue to read books by Toni, it’s just that this didn’t work for me. Also, my shit talking Nico got hated on in this book.
Profile Image for Cindy (BKind2Books).
1,839 reviews40 followers
December 27, 2019
This is how you kick up a series with the NextGen of players. If you love hockey romances, then Toni Also and her Nashville Assassins series is likely on your radar. From the beginning with Shea and Elli, her love and knowledge of hockey shines through, but even better the characters made you love them. Shea and Elli were the standard and the backbone of the entire Nashville Assassins series. With a new set of characters - and many of them the all-grown-up children of the first series - we have a new couple to build a series on - Posey and Boon. While Posey has lived much of her life in her sister's shadow, she comes into her own as an assistant coach for the special teams. Of course this is after she's had her heart broken by Maxim - she's harbored a secret crush on him and he thinks of her as a sister. Boon is a hot-as-hell hockey player and he only has eyes for Posey once she steps on the ice. It's a wonder there's not steam coming off them during practice. As this relationship heats up, there is so much heat but this story also has loads of humor and fun. I could not wait to see what else would happen. When Posey hides Boon in a kitchen pantry and he's caught eating marshmallows, it had me in tears. Boon is a great character - definitely swoon-worthy.

Quotes I loved:

We challenge each other, but we love even harder.

I want to be all her firsts and all her lasts. No one will take that joy, that gift from me.

She stole my heart and I've decided to let her keep it.
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,163 reviews346 followers
January 10, 2020
4 Posey and Boon Stars

I am enjoying the next generation of the Nashville Assassins and this story about Posey and Boon grabbed my attention from the start.
Posey is the second daughter of Elli and Shay Adler. She feels very much as if she has lived in the shadow of her older Sister , Shelli. Shelli is the outgoing , driven and confident sister who everyone adores and Posey has often been overlooked - or rather eclipsed - by her. At the start of the story Posey has run off to declare her love for someone who she thought felt the same way for her. That chapter is so well written - my heart ached for Posey. She comes away crushed and I really felt for her.
Boon is a member of the Assassins Hockey Team. He has split from his fiancée who has more than moved on in the year since they separated. Similarly to Posey, Boon thought he had found 'the one'. I was surprised at Boon's character as I initially thought he was very confident and full of swagger. In actual fact he worries a lot. He isn't as confident on the ice as some of his teammates. Posey knows hockey inside and out and she is newly employed as the Special Teams coach. For as lacking in self confidence as she is in most areas , she absolutely kicks ass when it comes to hockey.
Both Boon and Posey are quite curious characters and they are similar in many ways. They both need to build their self confidence in many areas and both seem afraid to trust in the how the other is feeling. I liked watching the both fall hard for each other. They are both incredibly loyal and I was practically cheering in one scene in particular where Posey meets Boon's Mum. Posey Rose Adler takes no prisoners and it takes her some time to see it but she shines just as brightly , if not more than, her sister.

So why not 5 stars?
The whole body image aspect of Posey's character felt a little bit too much at times and detracted a bit from the main story in my opinion . I would have liked to see them improve their self confidence a bit earlier in the story. Also, there were lots of comparisons from Boon's POV when he would think about his ex. He was very much over her and I didn't want any of his head real estate being wasted on his awful ex.

I thought this was a really enjoyable book. I loved the humour , the romance and how these two fell so hard for each other. I am a sucker for an ice hockey romance and Ms Aleo delivers great characters and stories every time. I am so looking forward to more from the Next Generation.

HEA? Yes - absolutely beautiful epilogue.
Cheating? No.
Profile Image for Ashley.
27 reviews
December 27, 2019
I WAS WRONG...

I thought I knew my favorite Toni Aleo book...I was wrong. I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN! Fallon and Lucas held my heart for many years (shh...they still kind of do). I believed them to be the only couple to hold it forever. They were it for me. I always loved a good second chance story, but then this book just came up and slapped me in the feels. All the feels.

Posey and all of the Adlers have held a special place in my heart since book one with Elli and Shea. Their story was always in my top list of favorites. Their emotions and story were so heart wrenching and real, I didn’t know if she could top it (except my lovely Fallon and Lucas). However, the relationship and show of growth between Posey and Boon is phenomenal. I think even better than Elli and Shea. I know. I know. Impossible. But just wait until you read this!

