Off The Ice (Juniper Falls #1) By: Julie Cross

I need to give a huge thank you to Entangled Teen for sending out a copy of this awesome book for review. Ya'll over there are amazing, and I can't tell you how appreciated it is all you do for us bloggers 💙💙💙

All is fair in love and hockey…

Claire O’Connor is back in Juniper Falls, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be. One semester off, that’s what she promised herself. Just long enough to take care of her father and keep the family business—a hockey bar beside the ice rink—afloat. After that, she’s getting the hell out. Again.

Enter Tate Tanley. What happened between them the night before she left town resurfaces the second they lay eyes on each other. But the guy she remembers has been replaced by a total hottie. When Tate is unexpectedly called in to take over for the hockey team’s star goalie, suddenly he’s in the spotlight and on his way to becoming just another egotistical varsity hockey player. And Claire’s sworn off Juniper Falls hockey players for good.

It’s the absolute worst time to fall in love.

For Tate and Claire, hockey isn’t just a game. And they both might not survive a body check to the heart.

Oh man. Where to start on this book *sigh*

I can't pass up a sports romances as I've made super clear in other reviews. Especially the hockey ones. They are my kryptonite haha. Although I do have to admit I do typically go for more of the NA's or just regular ol' sports romances vs a YA like this.

But I'm so glad I dove into this one.

It was such a good story. And was so much more emotional than I was expecting. And hit really close to home for me.

I know some that follow my reviews may know. But my mom got sick a couple years back now. And when It happened I had to put my life on hold to get her through surgeries, doctors appointments, physical therapy. All of it. And it took a lot out of me. And I had to halt things like school. So I guess what all that means is, that I could relate so much with Claire in ways.

And not just that but just her personality and drive. And loyalty. I found she was so similar tome. And that really gave me this rare look at a character I could fully Empathize with. And I think that was the biggest thing that pulled me into this book.

Don't get me wrong. The story itself was absolutely amazing. And the characters were so well written and mature for a bunch of dumb high schoolers haha.

But once I had related. It just made the book connect in such a deeper way, and I found myself pulling for Claire and Tate.

And Tate in general. His story was just as good as Claire's. And he's by far one of my favorite contemporary YA heroes.

There was just something about that boy. How real and raw he seemed. And I think that drew me in more. Made me want to cheer so much for him and Claire and see things work out.

Plus, there was actually hockey in this sports romance. I get so tired of books that brand themselves as sports books and then have no sports in them. And there was a really good balance of sports and the rest of the story. It made me a happy hockey nerd for sure haha.

Just everything about this book was perfect. And I don't use that word often unless I really enjoyed every aspect of a book. And that is exactly what happened in this one.

I'm so glad I took a chance on it

And can without even a shadow of a doubt give OFF THE ICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

End Game (Bellevue Bullies #4) By: Toni Aleo

I need to send a huge thank you to not only Toni, but also the amazing people over at L. Woods PR for getting the ARC of this pretty sent out for review.
Y'all treat us bloggers so well. And I can't thank you enough for all the hard work you put in to help us get be able to get these books read and reviewed.

I've gotten to meet Toni a couple times now over the years.The last being this October at Shameless Book con in Orlando (Pictured above... I sadly don't have a pic from the first time I met her though)
I do have a funny-ish story about it though.
The first time I met Toni was back in like 2013 at Bookbash in Orlando. And for those of you that don't know what that is... It's one of those big multi-author signings.
But anyways. I had just started blogging (Like first month or two I started actually haha) And was just really starting to understand self-publishing and this whole other side to the book world. So there were A LOT of authors I was really unfamiliar with. But also I was barely 20 I think? And while I read romance and such before that point. I was really getting into things like Sports Romances, and things a little more smutty? (I had been a lot more into the paranormal and fantasy stuff back then)

