Review: Lost the Handle by Toni Aleo

Get ready to lose yourself in the whirlwind of emotions that is ‘‘Lost the Handle’’, Toni Aleo has once again delivered a heart-pounding, soul-stirring love story that will leave readers breathless. This second-chance romance, set in the beloved ‘‘Nashville Assassins: Next Generation’’ universe, is everything fans have been waiting for and so much more.

At its heart, ‘‘Lost the Handle’’ is the story of Emery Brooks and Quinn Adler—a pair whose connection runs deep, complicated by years of love, heartbreak, and missed opportunities. Emery, ever the fiery and unapologetic force of nature, returns to reclaim the man she knows she’s meant to be with. Her determination and sass leap off the page, making her one of the most dynamic heroines Toni Aleo has created. Opposite her, Quinn is the perfect blend of vulnerability and strength. His journey, from a man trying to move on to someone willing to risk his heart again, is as emotional as it is inspiring.

The chemistry between Emery and Quinn is explosive. From their heated arguments to tender, heart-wrenching confessions, every interaction pulls you deeper into their story. The stakes are high—Quinn is engaged to someone else, and Emery is on a mission to prove that he’s always been hers. The twists and turns in their relationship, paired with Toni Aleo’s signature emotional depth, make this book impossible to put down.

What truly sets ‘‘Lost the Handle’’ apart is its ability to balance raw, intense emotions with moments of levity and warmth. The witty, laugh-out-loud group text threads among the Brooks and Adler clans are a delightful nod to the tight-knit community Aleo has cultivated throughout the series. These moments not only provide comic relief but also remind readers why this universe feels like home.

For fans of the ‘‘Nashville Assassins’’ series, this book is a gift. It ties together threads from previous stories while giving Quinn and Emery the spotlight they deserve. If you’ve been following their journey, you’ll appreciate the nuances and callbacks, but even if this is your first dip into Aleo’s world, you’ll find plenty to love. The story stands on its own, with enough context to make you fall head over heels for the characters and probably leave you eager to explore the earlier books.

‘‘Lost the Handle’’ is everything I wanted and more. It’s a love story that lingers long after the last page, leaving you with a full heart and a huge smile. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this book will sweep you off your feet. So grab a blanket, some tissues, and your favorite drink—this is one journey you won’t want to miss. This book is a must-read for all romance lovers, and it’s easily one of my top reads of the year. If you haven’t already, run—don’t walk—to pick up your copy of ‘‘Lost the Handle’’. You’ll thank me later!

Happy reading!

Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Already read it twice and will re-read again for sure 🙂
Would I read future books by this author: Yes

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links: Amazon

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About Toni:

Toni Aleo is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of the Assassins Series. She enjoys hockey, hockey, and hockey. When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel. Aleo lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog.

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