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Nashville Assassins #13
Two-Man Advantage
Wells Lemiere knew the moment he saw Matty Haverbrooke, he had to have him. Matty was quiet, he was talented, he was beautiful, and Wells couldn’t stay away.
As the youngest and most talented son of the NHL Commissioner, Matty had found the burden of family expectations almost too heavy to carry on even his broad shoulders. He had no intention of getting involved in a relationship with Wells. But the heart he’d given up for dead had other ideas.
Their affair was intense and overwhelming, but when Matty couldn’t bring himself to come out and admit he wanted a public future with the man he loved, Wells had no choice but to honor his vow to live openly…and leave Matty behind.
But then he learns Wells is marrying another, and Matty knows he can't let that happen. Can he throw down his gloves and embrace his future with both hands? Or will he pull the door to his closet shut once more?
As the youngest and most talented son of the NHL Commissioner, Matty had found the burden of family expectations almost too heavy to carry on even his broad shoulders. He had no intention of getting involved in a relationship with Wells. But the heart he’d given up for dead had other ideas.
Their affair was intense and overwhelming, but when Matty couldn’t bring himself to come out and admit he wanted a public future with the man he loved, Wells had no choice but to honor his vow to live openly…and leave Matty behind.
But then he learns Wells is marrying another, and Matty knows he can't let that happen. Can he throw down his gloves and embrace his future with both hands? Or will he pull the door to his closet shut once more?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2017
About the author
Toni Aleo
86 books6,567 followersWALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR TONI ALEO IS AN AUTHOR YOU CAN'T MISS!
make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...
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 Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.
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 can hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
make sure to Join my Mailing List: https://www.subscribepage.com/toniale...
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 Phoebe, Gaston el Papillon & Winston.
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 can hunt with Sam and Dean.
Also, could I LOVE hockey anymore?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
November 1, 2017
4 stars!!!
Two-Man Advantage is Toni Aleo’s first MM book and is a stand-alone, but if you’ve read her Assassins series, you’ve already met Wells Lemiere and Matty Haverbrooke. Since their scene in Wren and Jensen’s book, I’ve been dying for this story! I thought Aleo did a great job with it.
Wells and Matty are both NHL players. They’re both great guys. And they’ve been together, in secret, for a while now. The reason? Matty is still in the closet. His dad is the commissioner of the NHL and he knows his family won’t accept him the way he is. He’s spent so many years hiding it, he’s terrified to let it be known. That’s not working for Wells. In fact, it takes Wells and Matty breaking up for Matty to decide that Wells is worth everything- even coming out for.
Things aren’t easy for this couple. They have a lot of obstacles against them, but they love each other fiercely and can overcome it all. I love the support they did have. Wells friends/family are the best, and I adore Matty’s sister Avery (you may recognize her from the Bellevue Bullies series). Wells and Matty were so sweet together. They were also hot together! Toni did a great job with the MM scenes!
I love a romance where the main couple overcomes the odds. The odds are stacked against Matty and Wells, but it only shows that their love is strong and enough to endure it all. I adored this story!
Two-Man Advantage is Toni Aleo’s first MM book and is a stand-alone, but if you’ve read her Assassins series, you’ve already met Wells Lemiere and Matty Haverbrooke. Since their scene in Wren and Jensen’s book, I’ve been dying for this story! I thought Aleo did a great job with it.
Wells and Matty are both NHL players. They’re both great guys. And they’ve been together, in secret, for a while now. The reason? Matty is still in the closet. His dad is the commissioner of the NHL and he knows his family won’t accept him the way he is. He’s spent so many years hiding it, he’s terrified to let it be known. That’s not working for Wells. In fact, it takes Wells and Matty breaking up for Matty to decide that Wells is worth everything- even coming out for.
Things aren’t easy for this couple. They have a lot of obstacles against them, but they love each other fiercely and can overcome it all. I love the support they did have. Wells friends/family are the best, and I adore Matty’s sister Avery (you may recognize her from the Bellevue Bullies series). Wells and Matty were so sweet together. They were also hot together! Toni did a great job with the MM scenes!
I love a romance where the main couple overcomes the odds. The odds are stacked against Matty and Wells, but it only shows that their love is strong and enough to endure it all. I adored this story!
“No matter what, you have me. All of me. I’m yours.”
November 19, 2017
So let's wrap up what happened in the first 23% of this book, shall we?
Two NHL player MCs. One is out. One is not.
The out one doesn't want to be a secret anymore. (His prerogative.)
He gives MC #2 an ultimatum to come out NOW, at the Thanksgiving dinner table with his family, or he's leaving. (NOT his prerogative.)
MC #1 jumps immediately into another relationship and is engaged to new guy within 3 months.
MC #2 doesn't want to come out (still his prerogative), but won't let MC #1 get married to someone else.
MC #2 shows up to wedding and declares his undying love. MC #1 accepts his apology and kisses him in front of the guy he's leaving at the altar.
Both MCs then proceed, during their reunion, to blame the other guy for "not seeing the signs" that MC #1 wasn't the one for him.
Aaaaaand, I'm out. I don't want to read soap opera drama in my romance books.
I also don't usually rate the books that I DNF before 50%, but it really was that bad.
Two NHL player MCs. One is out. One is not.
The out one doesn't want to be a secret anymore. (His prerogative.)
He gives MC #2 an ultimatum to come out NOW, at the Thanksgiving dinner table with his family, or he's leaving. (NOT his prerogative.)
MC #1 jumps immediately into another relationship and is engaged to new guy within 3 months.
MC #2 doesn't want to come out (still his prerogative), but won't let MC #1 get married to someone else.
MC #2 shows up to wedding and declares his undying love. MC #1 accepts his apology and kisses him in front of the guy he's leaving at the altar.
Both MCs then proceed, during their reunion, to blame the other guy for "not seeing the signs" that MC #1 wasn't the one for him.
Aaaaaand, I'm out. I don't want to read soap opera drama in my romance books.
I also don't usually rate the books that I DNF before 50%, but it really was that bad.
November 3, 2017
As far as I know this is Toni Aleo's first MM book and I have to say I'm impressed. This story can be read as a stand alone, though the MC's are previously introduced in the "Assassins" series. I myself haven't read that series yet, but I am sure gonna in the future ;)
Wells and Matty are both players for the NHL. Both are gay and they have been together for some time. But while Wells is out and proud and really wants them to come out as a couple, Matty wants to stay deep in the closet.
No one besides Wells knows he is gay, and being the NHL Commissioner's son....he doesn't want anyone to find out. He just knows that they won't except him.
But Wells isn't willing to go back into the closet and hide who he is. He is a bit older than Matty, and going backwards is not an option. So when Matty refuses to live his life out in the open with Wells, Wells sees no other option than to leave Matty behind... and move on.
And move on he does.... right into the arms of someone else. And we all know that saying...you don't what you've got till it's gone !!!!
So Matty better bring his A game and fight for the man he wants !!
I really enjoyed this one, though I have to say, that I got frustrated with Matty more than once. Thankfully he grew a pair eventually. I understood his fears, but I never get why people try to live their lives for others instead of themselves. Sure...we don't want to hurt (or disappoint) the ones we love, but if they love you.....shouldn't your happiness be what's most important !!!
This was a sweet, HOT and at times angsty story. I really hope this author will gift us with some more MM stories in the future, but in the mean time, I will just go back and check out the Assassins series ;)
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
May 6, 2018
2 Stars
DNF @ 45%
Ahh, I really tried but couldn’t! I didn’t like the plot. The story is about two guys, one openly gay and his boyfriend didn’t come out yet! So he put him under pressure to come out! After the first half he just speaks to his sister but still, his brothers and his parents didn’t know. So I couldn’t continue reading. It was a bit boring and so slow! I think most of the story he is trying to tell his family about his being a gay! Maybe it's just me, maybe! Hope you enjoy it more than me!