So someone like Toni I had never even heard of sadly.
But I can vividly remember meeting her the first time. (Her and Helena Hunting for some reason haha)
I'm always big on talking to as many authors as I can at those things, so I can find new books and stuff... And I seriously can picture the whole interaction going down to this day.
I had no clue who Toni was. I'm this slightly innocent little 20 year old. And here I go to go make small talk, maybe grab some swag, and have this unknown to me author sign my little notebook I was carrying around like it was character time at Disney.
And shes loud, and excited, and super friendly, and I totally get pulled towards her books. And the funniest part (remember my innocent comment mkay?)
And I can't remember which of these Assassins boys it was for, but she talks to me, signs my little notebook and then BOOM!!! Puts this sticker on the page next to her name that says PUSSY KILLER or something like it on it. And I mean I'm sure my face was like ten shades of red at this point. Like no one in my life even uttered the word pussy at that time. And I was just starting to see it in the books I was reading. And I totally was like, "I am never ever picking up one of these crazy lady's books. EVER!"
But I mean, I look back now and I'm two series plus some in the hole... And how well I remember that happening back then. And it totally makes me giggle, but it stuck and now I'm just one of the crazy fandom hehe. (We won't mention it took me almost two years after that point before I finally read Shea's book for the first time haha)

This is going to be Ryan Justice’s year. It’s his last year of college and his last year as a hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies. He’s making all the plays in preparation for achieving his dream of being drafted into the NHL. 

This is Sofia Castilleja’s beginning. She is starting her college career as a star member of Bellevue’s brand-new gymnastics team. She’s going to tumble her way to success, first in school and then by realizing her dream of opening her own gym. 

Ryan and Sofia didn’t see each other coming, but once they meet, they can’t look away. Their dreams are destined to take them in opposite directions. But it doesn’t take them long to realize that waking up to reality together may be better than dreaming alone.

Oh my goodness this book. I can't even begin with where to start. I loved everything about it so much.

I'm a die hard Toni Aleo fan, and even bigger hockey fan. So between the two I knew this sports romance would be right up my ally. And the wonderful thing about Toni's books is that they can all be read in order of the series, or as standalones. I highly suggest you read the others first just because they're awesome books. But if you wanted to. You could jump right into END GAME with no worries. (Also be aware that the Bellevue Bullies series runs very closely to Toni's Assassins series, and many characters cross over between them as well)

But let's really get into this book

Sofia and Ryan were just too fluffing adorable. They are both so driven and compassionate about their sport and the others in their lives. I've never seen two characters that are so similar but yet have these tiny differences that allow them to still grow and change slightly for the better. They're both so strong and so kind. And I loved to see them just build off each other. 

And just let me tell you. I loved how different this story was in general.

It wasn't your average predictable sports romance. There wasn't that big bad conflict really. There was drama and there were choices that had to made or decided on. And it did put strain on the characters. But there wasn't that defining moment that lost sports romances have between its characters.

And I found that such a refreshing thing.

Plus these characters are just so adorable. There's build up like any good book needs. But Toni gives us such a pure and adorable romance. And I found myself loving the dynamic between everyone.

Also I like how Toni changed up the story some this time.

I wont say much on that so you can see for yourself what I'm talking about. but this one breaks the mold in some ways. And I loved it.

Plus we get so many familiar faces in this book. I'm such a nut when it comes to seeing some of my original Assassins favorites. Although let me tell you. When I first started this one, I was kinda overwhelmed. There were so many faces that I had to stop and just take a breath. They're all from the same family but after lord knows how many Bullies and Assassins books I had to really go back and remember where everyone was at this point in time haha.

I joked with another blogger friend about needing a family tree drawn out so I could keep everyone and their ages straight haha (So if anyone that has better drawing skills than me wants to give it a shot, I'll totally take it hehe)

Something else I want to say that is always a big sticking point for me, and something that I love about all the books Toni gives us. There are actually SPORTS happening in this SPORTS romance!! 
We get a good amount of hockey and so much gymnastics. And it is something I appreciate so much from her. So many books now brand themselves as sports romances because their main character plays one. But then they rarely give us any of the actual sports. But Toni makes it a huge plot point in her stories and that carried through really well in END GAME as well. 