Posey and Boon are everything. They are truly the couple to strive for in real life. Boon is the perfect man. Even though he had been spurred from his past relationship, he didn’t immediately expect Posey to cheat on him as well. He still treated her like she was his queen (because she was/is) and didn’t make her do things she didn’t want to do. He was there for her through all the ups and downs. Especially with all her medical issues. I feel like most men would balk at the amount that Boon went through with Posey and would wonder if she were worth it, but not Boon. He knew she was his one and only and was going to do anything in his power to fight to keep it. I mean, come one, if that doesn’t make you swoon, I don’t know what would.

Another aspect I love about the Assassin’s next generation books is that we don’t just get new stories from the children we read about growing up in other books, but we get little glimpses into the lives of some of our past favorites. I love and laugh at Shea’s “angina” every time it happens. When I was growing up my dad would say things like that as well and it would always make me laugh and roll my eyes at his over-dramatized reactions to things. It is a very real story for me, and I assume anyone reading. There is so much going on that it would be hard to not be able to find something that is relatable to your life. Which is why reading Toni’s books are so powerful. They’re real. They don’t just show the “happily-ever-after” that people dream of. They show the hard times that you have to go through to get that “happily-ever-after” and that’s what I love the most about them.

Can’t wait for the next one! Please let it be Ally and Asher. :)
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,875 reviews213 followers
January 2, 2020




When Posey and Boon meet, something about her unsettles him. He's not sure what it is, only that it's got him feeling weird. And he definitely does not want it. He does, however, want her. And she wants him. She's his team's new coach, though, so yeah, not gonna happen. Or at least, not in public. Can they make it work behind the scenes, with his baggage, and hers?



I loved this hockey romance! Posey and Boon make a fabulous couple. They're super sexy together, and I loved how Boon finally came to the realization of his feelings for her. I've been loving the Assassins series, and I gotta say that the Next Generation series is shaping up to be just as great as its predecessor.



ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Pam.
1,703 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2019
4.5 Stars

Posey is the second child in the Adler and has always felt that she was loved by her family but felt shadowed by her beautiful and talented sister. She doesn't blame Shelli, it is just in her nature to stay back out of the lime light. Though she is confident on the ice and in her playmaking, she never wants to be the centre of attention. Struggling with her health as her mom has most of her life, she feels she is less desirable than others. While fighting the hurt of a lost love, she is given a wonderful opportunity to help coach the special team and give the Assassin's a power play that will help them win.

Boon is in his glory playing for the Assassin's, what more does a boy raised by a single mom hope for in his life. Sure he had to work his ass off to get here but with the help of a great coach, who went above the normal to help him get where he wanted. Loving the life and living the dream, playing hockey, hanging with the guys, what more could he ask for. When the new coach assistant starts to ride him hard to get the play right, he begins to second guess his ability. But he also realizes that he likes the sparing and the tension that practice brings.

But... she is the owners daughter, a new coach. This can't work can it? Can they work together and have a relationship too?

The chemistry and spark between these two characters was high from the very beginning. I loved that he helps Posey see that she is her own person and very beautiful in her own way. Watching Boon fight for what he knows will make him happy in the end.

This is a standalone in a series and can be read on it's own. For the series followers, it is great seeing some old characters, and trying to figure out who might be next to get their story.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Profile Image for Bec.
1,354 reviews21 followers
January 2, 2020
This is the second book in the next generation Assassins. Posey and Boon meet when posey becomes the assistant coach concentrating on the power play. As a non hockey spectator, I found it interesting as far as the tactics go. I guess because the girl is the bosses daughter she immediately obtained the respect of the other coach’s one being her uncle.

It starts off kinda rough in that we witness the demise of both the relationships the MC’s are in. Then they meet each other. They both don’t trust their feelings with their relationship and have to work out their communication with each other and stop jumping to the negative all the time while getting to know one another. Our heroine is a virgin which the author would have you think was very important in understanding the heroine but then we are also told she was getting drunk and hitting one guys to “get rid of the problem”. That’s kinda odd. Then were told how insecure the heroine is because Shelli her sister is just so much more than her. I don’t like reading how insecure the heroine is. It made me resent a character I liked in the last book.

