Dump and Chase (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation Book 1)

I absolutely loved this book. If you are a fan of Toni’s early books in the Nashville Assassins series (Taking Shots and Trying to Score) you will absolutely love this book. This story is centered around Shelli Adler, the oldest daughter of Elli and Shea Adler, and Aiden Brooks, the oldest son of Fallon and Lucas Brooks.
Shelli has been in love with Aiden since she was 11, but Aiden didn’t give her the time of day back then. Now though? Everything has changed.
I laughed, I wanted to throw my kindle at times, and I absolutely loved catching up with the two couples that started this entire series. I will always have a soft spot for Shea and Elli and I loved seeing them in this phase of their lives.

“I’m never sleeping with anyone else unless I see their ID.” – Aiden Brooks

Shelli Adler has Been in love with Aiden Brooks since she was a little girl, however with their age difference, she didn’t think Aiden would ever reciprocate that love. On Shelli’s last night in New York, Aiden finally gives her the time of day, the only problem is, he doesn’t actually know who she is. As luck would have it, the two are both headed back to Nashville since Aiden was traded to the Nashville Assassins, the team he has dreamed of playing for all of his life. When Aiden realizes that Shelli was the girl from New York the drama hits the fan. As the two try and navigate their way through this budding relationship, they worry about what their families will think. All bets are off when their parents find out, but the question still remains, can Aiden be who Shelli needs and let go of insecurities, or will he lose her forever?

First and foremost, I have been impatiently waiting for Shelli and Aiden for many years. Pretty much since Shelli was writing Shelli Brooks in her notebooks. That’s how long I’ve been waiting. With much anticipation, I stopped in the middle of the book I was reading as soon as this ARC dropped on my kindle. And I’ll be honest with you, I was scared to read this book. I was scared that I had built the love story between these two up in my head, and therefore how could it ever live up to my expectations. I don’t even know why I thought that. Toni delivered, what I feel, is one of her best books to date. The chemistry between Aiden and Shelli jumped off the pages and left me turning the pages begging for more. I will also say, that Shea and Lucas jumped up the ladder in my favorites because of this book as well. The secondary characters played such an integral part of this book, and I was super excited that we got to catch up with everybody in the Adler and Brooks clans.

One of the things I love most about Toni Aleo’s books is how easily she makes it to fall in love with her characters. And now get to fall in love with the next generation.

Loved Aiden and Shelli!
Aiden reminds so much of his dad Lucas, from being a hockey player to being stubborn and maybe a little clueless about love.

Shelli most definitely one determined lady! And omg loved her sass!

Toni Aleo never fails to put a smile on my face while reading one of her books!
Loved everything about this book and cannot wait for more from Toni!

This book is the best it combines the old Assassins, Elli and Shea & Fallon and Lucas, with the next generation Aiden and Shelli. These two have been mentioned in many of the Assassins books but this is their true love story. Growing up together they were always close and then they grew apart, hockey for Aiden and Broadway for Shelli both living out dreams. Aiden was never far from Shelli’s mind she always loved him. Aiden an NHL star was living the single playboy life before being traded to his hometown Assassins. One night, one party before heading back to Nashville he broke Shelli’s heart. The “Chase” begins with both back at home in Nashville and fighting the attraction they both have for each other. This beautifully written love story is full of feelings, love, drama, and angst as they figure out where their lives are headed. Toni Aleo’s characters are always so rich and believable, I’m always left with wanting the next book.

DUMP AND CHASE by Toni Aleo is a game-winner. I was so excited when I found out that Toni Aleo was writing the next-generation Nashville Assassins novels. DUMP AND CHASE is Shelli Adler’s and Aiden Brooks story. Shelli is the daughter of Assassins team owner Elli Fisher and Shea Adler (TAKING SHOTS, Nashville Assassins #1). Aiden is the son of Fallon Parker and Lucas Brooks (TRYING TO SCORE, Nashville Assassins #2).