DNF @ 45%
Ahh, I really tried but couldn’t! I didn’t like the plot. The story is about two guys, one openly gay and his boyfriend didn’t come out yet! So he put him under pressure to come out! After the first half he just speaks to his sister but still, his brothers and his parents didn’t know. So I couldn’t continue reading. It was a bit boring and so slow! I think most of the story he is trying to tell his family about his being a gay! Maybe it's just me, maybe! Hope you enjoy it more than me!
November 16, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Too much love*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
It was cute, but way too cheesy. I don't do lovey-dovey much, and this was over the top. The constant I love you's and the I'm not complete without you sayings are alright if it's said like three times, but not when it's almost every chapter. Hockey player for the Colorado, Wells Lemiere (34) and the youngest and most talented son of the NHL Commissioner, - also a hockey player for the Rangers - Matthew ‘Matty’ Robert Haverbrooke (23) were adorable, yes, but man, I didn't feel it. I think the relationship was pushed too much at me with all the love and I just... couldn't. Don't get me wrong, it was still cute and I enjoyed it just fine, but the back and forth, and the too much love the book had going, was just too much for me.
“And I love you, Matthew Haverbrooke, more than I could ever fathom, but I won't be someone's secret.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Wells Lemiere.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Not really, but if you like 'love overload', then yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
November 15, 2017
A waste of time for M/M readers
Technically speaking, the writing wasn't horrible. And that's the best thing I can say about this book. I was going to DNF this around 17% but I really hate doing that to new to me authors that have limited libraries to compare. So, I continued on to the end. I rarely write reviews because I'm not very good at verbalizing my thoughts and feelings and I'm over it and myself about half way through the review. But this one just irked me on so many levels. I mainly read M/M fiction and most fall in the romance/love story genre. Maybe 750+ M/M so far. So I've experienced a spectrum. But books like this, imo, drop kick M/M and queer books (romance) back 15+ years. It's one long "coming out" train wreck with selfish main characters and manufactured drama and cliches around every corner. It was $6 million dollars bad.
Technically speaking, the writing wasn't horrible. And that's the best thing I can say about this book. I was going to DNF this around 17% but I really hate doing that to new to me authors that have limited libraries to compare. So, I continued on to the end. I rarely write reviews because I'm not very good at verbalizing my thoughts and feelings and I'm over it and myself about half way through the review. But this one just irked me on so many levels. I mainly read M/M fiction and most fall in the romance/love story genre. Maybe 750+ M/M so far. So I've experienced a spectrum. But books like this, imo, drop kick M/M and queer books (romance) back 15+ years. It's one long "coming out" train wreck with selfish main characters and manufactured drama and cliches around every corner. It was $6 million dollars bad.
November 21, 2017
"Two Man Advantage" is this author's first M/M story. It was actually a very good effort and an enjoyable read but it was way too romantic and corny for me. The drama was often too much and some of the characters' reactions were unbelievable.
I liked the blurb and don't even let me get started on this cover! It won me over from the start. The idea of the plot was very interesting but something in the execution wasn't what I had hoped for. I wasn't able to connect with the MCs for the majority of the book and at times I didn't even like them all that much. Some of their notions frustrated me and I completely disagreed with a lot of their actions.
I like sport romances and if the sport is hockey then even better so I was sold on the story from the moment I saw it was about hockey players. In the end though I don't think this story falls under that category. There is talk about Wells and Matty being professional athletes but the events took place during the off season and there wasn't even one scene on the ice. The result of that was them being hockey players to be like saying they had short hair, just a detail about them but not important enough to have a big part in the story. I was disappointed because I was expecting something else but it wasn't that big of an issue.
The way Wells behaved toward his ex-fiance after he got back together with Matty was just awful. He obviously didn't love him but at least he could have treated him with some respect. He could have shown just for a second that he cared a bit for him or at least liked him, I would even settle for tolerated him.
There are a lot of characters from other books, which I haven't read, making appearances here and even more of them are just being mentioned but I didn't have a problem following the story. It can stand by itself just fine.
There are a lot of "I love yous" in this book, between the MCs and between them and their family or friends. I lost count. They said it so many times that it lost its meaning. Another thing I didn't like was the MCs constantly thinking of the other as "the guy" or "the dude" - "constantly" being the operative word. It created distance between them, that's not how you think of the person you want to be with. That's the way you think about someone who frustrates you or who you don't know all that well. I don't know if I'm explaining it right, if you've read the story you probably know what I'm talking about.
The book is basically Matty's coming out story. There are a lot of books with this trope and I like it most of the time. Here though Wells gave Matty an ultimatum. He kept pushing him to come out to his family and friends and got angry or frustrated with him when he backed out for whatever reason. For me it wasn't a case of Matty being unable to make up his mind and going back and forth. It was a case of Wells pushing him and having a one-track mind. He wanted to live openly with his boyfriend and wanted it to happen yesterday. That's understandable of course, that's not the point, my issue was with the way he went about making this a reality. I disliked Wells a great deal for this behavior. He was supposed to be supportive and patient, be there for Matty and give him courage.
The biggest issue for me in this story was exactly that: Wells's behavior towards Matty's coming out. I couldn't get past that.
Obviously, this wasn't a match for me but don't let my review discourage you from reading this book. There are a lot of raving reviews about it out there so it looks like I'm in the minority.
I'll rate with 3 stars, even though it turned out that it wasn't for me, because it's a story from an author new to the M/M genre and I always like it when I see someone taking a chance at something different.
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author/publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
I liked the blurb and don't even let me get started on this cover! It won me over from the start. The idea of the plot was very interesting but something in the execution wasn't what I had hoped for. I wasn't able to connect with the MCs for the majority of the book and at times I didn't even like them all that much. Some of their notions frustrated me and I completely disagreed with a lot of their actions.
I like sport romances and if the sport is hockey then even better so I was sold on the story from the moment I saw it was about hockey players. In the end though I don't think this story falls under that category. There is talk about Wells and Matty being professional athletes but the events took place during the off season and there wasn't even one scene on the ice. The result of that was them being hockey players to be like saying they had short hair, just a detail about them but not important enough to have a big part in the story. I was disappointed because I was expecting something else but it wasn't that big of an issue.
The way Wells behaved toward his ex-fiance after he got back together with Matty was just awful. He obviously didn't love him but at least he could have treated him with some respect. He could have shown just for a second that he cared a bit for him or at least liked him, I would even settle for tolerated him.
There are a lot of characters from other books, which I haven't read, making appearances here and even more of them are just being mentioned but I didn't have a problem following the story. It can stand by itself just fine.
There are a lot of "I love yous" in this book, between the MCs and between them and their family or friends. I lost count. They said it so many times that it lost its meaning. Another thing I didn't like was the MCs constantly thinking of the other as "the guy" or "the dude" - "constantly" being the operative word. It created distance between them, that's not how you think of the person you want to be with. That's the way you think about someone who frustrates you or who you don't know all that well. I don't know if I'm explaining it right, if you've read the story you probably know what I'm talking about.
The book is basically Matty's coming out story. There are a lot of books with this trope and I like it most of the time. Here though Wells gave Matty an ultimatum. He kept pushing him to come out to his family and friends and got angry or frustrated with him when he backed out for whatever reason. For me it wasn't a case of Matty being unable to make up his mind and going back and forth. It was a case of Wells pushing him and having a one-track mind. He wanted to live openly with his boyfriend and wanted it to happen yesterday. That's understandable of course, that's not the point, my issue was with the way he went about making this a reality. I disliked Wells a great deal for this behavior. He was supposed to be supportive and patient, be there for Matty and give him courage.
The biggest issue for me in this story was exactly that: Wells's behavior towards Matty's coming out. I couldn't get past that.
Obviously, this wasn't a match for me but don't let my review discourage you from reading this book. There are a lot of raving reviews about it out there so it looks like I'm in the minority.
