Trying To Score
Written by Toni Aleo
Narrated by Lucy Malone
4/5
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About this audiobook
On the ice, Lucas Brooks is the NHL's leading scorer-at least when he's not in the box. Off the ice, he's a mess, with all his anger and misery bottled up inside. He threw away the most important person in his life and has regretted it ever since. But when Lucas returns to Nashville in a trade, he's determined to convince Fallon that he's a changed man. The attraction is still there. The tension is electrifying. But the odds are stacked against them-especially after Lucas finds out that Fallon has been keeping a devastating secret.
Toni Aleo
My name is Toni Aleo, and I’m a #PredHead, #sherrio, #potterhead, and part of the #familybusiness! I am also a wife to my amazing husband, mother of a wrestler and a gymnast, and also a fur momma to Gaston el Papillon. You can usually find me hollering for the whole Nashville Predators, since I’ll never give my heart to one player again. When I’m not in the gym getting swole, I’m usually writing, trying to make my dreams a reality, or being a taxi for my kids. I’m obsessed with Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney, and anything that sparkles! I’m pretty sure I was Belle in a past life, and if I could be on any show it would be Supernatural, so I could hunt with Sam and Dean. Also, I did mention I love hockey, right?
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Titles in the series (12)
Trying To Score Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Empty Net Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Taking Shots Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Blue Lines Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Breaking Away Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Laces and Lace Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Overtime Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Face-Off at the Altar Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Delayed Call Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5In the Crease Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Falling For The Backup Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Very Merry Hockey Holiday Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for Trying To Score
67 ratings10 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Contemporary Romance. Assassins hockey 2. Lucas is the angsty one this time. Fallon the wine-seller. They have a son he didn't know about. Better than the first. OK-
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Assassins HOT Series - A Must Read! Talk about second chances! I adore Lucas. He has turned his life around after battling drugs, alcoholism, dyslexia, and dealing with the death of his father. I was cheering for him all the way! His perseverance deserves a reward - forgiveness by Fallon. I love this series and what Toni Aleo is doing with these characters!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I’m a big fan of lovers reunited and having read the first book in the Assassins series, Taking Shots, I couldn’t wait to read Lucas’ story. If you haven’t read Taking Shots it’s not necessary to enjoy Trying to Score.Lucas Brooks hasn’t been the same since Fallon Parker walked out on him and he can’t blame her; however, he can’t remember what exactly happened in the moments leading up to Fallon discovering him in another woman’s arms. Seven years later, Fallon is living in Nashville where she works for her family. That family business serves wine at the arena where the Assassins play and she’s good friends with the team owner Elli Adler. Her world is turned upside down when she learns Lucas has been traded to Nashville and when she comes face to him she realizes she has to protect her heart and son from Lucas. Lucas still loves Fallon and will do anything to win her back, but when he discovers Fallon’s secret, he knows there’s no going back. Will Fallon be able to forgive Lucas’ past mistake or will she lose everything she’s worked hard for?Character development is good and it’s always nice to revisit past characters from another book. Toni Aleo’s Trying to Score doesn’t disappoint since Elli and Shea make an appearance. Fallon was difficult for me to like because she just can’t let go of the past! I understand her reason for being angry, but that amount of anger is not healthy for anyone. Even after she learns the truth about Lucas’ betrayal she still can’t forgive him. For the life of me, I don’t see what appeal Fallon holds for Lucas even after he finds out about Aiden. I loved that he was a no questions type of guy and just took responsibility. What I loved even more? That he was willing to give Fallon the moon as long as he got to prove his worth. We have a few secondary characters that are important including Fallon’s sister Audrey and Lucas’ assistant Levi. I really liked Audrey and she doesn’t put with anything. Levi is a bit shady and I just don’t trust him. The real scene stealer? Aiden! I just adored that little guy and you’ll love him to bits.As for the narrative, it’s third person and it is a really nice to see Aleo grow in her writing. I enjoyed Trying to Score, but do have a few problems with the book other than Fallon. The big one is the idea of hockey fans being able to buy bottles of wine after a game has ended to take home. Most arenas stop selling alcohol at a particular time to prevent fans from being intoxicated on their way home and many don’t allow alcohol to be removed off the premises. So while the idea of a wine cellar in a hockey area might appeal to high class patrons, I’m sure they can happily get a glass while sitting in their box seats. The other has to do with the Parker family dynamics. We’re told Fallon’s father disowns her and yet she’s still allowed to work in the family business?I debated with the rating between a three and four. Even though Trying to Score falls short, I do have to commend Aleo for her ability to write flawed characters who are able to overcome their past and see the beauty of love. I know a few readers can’t get past the idea of Fallon complaining how she gives all her money to raise Aiden and is broke, but she wears designer clothes. We aren’t told exactly how big Fallon’s trust fund was, I have a feeling Fallon’s father is paying her more than average. Which again makes me wonder about the family dynamics! Of all her heroes, I just adore Lucas and for that reason alone along with Aiden, I decided on a four.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I 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 reached that point around page 15. He never did. Not in 350 pages.