Shelli has been crushing on Aiden for pretty much her entire life. Seven years older than Shelli, Aiden used to watch her and her siblings when they were growing up. The two both lived in New York and finally hooked up at a party. Problem was; Aiden didn’t recognize Shelli. Shelli thought he knew who she was. Talk about awkward. Next day, Shelli moves back to Nashville, and Aiden is traded to the Assassins. Where Aiden soon discovers who the girl was that he had the one-night-stand with and can’t stop thinking about. Oh, and Shelli’s mom, Elli, owns the team he was just traded too. Yup, Aiden is freaking out. Needless to say, the story is extremely entertaining.

I love how things that happened in the previous Assassins books are important in this story; especially Aiden’s upbringing. I appreciated that his brother, Asher, calls him out on his behavior. I also love that the Adler and Brooks families are close. The welcome home party was perfect. It has been fun seeing Shelli and Aiden grow up and develop. DUMP AND CHASE is a heartwarming story. It is skillfully written and perfectly paced. Toni Aleo fans will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this story to lovers of sports romances. I would recommend reading Shelli’s and Aiden’s parents books first; in addition, to reading JUICY REBOUND. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

If you are following my blog you know that I am a huge Toni Aleo fan. I love all her books and I read each one of more than once. I think my least re-read is twice. As for Assassins series, for me it is the BEST hockey series ever. But now her ‘Ice Cats’ and ‘Nashville Assassins: The Next Generation’ series are fighting for the spot. But with her this seems soooo normal because for me with each of her books, you are debating and keep changing your favorite hero and heroine 🙂 ‘Dump & Chase’ is the first book of Toni Aleo’s brand new series ‘Nashville Assassins: The Next Generation’, which is Assassins’ spin off series. When I first heard about this book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I was super excited and the moment I received it, I start reading it right away and me being me I couldn’t put it down until I was done with it. Soooo thank you so much Toni Aleo for a sleepless night but it was so worth it. After finishing the book, I couldn’t stop myself and went back and re-read the whole Assassins series because I realized how much I missed the gang. I think deep down I was just postponing writing this review because I wasn’t sure if I could write a review that would be enough to convey my feelings and make justice to the book. So here goes nothing, let’s get to the good and exciting stuff.

If you read the Assassins series our hero and heroine is familiar to you guys. This book is about Shelli Grace Adler, who is Shea and Elli’s daughter and Aiden James Brooks, who is Lucas and Fallon’s son. Shelli and Aiden known each other their entire lives and Shelli had a crush on Aiden since childhood. Aiden never new about this and never really paid much attention to her. Just like his father, Aiden is a successful NHL player. He plays for Rangers in NY. He is an amazing guy. He is responsible, loyal, and respectful and of course he is super hot. His biggest flaw is his commitment issue. I will come back to this shortly but first let me introduce you guys our sassy, strong and beautiful heroine Shelli. Since childhood being a Broadway star was Shelli’s dream and now she is living her dream but she is not sure if the life style is for her. So she decides to leave it all behind and go back home to Nashville. But the night before her departure, she gets invited to one of Aiden’s infamous parties. Even though timing is not ideal, it is not something Shelli will pass. The moment Shelli gets to the party and makes an eye contact with Aiden, Aiden is on to her. Their chemistry is off the charts and they shared the most passionate night of their lives. There are two things Aiden doesn’t expect to happen next morning. One he doesn’t want to let go of Shelli, aka Angel, he spend an amazing night with but Shelli gets up and basically runs out of his apartment and then he receives a call that makes his life long dream come true. Since he started playing hockey, his dream was to play for Assassins and now his time has come. He is off to his hometown. He is excited to be with his family and finally play for Assassins but he cannot let go of the Angel, he spent the night with. Wooohoooo Nashville is about to get hotter!!!