I'll rate with 3 stars, even though it turned out that it wasn't for me, because it's a story from an author new to the M/M genre and I always like it when I see someone taking a chance at something different.
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the author/publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
November 28, 2017
3.5 stars.
Edited to add: After a bit of thinking, I think this book deserves more of a 3.5 stars then 4. It's not fair for all the other 4 star ratings if I had kept this at 4.
I think this might be Toni's first M/M novel? If it is, I am seriously impressed. This was so well written and I actually really enjoyed the story. Wells and Matty were adorable together and I loved seeing their relationship grow and develop from what it was on page one to the end of the story.
Though I do wish there was a bit more groveling at the beginning. I do think that with everything that happened, it felt a bit rushed. And I wasn't the biggest fan of everything Matty did. I wanted to punch him at times.
Aside from that, this was a super cute and fun read. One that I think many people will enjoy.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Edited to add: After a bit of thinking, I think this book deserves more of a 3.5 stars then 4. It's not fair for all the other 4 star ratings if I had kept this at 4.
I think this might be Toni's first M/M novel? If it is, I am seriously impressed. This was so well written and I actually really enjoyed the story. Wells and Matty were adorable together and I loved seeing their relationship grow and develop from what it was on page one to the end of the story.
Though I do wish there was a bit more groveling at the beginning. I do think that with everything that happened, it felt a bit rushed. And I wasn't the biggest fan of everything Matty did. I wanted to punch him at times.
Aside from that, this was a super cute and fun read. One that I think many people will enjoy.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2017
I get curious every time an MF author writes and MM story.
This one, i'm sad to say it was a mess.
The first like 15% it's The plot of a telenovela. I was cackling because I find stupid drama hilarious. But a lot of The beginning felt super fast and unnexplained. I don't know if their story started in another book or what. A loy of The events in The beginning were quickly glossed over but then it went slow, like really slow. There were so many characters that by comments made in the book I assume had their own books and this was a stand alone but honestly, had too much about other characters. Which I know it's something this author does, the only book I read of hers was a spin off of this series and even had chapters in the POV of a character from this series so yeah, not very good at stand alones
In general this drama mess was at most ok-ish.
This one, i'm sad to say it was a mess.
The first like 15% it's The plot of a telenovela. I was cackling because I find stupid drama hilarious. But a lot of The beginning felt super fast and unnexplained. I don't know if their story started in another book or what. A loy of The events in The beginning were quickly glossed over but then it went slow, like really slow. There were so many characters that by comments made in the book I assume had their own books and this was a stand alone but honestly, had too much about other characters. Which I know it's something this author does, the only book I read of hers was a spin off of this series and even had chapters in the POV of a character from this series so yeah, not very good at stand alones
In general this drama mess was at most ok-ish.
October 29, 2017
We were teased by Wells Lemiere and Matty Haverbrooke's story in the last book In the Crease.
For Toni Aleo series fans here is how they relate: Wells is Wren's brother and the best friend of Jensen (In the Crease) and Vaughn (Delayed Call) . He is a hockey player, gay, and in love with Matty who is Avery's brother and the NHL Commissioner's son (Hooked by Love). Matty is in the closet and the only one who knows he is gay is Wells.
Matty is stoic, closed off, controlled, analytical, and smart. But he can be funny and loving when it is just with Wells or people he is comfortable with. Wells is a decade older than Matty and is sweet, caring, loving and just wants to settle down and be happy. But Wells is tired of being a secret and gives him an ultimatum that Matty is just not ready for, so it ends them.
Looking for someone to fill the void, Wells began dating Alex who is a fast mover. Fairly soon Wells is looking at exchanging vows with his rebound man. But everyone knows, including Wells, that Matty was the love of his life.
Matty is terrified of coming out not only to his family, but to the NHL and the world. He is a popular and successful player, so he is not sure what it would mean for his career. And he is sure that his family, especially his father will not be accepting. They already have enough family dynamics issues that they are still dealing with due to Matty's past behavior with his sister. So Matty has a lot to deal with and has choices he needs to make.
But when Matty realizes it will be his last chance to go after his man, will he find the courage to fight for what he wants and face the consequences for being who he really is?
I loved Wells. He was just the sweet, good guy that everyone loved. And I could understand Matty's issues and reasons why he was afraid, but I was also rooting for him to get it together and give Wells what he deserved. They feel strongly and have the potential to be great together, but they have obstacles. Angst, drama, miscommunication, and fear plagued them.
This is an angsty, frustrating, humorous, sexy, and sweet second chance, M/M hockey romance dealing with coming out. It is told in dual points of view. It brings back some of the characters from the last few Assassins books and Bellevue Bullies series due to friends and family crossovers. I was glad to finally get a M/M coupling in this series and to hang out with old friends. But it can be read as a stand alone as well.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
For Toni Aleo series fans here is how they relate: Wells is Wren's brother and the best friend of Jensen (In the Crease) and Vaughn (Delayed Call) . He is a hockey player, gay, and in love with Matty who is Avery's brother and the NHL Commissioner's son (Hooked by Love). Matty is in the closet and the only one who knows he is gay is Wells.
Matty is stoic, closed off, controlled, analytical, and smart. But he can be funny and loving when it is just with Wells or people he is comfortable with. Wells is a decade older than Matty and is sweet, caring, loving and just wants to settle down and be happy. But Wells is tired of being a secret and gives him an ultimatum that Matty is just not ready for, so it ends them.
Looking for someone to fill the void, Wells began dating Alex who is a fast mover. Fairly soon Wells is looking at exchanging vows with his rebound man. But everyone knows, including Wells, that Matty was the love of his life.
Matty is terrified of coming out not only to his family, but to the NHL and the world. He is a popular and successful player, so he is not sure what it would mean for his career. And he is sure that his family, especially his father will not be accepting. They already have enough family dynamics issues that they are still dealing with due to Matty's past behavior with his sister. So Matty has a lot to deal with and has choices he needs to make.
But when Matty realizes it will be his last chance to go after his man, will he find the courage to fight for what he wants and face the consequences for being who he really is?
I loved Wells. He was just the sweet, good guy that everyone loved. And I could understand Matty's issues and reasons why he was afraid, but I was also rooting for him to get it together and give Wells what he deserved. They feel strongly and have the potential to be great together, but they have obstacles. Angst, drama, miscommunication, and fear plagued them.
This is an angsty, frustrating, humorous, sexy, and sweet second chance, M/M hockey romance dealing with coming out. It is told in dual points of view. It brings back some of the characters from the last few Assassins books and Bellevue Bullies series due to friends and family crossovers. I was glad to finally get a M/M coupling in this series and to hang out with old friends. But it can be read as a stand alone as well.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
November 15, 2017DNF 20%
Note to myself: Stop picking up books written by M/F authors who want to try M/M genre.
Note to myself: Stop picking up books written by M/F authors who want to try M/M genre.
November 28, 2017
One is a proud gay, the other is hiding. A typical story, which doesn't convince.
February 10, 2018
Two-Man Advantage was Toni Aleo’s spin off from her Bellevue Bullies and Assassins series. It was also her first M/M writing and I loved everything about it.
Wells Lemiere was an openly gay NHL player. He was gorgeous, funny, talented, loyal to family and friends and all around a well loved and respected guy. We met him in previous Assassin books, but most recently in In the Crease as Wren’s brother. We also learned that he was about to marry a man that was his rebound after a break up from the love of his life that wouldn’t come out as gay. Wells was tired of being a secret and wanted more out of life.
Matthew “Matty” Haverbrook was a professional NHL player and the son of the NHL Commissioner. We had snippets of him in previous books and he was an angry dude and frankly a total dick in every way. He had been gay since middle school but was refusing to acknowledge it publicly, feeling he would be rejected by his family and the league. He found his true love in Wells but lost it when he refused to come out openly. Two Man Advantage began with Matty showing up to stop Wells wedding.
