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 … 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.
130k words, STANDALONE, & hot, hot, hot!
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I absolutely loved this story!! This is such a great series!! It was so sweet and what I feel a very realistic introduction into the realities of adulthood and life both during and after college. Toni Aleo sure knows how to make you feel like you are a part of this family. I thought Ryan Justice was adorable as a boy, but as a man, holy wow! He has grown up quite nicely, apparently taking after his father James and his Uncle Shea in all the best of ways. Now a senior in college, Ryan is driven and focused and hoping to get drafted into the NHL to make his family proud. It’s what he has always wanted. In the meantime however, he is smart and getting a degree in Sports Training so he has something to fall back on later on.
Ryan meets Sofia at school through his sister Amelia because she is her roommate and teammate on the school’s gymnastics team. Sofia is as driven and focused as Ryan and strives to be the best on the team but she also has goals to one day open her own gym. She has never bothered with dating and is so very innocent. I like that although she was innocent she was not naive or foolish. Once he sees her he cannot get her out of his head. It takes some time to convince her to take a chance on them but he is so patient with her. I love all of their interactions, verbal and otherwise. They’re just adorable together. It is is clear how much family means to both of them. So many things about this story truly touched my heart.
Both of them struggle with what they want for their futures especially as their relationship progresses. They keep things real knowing that they both have their own goals and that may mean they can’t stay together in order to achieve them. I felt like they were both so mature about this and considering Sofia is only 18 that says a lot about her.
I love how we get so much of the Adler’s in this book since they are all so close to Ryan.
Seems I bought a ticket on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I honestly did not want the ride to end. It was that amazing!!
This book gives you all the feels you expect and more and I ate every bit of it up. I cannot wait for many more books in the Bellevue Bullies series.
Loved this book!! Ryan and Sofia’s story was so sweet, a little sad, but so full of love!! I seriously hope the Assassin and Bullies series never ends.
Toni Aleo has made me feel like I know each and every character from this series personally, and being able to see what a sweet man Ryan has become has been amazing.
Ryan Justice in his last year playing for the Bellevue Bullies and he feels it’s his year to get drafted into the NHL. Meeting his sisters roommate was the last thing he needed. She’s gorgeous and a huge distraction.
Sofia is a freshman on a scholarship for gymnastics and has no time boys. She needs to stay focused on her goals. And then she meets her roommates brother and it’s impossible to ignore Ryan Justice.
Ryan and Sofia have to be one of the cutest couples ever. The connection is instant and so hot! I loved that they respect and support each other.
Love Toni’s books, they never fail to make me laugh, cry and then laugh some more. Can’t wait for what’s next!!
I was first introduced to hockey romance a few years ago and found that I absolutely LOVE it. A friend recommended a new author, to me any way, Toni Aleo. OMG, I will be forever grateful. I was gifted with the chance to read an advance copy of End Game. I did not want to go into the series blind, so I binged on her series via the Romance Package on Audibles. I grew to love this series and its characters more and more. I listened to every book I could, then I entered the world of “End Game”.
OH! MY! GOSH!!!!! I LOVED EVERY PHENOMENALLY WELL WRITTEN WORD!!! I did not want to put this book down, once I started reading it, but the way my life is going, I did not have time to finish it before release day, for which I must apologize.
One of my favorite aspects of a book, how well does it draw on my emotions? How many feelings does the book make me feel? How deep do those feelings go? Does the book make me, for instance yell at one or more characters? In my honest opinion, this book is a total winner, not only did it draw on my emotions, pretty much all of them (however, no anger, which is not a terrible thing). It DID bring out the tears though, both the angsty and happy kind. For example, her mom, and the vault, sorry ladies, no spoilers, let me just say, I cried like a baby at both times. I want a Ryan of my own!!!
Over the last 2 months, I have really come to love Ms. Aleo’s writing.
Whether or not you like a good sport romance, this book is for you. The romance in this book is over the top. Watching these two, and what they go thru, I just fell in love with both Ryan and Sofia.
Thank you for reading my review. Now, what are you waiting for, go hit that purchase button, and enjoy a phenomenal read!!!
This is a great summer read. It’s sweet and not too heavy. Just enough emotion so you’re not ugly crying on a beach somewhere. …awkward.