And I guess the last point I want to make in this review, is just that I loved how sweet and pure the romance in general was. Don't get me wrong. There were some steamy steamy parts. But just the overall vibe going was so caring and sweet. I mean I'm not an emotional person in the least. And even I was all sunshine and rainbows during and after reading it haha 😎🌈
Toni just gives us such a good and happy story. And I honestly loved the lightness of it all for a summer read.

END GAME

is definitely a

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STAR READ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blog Tour/Review: Two Man Advantage By: Toni Aleo

Two-Man Advantage by Toni Aleo is NOW AVAILABLE! "Sexy. Emotional. Funny. Aleo's first MM is a spectacular debut into a new genre for her." -NYT Bestselling Author, Melissa Collins

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Wells Lemiere knew the moment he saw Matty Haverbrooke, he had to have him. Matty was quiet, he was talented, he was beautiful, and Wells couldn’t stay away. As the youngest and most talented son of the NHL Commissioner, Matty had found the burden of family expectations almost too heavy to carry on even his broad shoulders. He had no intention of getting involved in a relationship with Wells. But the heart he’d given up for dead had other ideas. Their affair was intense and overwhelming, but when Matty couldn’t bring himself to come out and admit he wanted a public future with the man he loved, Wells had no choice but to honor his vow to live openly…and leave Matty behind. But then he learns Wells is marrying another, and Matty knows he can't let that happen. Can he throw down his gloves and embrace his future with both hands? Or will he pull the door to his closet shut once more?

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

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Ok ya'll, I have to admit that I was so unsure going into this book.

M/M is just not my typical read. I have nothing against it or anything, it just isn't my particular preference. But knowing how good Toni's books are, I knew I needed to give TWO MAN ADVANTAGE a shot. And that was exactly what I did.

And I'm so glad I did too. It took a bit to really get into the book. I'm not going to lie, I was really disjointed from the story. But the farther I went the more I really enjoyed the characters and the story as a whole. And believe me, liking Matty was not an easy feat. I have been holding a grudge against him for quite a while. he was a snobby, arrogant, jerk (to say the least) and he did Wells pretty damn bad on top of all the other crap involving his sister.

But Toni actually made me semi like the dude by the end. She gave him a way, at least in my eyes to redeem himself. And I liked that. I liked that Toni could write him in a way that actually made me not hate him haha. But seriously. The trials his character goes through probably have a big part in how I view him now. And even at times even sympathized for him *gasp!

But it was also Wells that I adored in this book. I've loved his character from the start, and just wanted him to be happy. And I feel like this book gave me that.

He's such a caring person. Always seeing the good in everyone, and helping to make a bad situation good. And seeing his love for Matty and how strong that made the two of them made me all warm and fuzzy. He's just one of those characters you can't help but love. 

And as horrible as some of the supporting characters were at times, they really helped make the book. They made the problems the characters faced real and plausible. And hey we get to see some fun familiar Assassins faces in this book too. So that's always fun ;)

All in all this book was good, I went in not knowing what to expect. And was definitely happy I gave it a shot. Toni did an a amazing job with not only the characters but the story itself. And I want to give her and her team a huge thank you for sending out a review copy to read. Ya'll are amazing!

I give TWO MAN ADVANTAGE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Game On (Hometown Player #6) By: Victoria Denault

First off, I need to send a huge shot out to Forever Romance for sending out the ARC to this one. y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough.

When it comes to scoring in the pro hockey league, Alex Larue is crushing it-with the hot puck bunnies. He's the life of the party, the guy with all the jokes . . . and the one whose Party Guy mask keeps the real him well hidden. The last thing he needs is anyone finding out about his troubled past, or the nightmares that haunt him still. 

Brie Bennett is less than impressed by Alex from the moment she meets him. And even though he insists on volunteering at the charity she runs, she doesn't trust him. He's hiding something...but so is she. She's not just the rich, privileged New York princess he thinks she is. The animosity between them is undeniably addictive and as their worlds keep colliding it becomes supercharged with something else - attraction. But if they stop playing games and let each other in, they both might lose.

So let's get into this review shall we?

