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Trying to Score (Assassins #2)

by Toni Aleo (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 3,203 ratings · 317 reviews

In a captivating novel of second chances and healing hearts, the newest member of the Nashville Assassins pulls a power play to make things right with the one that got away.

Fallon Parker’s dream has always been to turn her family’s wine company into a runaway success and eventually start a cellar of her own. Since graduating from college, she has worked relentlessly to ma...more

Kindle Edition, 1, 478 pages

Published April 11th 2012 (first published April 10th 2012)

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Best Hockey Romance

2nd out of 65 books — 222 voters

Hockey in Fiction ~ Adult Books

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Jan 05, 2013 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hockey-romance, 2013-read, 2012-read, 2012-release, contemporary-romance, famous-actor-athlete-celebrity, kindle, second-chance-at-love, secret-baby, re-read, sports-romance, series-to-continue

Another enjoyable hockey romance by Toni Aleo. I actually enjoyed Trying to Score more than the first Assassins book; the storyline and characters seemed more realistic- Shea from the previous book was a bit too perfect and too weepy for my taste. Lucas and Fallon were a great couple and I'm such a sucker for a hidden baby plot line- their son Aiden was adorable in the book. The relationship between Lucas and Aiden was very sweet and I even teared up a few times. My only complaint is that there...more

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May 03, 2012 ShawnaLeAnn [Dreaming In The Pages] rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-releases, earc, blog-tour

You can find this and other reviews on my blog: Dreaming In The Pages

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*sigh*

Yes folks. I am starting out a review with a sigh. Because 1) I can. And 2(I am in total and complete love with the second book in the Assassins series. I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous as hell to pick up this book either. I was so enamored with Shea and Elli in Taking Shots I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to open up my heart to yet another Hockey stud muf...more You can find this and other reviews on my blog: Dreaming In The Pages

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*sigh*

Yes folks. I am starting out a review with a sigh. Because 1) I can. And 2(I am in total and complete love with the second book in the Assassins series. I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous as hell to pick up this book either. I was so enamored with Shea and Elli in Taking Shots I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to open up my heart to yet another Hockey stud muffin who was gunning for my heart. But alas, I was so very wrong. A little steamy, a little heartbreaking, and a whole lot of fanning yourself are in order this time around readers. Are your cheeks feeling a little pink yet? Get use to the feeling.

Now, as I said, I didn’t know if I was even able to love a story as much as I did Shea and Elli’s. I KNOW Elli [I swear, she is me] and how could I love someone more than I love Shea Alder?! [I’m still not sure I actually can…] After the first chapter I had no doubt Toni was going to be blowing me away yet again. Fallon and Lucas’s story is a total 180 from what we read in Taking Shots. Like Elli, Fallon has her own sets of faults and personal problems going on, but once Lucas Brooks enters the story we notice that Fallon and Lucas’s relationship is far more intertwined than we could have first imagined. I quickly fell for the banter and quirks between these two. As Fallon was extremely slow to even warm up to Lucas, I fell for him hard and fast and couldn’t help but to cheer him on as he tried to get Fallon back into his arms.

Now, before I go all gaga over Lucas Brooks some more, I wanted to say how much I LOVED being able to see Elli and Shea in this book. It was AMAZING to get to see their story even after we thought it was ‘over’ when their book ended. Now, since that is aside, I can address how much I love how Toni sets a story up. I love that when I am done with one of her books, I feel like I’m complete. Like Taking Shots, Trying to Score was no short story. You are taking through the up’s and down’s of this relationship and you feel like once you take one step forward you take five steps back and then your heart is aching for what almost happened. Toni gets me so wrapped up in this story that once even something little happens [like Fallon coming to her senses on certain subjects] I seriously jump up in my seat and squeal out in glee. There is nothing like seeing someone completely turn around.