The hero is great once he understands where posey is coming from. His mum however takes some getting used to. I loved her family but didn’t like how bad they seemed right at the beginning...

So after they get together, understand one another and trust each other the rest of the book was uneventful even with the health scare, it just felt dragged out - 🙃
Profile Image for Rachael.
132 reviews9 followers
March 24, 2020
2 stars, maybe inching up toward the 2.5 mark, because this wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good either. It was a drag, really.

Posey, our heroine, is starting a new job as an assistant coach, focusing on the power play. Boon, our hero, is on the power play, and he's one of the problems Posey has to fix. It's a cute set up, but it just never really takes off.

Right from the start, there are problems with the plot's execution: Other than a single paragraph's worth of tension, there's no real reason to see why these two are drawn to each other. We're told that they're attracted to each other, but we're never really shown, and they both get way too serious about each other way too early. It never feels even remotely realistic. It also gets way too cheesy, and you'll see every "plot twist" coming from a mile away.

The characters, too, seem one-dimensional, and the heroine, in particular, is a bit of a broken record of self-doubt and self-pity. We get it, she's thicker than some of the other characters in the book. It makes her self-conscious. Why does she need to go on and on and on about it? Why are we constantly hearing comparisons between her looks and the looks of other women in the book? Bleh. Posey's a 21 year old virgin, taller and a little bit thicker than other girls, and a little bit insecure because she hasn't had any real relationships. I should have identified with her like crazy, because I was the same at her age, but I couldn't connect with her at all. Because she literally never felt like a real character. It was always just "insert generic heroine, but this time with a thyroid issue!" the whole time.

But let's talk about that virginity thing, for a moment. I know some people hate when the female lead is a virgin and the male lead isn't, but I'm usually not one of those people. I can like a good story that talks about the insecurity one might feel their first time, the questioning of if you should say something or not, of if you're not experienced enough or not... I can be here for that, and there was a touch of that in this book, but it's there and gone in a flash. It felt like a bait and switch, because for a second, I thought we might dive into those complex emotions, but instead, they were mentioned in a sentence and then gone in the next. In the first sex scene, which is Posey's first time ever, by the way, Boon doesn't know that she's a virgin. He moves way too quickly -- like, there's literally ZERO foreplay, a good amount of blood, and she's definitely in pain at first. But what happens? Magically, just by moving like a jackhammer (I literally think that might've been the exact simile used in the book), her pain magically fades to pleasure and she orgasms perfectly, with no other stimulation. ...Right. Because of course she does. Ugh, I don't know, maybe that's just a pet peeve of mine, but I don't like that unrealistic bullshit. A first time can be painful, or it can be completely without pain -- everyone's different and every situation is different -- but let's not act like zero foreplay + quick, rough fucking + zero additional stimulation = pleasure and orgasm.

Also worth noting: the sex scenes aren't that hot and steamy, we really never see any actual progression in the relationship between the two characters, and there are not one, but TWO plot points. Which I personally find completely and unacceptably irresponsible and stupid, but hey, maybe that's me. Also also, the entire second half of this book drags on and on and on, and nothing really happens.

The book is a drag, y'all. Pass.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,508 reviews126 followers
December 23, 2019
Book 2 in the Nashville Assassins: Next Generation and what a great series this is shaping up to be, in this book we catch up with Posey Adler and her new dream job as part of the special teams coaching staff at the Assassins.
Boon Hoenes and Posey bash heads over the power plays she has put in place for the team but it’s not just about the power plays, as they say there is a fine line between love and hate so do this couple hate each other or is it love they really feel.....
Boon can’t get the sassy and feisty Posey out of his head, she is on his mind on the ice as well as off but he has been burned by a previous relationship so is he ready to take a leap of faith, one that could not only mess with his love life it could ruin his career. Posey thought she knew what love was all about but after opening her heart to the wrong man all she wants to do is concentrate on her career but what is it with this man named Boon who seems determined to get inside her head and her heart.
As Boon and Posey become friends their feelings grow into more but falling in love could ruin both their careers and let’s not forget Shea Adler who will want a say in his daughters love life .....
This book has all the feels, I smiled, I laughed and my heart broke as this couple went through so much before they got the HEA they so deserve. A smart sassy girl on the outside struggles with self esteem and it takes a man like Boon to prove she is a special lady. This is a love story that touches on vulnerability as well as showing us that love with the right person can make us stronger. This very talented author really put her heart on the line with his beautifully written romance. I loved everything about this book and I’m sure you will too.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
December 31, 2019
Posey’s determination to follow her heart has left her devastated and determined to prove her value, not only to her family but herself as well, both personally and professionally. She has accepted the position as the Assistant for Special Teams for the Nashville Assassins and isn’t about to be distracted from her goals especially by one of the players she needs to coach.