I was looking forward to this one but also a little apprehensive, knowing that Aleo had a huge challenge in recreating Matty. There was not a single morsel of goodness in Matty in Hooked by Love, Bellevue Bullies book three. He was horrendous to his twin sister, Avery. And when I say nothing good, I mean 100% pure evil, so yea, trying to redeem him was a Mt Everest like uphill battle. However, I really loved how Aleo tackled it. I felt it was realistic and he had to work hard for a redemption and becoming a man of honor.
Two Man Advantage was a journey of acceptance, forgiveness, healing, making the past right, coming out and all of the challenges associated with each one. For me, Aleo painted a realistic picture. At times it was painful and other times it was joyful, but at each turn, it was emotional.
Aleo also included characters from past books that we had come to love. They added humor, playful bantering and boat loads of support. As a bonus, we also received a peek into Matty’s other siblings, which I’m hopeful will lead to additional books.
All in all, I was captivated from the beginning to the end and couldn’t get enough. Although it was written as a standalone, I believe I enjoyed it more because I knew the struggle from previous books. I have no idea where Aleo is taking us next, but I totally can’t wait. Kudos to Aleo for a well written and outstanding story!
Wells Lemiere was an openly gay NHL player. He was gorgeous, funny, talented, loyal to family and friends and all around a well loved and respected guy. We met him in previous Assassin books, but most recently in In the Crease as Wren’s brother. We also learned that he was about to marry a man that was his rebound after a break up from the love of his life that wouldn’t come out as gay. Wells was tired of being a secret and wanted more out of life.
Matthew “Matty” Haverbrook was a professional NHL player and the son of the NHL Commissioner. We had snippets of him in previous books and he was an angry dude and frankly a total dick in every way. He had been gay since middle school but was refusing to acknowledge it publicly, feeling he would be rejected by his family and the league. He found his true love in Wells but lost it when he refused to come out openly. Two Man Advantage began with Matty showing up to stop Wells wedding.
I was looking forward to this one but also a little apprehensive, knowing that Aleo had a huge challenge in recreating Matty. There was not a single morsel of goodness in Matty in Hooked by Love, Bellevue Bullies book three. He was horrendous to his twin sister, Avery. And when I say nothing good, I mean 100% pure evil, so yea, trying to redeem him was a Mt Everest like uphill battle. However, I really loved how Aleo tackled it. I felt it was realistic and he had to work hard for a redemption and becoming a man of honor.
Two Man Advantage was a journey of acceptance, forgiveness, healing, making the past right, coming out and all of the challenges associated with each one. For me, Aleo painted a realistic picture. At times it was painful and other times it was joyful, but at each turn, it was emotional.
Aleo also included characters from past books that we had come to love. They added humor, playful bantering and boat loads of support. As a bonus, we also received a peek into Matty’s other siblings, which I’m hopeful will lead to additional books.
All in all, I was captivated from the beginning to the end and couldn’t get enough. Although it was written as a standalone, I believe I enjoyed it more because I knew the struggle from previous books. I have no idea where Aleo is taking us next, but I totally can’t wait. Kudos to Aleo for a well written and outstanding story!
October 28, 2017
ok ya'll, I have to admit that I was so unsure going into this book.
M/M is just not my typical read. I have nothing against it or anything, it just isn't my particular preference. But knowing how good Toni's books are, I knew I needed to give TWO MAN ADVANTAGE a shot. And that was exactly what I did.
And I'm so glad I did too. It took a bit to really get into the book. I'm not going to lie, I was really disjointed from the story. But the farther I went the more I really enjoyed the characters and the story as a whole. And believe me, liking Matty was not an easy feat. I have been holding a grudge against him for quite a while. he was a snobby, arrogant, jerk (to say the least) and he did Wells pretty damn bad on top of all the other crap involving his sister.
But Toni actually made me semi like the dude by the end. She gave him a way, at least in my eyes to redeem himself. And I liked that. I liked that Toni could write him in a way that actually made me not hate him haha. But seriously. The trials his character goes through probably have a big part in how I view him now. And even at times even sympathized for him *gasp!
But it was also Wells that adored in this book. I've loved his character from the start, and just wanted him to be happy. And I feel like this book gave me that.
He's such a caring person. Always seeing the good in everyone, and helping to make a bad situation good. And seeing his love for Matty and how strong that made the two of them made me all warm and fuzzy. He's just one of those characters you can't help but love.
And as horrible as some of the supporting characters were at times, they really helped make the book. They made the problems the characters faced real and plausible. And hey we get to see some fun familiar Assassins faces in this book too. So that's always fun ;)
All in all this book was good, I went in not knowing what to expect. And was definitely happy I gave it a shot. Toni did an a amazing job with not only the characters but the story itself. And I want to give her and her team a huge thank you for sending out a review copy to read. Y'all are amazing!
I give TWO MAN ADVANTAGE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
M/M is just not my typical read. I have nothing against it or anything, it just isn't my particular preference. But knowing how good Toni's books are, I knew I needed to give TWO MAN ADVANTAGE a shot. And that was exactly what I did.
And I'm so glad I did too. It took a bit to really get into the book. I'm not going to lie, I was really disjointed from the story. But the farther I went the more I really enjoyed the characters and the story as a whole. And believe me, liking Matty was not an easy feat. I have been holding a grudge against him for quite a while. he was a snobby, arrogant, jerk (to say the least) and he did Wells pretty damn bad on top of all the other crap involving his sister.
But Toni actually made me semi like the dude by the end. She gave him a way, at least in my eyes to redeem himself. And I liked that. I liked that Toni could write him in a way that actually made me not hate him haha. But seriously. The trials his character goes through probably have a big part in how I view him now. And even at times even sympathized for him *gasp!
But it was also Wells that adored in this book. I've loved his character from the start, and just wanted him to be happy. And I feel like this book gave me that.
He's such a caring person. Always seeing the good in everyone, and helping to make a bad situation good. And seeing his love for Matty and how strong that made the two of them made me all warm and fuzzy. He's just one of those characters you can't help but love.
And as horrible as some of the supporting characters were at times, they really helped make the book. They made the problems the characters faced real and plausible. And hey we get to see some fun familiar Assassins faces in this book too. So that's always fun ;)
All in all this book was good, I went in not knowing what to expect. And was definitely happy I gave it a shot. Toni did an a amazing job with not only the characters but the story itself. And I want to give her and her team a huge thank you for sending out a review copy to read. Y'all are amazing!
I give TWO MAN ADVANTAGE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 13, 2017
Wells has watched his siblings find their loves while he struggles to find his own. He had a true love who wasn’t willing to come out of the closet to be publicly seens with Wells, and Wells isn’t willing to hide who he is. Wells has been in the league for a while, and is confident in who he is and what he wants -- he wants to be openly gay and in love.
Matt Haverbrooke has an image to uphold. As the commissioner’s son, he is expected to be the ideal hockey player and strong man. His image is not supposed to include homosexuality and as such he has lived part of his life in hiding. He was willing to let go of the love of his life once in order to uphold the image he feels he needs to portray, at least until he finds out that love is set to be married to someone else.
I have been waiting for Wells story, and before the blurb for this book was released I wasn’t really sure who his happy ever after would be. I loved the little bits and pieces of his story we had in the background of previous books, particularly In The Crease, and couldn’t wait to find out what the deal was with him and Matty, ad they did not disappoint!
I loved the strength Wells had, both from his own supportive family and the experience that comes with age. Matty had a tendency to frustrate me with his tendency to hide behind his fears despite his desire to move forward with Wells.
But both men were ultimately fun to read and fun to watch learn about each other as they moved beyond their history together.