Fresh, new, and something completely unexpected I quickly became glued to Toni Aleo’s second work of masterpiece and, to be honest, it has actually made me start watching hockey. [Go Preds!] If you fell in love with Taking Shots, I have no doubt in my mind that you will fall for Trying to Score. There is nothing like watching a story you thought was long over, blossom and become everything you ever wished it would have been. There is also nothing like a little steam and fanning oneself either. But why are you sitting there reading the end of my review?! Shouldn’t you be rushing out to go buy this?! Oh, and be sure to say hello to Lucas Brooks for me. I have a feeling you two will get along swimmingly.(less)

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Apr 30, 2012 Autumn Review rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, blog-tours, review, favorites

My Summary: Fallon Parker is finally living her dream of working in the family wine business. She’s had to put her love life on hold to make this dream a reality. Now her past is coming back to haunt her. She’s working with the Nashville Assassins hockey team. She never expected to run into her old flame Lucas Brooks.
Lucas Brooks has had a troubled life. He’s lost a parent, struggled with addiction, and lost the love of his life. However on the ice, he’s deadly. Despite his personal struggles, h...more My Summary: Fallon Parker is finally living her dream of working in the family wine business. She’s had to put her love life on hold to make this dream a reality. Now her past is coming back to haunt her. She’s working with the Nashville Assassins hockey team. She never expected to run into her old flame Lucas Brooks.
Lucas Brooks has had a troubled life. He’s lost a parent, struggled with addiction, and lost the love of his life. However on the ice, he’s deadly. Despite his personal struggles, his reputation on the ice is respectable. Lucas gets traded to Nashville where he runs head first into his true love, Fallon.
Secrets are revealed and old pain resurfaces. Can Fallon and Lucas even be around each other without combusting and will they be able to forgive each other of the past to make a new future together?
My Take:
This book is the second book in the Assassins Series and I couldn’t wait to read it. I loved the first book, Taking Shots, and was anxious to see whose story we would see next. I love hockey and sports romance! Hockey players are just so manly and yummy!

Lucas and Fallon’s story is very different than Elli and Shea’s. Toni did a great job of making the characters unique. I’ll be honest, it took me a while to warm up to Fallon. I could see why she did what she did, but she was a bit of a brat. Once she realizes her faults, I loved her! I love the name Fallon too. Neat name. I adore Lucas and want one of my own! His struggle with addiction and his determination to stay sober, was inspiring. I felt like he needed to go through the consequences of his addiction, so that he and Fallon could be a couple. Without giving anything away, you see how sensitive Lucas is and the relationship he develops with one of the characters made me melt! I love that he was so close to his mother and father too. The steam level was high and OH SO GOOD! Lucas and Fallon definitely have some serious sexual chemistry! *Fans Self* Oh and let me just say that when it rains now, I think of Lucas!

I was thrilled to see Elli and Shea! Love seeing how relationships progress. I am SO excited to read the next story Empty Net, which is Audrey’s story. Audrey is Fallon’s sister and she makes her appearance in this book. She is such a sweetheart!

One little thing I have to mention is that editing has been an issue and I don't blame the author. When you hire an editor, they should catch errors. Enough said on that. SO, I loved the epilogue and seeing where they were later on. Love the development of the series and can’t wait to read Empty Net! If you like some spice in your Contemporary Romance and sports, check this out! Toni Aleo has become one of my favorite new authors to read! SERIOUSLY! Hope you enjoy the series too! 5 out of 5 leaves
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Aug 26, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

I reallly wanted to like this, believe me, I did.

BUT ...

I just couldnt get over the inconsistencies or the dialogue. (Fallon is broke, but wears fabulous designer shoes?) This had the potential to be a great book, but it just did not do it for me.

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Jun 13, 2012 Ann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, romantic-sports

3.5 stars. Bk 2 of this hockey saga with the delish hot hockey player and another h that I detest. More so than in bk 1. Once again I find the story and the H Lucas extremely likeable, his son Aiden absolutely adorable, the h Fallon detestable. Truly believe this chick is bi-polar. She believes Lucas cheated on her in college and they break up. She holds on to that like a mad dog with a bone for 7 more years. Talk about your drama queen. Lucas is back and Fallon’s on the dreaded see-saw of “I wa...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Gravity rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I loved everything about Trying to Score--except Fallon. She made me sooo angry. The way she justified her actions...ah. I can't even explain her stupidity. I just want to punch her in the face for all the stuff she put Lucas through. I didn't like her character at all, and that isn't good if she is the MAIN character. Aaaa, I'm soo angry about this book. If Fallon would have had a different personality, then I would have given this book five stars.

