The Autumn Review: Empty Net (Assassins 3) by Toni Aleo Review

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Empty Net (Assassins 3) by Toni Aleo-Adult Contemporary Romance

Kindle format given by author for review/eARC

Definition of an Empty Net: When a team pulls the goalie for an extra attacker, desperately seeking a goal.
Audrey Parker was in a horrible place.She hated her job, her sister was getting married and moving out, but worst of all, she was in love with a total jerk. No matter what she did, every guy she met hurt her. All she wanted was her happily ever after. Her Prince Charming. Her Lucas Brooks! She didn’t know how to change her life but she knew she needed too.Feeling like she was about to hit rock bottom, Audrey wakes up next to Tate Odder.
Tate Odder had lost everything.After being brought up from the Assassins’ farm team, the Florida Rays to the Nashville Assassins, Tate hopes he’ll forget everything he has lost. He doesn’t. Each day gets harder to live in a place he doesn’t know. Even being the first rookie goalie to shut out an opposing team three times during the Lord Stanley Cup Finals, he still felt empty. With the loss of his parents and sister still heavy on his heart, Tate isn’t sure how to live like everything is okay.
But when he wakes up beside Audrey Parker, things start to change. She turns his life upside down with her kooky sense of humor and her bright clothing. She is intelligent and beautiful, and for once, he doesn’t feel empty.Will Audrey be the person to fill the holes in Tate’s heart, making him whole again?Or will another player ruin everything, leaving him feeling forever like an empty net?

My Take:

I really truly love Toni's books. She's created such a great cast of characters. I love that each book tells a different persons story, but we still get to see glimpses of the old characters.

The reason I was so excited about reading this book, was because I really loved Audrey in Trying to Score. I identify with her personally. I also have an older sister who was always the pretty one, smart one, and overall "good" child. It can be difficult to live up to that same image. I think Audrey put a lot of pressure on herself as a result. I, like Audrey, do have a great relationship with my sister though. So, again, I could relate to her in that way. I've also picked some really crappy guys to be with (my husband being the exception). I loved watching Audrey find confidence in herself and find not only a true love, but the strength to believe in her dreams.

Tate Odder. Be still my heart. Could this guy be any more perfect?! Tate is such a genuine guy. It's impossible not to love him. I liked getting to know him. Even though he seems perfect, there is depth to his character. He's had to deal with some pretty devastating things in his life that have shaped who he is, not only as an athlete, but partner too. Tate is sexy, funny, sincere, and generous. I really couldn't have picked a better person for Audrey to love.

One of the things I love the most about this series is that, yes these guys are famous athletes, but they live real lives. They have the same relationship problems, if not more because they are athletes. They have insecurities and have made mistakes, but in the end are able to find a love that is true.

Even if you aren't a sports fan, I highly recommend you read this series. Toni is a true romantic and it carries through in her writing. I become so invested in her characters, that I really feel like I'm right there with them. If you like love stories that have some spice, then I promise that you will love not only this book, but the entire series! Definitely check it out!