I have to admit that this is the first book from Victoria's Hometown Players series I've read (yes I know. Bad bad me. But let me tell you. I want them all now. I fell in love with these guys and I want to see all the stories I've been missing out on)

But this book had almost everything I look for in a good sports romance. (I could have maybe used a bit more actual hockey in it. But Victoria did good incorporating at least some of the sport. So we weren't left with one of those "sports romances" that's just about an athlete with none of the actual sports going on. If that makes sense haha)

But any who. We got the sports, the brooding hockey player, some sexy time, and a whole bunch of other stuff I won't say here so I don't spoil anything for ya'll. And it just all worked so well together to create a great story.

I loved seeing the journey that Brie and Alex went on during this book. Both characters met in the funniest way. And then the build up between them was super interesting and even a bit touching at times. They both had such sad pasts, and to see how it shaped them and made them who they are was quite beautiful and heartbreaking to read.

Here we have Alex. This big tough hockey player, who's always starting crap with other teams during games. And when you see him off the ice he's a completely different person. Much more reserved and funny. Definitely a playboy of sorts. But he also has the kindest heart. And you can't help but feel a little sad for him at how he came to be like that. But also amazed by how much he's overcome and turned his life I to something so successful and awesome.

And then there's Brie. You can't help but not like her. She's feisty and strong willed. And seriously has a heart of gold and a passion not many people have in their lives. She doesn't take anything life has given her for granted. And takes no crap. Including that dished out from a certain broody hockey hunk.

She was down to earth and funny. And not afraid to put someone in their place when they needed it (cough cough Alex hehe)

Plus Victoria just touches on a subject that I think we need to see more of out there. And she writes it in a way that makes you not just feel sorry about it. But want to get out and go help. To make a difference much the same way the characters are.

Honestly she touches on a couple different things. And I'm glad she did. We need more authors who aren't afraid to get into the stuff society sees as things we need to be hush hush about and pretends like it doesn't happen.

I really truly enjoyed this book. And hope ya'll pick up a copy when it releases.

I give GAME ON

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In The Crease (Assassins, #12) By: Toni Aleo

I want to send a huge thank you to Toni and Ardent Prose PR for getting this awesome ARC sent out for review.

Y'all rock, and I can't thank you enough for getting me Wren and Jensen's story. I absolutely adored this book, and was so excited to finally get their story. And man, Toni, you did not disappoint

😍💓😍💓😍💓

Jensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits.

Wren Lemiere has prided herself on being a love ’em and leave ’em girl her whole life. She’s all about equal opportunity in the battle of the sexes. Why should guys like her brother and his best friends get to be the only ones allowed to play the dating game? One wrong move, however, and she finds herself in violation of her own rules.

In need of a fake husband and baby daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy, Wren finally accepts Jensen is the logical one to ask for help. Except he has a counteroffer…one with so many strings attached, they may just find themselves wrapped up in ties that bind. Forever.

Let me just say... This is one of those books that I was dying to get my grubby little hands on. I totally fell for Jensen and Wren back in Vaughn's book, and was literally bouncing up and down at the idea of finally getting to see what was going to happen between them.

So when the email went out that they were being sent out I was freaking ecstatic. 

I can't even tell you all.This book did not disappoint one bit. It had everything I could have wanted... Amazing characters, a great plot, sexy times galore, and yes, even a few overly frustrating scenes I just wanted to reach in and strangle some characters over.

But the plot was just so adorable, and man were the hockey men a swoony bunch haha.

But it was more than just some hotties out on the ice.

Toni gave us a well developed story that left be feeling so satisfied at the end, and more in love with this group of characters than I already was. The story was fairly fast paced, and had oodles of romance, drama, and silliness.

And let's not forget out star characters.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with Wren. She's shown up in several of the books in the series, and she's always been one of those characters I liked enough. Especially as we got a bit of a better glance at her in DELAYED CALL.

So I was really interested in what she was going to give us in this book.

And in true Toni form (I swear this woman must be able to like predict half my life at this point haha) she gave me another female character I related to immediately. There were so many things about Wren that I saw in myself. Her personality, unwillingness to trust or lean on others, her insecurities, her experience with awful douche canoes.... I mean honestly there was a lot. And no they weren't all bad. Wren is totally a dork, and funny too, and hey... I appreciate a girl who can joke about her black black soul, because I do all the time too haha. I swear I don't have a heart sometimes hehe.