Lucas and Aiden are what carried this book for...more

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May 05, 2013 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Angela by: netgalley

Shelves: ebook, fiction, kindle, kindle-loanable, netgalley, romance, series

I've mentioned before about how much I love hockey and hockey men so reading about them is a such an easy thing to do. I watch the sport religiously and attend the games as much as possible, which isn't very often cause it's a four hour drive to to both Nashville and Columbus so I only go once or twice a season when they play my favorite team. That being said, when I found this series I was so excited to read about the men who play and the women who are strong enough to hold onto them.

Lucas was...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Jenese (Readers Confession) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, blog-tour, favorites

Since this is my first time of hearing of this book and author, I will honestly say I didn't have too high hopes for this book. But...I loved it! I totally fell in love with Lucas, oh and Aiden. :-) I really want to gush over this book. Its one of those books that takes you on such a long journey that you continue to think about it for days after you finish it.

I realized from the start in the Epilogue and Chapter 1 that I was going to like this one.

"'No, guys are stupid at my age. I want a man...more

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May 10, 2013 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Couldn't put this one down. Love the first one and this one. Looking forward to the next one! keep on writing Toni!

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Apr 22, 2012 Vanessa rated it 4 of 5 stars

After having read the first book in the Assassins, I was extremely excited to read the next one in the series!
I really did enjoy this book, the tension between Fallon and Lucas was evident throughout the whole book and how cute was Aiden? Loved that little boy in this book!

However, like with the first book, I had issues with the female character. There were numerous times where I really just wanted to scream at her to open her eyes, however, I'm assuming that that feeling was one of the actual...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Tabby - IMReviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-books-i-own, books-i-own, reviewed-for-imr-2012, signed-books, favorites

See Original Review - here

Lucas and Fallon. Fallon and Lucas. No matter how you say the two names, one thing remains the same - they were meant to be said together.

How do you fix the biggest mistake you ever made? That is exactly what Lucas Brooks is trying to figure out. Despite the plan he has in his head of how he wants to go about doing this, nothing is turning out quite the way he wants it to. Who knew that getting and staying sober along with living your dream as a hockey player could leav...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley-for-review

3.5 stars!
Received arc from netgalley for my honest review

This is the second book in Toni Aleo's Assassins series. Don't let the name fool you, these aren't suspense books filled with danger. No, Assassins is a Hockey team, and "Trying to Score" is a delicious sporting team, romance.
Fallen and Lucas met and fell instantly in love. They were together for two years, when something happened that ripped them apart, leaving them both broken. Nine years has gone by and Lucas has worked hard to become...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Kerry-Ann McDade rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-a-little-bit-of-everything

Toni Aleo has done it again with her page gripping characters which has had me hooked from the very beginning. She is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I can't wait for her future releases.

Fallon and Lucas are two characters which won't take you long to get interested in the author is such an amazing writer that you instantly want to read more just to find out how the stories going to end. This is the PERFECT beach read for your holidays if your looking for something gripping and...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Rhayne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, reviewed-for-guilty-pleasures

5 STARS

The relationship between these two is explosive. There are so many hurdles that they have to leap over. Just when you think they may actually get their fairytale ending you turn the page and whole new world of problems open up. Just like the first book in this series, Taking Shots, this is a long book. I really liked that. The problems that they face are realistic. You actually get to read the detail of how they were able to overcome them. Nothing seemed rushed. There is a good balance of...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Guilty Pleasures added it

Shelves: authorreviews, guiltypleasures-rhayne

Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

5 Stars

Trying to Score is the second book in The Assassins series by, Toni Aleo. This book brought out so many feelings for me. I laughed at times and then was spitting mad at others. It is jammed pack of passion and emotion. I love that in a book.

The underlying theme of this entire story is forgiveness. Fallon and Lucas were hopelessly in love. That is, until the day she caught him and her best friend in bed together. 6 years and 1 secret child later t...more Rhayne's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

5 Stars

Trying to Score is the second book in The Assassins series by, Toni Aleo. This book brought out so many feelings for me. I laughed at times and then was spitting mad at others. It is jammed pack of passion and emotion. I love that in a book.

The underlying theme of this entire story is forgiveness. Fallon and Lucas were hopelessly in love. That is, until the day she caught him and her best friend in bed together. 6 years and 1 secret child later their paths cross again when Lucas is traded to The Assassins to play hockey. Fallon’s wine company is the corporate sponsor for the team. They are certain to be spending a lot of time together.