3) Fallon was a bitch. In a complete role reversal, the hero was the doormat and the heroine was an Alpha-Bitch. She was wishy-washy in her feelings and actions, except her bitterness and anger. Those stayed consistent throughout the book. Right up until the very last page as a matter of fact.
4) Inconsistent dialogue and characterizations. One minute she was broke, the next she didn't need help from no one or nothing. Today she's sorry she's hurting her son and wants him to know his dad, yesterday she wanted nothing more than to keep them apart.
5) A weird sub-plot with her sister. The sister seemed pretty kickass until she hooked up with a guy who told her she was fat and hurt her in the bedroom. No idea where that came from or why we had to read about it.
6) A million little things. Normally I can overlook small typos or little idiosyncracies in the plot. But when the story isn't holding my attention I tend to focus on all the negative. That's what happened here.
I did like the sister enough (weird abusive guy thing aside) to start her book. Sadly it already seems to be more of the same.
I'm totally bummed. I had such high hopes. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'm glad that I give this series a second change. We can see a big improvement not only on the plot but in the writing too so, congratulations Toni.In this book the plot "runs" smoothly and logically, the characters are well developed and are lovable. The core of the story does make sense and it's cleverly done. Fallon Parker is not an hysterical woman nor Lucas Brooks is a sissy, they are imperfect human beings that made some mistakes in their past and now are trying to make things right. One thing that doesn't do it for me is the way the author puts a label on their clothes...in my opinion this is a big NO not only because (in my opinion) breaks the ideia of the moment but also because it gives an idea that only rich woman can "score" big hunky guys (also extremely rich). I liked the story but could't relate to it because of that.All in all, a big improvement.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Trying to Score (Assassins #2) by Toni Aleo
I have to say I have no idea how I have missed reading this series, I was given the opportunity to read and review this book as part of a blog tour and since I enjoy hockey (being Canadian) I decided to sign up. Well let me tell you I am sure glad I did or I am not sure with all the thousands of books I see on goodreads I would have come across this series. So this weekend I picked up Trying to Score (Assassins #2) by Toni Aleo having no idea what I was in for I was quite amazed with Toni’s writing and how much I was enjoying this story, Toni is a fantastic author and I was swept away in her story. I will say if you want to read a good romance novel you need to pick this book up. The character are great, Toni’s writing flows so well you don’t want to put it down, you fall in love with the characters and you even shed a few tears at times. I absolutely loved Toni Aleo’s writing.
This is a story of Lucas and Fallon, now I don’t want to say too much for spoiler’s sake but it is a story of two people who loved each other once and the relationship ended on bad terms. Lucas did something unforgivable in Fallon’s eyes and she left him after a 2 year relationship. So 7 years later Lucas who is a transferred to Nashville to play hockey bumps into Fallon. To say the emotions that Fallan feels when she sees him is something I hope not many women have to face or feel. Heartbroken Fallan cannot believe he has moved to her home town. As for Lucas he sees this as a great thing as he is going to win Fallon’s heart back. This is a rollercoaster of a story – and a must read.