Now don't get me wrong though. Wren and her multitude of insecurities did try to annoy me here and there. But only because I think they were a bit overdone at times.

I mean I get it, a girl has things that bother her. But I feel like at times they had too large of a presence in this book. And at times, defined Wren more than some of her other amazing qualities did.

But I also liked how Toni used those things to show Wren's growth through the story. She was one of those complex characters that had a ton of different sides to her, and I think by giving her those real life like qualities that most woman go through... It allowed for Wren to seem more real, not just a character in a book. And that's a testament to just how well Toni knows how to write.

It's funny too. A friend of mine who also blogs and received a copy of the book was talking with me, and had a good point. that I totally agreed with. Wren reminded them and me very much of Elli back in TAKING SHOTS.

They have very similar personalities and even insecurities and fears, and I kinda liked that little nod back to the original book (Even if that wasn't really intentional)

And then... There is Jensen....

I wanted this boys book sooooo bad haha.

He seemed like the biggest sweetie ever back in Vaughn's book. And I wanted to see the full extent of that.

Plus let's face it. Kayla has a soft spot for the goalies haha (Tate still makes me all swoony hehe 😍😍😍)

I blame Ben Bishop for my obsession. But I mean, can you blame a girl? He's so adorable haha

🏒🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🠋🔥🏒

But anyways, back to Jensen.

He's just one of those characters that you automatically fall for.

He really is too sweet for his own good, and just such a caring nice guy. Plus he's funny. But I mean could you expect anyone who grew up around Vaughn and Wren to be any different?

That whole group, Wells included too, cracked me up from the start of getting to meet their characters. And Jensen just has that infectious personality and so many jokes and quick quips that cause you to have to put the book down for a few seconds and just giggle. (Like full on girly girl giggles haha)

But he's also one of the most loving and compassionate characters I've read in a while. He literally lives with his heart on his sleeves, and I adored how open and caring he really was. And man Jensen's been through his own share of crap too. But I loved how Toni wrote that all into his story and still let him grow from that, even if it meant still struggling sometimes with it too.

If I thought Wren was complex, she has nothing on Jensen.

He has so many layers [Insert bad Shrek joke here]

But getting to see all those sides to him and see that it only makes him more sure and confident warmed my heart. I wanted to root for him with Wren. I wanted to see him get everything he wanted.

He's definitely scored a spot in my top 5 guys Toni's given us so far.

And let's not forget all the fun characters that made a comeback in this book. Obviously Vaughn and Brie were back (And thank god because I needed more of that troublemaker in my life haha)

And man were those two cute as heck. And so so funny. Vaughn is back in true Vaughn fashion, and between him, Jensen, and Wells, I was about in tears a few times laughing so hard.

But also we get some fun little glimpses of Elli and Shea. And to my absolute delight even Tate (Even if my heart kinda broke for my original Assassins BookBF)

Plus a ton of other familiar faces here and there.

But that's something I've always loved about these books. Getting those small looks into how everyone's lives are going and progressing. It's so fun, and totally sweet to see how favorite characters and couples are doing.

And one thing I think I always kinda forget to mention in these reviews is, Toni has this way of bringing real life issues and situations into her books. Her character's either seem to face something themselves or know someone who is. And I love the way she sheds light on these things. How she shows her readers that yes, these things do happen in the world. And there is a way to live with them and even make your life better because of them, or learn from them.

I don't want to get onto specifics because I don't want to giveaway any plot points from this or previous books in the series. But if you follow Toni's books, you know what I'm talking about.

But I just want to say thank you Toni. For not being afraid to bring real life situations into your books. And allowing your characters to hopefully give some hope and strength to anyone in your characters shoes.

This book was such a great read. And I can't wait for everyone to get their hands on it. It really was a sweet story.

I give IN THE CREASE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Delayed Call By: Toni Aleo

So want to know when I got this beauty in my hands???