Lucas knows that he screwed up. He was addicted to alcohol and drugs. He has gone through rehab and has been sober for 4 years. One thing that I admire about Lucas is he never tried to make excuses or blame anyone for his mistakes. He owned them and learned from them. He knew he had a problem and did what it took to change things around. All he wants now is another chance to prove to Fallon that they are meant to be together.

Fallon left Lucas and never looked back. She later discovered that she was pregnant, but she was so angry and hurt by his betrayal that she didn’t tell him about the baby. She has done an amazing job raising her son, Aiden with the immense help of her sister, Audrey.

The relationship between these two is explosive. There are so many hurdles that they have to leap over. Just when you think they may actually get their fairytale ending you turn the page and whole new world of problems open up. Just like the first book in this series, Taking Shots, this is a long book. I really liked that. The problems that they face are realistic. You actually get to read the detail of how they were able to overcome them. Nothing seemed rushed. There is a good balance of description without going overboard. These two people have both been emotionally shredded by their 6 year separation. When they are thrown back together, they both know that this time there is much more at stake than just their wants and happiness.
To say that Lucas and Fallon have sexual chemistry is putting it mildly. Intense passion consumes these two. You know that when they finally get pushed to their breaking points and give into the burning desire it is going to be scorching hot. Ms. Aleo does not disappoint in her ability to write steamy but sensual sex.

Lucas and Fallon’s son Aiden brings a great dynamic to this story. He is a typical 6 year old that says exactly what is on his mind. It’s touching to watch his relationship with his dad grow. The first “I Love You” scene between the two of them is amazing and so tender I had tears in my eyes.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It sucked me in until the very last page. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for this talented and sexy hockey team.
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Apr 11, 2012 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, books-i-own, ebook, review-copies, sophomore-rc, ccc-2012, favorite, contempt, new-adult-rc-2012, read-2012, new-adult

My full review in all of its glory (and tasty photos) can be found on my blog!

Not since Beautiful Disaster has a book complete taken over my life and completely changed it for the better. Toni had a game-winning goal with Taking Shots, but Trying To Score gives you a overtime win!

Fallon and Lucas had the love that everyone dreams of. Locking eyes across the room at a club, the both go balls to the wall and have the most amazing time of their life. Until the day that it all comes to an end. One m...more

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Apr 30, 2012 A Tasty Read/ Sweet Reads Reviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, arc, gifted-by-author

Reviewed on http://atastyread.blogspot.com

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals....and that's just the first hundred pages.

In TRYING TO SCORE by Toni Aleo, we meet single mother, Fallon Parker, who is trying to take the Family Wine Business to the next level, by having wine sold at the Hockey Arena. Unfortunately for her, she has come face to face with the new player for the Nashville Assassins, Lucas Brooks, the man who "broke her" eight years ago, and she hasn't seen since.

Lucas Brooks is finally full...more Reviewed on http://atastyread.blogspot.com

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals....and that's just the first hundred pages.

In TRYING TO SCORE by Toni Aleo, we meet single mother, Fallon Parker, who is trying to take the Family Wine Business to the next level, by having wine sold at the Hockey Arena. Unfortunately for her, she has come face to face with the new player for the Nashville Assassins, Lucas Brooks, the man who "broke her" eight years ago, and she hasn't seen since.

Lucas Brooks is finally fully recovered from his addictions and he is ready to make a new start with the Assassins. When he sees Fallon Parker again, he knows this is the second chance that he has been waiting for, and he does ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to try and get her back in his life, if only she would let him within five feet of her.

TRYING TO SCORE was a more enjoyable read than TAKING SHOTS, at least for me. I love a good "secret baby" story and the fact that he did the unthinkable while they were dating, well...that just made it all the better. I will say that there was a few scenes that could have been removed to make the book shorter, and it still would have been great. Some things can be said without reiterating it again and again, so I could have done with a little less of the same thing.

Aside from wanting to smack Lucas when he first meets Fallon...and I think you will all agree he needed a slap across his face for that dirty mouth...I did begin to like him as I kept reading and I think I may have even fallen for him by the end. He became a real man, one that would take care of his family, even Audrey. I think I might have liked him a little more if he wouldn't have had such a dirty mouth in the beginning. I mean if you are trying to win back a lady because she was the love of your life, I don't think I'd be talking about sexual positions.