I loved what a strong woman character, Toni Aleo created. Just like her momma Shelli is strong. She knows her worth and she doesn’t settle less then what she deserves. She wants Aiden but his commitment issue keeps breaking Shelli’s heart. Even though, Aiden wants Shelli and cannot let her go, he doesn’t do love or relationships. After seeing the damage love caused to his mom, the pain she had to endure, he never wants to go through something similar. That is why he doesn’t want to be in love or in a relationship and his career always the priority. It was amazing to see his relationship with his family but his confrontation with Fallon and Lucas regarding his commitment issue was heartbreaking which brought tears to my eyes. It takes Aiden a while to realize Shelli’s importance in his life and let go of his fears. Unfortunately, his wake up call is when Shelli dumps him. How he gets her back? What is his swoony gesture? You need to grab your own copy to learn about those 🙂

Let me take a second and go back to the origin 🙂 Assassins are more than a hockey team; they’re a close-knit family. I love how amazing Toni portrays family and it is not only in this book. In all her books family values and importance of family is always there. I LOVE IT!!! Also it was amazing to seeing all my favorites again, Shea Adler, Lucas Brooks, Phillip Anderson, Erik Titov, Karson King, Jordie Thomas and all my favorite hotties are over forty. Late forties!!! Say what!!! OMG! Kill me now!! Also, Jayden Sinclair, Markus Reeves, Jensen Moore, Vaughn Johansson and Benji Paxton were in the book as well but since they’re still playing I am assuming they are not old enough to be grandpas just yet 🙂 Since there are so many kids on the original series, I cannot wait to read more from the Next Generation, if we only consider rest of the Adler & Brooks clans that make 7 books. YEAY!!!

Back to the main topic: ‘Dump & Chase’. There were so many amazing moments through the story that made me laugh, swoon, get pissed and brought tears to my eyes. Literally I felt all the emotions at one point or another. If you are an Assassins fan, this book is an auto-buy for you guys. If you are new to Toni Aleo but enjoy sports romance give it a try, you won’t be disappointed. And no worries, this can easily be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend you to read the original series as well.

P.S. I really want to read Nico Merryweather, Wesley McMillian and Boon Hoenes stories as well.

Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

Just when you think that Toni Aleo’s books can’t possibly get any better she goes and does it AGAIN! It really doesn’t matter if you have never read her books or have read every single one. The second you start reading one you get sucked in and have to go and read them all…. or in my case re-read relentlessly! The way that she writes characters with such well rounded feelings and situations you find yourself wishing you really knew these awesome people or sometimes even were them.
This is the first book in the next generation series and it won’t disappoint no matter what stage of her books you are at! If you are like me and have been waiting for Aiden and Shelli’s stories for what feels like a long time (but really wasn’t) or you are new to them and just happened to pick this book to start, you will be brought head first into the heart felt Assassins family and all the amazing people in it.
Shelli Adler is the type of woman who loves with her whole heart and is vulnerable yet still has no problem kicking butt and taking names. She is stubborn and likes things done how she wants them done but you can’t help but secretly wish that you were just like her. She’s loved Aiden Brooks her whole life and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. The only problem is Aiden has never really thought of her.
Aiden Brooks has been a big name in hockey for quite a while. He was THE draft pick the year he started and was able to pick from basically anyone. Since then he’s been making quite a name for himself both on and off the ice living the fast life. It’s not always a good thing. He’s brought back home to the Assassins to hopefully bring home another cup. As long as he can keep his nose clean and behave things should go how he plans. What he doesn’t plan on is getting involved with the bosses daughter. That’s right Shelli is none other than Elli Adler, the owner of the Assassins, oldest child. The two of them hook up in New York under what Shelli see’s as him finally noticing her and Aiden sees as a one night stand. Complicated?? Hell yes! Exciting? Even more so. A love that you wish you were a part of? ABSOLUTELY!
By the time you put the book down you’re going to want to start it all over again. Aiden and Shelli will find a place in your heart and you can’t help but love them. Enjoy!!!