If you’re feeling something a little syrupy and a lot “aww” (without the –kward) this is definitely the book you’ve been waiting for.
Ryan is a great character. I really could go on and on about how fantastic he is, but I’m not. I’m sure there is a word limit here. Sofia is just as great. I think they make a great team.
I’m also really glad that Aleo decided to make Ryan the 4th in the Bullies. It was a great set up for future characters. If you’ve read any other Aleo book then you know everyone already. I was thinking it would be Aiden. The world isn’t ready for Aiden. (No pressure Toni!)
I’m going to give this one 5 stars. If the mood is right and you want something sweet, this is it.
This book The End Game took my breath away…I guess I was among the readers who cried in the beginning, not going to lie. I would recommend reading the author’s first book Taking Shots in the Assassins series. That will help you know who Ryan Justice is. I have to say I really loved this book. I had always wondered about Shea Adler’s nephew Ryan after reading Twenty-Two, now I’m so glad to hear his story. Ryan is a senior and a hockey player on the Bellevue Bullies hockey team. His dream, ever since his “unka” Shea Adler suited him up when he was 3 years old, was to be a hockey player in the NHL. But for some reason his coach doesn’t seem to be behind him. Ryan meets Sofia Castilleja at his gymnast sister Amelia’s first competition for Bellevue GymBulls. Ryan is not ready for a serious girlfriend but he has the hots for her. Sofia is at Bellevue on a full ride scholarship from a sponsor and all she wants to do is compete on the new gymnastics team, get great grades, and open up a gym to train future gymnastics after she graduates. She is not ready for a boyfriend and makes him work for a date. Ryan’s life could be better. He feels stressed playing hockey but loves the internship on his Aunt Ellie Assassins hockey team as a trainer. He is really excelling at being a trainer, but he feels guilty he enjoys it better than being a hockey player. So while Ryan and Sofia are getting close, Ryan has so many decisions to make. All I can say this was an excellent book with all the twists and turns and what we expect will happen. Please try it out, it will make you cry and laugh.
End Game is book 4 in the Bellevue Bullies Series but was definitely able to be read as a stand alone. I loved this story line and the characters were amazing. Ryan and Sofia had so much chemistry together, but they were also strong on their own. I loved Sofia’s confidence and spunk.
While this book is longer than I typically like to read I’m glad I picked it up and started. With a unique story between a college hockey player and gymnast I loved how supportive Ryan and Sofia were of each others goals. I also really liked how it is written from both of their points of view so that I could see what was going on from both of their perspectives.
I do hope that there will be another story to let me know what happened with Ryan’s sister Amelia because I was left with lots of questions. – By Alisa
Ryan has grown up idolizing his Uncle Shea.. Star hockey player for the Nashville Assassins. He is determined to make his family and Shea proud by making it in the NHL. while his senior year of college is upon him and he has not been drafted yet he starts wondering what his life will be then he meets Sofia.. Sofia the amazing gymnast who is everything he never knew he wanted and more. As the young love grows and dreams are being decided what will their future hold? Can they have it all or will one have to give up love or a dream to make this work
Amazing story and so much fun to read. Seeing the kids in the Assassins series growing up is a special treat
I really enjoyed Ryan and Sofia’s story, love when two people meet and as a reader you just know they are destined to be together.
We see Ryan struggle not only under the weight of his families expectations but his own. The author highlights how having a famous father/family puts added pressure on a child and the impact it has on them. Sofia was such a strong character to read she’s overcome and sacrificed so much to fufill her dreams.
Another well written addition to this series.
4.5 stars
End Game is a perfect ten in gymnastics or a hat trick in hockey. Either way, everyone is happy.
This coming of age story is perfect for the hopeless romantic s out there. Bonus if you like hockey and/or gymnastics. There are some incredibly inspirational speeches in End Game that make it hard not to tear up. But the ones about true, unconditional love slayed me. They left me bleeding on the ice.
