Tackled by Love reminded me—yet again—why Toni Aleo is my all-time favorite and why the Sinclair boys will forever have my heart. I’ve read their stories so many times that I honestly don’t even remember how many rereads I’ve done… and this book made me want to start all over again.
This is the first book in the Bellevue Bullies: Next Generation series, and stepping back into this world felt like coming home. Ambrosia Mercer and Dawson Sinclair both come from legendary hockey families, but what makes their story shine is how much it focuses on finding your own path—separate from legacy, expectations, and the futures everyone else seems to have planned for you.
Dawson Sinclair is peak Sinclair energy: talented, confident, and carrying the weight of a family name that comes with opinions. As a dual-sport athlete excelling in both football and hockey, he’s constantly being pushed to choose the future others want for him. What I loved most about Dawson is that, for once, he doesn’t have all the answers. But when it comes to Ambrosia? He knows. Watching him fall first—and then actually put in the effort—was pure swoon. He stumbles, he misreads things, he fumbles (sometimes badly), but he never stops trying.
Ambrosia Mercer was such a joy to read. Guarded, stubborn, and deeply influenced by her parents’ love story, she dreams of becoming a hockey broadcaster and pours her heart into her podcast. Those podcast episodes were absolutely amazing. Referencing previous couples by book name and number was such a smart, emotional touch—it instantly pulled me back into the history of this world and made me crave a full reread of the entire series. I didn’t even realize how many couples I’d missed until I was reminded of them this way, and some of those moments genuinely brought tears to my eyes.
The chemistry between Dawson and Ambrosia is undeniable, but what really made their relationship work for me was the balance of humor, vulnerability, and growth. Yes, there’s great spice, but there’s also depth—family pressure, fear of letting someone in, and learning that love doesn’t have to follow a perfect script to be real.
And then there are the families… the Sinclair chaos, the teasing, the cousins, the Tia. This world feels so alive and interconnected, and it reminded me why Toni Aleo’s books are such a comfort read for me. It also left me desperately hoping we’ll get more. I am really crossing my fingers for a book—or at least a novella—for Louis. And I am absolutely dying to see what will happen with Philipe Odder and Ashlyn. The setup is there, and I need those stories.
Tackled by Love made me laugh, swoon, get emotional, and immediately want to revisit all my favorite Sinclair stories. It’s nostalgic without feeling dated, fresh while still honoring everything longtime fans adore.
If you love hockey legacies, determined heroes, podcast nostalgia, and that unbeatable feeling of returning to a favorite author’s world, this book is a must-read. I cannot wait for the rest of this series—and yes, I’m more than ready to fall in love with the next generation all over again. 💖🏒
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Yes.
- Would I re-read this book: Already done 🙂
- Would I read future books by this author: Always, without hesitation.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Meet the Author
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.
Where to Find Toni:
Mia Book Addict 
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