As for her parents and his mother...I didn't really like any of them as secondary characters, and when it comes to Aiden's birthday party and Lucas' mother has a "talk" with Fallon...I think I'd of knocked her out for what she said. It was a bit much and it really made me not like her as a secondary character. Fallon's father was just an asshole, but we expect that since we learn about him in the beginning of the book. And Lucas' best friend, Levi, what a DOUCHE....excuse my french, but really...there is NO OTHER WORD to describe him, but douche. As for Audrey, I really liked her and I hope that she finds her HEA in EMPTY NET. I liked that Audrey told Fallon when she was being a complete Bitch and that she should let go of the past and see Lucas for who he is now.

As I said, I did enjoy reading this second-chance romance, and I was hoping that the two of them out end up together. I would definitely recommend you give this author a chance and pick up both of the books in this series, but if you have to buy one, go for TRYING TO SCORE....you will be happy you picked it up.
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Apr 29, 2012 Ambur rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sports-romance, sexy, romance, own-ebook, adult-romance

While I didn't love this one quite as much as I loved Taking Shots, I did still really like it. :) I loved that the main character, Fallon, was so sassy, and I think I loved pretty much everything about Lucas. ;) haha He's a character that you can see has had a lot of growth from the guy you see in Fallon's flashbacks. I'm gonna refrain from talking about the other character that I absolutely adored because he's not mentioned in the description and I don't want to spoil his entrance...but when y...more While I didn't love this one quite as much as I loved Taking Shots, I did still really like it. :) I loved that the main character, Fallon, was so sassy, and I think I loved pretty much everything about Lucas. ;) haha He's a character that you can see has had a lot of growth from the guy you see in Fallon's flashbacks. I'm gonna refrain from talking about the other character that I absolutely adored because he's not mentioned in the description and I don't want to spoil his entrance...but when you meet him, you'll love him too and you'll know exactly who I'm talking about! ;D

One thing that made Trying to Score so different from Taking Shots was that this one had flashbacks, which I really enjoyed, and I thought that they were a fantastic way to bring in parts of Fallon and Lucas's past. I especially loved getting to see the differences between Fallon and Lucas then, and Fallon and Lucas now. Also, I absolutely love Fallon's name! :D I also really loved the chemistry and banter between Fallon and Lucas. They have some major sparks!

I really liked the story, too. I especially enjoyed Lucas trying to woo Fallon back. I did think that at times Fallon's reasoning was flawed, and that the drama between the two was maybe a little drawn out...but I totally understood her reluctance to take Lucas back. She had the issues she had with him, and other people to think of, but she also had some serious trust issues with the male figures in her life...her relationship with her father was awful, so I got why she didn't really want to let Lucas in again. She was scared, and her daddy issues definitely played into it all. I would've actually liked to see Fallon's relationship with her father improve in Trying to Score, but since the next book is supposed to be from her sister Audrey's perspective (or so I've heard ;D), I'm hoping that will pop up in the next book.

Another thing I loved about this one was that Elli and Shea show up! :D I loved getting to see what happened to them after Taking Shots, and that we got to see how happy they were! It was awesome, especially since they appeared a lot more than I had hoped they would! :D

The only real issue I had with this book was the editorial errors, but since I had a reviewer's copy that should be improved in the finished edition. I did check some Amazon reviews, and a few mentioned errors as well, so I'm cautioning you about it right now just in case they're still there. While the errors were a bit distracting at times, I didn't feel like it detracted from the story, and I was still able to get caught up in Fallon and Lucas's love story. Overall, it was still a great sports romance, and I'm hoping that they've since been fixed, but just in case they haven't, I'm giving you a head's up.