This was a story filled with questions and what ifs. The angst and drama between them was high, especially as they had tried a relationship once before and Matty’s fear of public opinion kept him from being completely with Wells. This was a great addition to the Bullies/Assassins family of stories with cameos and scenes with some of my favorite characters.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Matt Haverbrooke has an image to uphold. As the commissioner’s son, he is expected to be the ideal hockey player and strong man. His image is not supposed to include homosexuality and as such he has lived part of his life in hiding. He was willing to let go of the love of his life once in order to uphold the image he feels he needs to portray, at least until he finds out that love is set to be married to someone else.
I have been waiting for Wells story, and before the blurb for this book was released I wasn’t really sure who his happy ever after would be. I loved the little bits and pieces of his story we had in the background of previous books, particularly In The Crease, and couldn’t wait to find out what the deal was with him and Matty, ad they did not disappoint!
I loved the strength Wells had, both from his own supportive family and the experience that comes with age. Matty had a tendency to frustrate me with his tendency to hide behind his fears despite his desire to move forward with Wells.
But both men were ultimately fun to read and fun to watch learn about each other as they moved beyond their history together.
This was a story filled with questions and what ifs. The angst and drama between them was high, especially as they had tried a relationship once before and Matty’s fear of public opinion kept him from being completely with Wells. This was a great addition to the Bullies/Assassins family of stories with cameos and scenes with some of my favorite characters.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2017
It wasn't terrible, it wasn't great. I did have a problem with Wells issuing an ultimatum. If you start dating someone in the closet, they have to decide to come out. It's not up to anyone else. Spoiler ahead...
It must be nice to have money to blow on paying off a blackmailer. 6 million dollars to someone, only to delay coming out for a week.
It wasn't because the pictures were too graphic, but because Matty was too scared to come out. What a waste.
It must be nice to have money to blow on paying off a blackmailer. 6 million dollars to someone, only to delay coming out for a week.
It wasn't because the pictures were too graphic, but because Matty was too scared to come out. What a waste.
November 14, 2017
2.5 stars
I'm not sure where to begin with this review. The cover and the prologue held such promise but went down quickly from there.
I loved the concept of this M/M age gap sports themed romance however I had a hard time connecting with the characters and their story. Wells is an openly gay man who loves Matty however he's still in the closet and not looking to leave. This is the overall theme of the story but it needed more. I thought with them both being They are professional hockey players would add another element to the book however if it wasn't for the blurb I wouldn't have known that Wells was hockey play too. For the first half of the book it wasn't mentioned. I don't read romance novels to learn about sports but when it's touted as a sports romance then it should have a little to do with that sport.
Wells delivers an ultimatum to Matty but when Matty won't come out to his family and friends Wells leaves.
Within 6 months of their breakup, Wells is walking down the aisle to another man. He rebounded pretty quickly in my opinion. Matty declares his love for Wells in front of a packed church but still refused to come out to his family. Despite the fact that they are both professional NHL hockey players and no one at this wedding went to the media outing them as a couple. This came when Wells and Matty were on vacation on a private beach but somehow someone took compromising pictures of the pair. Matty was then blackmailed for millions, which he doesn't have (despite being one of the best players in hockey ) and borrows it from Wells.
They continue trying to make it work despite dealing with several cross country trips making time for family issues and reconciliation between their family but alas this couple has another situation which causes them to break up.....again. This time Matty's brother and father have issues. Since Marty's dad is the NHL commissioner I would have assumed that he knew Wells and his sexual orientation but there were references in the book that he didn't know him at all.
Wells friends and family and Matty's mom were bright stars in the book. They were written with humor and both always looking for the brightside bit sadly they couldn't help Wells and Matty work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this story! I haven't read many of Toni Aleo's work, so I didn't necessarily know what to expect.
The twist of the couple being together, but essentially breaking up in the very beginning of the story was shocking and wonderfully different. Yea, you read that right. I normally like the lead up and courting of a new relationship, but this worked for them. It worked because it allowed the reader to experience so many more emotions.
Second chance romance is normally not my cuppa. I was hesitant and scared, but so intrigued and curious. I couldn't put it down. I felt the love between these two on every single page.
One of my only criticisms is because I haven't read many of the authors books, I felt that the story in the beginning of the books with the secondary characters was confusing. It needed cleaned up because it completely distracted me for a hot minute from the main couple. That annoyed me.
Having said that... the secondary characters were a big part of the book, and I'm very interested in their stories! Bravo, Miss Aleo. Please write more m/m!
Please note that I wouldn't consider this safe. The couple breaks up in the beginning and there is a period of seperation (not so much on paper.. that's only a few chapters). One of the Hs is with someone else to the point of about to get married (he didn't love him, obviously), and the other dates a girl for a hot minute (with no sex). Some safe sex, some not. Little OM drama. A lot of family drama. Both guys are gay, not a gay for you trope. Older man (by 11 years) with younger guy.
The twist of the couple being together, but essentially breaking up in the very beginning of the story was shocking and wonderfully different. Yea, you read that right. I normally like the lead up and courting of a new relationship, but this worked for them. It worked because it allowed the reader to experience so many more emotions.
Second chance romance is normally not my cuppa. I was hesitant and scared, but so intrigued and curious. I couldn't put it down. I felt the love between these two on every single page.
One of my only criticisms is because I haven't read many of the authors books, I felt that the story in the beginning of the books with the secondary characters was confusing. It needed cleaned up because it completely distracted me for a hot minute from the main couple. That annoyed me.
Having said that... the secondary characters were a big part of the book, and I'm very interested in their stories! Bravo, Miss Aleo. Please write more m/m!
Please note that I wouldn't consider this safe. The couple breaks up in the beginning and there is a period of seperation (not so much on paper.. that's only a few chapters). One of the Hs is with someone else to the point of about to get married (he didn't love him, obviously), and the other dates a girl for a hot minute (with no sex). Some safe sex, some not. Little OM drama. A lot of family drama. Both guys are gay, not a gay for you trope. Older man (by 11 years) with younger guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
What a great addition. Toni knows her stuff.
November 14, 2017
I’m speechless! Toni wrote her socks off with this one!! Perfect combo of everything I love about her books - great snark, lots of laughs, amazing chemistry between characters, the right amount of angst and more heart than should be allowed!
Wells and Matty. This story was a second chance, but it’s also a redemption story and a fight for accepting who you are Story, and a what fills your heart story. This is Toni’s first m/m story, and it proves once again that love is love. These two men have to fight and battle to be together, but they know they are better together than apart even if they sometimes do stupid things. Matty first appears being the worst kind of human, but Toni truly turned him and oh how I felt for this man! I mean I truly could feel how tortured he had been for years and the way he owned his actions, worked to make himself better? All the feels. Gah! Seriously I HAD to finish once I started reading and it’s so worth the lost sleep!! So well done Toni Aleo!!
Wells and Matty. This story was a second chance, but it’s also a redemption story and a fight for accepting who you are Story, and a what fills your heart story. This is Toni’s first m/m story, and it proves once again that love is love. These two men have to fight and battle to be together, but they know they are better together than apart even if they sometimes do stupid things. Matty first appears being the worst kind of human, but Toni truly turned him and oh how I felt for this man! I mean I truly could feel how tortured he had been for years and the way he owned his actions, worked to make himself better? All the feels. Gah! Seriously I HAD to finish once I started reading and it’s so worth the lost sleep!! So well done Toni Aleo!!
March 8, 2023
I skipped most of it. These are the characters know from two other series. I'm sorry Toni I love you but this was not my jam. Love the cover though.
November 7, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy from the author.
Two Man Advantage is about Wells Lemiere (Wren's brother from In the Crease) and Matty Haverbrooke (Avery's twin brother from Hooked by Love). I was a little unsure if I would like this book or even want to read it, not because it is a M/M romance, but because it is about Matty. I have to admit, I loathed him Hooked by Love. I understood his desire of keeping his secret, but I didn't think he would be able to redeem himself after being a horrible person to Avery. After reading this book, I am so glad I took the chance.