Boon has a painful past of his own and is directing all his attention on his career. He thrives on his skills as a special team player so his attraction to his coach is both inconvenient and is determined to show her that he belongs on the special teams even if she has her doubts.

It is only a matter of time before the chemistry between them ignites but both are concerned about the effect it will have on their career especially because of their pasts but agreeing to keep their relationship between just the two of them may be the biggest challenge of all.

Heat, humor and heart all combine into a compelling story and seeing the way they encourage each other shows that the only thing that truly matters is the way they feel about each other.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,266 reviews18 followers
December 30, 2019
3.5 stars

In Power Play, Ms Aleo returns us to the world of the Nashville Assassins focusing on Posey Adler, younger daughter of series foundation Ellie and Shea Adler.

Posey is a character we’ve seen briefly in previous books, but don’t know well. We get to know her and love interest/hockey player, Boon, much better here.

Both characters come together after being hurt and seeing them take second chances on love is sweet and heartwarming. I liked both Posey and Boon and enjoyed their interactions as they tried to figure things out.

My struggle/complaint with the book is the set up. The Assassins is a family team and while Posey is uniquely qualified for the coaching position given to her, I would have expected more push back about her getting involved with a player on the team. I felt like this was a conflict element that could have been explore more fully and make the story stronger.

I am curious to see where the Next Generation portion of the series is headed.
Profile Image for Crazychriss889.
1,483 reviews10 followers
March 18, 2022
UPosey Adler - daughter of the famous ice hockey king and sister to the stunningly beautiful Shelli Adler. Posey always lived in their shadow. Now she is the new assistant coach of the Assassins. And she is out there trIng to prove everyone wrong about her.

So... I really wanted to like Posey. But... damn, she comes off as really unprofessional. I am usually okay with romances all about the Boss and employee trope, in this case, the coach and the player trope but those two... it starts off soo unprofessional. She immediately lets her feelings for him cloud her decisions and thats not okay...


Anyways, the hero turned out to be more than decent. Would I say best book boyfriend ever? Maybe not but oh so very close. Plus, he can show his feelings, which is always a plus!

Except for the unprofessionalism at the beginning, this was a nice read. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Melissa.
608 reviews68 followers
January 3, 2020
Loving this next generation series from one of my favorite sports romance authors!
I adore the Adlers so Poseys story was a must read for me. If you love hockey too...you’ll love this entire series!
Power Play is the second half of a duet, it also features Boon Hoenes! I really lived his character.
This book is filled with heart, hurt, feels, heat...is basically has everything I love reading in a romance! Loved Poseys strong character and profession! I adored Boons soft side.
A must read if you love the Assassins like I do ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,929 reviews172 followers
December 31, 2019
Power Play (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #2) by: Toni Aleo  
 
 
A penalty of hearts makes a power play for love. Aleo is back to lay claim to emotions by seducing her way into our hearts. Power Play takes aim at heartache and scores gold. For Posey and Boon, hockey may be the name of the game, but passion is what these lonely hearts are aiming for. Heat, heart and humor set off sparks both on and off the icein this captivating read. Aleo delivers another perfect 10.
Profile Image for m.
296 reviews44 followers
April 3, 2023
Dnf at 15%

I didn’t love it from the start, the writing is very immature and under developed. I was going to give it until 100 pages, but stopped at 45. After the MMC‘s description of how he felt to be coached by FMC i had to put it down. I have too many books waiting in my Libby holds to waste time on this
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