If you want an addictive and dramatic sports romance this will be perfect for you, especially if you enjoy seeing characters change over time. I'm cautioning you about editorial errors, though, so be forewarned. It is relatively cheap, only $3.99 for Kindle and Nook, so it's a great deal, especially since it's a fairly long book. I really liked this story, and if you haven't read Taking Shots yet, I definitely recommend you check out that one, too. :)

*I received an egalley to participate in the blog tour, and for an honest review. This review is also posted on my blog and on other social media sites. (less)

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Jan 25, 2012 Jodi Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am not a romance reader but I loved Trying to Score. I absolutely love the characters. I cried, smiled and got angry at the characters while reading this book. If you can make me do those things with a book I'm reading you have accomplished what I love for a book to do for me. Not to mention turn me on!!! I am so anxious to read the third in the series and meet new characters and hopefully hear a bit more on previous characters. Great job Toni!!! It won't let me highlight my stars but I'm givi...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Megha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

LUCAS BROOKS! shee-it! my heart broke everytime Falon would say something. Loved Falon too. through and through. But best of all was Aiden! adorable! and its just something about tough men being brought to their knees by their families. tough but oozing vulnerability.

Like AA would say - Where the hell is my Lucas Brooks?!

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Aug 04, 2012 Ariel rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this book, just as much if not more than the first.

I love Fallon and Lucan and I as rooting for them the entire time, even when Fallon was being obnoxiously annoying. This book blew me away at every turn and it always surprised me. Though I do hate Aubrey however, but not from the lack of trying. I hope that in later books I get a chance to change my mind about it.

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Jun 07, 2012 Sherry Sweeney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Loved this book also

Really good read, easy to follow the characters not just about the sex, good storyline.

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May 16, 2013 Tammy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: men-to-sigh-over, 2013, 4-stars

So, this is my second book by Toni and I must say I am a fan, totally hooked, even though again, the heroine irked the ever-living day lights out of me. Toni can write her butt off and she quickly becomes addicting even if you want to slap the chicks around in her books. Ugh, they are so fricken annoying, sorry Toni, but seeing as you wrote them you probably already realize that. My stars again are out of alignment when it comes to this author. It is maddening that I cannot just settle right off...more So, this is my second book by Toni and I must say I am a fan, totally hooked, even though again, the heroine irked the ever-living day lights out of me. Toni can write her butt off and she quickly becomes addicting even if you want to slap the chicks around in her books. Ugh, they are so fricken annoying, sorry Toni, but seeing as you wrote them you probably already realize that. My stars again are out of alignment when it comes to this author. It is maddening that I cannot just settle right off the bat with how I will rate. I am used to clean cut stars. Not with Toni's series, this contests to her writing skills. So for this round, I came up with my 4 star rating, and it definitely was not due to Fallon. If I left it up to her character it wouldn't of made it past a 2.

Lucas and Aiden absolutely made this story perfect, they were both addicting in their own ways. I loved this daddy and son trio.

I felt so much frustration for Lucas I just wanted to give him a hug(ok and maybe a few other things), this man just COULD NOT catch a break he just couldn't. He made a mistake 7 years ago and paid the ultimate price for it. No matter how he tried to earn forgiveness, no matter how much he tried to show Fallon he was a changed man, for her it just didn't matter and she made him pay through 90% of the book. I shed some tears for him, and there were some emotional moments where I just wanted him to walk away from his relationship with her. I can honestly say I would never ever put up with the crap he did. He has the patience of a saint. Seriously, this man was so flawed, yet perfect. I wish I could quote some of his lines for you because they were sweet, they were hilarious, and some of them were so dirty they made my panties melt (yes, I know too much info). Toni Aleo is a genius at giving us HOT SWEET AND DIRTY ALPHA MALES, her hockey stars have made it to my top book boyfriend list, well at least Lucas has!

Aiden held his own, he cracked me up and made my heart smile with his innocence. Next to his father, he had some of the greatest lines. AJ never failed to have me giggling or sniffling in sadness. Just wait till you meet him, he will cuddle his way into your heart and just hang out there, because he is awesome like that.

Fallon, dear Fallon, let me count the ways in which I wanted to rip your face off. I truly and utterly disliked you. I am sorry to say that while Elli rode my nerves, you take the cake. At least with Elli I saw glimpses of good, and I understood partially where she was coming from with her insecurities and their good moments outweighed the bad. Yours not so much. Through 90% of this book, you whined, made excuses, and used your child as a shield. I seriously got so tired of the "he cheated"...let me just inform you Fallon that you were wrong on so many levels and oh so selfish. It was 7 years ago, it is time to GET OVER IT. In the beginning, I felt sympathy for Fallon, but seriously, once I met Lucas and the more I got to know him and his story I just could not sympathize with her any longer. The whining became so tedious enough is enough. Especially since I did not agree with her actions or the reason she kept Aiden from Lucas. Either forgive the man and move on or learn to let it go so that you may get along for your son. I won't say Lucas and Fallon didn't have intense emotional and physical chemistry between them because there was, even with all the whining it flows strongly off the pages. They were explosive in and out of the bedroom. I really wanted to root for this couple, but by the time the HEA came I was so over the cheating and trust thing. It's not that I didn't understand her pain or feelings of betrayal, because I did. It's just that the drama was drawn out for so long and over used that I was so over it, I didn't care any longer. I really wish I could say I liked Fallon, but sitting back and thinking back over it I can't. I just can't. Another heroine bites the dust.