We hear about Wells and Matty in the book In the Crease. After his heart is broken by Matty, Wells has moved on and is about to marry another man, when Matty shows up hoping to interrupt the wedding. Wells and Matty are given a second chance at love and their relationship. The biggest obstacle in they have to overcome is Matty coming out to his family and the world.
I liked this book and was happy to have read it. Wells just wanted to be in a relationship with the man he loved out in public, and Matty wanted to be able to be himself, but was scared. I liked seeing how Matty grew and wanted to reveal his secret, even though he wanted to do it his way at his own speed. I also loved seeing how he wanted a relationship with his sister and was the one to initiate it. After the terrible things he said and did to her for years, it was a little unbelievable how quickly she forgave him and decided to move on. The only thing I wish was included was Matty's epiphany of wanting to change and be a better person. It was mentioned he saw a therapist, and I would have loved to see a few of his sessions. If you love Toni Aleo's hockey books, and have been craving Wells and Matty's story, then this will be a treat for you.
Two Man Advantage is about Wells Lemiere (Wren's brother from In the Crease) and Matty Haverbrooke (Avery's twin brother from Hooked by Love). I was a little unsure if I would like this book or even want to read it, not because it is a M/M romance, but because it is about Matty. I have to admit, I loathed him Hooked by Love. I understood his desire of keeping his secret, but I didn't think he would be able to redeem himself after being a horrible person to Avery. After reading this book, I am so glad I took the chance.
We hear about Wells and Matty in the book In the Crease. After his heart is broken by Matty, Wells has moved on and is about to marry another man, when Matty shows up hoping to interrupt the wedding. Wells and Matty are given a second chance at love and their relationship. The biggest obstacle in they have to overcome is Matty coming out to his family and the world.
I liked this book and was happy to have read it. Wells just wanted to be in a relationship with the man he loved out in public, and Matty wanted to be able to be himself, but was scared. I liked seeing how Matty grew and wanted to reveal his secret, even though he wanted to do it his way at his own speed. I also loved seeing how he wanted a relationship with his sister and was the one to initiate it. After the terrible things he said and did to her for years, it was a little unbelievable how quickly she forgave him and decided to move on. The only thing I wish was included was Matty's epiphany of wanting to change and be a better person. It was mentioned he saw a therapist, and I would have loved to see a few of his sessions. If you love Toni Aleo's hockey books, and have been craving Wells and Matty's story, then this will be a treat for you.
November 6, 2017
This review is for an advanced review copy. It is my unbiased, honest opinion.
4.5/5 Stars
Toni Aleo has done it again! Two Man Advantage is a standalone M/M romance novel that takes place in Aleo’s beloved Assassins universe. Matty Haverbrooke and Wells Lemiere are professional hocky players. They have a passion for the sport and for each other. However, because of Matty’s fears and family, their relationship was forced to come to an end. It takes Wells’s upcoming marriage to make Matty see that their relationship is worth the risk. This book picks right up where In the Crease (Assassins Series #12) left off. It is the story of Matty and Wells’ relationship through triumphs and, at times, seemingly insurmountable challenges.
If you are looking for a book with extensive character and relationship development, look no further. Wells and Matty’s relationship is one of true and realistic love. Relationships are not easy and this couple is no exception to that rule. However, because of their struggles the characters and relationship grow stronger.
I was a little apprehensive going into this book because of what I had learned about Matty in previous books. However, it did not take long for him to begin to grow on me. If you have read other books in the Assassins world, such as Hooked by Love, do not skip this book. Matty has a story that deserves to be heard and this book explains so much about not only Matty, but the entire Haverbrooke family. As with Aleo’s other novels, readers get to learn more about the lives of previous leading couples, such as Jace and Avery. I had a very hard time putting this book down and finished it within one day. The story was exciting and realistic, both of which are hallmarks of Aleo’s writing style. Whether this is your first experience with Aleo’s work or you are already a fan, Matty and Wells will become one of your favorite couples.
4.5/5 Stars
Toni Aleo has done it again! Two Man Advantage is a standalone M/M romance novel that takes place in Aleo’s beloved Assassins universe. Matty Haverbrooke and Wells Lemiere are professional hocky players. They have a passion for the sport and for each other. However, because of Matty’s fears and family, their relationship was forced to come to an end. It takes Wells’s upcoming marriage to make Matty see that their relationship is worth the risk. This book picks right up where In the Crease (Assassins Series #12) left off. It is the story of Matty and Wells’ relationship through triumphs and, at times, seemingly insurmountable challenges.
If you are looking for a book with extensive character and relationship development, look no further. Wells and Matty’s relationship is one of true and realistic love. Relationships are not easy and this couple is no exception to that rule. However, because of their struggles the characters and relationship grow stronger.
I was a little apprehensive going into this book because of what I had learned about Matty in previous books. However, it did not take long for him to begin to grow on me. If you have read other books in the Assassins world, such as Hooked by Love, do not skip this book. Matty has a story that deserves to be heard and this book explains so much about not only Matty, but the entire Haverbrooke family. As with Aleo’s other novels, readers get to learn more about the lives of previous leading couples, such as Jace and Avery. I had a very hard time putting this book down and finished it within one day. The story was exciting and realistic, both of which are hallmarks of Aleo’s writing style. Whether this is your first experience with Aleo’s work or you are already a fan, Matty and Wells will become one of your favorite couples.
January 9, 2018
I want to start off by saying that this is my first Toni Aleo book. And although the writing was good & the book flowed good. It just didn’t work out for me. I feel this book was more for her M/F readers.
I’m a BIG M/M book reader. A picky one too! And I just had a hard time with this book. Down to the sex scenes. That’s a big thing with me.
And I also had no clue this was a crossover book. I kind of suspected something was up with these characters. Because I felt right from the start Like I was missing something.
And that’s one of my pet peeve’s in crossover books. Can the author successfully tell this story without all the other books stealing the show. And unfortunately... I feel like this book had too much going on from her other series. All these characters. And all their back stories getting dropped here and here. It just took away from this story and the main characters.
I had to do some searching. But I think the crossover starts with these two series.... the Bellevue Bullies & Assassins. Now that’s a lot to take in! Because the Assassins is on Book #12 in the series and Bellevue Bullies is on Book #3 in that series.
All M/F books!
When I signed up for this book I thought I was starting something new. But I definitely feel like you need to read all those other book just to get what everyone went through to get to the point they are in this book. And I definitely didn’t sign up for all that.
Die hard M/M readers (meaning... they don’t read M/F books at all) will have a problem with this book. Because this book has a lot of those other characters from all those other books and just not enough of just the main characters. (which I was sad about!)
I would say a good chunk of this book was about Matty dealing with his family issues and his coming out. I kept reading this book wondering when I was going to get to the meat of this story. Of just Well’s and Matty and their story. I didn’t get all the good parts. Like the story of how they met. And how they fell in love. Or anything.
It just felt weird.
I just felt Well's & Matty were never properly introduced to me as a reader. It just jumps right into their relationship.
The author just tells you they played against each other and Well’s knew he had to have Matty.
They kissed in the hallway of Matty’s hotel. Sparked flew bodies pressed together then
“Cue, the yearlong relationship that followed.”
I mean what?!
This is their story!!! I want all the good stuff in between! I never read her other books in those other series! I wanted their beginning!!! I needed that!
In the beginning of this book we get this grand gesture from Matty. But thats it.
Then we get the sex. Very routine sex!
There was hardly any tender moments from them. Kissing, caressing, worshiping each other‘s bodies.
I get the lust and want moments. But it can’t all be bang bang bang and then tender kisses after the high of their fading orgasms. There needed to be more. There needed to be touching in places other than their d**ks. Maybe some foreplay... some teasing. There was definitely no A** play going on in this book. Both characters never put their fingers there.... At all. And Matty was the only one to touch Well’s there and it was only to put the lube there.
Their sex upset me. I definitely think this author played it safe for her M/F readers.
