Review: Lost the Handle (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #8) by Toni Aleo

Plot Summary

Emery

“Just tell me to wait for you,” Quinn whispers desperately as he slides his nose along mine. My ribs are having a hard time containing my hammering heart as I keep my eyes locked with his blue ones.

I stroke my fingers along his cheek as a sob hiccups out of me. “I can’t. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“I would, though.” His words match the promise in his eyes.

On another broken sob, I whisper back, “I know, which is why I won’t ask.”

I walked away from Quinn Adler three years ago.

It was the biggest mistake of my life. I had my reasons, and I thought it was best to let him go. I am chaotic…too much. But even knowing that about myself, I still crave him. I still miss him.

I need him.

I love him.

But while I’ve been building an empire he’s supposed to be a part of—and pining after him like a love-sick fool—he’s been off getting engaged.

To someone who isn’t me.

It’s laughable, really.

He thinks I’m going to allow him to marry someone else?

Not a chance.

Quinn

“I’m getting married.”

Emery’s eyes flash with mischief as a slow, knowing smirk pulls at her thick lips. With a ballbusting confidence only she can exude, she says, “We’ll see.”

I furrow my brow. “We’ll see?”

Her lips curve higher, those gray eyes wicked as they hold mine. “Yup. We will see.”

Emery Brooks has been causing me trouble since we were toddlers. She is loud, assertive, and maybe even an evil genius, but my love for her knows no bounds. She walked away from me, left me behind for a new life, and I had no choice but to watch from afar. I put myself out there countless times for her to take me as her own, but she wouldn’t budge. Something was always holding her back.

So, I moved on. I got engaged.

And now, Emery is back. It’s not a big deal. Everything will be fine. I won’t fall back into my old ways of needing her like I need my next breath. I won’t let her close enough to see the secrets I’ve been hiding from everyone. I’ll keep her at arm’s length.

I’ve got this.

Or so I think. Because, in true Emery fashion, she barrels into my life with no cares for the destruction she causes.

I thought I had a handle on her. But honestly, when have I ever been able to handle Emery Brooks?

My Review

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, and it absolutely delivered on every level!

This second-chance romance tells the story of childhood friends Emery Brooks and Quinn Adler as they navigate their turbulent emotions and a complicated shared history.

Packed with fiery banter, unresolved feelings, and deeply vulnerable moments, the narrative explores the characters’ struggle to confront their past while daring to imagine a future together. Emery’s bold, unapologetic personality perfectly contrasts Quinn’s efforts to maintain control, creating a captivating push-pull dynamic that keeps you invested.

Emery and Quinn’s chemistry was off the charts—intense, magnetic, and utterly addictive. Their dynamic had me glued to every page, surpassing all my expectations.

A standout element was the Adler siblings’ group chats, which brought humor and warmth to the story. These interactions beautifully highlighted the themes of love and family—messy, supportive, and heartwarming.

Fans of Toni Aleo and her Nashville Assassins series won’t want to miss this one. It’s a must-read for lovers of childhood friends-to-lovers and second-chance romance tropes.