Did I mention the hockey well let’s say who can’t imagine a hot hockey players and Toni Aleo sure does know her hockey players...
Another thing I loved about this book is it is a full novel, it tells us a great story and we meet many different characters and this is when it clicked in my head that if this is book two I needed to find book one. So of course I went and found it and read it today. Toni Aleo is now one of my new favorite authors.
I have rated this story a 5 star rating because I loved the writing, the story and the hot scenes between Fallon and Lucas. I am recommending anyone who loves romance, some suspense, some heart break, and some happy ever after to go pick this book up and while you’re at it go pick up Taking Shots (Assassins #1).
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising* - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'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 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 awesome. He had been through so much before he was traded to the Assassins and needed that second chance that they gave him. And of course running into Fallom wasn't to bad either. That the two had a past history only made the story better. At times Fallon really got on my nerves. I just wanted to shake her and scream "it was seven years ago...give him a break!" but then I would try to think about if I were in her position I would try to protect my son and feelings too. Aidan was adorable and reading about his interactions with Lucas brought on a few happy tears.I can't wait to read more books in this series and see how Ms. Also plans on topping this book. Definitely recommend this book to all lovers of the romance genre. You don't even have to be a fan of hockey either since it only plays in the background.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/53 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
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Lucas 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 leave you so.. angry. What I loved the most about Lucas is that he was a troubled soul and no matter the reasons of why he did the things that he did, you just couldn’t help but what him to succeed in the end. For being a “badass” he has to have one of the biggest hearts ever.Then you have Fallon. Who has made it her life mission to forget about the past, complete college and start her goal of one day owning her own Wine Cellar. The issue in her carefully laid plan? She finds out Lucas Brooks has just been traded to the Nashville Assassins, the very team her wine company is partnered with. Though she may hide if very well, Fallon is still very much in love with Lucas, despite the face that he broke her heart so many years ago. The only thing with having Lucas so close to her again, besides risking her hear – is the fact that she knows she won’t be able to hide the biggest secret she has from him for long. Things could get just a bit tricky.The tension between the two, along with the back and forth they do had me laughing until I cried. I loved it. Not only did this story line flow, but like the first book, Toni wrote this is such a way that each emotion portrayed by the characters just jumped out and pulled at your heart strings. Get out your pom poms and get ready, because I have a feeling you will be rooting for the two of them like there is no tomorrow!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I have to say that this is one of the hottest books I have read lately. Lucas Brooks has been traded to the Assassins and is moving to Nashville. Fallon Parker, also lives in Nashville and her family's wine company sponsors the Nashville Assassins. Fallon and Lucas have a past history together, and she really doesn't want to see him again. It has been seven years since she left Lucas Brooks, seven years since Lucas Brooks broke her heart, but there is another secret that Fallon doesn't want Lucas to find out about, and its a big one. His name is Aiden. Lucas would give anything to have a second chance with Fallon. He does everything he can to win back her trust, only he finds out she has kept a huge secret from him also, and that secrets name is Aiden, and he is 7 years old. As desperately as Fallon tries to stay away from Lucas, she can't. Lucas Brooks is one super smoking hot guy, and he's a charmer. The chemistry and sexual tension between Lucas and Fallon is intense. The romance is passionate and very sexy. I loved the relationship that develops between Lucas and Aiden, and the ups and downs of the relationship between Fallon and Lucas took me from laughing, to crying, to fanning my face...a lot. I fell in love with this couple and found myself routing for their relationship as they faced one hurdle after another. The story kept me turning pages to see what was going to happen next, and then having to stop and catch my breath in other parts. I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. Trying to Score is a great read and if you like contemporary romance, then you will love this. Please be aware that this is an adult book with adult scenes.