I mean it doesn’t have to be all raunchy. Their is a way to tastefully do it. And they never came together. It was always Matty giving Well’s a BJ. Once Well's was done.... then Matty had sex with him.... always. I just pictured Well's just laying there just looking at him to finish. Then they kisses & hug and it was done.
I just wasn’t feeling their sex.
Matty’s relationship with his twin sister was a big thing in this book. I felt the heaviness of Matty and his sister Avery situation. And even though the author tells you why they stopped talking. It still felt like I was missing a whole story there. I just got the tail end of their story in this book. I feel you definitely need to read Hooked By Love.... Jace and Avery story. To get what Matty really did to his sister.
I honestly don’t think I would’ve read this book because I don’t think I would’ve like what I read about what Matty did to his sister and why he did it.
The things he said he did to his sister were horrible!
Every time Wren/Jensen & Jace/Avery were mentioned. I just felt there was more to them. A bigger back story that I was missing out on. Again... that’s why crossover’s are tricky.
The whole coming out story line and what Will gave Matty to help him out upset me. It made no sense at all. Especially the amount (6 MILLION!) he spent just to buy a day or two . Then it was all forgotten. Never to be mentioned again. I mean what?! That was ridiculous!
And another thing that got to me. These main characters play hockey. Theirs hardly any hockey in this book. I think Matty plays one game. I was kinda looking forward to reading both main characters in the ice. But nope. Nothing!
I guess it’s safe to say I didn’t enjoy this book. I was looking for a good coming out/ sport's love story. I didn't get it with this book. But I did with these other books.
Here are some other M/M hockey books I really suggest!!
Crashing the Net
Him
Off the Ice
All these books had it all for me.
I’m a BIG M/M book reader. A picky one too! And I just had a hard time with this book. Down to the sex scenes. That’s a big thing with me.
And I also had no clue this was a crossover book. I kind of suspected something was up with these characters. Because I felt right from the start Like I was missing something.
And that’s one of my pet peeve’s in crossover books. Can the author successfully tell this story without all the other books stealing the show. And unfortunately... I feel like this book had too much going on from her other series. All these characters. And all their back stories getting dropped here and here. It just took away from this story and the main characters.
I had to do some searching. But I think the crossover starts with these two series.... the Bellevue Bullies & Assassins. Now that’s a lot to take in! Because the Assassins is on Book #12 in the series and Bellevue Bullies is on Book #3 in that series.
All M/F books!
When I signed up for this book I thought I was starting something new. But I definitely feel like you need to read all those other book just to get what everyone went through to get to the point they are in this book. And I definitely didn’t sign up for all that.
Die hard M/M readers (meaning... they don’t read M/F books at all) will have a problem with this book. Because this book has a lot of those other characters from all those other books and just not enough of just the main characters. (which I was sad about!)
I would say a good chunk of this book was about Matty dealing with his family issues and his coming out. I kept reading this book wondering when I was going to get to the meat of this story. Of just Well’s and Matty and their story. I didn’t get all the good parts. Like the story of how they met. And how they fell in love. Or anything.
It just felt weird.
I just felt Well's & Matty were never properly introduced to me as a reader. It just jumps right into their relationship.
The author just tells you they played against each other and Well’s knew he had to have Matty.
They kissed in the hallway of Matty’s hotel. Sparked flew bodies pressed together then
“Cue, the yearlong relationship that followed.”
I mean what?!
This is their story!!! I want all the good stuff in between! I never read her other books in those other series! I wanted their beginning!!! I needed that!
In the beginning of this book we get this grand gesture from Matty. But thats it.
Then we get the sex. Very routine sex!
There was hardly any tender moments from them. Kissing, caressing, worshiping each other‘s bodies.
I get the lust and want moments. But it can’t all be bang bang bang and then tender kisses after the high of their fading orgasms. There needed to be more. There needed to be touching in places other than their d**ks. Maybe some foreplay... some teasing. There was definitely no A** play going on in this book. Both characters never put their fingers there.... At all. And Matty was the only one to touch Well’s there and it was only to put the lube there.
Their sex upset me. I definitely think this author played it safe for her M/F readers.
I mean it doesn’t have to be all raunchy. Their is a way to tastefully do it. And they never came together. It was always Matty giving Well’s a BJ. Once Well's was done.... then Matty had sex with him.... always. I just pictured Well's just laying there just looking at him to finish. Then they kisses & hug and it was done.
I just wasn’t feeling their sex.
Matty’s relationship with his twin sister was a big thing in this book. I felt the heaviness of Matty and his sister Avery situation. And even though the author tells you why they stopped talking. It still felt like I was missing a whole story there. I just got the tail end of their story in this book. I feel you definitely need to read Hooked By Love.... Jace and Avery story. To get what Matty really did to his sister.
I honestly don’t think I would’ve read this book because I don’t think I would’ve like what I read about what Matty did to his sister and why he did it.
The things he said he did to his sister were horrible!
Every time Wren/Jensen & Jace/Avery were mentioned. I just felt there was more to them. A bigger back story that I was missing out on. Again... that’s why crossover’s are tricky.
The whole coming out story line and what Will gave Matty to help him out upset me. It made no sense at all. Especially the amount (6 MILLION!) he spent just to buy a day or two . Then it was all forgotten. Never to be mentioned again. I mean what?! That was ridiculous!
And another thing that got to me. These main characters play hockey. Theirs hardly any hockey in this book. I think Matty plays one game. I was kinda looking forward to reading both main characters in the ice. But nope. Nothing!
I guess it’s safe to say I didn’t enjoy this book. I was looking for a good coming out/ sport's love story. I didn't get it with this book. But I did with these other books.
Here are some other M/M hockey books I really suggest!!
Crashing the Net
Him
Off the Ice
All these books had it all for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2017
Review to come!
October 23, 2017
Excellent M/M Debut!
If there is one thing Toni Aleo knows well, it's hockey. Her Assassins series is the best out there and now she's added another element to it in the form of Matty and Wells.
Matty and Wells are professional hockey players that are in love. The catch, Wells is out and proud, while Matty is still in the closet and under the thumb of his family. A family that is rich, snotty and Matty just knows the gay-thing isn't going to go over well with them. So he hides. Hides himself, Wells and they love they share.
Wells is eleven years older than Matty and is done spending any more time in the closet. His motto is, if you don't like it, get out of my life. A motto that has caused some heartbreak a long the way, however also caused some of his family members to open thier eyes and accept him for the man he is. While Wells loves Matty, there is no way he is hiding for him or anybody ever again.
In Two Man Advantage, we are navigating the relationship of Wells and Matty along with thier respective families. Toni Aleo did a nice job at showing her readers both sides of the coin, how one family can be loving and accepting, while the other harsh and rejecting. All Matty and Wells want to do is live and love like any other couple and the professional hockey player aspect made the love part that much hotter. ;)
The book is well written and of course, there are some Assassins references in it. You don't have to know the Assassin's series to know what she is talking about, however I found the cross-referencing pretty neat. Two Man Advantage reads as a standalone with a nice epilogue to bring it all together.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
If there is one thing Toni Aleo knows well, it's hockey. Her Assassins series is the best out there and now she's added another element to it in the form of Matty and Wells.
Matty and Wells are professional hockey players that are in love. The catch, Wells is out and proud, while Matty is still in the closet and under the thumb of his family. A family that is rich, snotty and Matty just knows the gay-thing isn't going to go over well with them. So he hides. Hides himself, Wells and they love they share.
Wells is eleven years older than Matty and is done spending any more time in the closet. His motto is, if you don't like it, get out of my life. A motto that has caused some heartbreak a long the way, however also caused some of his family members to open thier eyes and accept him for the man he is. While Wells loves Matty, there is no way he is hiding for him or anybody ever again.