End Game is only the beginning for these kids. I’m excited to see what the rest of the family gets up to!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
I honestly thought I knew who my favorite Bullies couple was but Toni Aleo surprised me yet again. From the very begInning I fell in love with Ryan Justice, then when you meet Sofia together they are fireworks. I haven’t seen such fireworks since Shea and Elli. I have never read a book where one minute I was crying and the next minute I was laughing so hard I thought would need to change my pants. Toni Aleo writes the most heartfelt stories about love, life, and real issues. I love the fact that Toni has given us the chance to watch the children of her beloved Assassin families grow up and fall in love. Ryan and Sofia are just the beginning. Ryan’s dream is to be the greatest NFL defensive player since his Unkie Shea, but he also wants to get his degree in athletic training while maintaining the highest average in his classes and an internship with the Assassins. Sofia wants to be the best gymnast she can be and open her own gym to coach children the way they should be coached and to take care of her mom. Neither has time to fall in love but that doesn’t stop fate of Ryan. Come join Toni to laugh, cry, and love with this very special couple, you won’t regret it!!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Ryan Justice is no longer the cute little boy we met way back in Taking Shots. Oh no! He is now a good lookin hunky hockey player! As a senior, Ryan is struggling with what comes next. Will he get into the NHL and follow in his uncles footsteps? The last thing he expected to find was Sofia. Sofia is a girl with a plan, a woman on a mission to be the best and achieve her goals. With no distractions…that is until Ryan.
This book will make you have some serious feels! I laughed out loud (& received funny looks from the fiancé) and had some tears too (also receiving weird looks.) But all the feels were worth it by the end! Toni Aleo has given us new characters to fall in love with for the first time, and let’s us revisit some old ones that we love and cherish. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Read: 1/22/19
End Game was the fourth book in the Bellevue Bullies series by Toni Aleo. I loved everything about it. It was a fast read without over the top drama and had a good, solid storyline.
I was hooked from the first chapter. It took me a minute to place Ryan, but Aleo caught me up quickly by reminding me Ryan was the nephew to Shea Adler (Nashville Assassins NHL book one). Aleo then went on to include every child aka cousin between the two families and catch us up. Based on the descriptions, the Assassin legacy stories will be coming soon.
Ryan Justice was a college senior hockey player for the Bellevue Bruins. He was destined for the NHL. His aunt owned an NHL hockey team and he had been coached by the best. He was focused and determined, not having time for girlfriends. He hooked up but it never went beyond that – anything else would be a distraction and a deterrent from his lifelong goals.
Sofia Castilleja was a freshman gymnast for the new Bellevue gymnastics team. She was on a full scholarship and was one of the best in her sport. She trained in elite gyms since she was young with a total focus on gymnastics. She was headed to the Olympics until and injury shattered that goal – so she adjusted her goals. She was fierce, focused, dedicated and determined. She never had friends or boyfriends because she trained 7 days a week and was home schooled. Now at college, she had that same focus but she had a roommate, a fellow gymnast, Amelia, who quickly became her best friend, even if Amelia’s brother was a distraction.
Ryan knew the moment he laid eyes Sophia that he was a goner. He just didn’t realize how far gone until after a long chase, he finally convinced her to spend time with him. I loved both Ryan and Sophia. They were strong, confident and totally worthy of their center stage. Aleo wove a sweet, sexy and fun tale. She dove into the challenges of a fierce competitor with very specific dreams and goals. I loved the angle. It wasn’t the typical path and she portrayed the heartaches as well as the successes. I felt each decision as if it were my own.
Aleo also included a great secondary cast of characters, which added humor, depth and dimension. I loved the bonding between all of the cousins. It opened the door for many more books – both in this series or various other spin-off series. The next book seems to be from a new series, the NHL South Carolina IceCats, highlighting Moon (Ryan’s college teammate) and Amelia (Ryan’s sister/Sophia’s best friend) in Juicy Rebound. It has promise to be explosive and I totally can’t wait.
I loved this book from the very first chapter. Ryan Justice is a college senior hockey player for the Bellevue Bruins. He has always dream of making it to the NHL, and why not when Shea Adler is his uncle. He has been focused and determined from the very first day of college to not worry about anything else but hockey. He certainly never wanted to have a full time girlfriend that would distract him from his goals.
Sofia Castilleja is a freshman gymnast for the new Bellevue gymnastics team. She has full scholarship and sponsor paying her way and she is one of the best gymnasts in her sport. She is focused, dedicated and determined and has a goal in mind for when she graduates. She never had friends or a boyfriend because she trained all the time. Now at college she has a roommate, a fellow gymnast, Amelia, who quickly became her best friend, even if Amelia’s brother is a distraction.