A new spin off series from the Nashville Assassins and what a way to start as we embark on the next generation, if this book is anything to go by this will certainly be a hit series. I love everything about the Assassins and I was so excited to see we were getting the next generation and this book did not disappoint it gave me all the feels all over again because I was not only back with my old loves I also got some new loves …….
Sheli and Aiden they have known each other all their life’s but Aiden has never looked at Sheli the way she looks at him, she has crushed on the hockey star from the moment they met. Now they are both in their twenties and both home in Nashville will Aiden finally see what’s right in front of him.
I normally expect the hero of Toni Aleo’s books to steal the show but not in this one Sheli is the heroine we would all love to be, she is strong, sassy, confident and she knows what she wants in life and you can tell she is Elle Adler’s daughter.
Words can’t describe how this book made me feel, I loved every line, I loved being back with the group of characters I have come to think of as friends and this story made me nostalgic for the past series I love so much but that doesn’t mean you need to read that series to enjoy this book but I’m sure once you join the fans of the Nashville Assassins there will be no stopping you. Great read.

Gah! What did I just read? Seriously, Toni Aleo out does herself with each book she writes. I don’t know how I could ever choose a favorite.

Dump and Chase was every I wanted, needed and oh so much more. The Next Generation of Assassins are sexy and sophisticated and silly. Honestly Dump and Chase felt like coming home.

Having read every Assassins and Bellevue Bullies book, in chronological order, it was so wonderful to check in with old favorites while meeting new characters.

Dump and Chase is the first book in the Next Generation series which carries on the legacy of the Assassins that came before. In book 1 of the new series we meet the adult children of two favorite couples.

Aidan and Shelli are all grown up. Yes. We’ve met them before, but we’ve met the precocious and precious children of the Brooks and Alder families, respectively. Aiden and Shelli are forging their own paths in life, love, friendship and careers.

Dump and Chase is an at an times emotional read. But it’s also funny and sexy and oh so sweet. The heart of the story is absolutely stunning and beautiful. I feel as though Ms. Aleo has poured her heart and soul into this story and her emotion pours from the pages.

This story was truly everything I needed in my life and so much more than I wanted for these beloved characters. I cannot wait to see how this world of Ms. Aleo’s continues to turn.

Cheers and 5 fantastic stars

From the moment she first discovered what all the fuss about boys was, Shelli Adler designated Aidan Brooks to be the keeper of her heart. But he was older and never seem to notice her flirty smiles or subtle hints. However, everyone else around them did, their families have been close for years, and the two of them were frequently thrown together. So early on it was something they all teased her about, and through the years her crush, and their incessant teasing has never let up.

As they matured she always held out hope that he would notice her, but as soon as hockey came calling Aidan took the first plane out of town, and never looked back. Nowadays he is known as the playboy of hockey, and she is constantly seeing his name in the headlines for bedding one woman or another, and it stings more than a little.

Then one night, while out with a friend, they run into one another again, and it’s instant chemistry that leads to a steamy night between the sheets. But when morning comes things take a unexpected and hurtful turn that Shelli never planned on… how do give your heart to a man who doesn’t remember who you are?

Dump and Chase is an absorbing forbidden romance that will draw you in from the very first page, and hold you hostage until the last. As soon as I met these two I didn’t want to let them go until I had devoured ALL THE WORDS… it was so damn good. Shelli and Aidan brought life to the pages, tortured my heart, and left me with an unshakable smile. This perfectly penned tale had many emotionally charged moments, one moment it had me near tears, the next I’d be swooning like a fool! I am so excited to see where Ms. Aleo takes us next in this series, hockey romances are my all time favorites to read, and this one checked all the boxes and then some! I highly recommend you meet these two their beautiful story will leave an permanent imprint on your heart!

I requested an advanced copy of this title and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.