In Two Man Advantage, we are navigating the relationship of Wells and Matty along with thier respective families. Toni Aleo did a nice job at showing her readers both sides of the coin, how one family can be loving and accepting, while the other harsh and rejecting. All Matty and Wells want to do is live and love like any other couple and the professional hockey player aspect made the love part that much hotter. ;)
The book is well written and of course, there are some Assassins references in it. You don't have to know the Assassin's series to know what she is talking about, however I found the cross-referencing pretty neat. Two Man Advantage reads as a standalone with a nice epilogue to bring it all together.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
November 28, 2017
I'm huge M/M Romance fan and I think Toni Aleo did a great job with Two Man Advantage. It's a story about Two gay professional Hockey players in the NHL
Wells & Matty's journey was enjoyable and heart warning. It's filled with so much love, frustation, fear and ultimately acceptance. I loved how it started off with them already into their relationship. Both in love but completely opposite with their feelings towards their future. Wells needs more... Keeping their relationship a secret is no longer an option. He's out in his daily life but forced to sneak around with Matty. Matty is 11 years younger, less experienced and in the closet. He is terrified of the consequences their relationship could produce within his unaccepting family and The NHL
He is paralyzed with fear. I felt all of his anxiety, but I also felt all of Wells' frustation. Walking away seemed to be Wells only option. Leaving them both broken hearted. As the two try to move forward apart, they realize their love for one another is not deminshing. The heart wants what it wants... One grand gesture has them reconciling. Can Matty finally live and love freely? Is their love strong enough for to survive the adtermath?
I loved both guys. Their love for one another radiated off the pages. Toni did a great job with how they navigated their relationship and how the story evolved. I was entertained till the end! I hope she continues to write M/m Romance.
Wells & Matty's journey was enjoyable and heart warning. It's filled with so much love, frustation, fear and ultimately acceptance. I loved how it started off with them already into their relationship. Both in love but completely opposite with their feelings towards their future. Wells needs more... Keeping their relationship a secret is no longer an option. He's out in his daily life but forced to sneak around with Matty. Matty is 11 years younger, less experienced and in the closet. He is terrified of the consequences their relationship could produce within his unaccepting family and The NHL
He is paralyzed with fear. I felt all of his anxiety, but I also felt all of Wells' frustation. Walking away seemed to be Wells only option. Leaving them both broken hearted. As the two try to move forward apart, they realize their love for one another is not deminshing. The heart wants what it wants... One grand gesture has them reconciling. Can Matty finally live and love freely? Is their love strong enough for to survive the adtermath?
I loved both guys. Their love for one another radiated off the pages. Toni did a great job with how they navigated their relationship and how the story evolved. I was entertained till the end! I hope she continues to write M/m Romance.
November 28, 2017
I loved it! Near perfect romance with the right amount of sweetness and angst. Could not give it 5 stars coz Wells almost married another man and Matty had to do a super melodramatic scene to stop the freaking ceremony. I did not like that at all. Their reunion should not have been almost too late. That entire situation of Wells leaving his fiance at the altar left a bad taste in my mouth.
Overall, I did enjoy reading about Matty and Well’s struggle as a couple and I like that Matty finally came out and declared his love for Wells. The book did make me believe that Matty and Wells are each other’s forever.
Overall, I did enjoy reading about Matty and Well’s struggle as a couple and I like that Matty finally came out and declared his love for Wells. The book did make me believe that Matty and Wells are each other’s forever.
April 16, 2022
Matthew Robert Haverbrooke and Wells Lemiere are both NHL players. Wells is out and proud but even though Matty had known he was gay since he was 13, he is still in the closet. They have been together over a year and Wells is sick and tired of hiding the man he loves and being his dirty secret. When he realizes that Matty won’t come out to his family and Wells' little attempt to push Matty to come out does't work, Wells feels like the only option is to let Matty go. After their break-up what makes Matty realize that he has to fight instead of hiding is learning that Wells is getting married. Matty realizes that his life without Wells is meaningless and he is worth everything, even coming out to his family and losing them in the process. Matty’s father Benedict Haverbrooke is the commissioner of NHL and all his life Matty had to fight to earn the respect and love of his father, which led Matty to live like someone else and always hide his true personality. Even though Matty is a really successful NHL player, he is really insecure, vulnerable, broken and alone. He is about the lose the only person, who made him feel like he can be himself and still be loved, so he decides his only chance is to fight for a second chance. Wells is one of the characters you will fell in love right away. He is always happy, loyal, caring and really supportive. When he broke up with Matty, he left a part of himself with him. He is still in love with Matty and he knows he is the one but Wells has his own demons and insecurities when it comes to Matty. He is not sure if he can survive another heartbreak caused by him. Their second chance is not going to be a walk in the park and they both know this but with their love and standing as one will help them to overcome all the obstacles they face. As Wells says: ‘We have the advantage. Together, we can win’. Wells and Matty were so sweet and hot at the same time :) It was great to see how their relationship started, grew and developed something amazing. I cannot believe that my thoughts for Matty went from hate to understanding and understanding to love. Seeing his character to evolve was amazing. As for the side characters, it was great to see more of Vaughn, Brie, Jensen, Wren, Avery, Jace and little Ashlyn. Wells’ family and friends, I don’t have a problem but cannot say the same for Matty’s excluding Avery. Avery, Matty’s twin sister, is one of my favorite heroines and this book made me love her more :) As Matty’s brothers Seth and Laurence, Seth is cool and I like him but Laurence not so much. As for Matty’s parents I am going to compare my thoughts from ‘Hooked by Love’. Benedict was such a disappointment. Due to his interactions with Avery, I thought he was a better man and I am really glad to see that Matty’s mom Thea grew a backbone… Yeah, I know these are too vague but I don’t want to ruin the story for you guys. :)
All in all, I love how all Toni Aleo books emphasize the importance of family and friendship and ‘Two-Man Advantage’ wasn’t an exception. You know the feeling when you finish reading an amazing story and you think whatever you say won’t be enough to convey your feelings that is how I am feeling. It took me two weeks and reading the book twice to write this review. I am not even sure if I made justice to the book but hopefully I did :) ‘Two-Man Advantage’ is heartwarming, inspiring, sexy and so much more.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miathebookaddict.wordpress.co...
All in all, I love how all Toni Aleo books emphasize the importance of family and friendship and ‘Two-Man Advantage’ wasn’t an exception. You know the feeling when you finish reading an amazing story and you think whatever you say won’t be enough to convey your feelings that is how I am feeling. It took me two weeks and reading the book twice to write this review. I am not even sure if I made justice to the book but hopefully I did :) ‘Two-Man Advantage’ is heartwarming, inspiring, sexy and so much more.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Already did.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review was originally posted on: https://miathebookaddict.wordpress.co...
October 21, 2017
Two Man Advantage by Toni Aleo is afull.length, standalone, m/m, romance sport-ish novel. I love Toni Aleo´s books. But I was hesitant to read Two Man Advantage. But she rocked it !
Wells Lemiere and Matthew - Matty- Haverbrooke are both NHL Player and deeply in love with each other. But Matty´s deep in the closet too. And there he thinks he has to stay. Wells can´t bear that and breaks up with him. Both are more than miserable while apart.
These two characters have many ups and downs, many. Sometimes I was so mad, I wanted to stop reading, but I couldn´t. I had to know what happened to the characters.
This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I've smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Toni Aleo has accomplished just that. I love the story, the characters and the words.
I give 4,5 stars. Thank you Toni Aleo!
Wells Lemiere and Matthew - Matty- Haverbrooke are both NHL Player and deeply in love with each other. But Matty´s deep in the closet too. And there he thinks he has to stay. Wells can´t bear that and breaks up with him. Both are more than miserable while apart.
These two characters have many ups and downs, many. Sometimes I was so mad, I wanted to stop reading, but I couldn´t. I had to know what happened to the characters.
This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I've smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Toni Aleo has accomplished just that. I love the story, the characters and the words.
I give 4,5 stars. Thank you Toni Aleo!
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