Personally for me the author needed the couple to resolve their issues much faster than they actually did. Towards the end, I thought they had finally settled it and were on the path to finding their HEA when I was steered back in the other direction to go through it all over again.

Overall Trying to Score worked much better for me. All the characters except for Fallon kept me coming back for more and I even enjoyed the glimpses of Ellie I got. Married life has really done wonders for her. Now Audrey, Fallon's sister, that chick has me on the fence. She started out amazing, and then well towards the end she seemed so out of character. I cannot wait to read her story so I can dig deeper into what is going on with her and make my decision from there.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Trying To Score in exchange for my honest opinion.

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May 06, 2013 Holly rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 200-books-in-2013, contemporary, may-2013, new-to-me-2013, read-in-2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I downloaded this because the cover is hot and it features hockey players. Sadly it was a disappointing read.

1) Secret Baby plot. I hate secret baby plots unless the heroine has a VERY good reason for keeping the kid a secret. When the kid is 6 and she's refusing to tell daddy because she's all wrapped up in how SHE feels? That doesn't work for me.

2) Lucas was a total doormat. At some point you have to say to yourself "this chick is a crazy bitch and I'm wasting my time". He should have reache...more

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Apr 28, 2013 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I received a copy of this title free from the author and publisher via netgalley.com. This book is a DNF. I usually love a good hockey story, but I just couldn't continue this one. I quit about half way through because no one was learning any lessons. The relationship between the hero and heroine was moving in slow motion for me. Relationships with secondary characters were out shining the romance. Before starting to write this, I went back and read the Goodreads.com blurb to see if I had missed...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Kame rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-books-read, sports, contemporary-romance

3 ½ stars

Fallon decides she can finally let loose. She just finished the last of her finals of her freshman year of college, now she has her summer in front of her to enjoy before she buckles down for sophomore year; never knowing that her fake id and her trip to the bar would change two people’s lives forever.

Fallon Parker meets Lucas Brooks a professional hockey player. Their first kiss rocks Lucas to the core and he realizes there will never be another woman in his life besides Fallon. The m...more 3 ½ stars

Fallon decides she can finally let loose. She just finished the last of her finals of her freshman year of college, now she has her summer in front of her to enjoy before she buckles down for sophomore year; never knowing that her fake id and her trip to the bar would change two people’s lives forever.

Fallon Parker meets Lucas Brooks a professional hockey player. Their first kiss rocks Lucas to the core and he realizes there will never be another woman in his life besides Fallon. The main part of the book happens nine years after the first night they met, seven years after Fallon walked out of Lucas’ life. Fallon works for her family’s winery and the vineyard is a major advertiser the Assassin’s hockey team, Lucas was just traded to the team. The instant Lucas sees Fallon he is determined to get her back into his life.

I found it hard to rate this book, there were parts I really enjoyed and some that grated on me. There were character traits in Lucas I liked a lot. He is a gifted hockey player, who lost his dad young and he did not find the best way to cope with the loss. Only after losing Fallon Lucas found a better way to cope. For me this flaw coupled with the dyslexia he was trying to hide made him adorable and believable on the page. Fallon’s character in the prologue was fun and full of life, as the chapters start nine years later we do see a more reserved and mature Fallon; which is what you would expect, however I didn’t feel any life in her character, at times I wanted to reach through the pages and slap her. Yes her disposition could be a way to show how her life changed since she left Lucas; but as their love rekindled her character did not change much, until the final conflict before the promise of the HEA. There are hockey references, but even someone not familiar with the sport should be able to follow the book.
This is the second in a series of books revolving around this hockey team; one of the leads in the next book is Fallon’s sister that we see a lot of in this book. She intrigued me enough to check out the next book in the series. I hope when I get a glimpse of Fallon and Lucas his love of life has brushed off on Fallon.