Yeah like around 10AM yesterday...

Want to know when I started reading it??

Yeah at like 1AM last night...

Want to know when I finished it???

Yup!!!! At like 10AM this morning...

Want to know how??

I GOT NO SLEEP AT ALL 😵😵😵😵😵

(No not because I was up reading. I was up reading because I couldn't sleep.)

That's what??? 9 hours or so???

I finished a book in 9 hours.... I have not done that in a really really long time. Like Christina Lauren Wicked Sexy Liar long time haha.

So I mean if ya'll need someone to tell you just how amazing these books, and the whole Assassins series in general... I volunteer as tribute!!✋✋✋

Also I need to give a huge huge thank you to Toni Aleo and the folks over at Ardent Prose for sending out this stellar ARC. I can't thank you enough 😘😘😘

Also... Just so ya'll Know. Toni Aleo is by far one of the coolest authors I've gotten to meet. I've actually gotten to meet her twice now. The first time was back at 2014 Bookbash. And I had absolutely no clue who she was hehe. I remember meeting her though, and having her sign my little notebook I used for authors I didn't have their books.

And then I got to meet her again this past October at Shameless 2016.

Which was pretty fun, considering I actually knew her books by that point, and could gush all about her hot hockey boys. That and swipe all the cool trading card swag she had for her Assassin and Bellevue boys haha

(Including at Tate Odder one!!! *Swoon. I love that fictional man so much)

But it's just been so fun going back to that first book event I went to, and seeing how much I've changed and really gotten to know so many of those authors books that I had no clue about back then.

Vaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self.

Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders. As the staff reporter for the Assassins, she balances her high-profile job and its heavy travel schedule with being the sole provider for her adult brother with Down syndrome. Sure, she'd like to find love. But who has time for that when there are bills to pay?

Brie has been the match to Vaughn's gasoline since the day she first held out her microphone to him. They strike sparks off each other, keeping their friends, the team, and the Assassins fans in stitches. Brie’s refusal to fawn over Vaughn sets his teeth on edge and his blood boiling. Especially in that body part... 

Brie's been let down by love before, but she knows she deserves nothing less than real, forever love. Vaughn's past has left deep, hidden scars, and there are some secrets he cannot bear to reveal. As much as Brie wants him, Vaughn may be too big a risk for her wary heart to take. But he is at his best under pressure. When the delayed call is in effect and he has no choice but to score, Vaughn always delivers.

I find myself never knowing where to start these at these days. (Although right now at this point I'm coming off being awake almost 48 hours after a sleepless night spent passing the time reading an entire book, so I may be be at that lack of sleep loopy point honestly)

But I guess a good starting point would be that I really enjoyed this book. In true Toni Aleo form... She gave us a new Assassins book that had all the drama, comedy, romance, emotional-ness (Gonna go with yeah, that's a real word hehe) and hot hockey players we've come to expect in these awesome books.

As I said, I haven't gotten any sleep in the last 48 hours, and so at almost 1:30 in the morning I was in bed passing the sleepless time reading this delightful book. Tears down my face from laughing so ridiculously hard at the characters fun banter and easy razzing. And to give you an idea of how this all went down for me. My head board doesn't attach to my bed frame because apparently the manufacturer couldn't figure out the specs of a normal bed frame height and such.... Anywhosies... so if I move in my bed at all, get out or in, laugh uncontrollably so the bed shakes... My headboard will get pushed into the wall with a loud wack! So here it is getting rather late into the night, and I'm laughing like a spastic hyena, with my headboard smacking off the wall and my cat practically jumping off the bed every time it happens. All the while my mom's room is on the other side of said wall (And how on earth the giggling and or banging never woke her up is absolutely beyond me.) But I'm trying so hard not to make noise. And yeah... I failed miserably haha.

But that's seriously the bests part of Toni's books. Her ability to have me in absolute stitches from laughing at one moment, to getting all emotional and heart achy for the characters the next. And then all sappy romantic soon after and between the other two.

Her books just have so much depth and dimension. They never are just about the hockey. Or just about the sex. Every character has some sort of personal battle they are working to over come. Giving us these amazing characters we want to root for and cheer on. And yes even want to reach in to the pages and strangle from time to time.