Ryan knew the moment he saw Sophia that he was a goner. I loved both Ryan and Sophia and how they were together. I love how Sophia made him work on winning her over to dating him and I love how sweet and caring Ryan was to Sophia. The way these two grew to love each other was beautiful. This is one story you don’t want to miss.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
Having been a big Assassins fan, I was delighted to get the chance to read this book – but have not read the previous books in the series. I am a huge sports romance fan but have to admit I do not read much young adult, which I would definitely say this was for the most part. This is a substantial read and would be a thick book in print.
We get to watch Sofia in her first year at college, and Ryan in his last. She is very innocent due to spending her every waking moment training as a gymnast. He has had no serious relationships, but a college life full of experiences. That is, until he sees Sofia and is hooked. I enjoyed that we get to see part of the life of a gymnast as well as a hockey player’s – as well as the family times when we get to catch up with Shea and Elli.
There are some really interesting themes around expectations, motivations, and dreams, which I thought were handled really well. We generally only see one version of what success means, and this book deals with those issues in a sensitive and clever way. The shadow of Amelia and Drew and their separation due to sport, is a worthy foil to Sofia and Ryan.
I did find myself tearing up at some of the scenes, because I am sentimental! And because they were sweet and what every teenage girl wants from her first love… but very rarely gets.
I also laughed, a lot. There are some very funny moments which are beautifully understated and the timing is perfect!
All in all, an entertaining read. I did feel there could have been a little less inner voice but then, teenage angst and confusion also need it.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of End Game (Bellevue Bullies #4) by Toni Aleo to read and review.
I loved this book. Ryan and Sophia are a great couple. Their story is wonderful to read.
End Game is a beautiful story of young love! Ryan and Sophia are both high level college athletes with great work ethics and lofty goals and absolutely perfect for each other. Her innocence and his patience allowed this relationship to develop from friends to lovers with a slow burn that kept the pages turning.
Ryan is such a caring young man, not just with Sophia, but his whole family. A family that if you read the Assassins series you will remember. Now, it is his story, his turn to have a chance to play for the NHL.
Sophia is sweet, innocent and has been so focused on her gymnastics that she has never had much of a chance to be around boys let alone a boyfriend. Ryan is her first and he handles her with complete care from the start. Together they support and bring out the best in each other as they move forward to a future as a couple.
With characters that are easy to love and a story that is well written I highly recommend that you take the time to read this sweet hockey romance.
Toni’s End Game will make you feel every emotion possible and make you swoon!! Ashley@ White Hot Reads
OMG I loved this book and felt every emotion possible throughout the story of Ryan and Sofia. Rayan and Sofia have a connection so deep. This book shows some of the crossover characters from her other books and includes them by using the current couples as the next generation. I love seeing the growing of all the charters.
Ryan is the a Senior in college on his way to working towards his goal of becoming NHL hockey player but as his senior year starts Sofia walks into his world and the chemistry is hot from the beginning. Ryan is a good guy totally focused on school and hockey. Sophia is sweet introverted totally focused on her gymnastic and owning her own gym because of her past. These two have to work through their issues to find their way to each other and their happily ever after. Toni does a great job drawing you in and keeping you wanting more. I cannot wait to see who gets a book next.
This was the first book in the series I have read. This book took me awhile to get into the story. By the end I was wanting to know where Ryan was going what he was going to choose. Sofia was a strong gymnist. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t up for distractions. Ryan knee he had met the lovw of his life she just didn’t know it. But would they be able to make it work?
This was a good story that for me was slower at times but picked up by the end.
If this was the last book in the series, it would have ended in with me in nirvana. (This isn’t the last though, right?? Please, please be writing more Toni Aleo.) This story was so beautiful, so romantic, such a story of strength, of redefining one’s life.
I usually ugly cry during sad moments. End Game had me crying during beautiful statements of love a devotion. The author was able to put into to words what I have wanted to feel but never expressed so beautifully.
Ryan Justice has become an amazing young man. The little boy we have watched grow with the Assassin Series has taken the best from all the stories and become my new favorite. The way he treats Sofia is beyond words. He has done his dad proud. The author has developed an amazing character that I hope we will see again in future books.