I received a ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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Apr 27, 2013 Melinda (Paranormal Kiss) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, free-review-copy, contemporary-romance

Review first posted on Paranormal Kiss
Taking Shots by Toni Aleo is the second book in the Assassins series. Let me start by saying that I hate (slight spoiler) the secret baby plot device. Due to that and the characters I found myself having a hard time enjoying this book. The heroine, Fallon goes back and forth on her feelings so much that it gets ridiculous. She comes across as unbalanced and wishy washy. Additionally it’s hard to like her when she acts like a bitch which is often. The hero L...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Beverly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazing

This book was crazy! In the sense that I normally wouldn't like it, but there was something that just...I don't know, it pulled me in!

I read the first page and I immediately put it down. Ugh, how could I read a book about a girl who goes in calling herself sexy Fallon and who was practically yelling every other sentence in excitement? Right? Yeah, so I put it down and wondered if I should just return it. But then I was bored and read the first chapter through and it was like something crazy hap...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Rhonda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3 STARS

Trying to Score was first published as a Loveswept book. I liked the plot, the characters, the new ones and the old ones in the series. I hated all the swear words and the sex scenes it was worse in book 2 for me. I admit to skipping over a lot of scenes.

Fallon Parker's dream of tying her family wines with the Assassin's Hockey team is coming together. She just finds out that their is a new player being traded to the team Lucas Brooks. Fallon realizes that her world is coming crashing do...more 3 STARS

Trying to Score was first published as a Loveswept book. I liked the plot, the characters, the new ones and the old ones in the series. I hated all the swear words and the sex scenes it was worse in book 2 for me. I admit to skipping over a lot of scenes.

Fallon Parker's dream of tying her family wines with the Assassin's Hockey team is coming together. She just finds out that their is a new player being traded to the team Lucas Brooks. Fallon realizes that her world is coming crashing down on her.

Lucas was her lover until she got him in bed with her roommate. She kicked him out and then moved back to her hometown. She never told him that she was pregnant with Aiden. How was she going to tell him now. He broke her heart. Has not let anyone else in. Her dad got off her funds and wanted her to have abortion. She refused with the help of her sister Audrey. She finished collage and is raising her son.

Lucas is new to the Assassins team. He wants to win the Stanely Cup. Also wants to see if he can get Fallon back, if she is single. He loved her and he messed up badly with her. Lucas had his that he was drinking too much and taking pills at the same time. After she left him he got worse for two years before he cleaned himself up. He has been clean for 5 years now. Lucas also has another secret but Fallon knows it. He can't read. Levi his business manager and best friend travels and lives with him takes care of any reading.

Lucas has a reading problem of seeing words backwards and mixed up it takes so long for him to read anything he doesn't even try anymore.

This novel deals with some real issues like learning disabilities, alcoholic and drug abuse, physical abuse, and mental abuse. While telling a good story. I wanted things to work out for Fallon and Lucas. I hope Audrey gets her own happily ever after too.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it from Netgalley.
04/23/2013 PUB Random House Publishing Group Loveswept 478 pages ISBN: 9781105659416(less)

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Apr 05, 2013 kawehi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I came into this book not knowing anything about the series or what it was about. I was too awestruck by the dreamy cover pic and the title. *cough cough* I mean, who wouldn't pick up a novel with a godly Adonis' body plastered on its cover? One word -- drool-ish. ;)

A great book for a sports fan -- especially one involving hockey. If you love the Assassin Series, then you'll love Jaci Burton's Play by Play Series.

The second book in the Assassin Series, Trying to Score, is a steamy novel that fol...more

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About Toni Aleo

My name is Toni Aleo!
I am a wife, mother, and hopeless romantic.
I have been told I have anger issues, but I think it's cause of my intense love for hockey!
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 husban...more

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Falling for the Backup (Assassins, #3.5)

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“Rob, do me a favour, tell your angry boss that I will see her and that when I do, I will be cleaning that mouth out and if she's lucky it'll be with my tongue.” — 14 people liked it

“Jamie Right said her mommy and daddy cuddle naked, so y'all must not be cuddlin' right.” — 8 people liked it

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