Toni gives us such real relatable characters. And the experiences they have are ones that anyone could be going through at any given time.

Take Brie and Vaughn.

(Don't worry I'm not going to give anything away)

But these two both have such similar back stories, and while they each were hurt in different ways as they progressed... It was their pasts and even how that past changed their futures that made you feel for them. And understand why each of them was so closed off in their own way.

But it was also just them.

Brie is such a fun relatable character. (Shush it all of you. I'm on a good female character liking kick right now. And none of ya'll can ruin it for me.) She has so much fire in her. And I love how she is a take no crap kinda woman. And will dish it back just as hard as its thrown at her.

She's no weak little female, none of the Assassins girls are honestly. They all kick butt and take names, and I adore them all so much.

But Brie while being this little hellcat also has this tender vulnerable side that she does a good job of hiding. But when it comes out your heart just kinda breaks and goes all gooey for her.

She really has gone through so much,and seeing how she came out on the other side of it and still is so fearless and fierce... I gotta appreciate that.

I related to her so much at times. And I loved that I could.

And how Brie handles Vaughn just cracks me up. Those two are such a live wire together. And man do the sparks fly. The banter between them was so quick and funny. (Hints why I was dying laughing in the middle of the night)

But most all the banter centered around Vaughn was like that. He's one of those cocky irritating as heck people that you know if you ever met in real life you'd want to smack upside the head. But he's also incredibly sweet and adorable in a super dorky way. Like with his dog Tricksie. Or his best friends. You don't see the sexy as sin star hockey player, but this doofy guy who likes to joke about his bromance with his bestie, and his strange relationship with his dog. And by far the biggest thing his kind compassionate heart.

But it's honestly not just those two that make this story so good. Its Rod Brie's brother, who is by far the sweetest character in the entire world. And just wants to be his own person despite the hand life dealt him. And his reaction with Brie was absolutely awe-inspiring and heart breaking at times. With Rod having Downs Syndrome and the medical problems that surrounded it... It made me think of my nephew who was born with Hydrocephalus. And while it's a whole different condition, it caused some mental delays that could mean my nephew would never be able to live on his own, and that just... It hit close to home I guess. 

And someone else I absolutely loved was Jansen! Like this guy. OH-EM-GEE!!! First off him and Vaughn are like the funniest freaking bromance I have ever read. EVER! As previously stated... a couple times haha.

But this man. Is literally the male fictional version of myself. Like there were parts of dialog where he would say something and I would bust out laughing because dear lord... I have either said or done the exact same things. Like if he's going to get his own book... I wanted it a week ago hehe.

He's so dang funny,and so so smart. Like everyone listen to #JensenTheWise because my man knows what he's talking about ya'll (And he's a goalie too!!! 😍😍😍)

Tate Odder will always hold the number one Assassin spot for me. But I have a feeling Jensen is going to hold a at least a top five spot by the time it's all said and done.

And if you're a fan of the series, we get a bunch of our favorites back for this installment like Shea, Ellie, Benji, etc...

There were so many twists and turns as this book went, and as always, Toni was able to pull me in from the first page and hold my attention until the last. And I found myself once again relating to so many aspects of one these books.

Empty Net is still by far my favorite. I have a really special place in my heart of that book, because it helped me through a really difficult time in my life, and I had never found a character quite like Audrey, that I saw exactly myself in. And found a part of myself I was missing by reading her's and Tate's story. But I honestly adored this book, and felt a lot of that same pull that I did back when I read EN.

I hope if anything I was at least able to convince you to go start the Assassins series with this one. Because it is by far one of the best book series out there. It ha some of everything, and you will fall absolutely head over heels for them.

And I hope I could also convince you to grab up a copy of DELAYED CALL too. Because it is such a good book, and I'm telling you... You want a good laugh session, this book will be for you. But also be prepared because the emotional-ness is all over the place on this one too haha

But it is worth every giggle, tear, and heart string pull.

I give DELAYED CALL, beyond a shadow of a doubt

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