Review - - Hockey Wife

Hockey Wife

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels - Book 10

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: September 16, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

"I need us to stay married, Big Guy."

Recently traded to the Chicago Rebels, hockey veteran Dylan “Banks” Bankowski is adjusting to what might be his last team and his final year in the NHL. That means taking care of his battered body while he strives for the one goal that’s managed to elude him: a championship ring. What he does not need is a visit from the woman to whom he gave a different kind of ring months ago.

His young, flighty, socialite wife.

Apparently, signing the annulment papers within a week of their quickie wedding in Vegas didn’t quite take, and now she’s back, right before the playoffs when he needs his focus most. Only this time she has a different request: let’s keep up the charade. He should say no, but he once said “I do” and surely that means something …

Georgia Goodwin has good reasons for wanting to keep her hockey player husband. Convincing the big lug to cooperate is the easy part. Not so easy? Ignoring the flutter in her chest when he grunts in jock, kisses her neck, or calls her wife. But it’s only for a few weeks, and as soon as the playoffs finish, so will they.

But the more time Georgia and Banks spend together, the more real their marriage feels. Less Vegas mistake, and more like the start of something amazing. They said goodbye once. Can they do it again … or will they figure out that a love this good is worth fighting for as much as that championship ring?

PJ's Thoughts:

Can this series just keep going on forever? We're at book nine of the Rookie Rebels and I'm nowhere near ready to say goodbye to this team of unforgettable characters and the women - and men - who capture their hearts. The romance. The bromance. The sizzling chemistry. The laugh-out-loud humor. And last, but never least, the incredible depth of emotion. These books have it all.

I fell hard for Georgia and Banks. There's so much more to both of them than what the surface would suggest. Meader excels at creating layered characters and I love watching those hidden layers slowly reveal themselves to me - and to the other characters - as the story progresses. Of course, teammates and their wives get involved along the way. It wouldn't be the Kate Meader story I love without meddling hockey players and their partners - I'm looking at you, Theo Kershaw. And you too, Tara Fitzpatrick - not to mention extended family dynamics which always takes things up a notch. It all comes together in a perfect blend of steam, emotion, humor, and happiness, everything I've come to expect from this author.  

While several characters from earlier books have appearances in Hockey Wife, the book stands well on its own if you prefer to jump into the series here.   

Review - - Wild Ride

Wild Ride

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels - Book 9

Publisher: Kate Meader, LLC

Release Date: March 26, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Chicago Rebels hockey player Dex O'Malley has been a naughty boy . . . again.

Only his latest stunt isn’t quite like when he was caught with his pants down at a nightclub or was cited for drag-racing on Lake Shore Drive or even that time he said a few critical things about his teammates on a hockey podcast. Oops. This time, Dex is in real trouble, the kind that could get him kicked off the team and out of the league. And that cannot happen. Hockey is the only thing he’s ever been good at. The only thing he cares about. He’ll do whatever it takes to rehab his rep, even if it means cleaning up dog poop and suffering the steely-eyed disapproval of his new no-nonsense “boss” at the animal shelter, Ashley Adams.

Ashley has enough on her plate between her low-paying job, her high-maintenance family, and a love life she’s trying to resurrect after her divorce. She’s already mom to an amazing nine-year-old; the last thing she needs is to be stuck mothering a celebrity volunteer with more money than sense. But the troublemaking f-boy needs Ashley to sign off on his good deeds so he can get back to what he does best: lighting up lamps both on and off the ice. And while a guy like that could never interest her mind, it seems her body is not on the same page. Sure, Dex O’Malley is too young, too hot, too flighty for Ashley to take seriously, but a brief ride on the wild side might fit the bill …

Only that’s not enough for Dex. What happens when this notorious player decides the older, single mom is the hottest woman he’s ever met and that he wants to light her lamp . . . forever?

PJ's Thoughts:

Kate Meader is one of my favorite contemporary authors. Her books bubble over with sass, sizzle, and bone-deep emotion. Not to mention some of the best bromances around. Meddling, advice-giving, downright hilarious hockey teammates for the win. 

One of the things Meader does exceptionally well is the redemption of bad-boy heroes who are sometimes also total jerks. Enter the hero of Wild Ride, Dex O'Malley. If you've been reading Meader's Rookie Rebels series, you'll recognize Dex as heroine Tara's media-nightmare fake fiancé (but not hero) from book 7, Jock Wanted. He showed glimmers of good-guy contrition in that book but it's going to take more - much more - to turn the corner for free-wheeling, trouble-magnet, entitled f-boy, Dex. Enter Ashley, a no-nonsense, hard-working, single mom whose sense of desirability has been beaten into the ground by her louse of an ex. She knows nothing about hockey and is less than impressed by the entitled (though gorgeous) celebrity athlete who's been dumped on her. She's determined to not give Dex an inch. He's determined to loosen her up. And then the fun begins...

I adored this couple. They've become one of my Meader favorites. The evolution of their relationship is filled with unexpected layers, plenty of humor, poignant moments, sizzle, and growth. Ashley's arc takes her on a journey of self-discovery that had me cheering. Her ex really did a number on her self-confidence, especially in regards to her looks and body image. To see her begin to blossom because of time spent with Dex - Dex! - was both poignant and empowering. Who knew he had it in him? Well, obviously the author did. It was so much fun to watch a smitten Dex have to do the chasing for probably the first time in his life. The best things in life are worth putting in the effort and Ashley - and hockey - are at the top of Dex's list.

There is so much more to Dex than meets the eye. I love how Meader uses the shelter animals to slowly unveil the layers of this character, showing parallels in the troubled journey of one particular rescue with Dex's own life journey. There may have been heart-tugging tears. Okay, there absolutely were. Then there are his encounters with Ashley's awkward, hockey-loving daughter which shine a light on his unexpected compassion, understanding, and goodness. It was heartwarming to watch him grow into this kind, caring, protective man without losing the mischievous, sexy flirt (but now with only one woman). 

The supporting cast in this book is flawless. As in earlier books, Meader uses the current and retired members of the Rebels to perfection. There is not a grandma out there who can rival these hockey players when it comes to romance meddling. The scenes where they start doling out romantic advice are pure gold. Several of the Rebels wives are also featured in this book with Tara (the former fake fiancé, now best friend/confidante/cheerleader), leading the way. The woman is a force of nature.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with both sweetness and sizzle, complex, multi-layered characters, emotional depth, meddling friends, humor, and a happily ever after, don't miss Kate Meader's Wild Ride. It's an excellent addition to the Rookie Rebels series. 

~~~~~~~~~

Note: For those of you who prefer classic (man chest) covers to the new illustrated ones, check out the online store at Kate Meader's website where her books can be purchased in the cover format of your choice. 

 

Review - - Superstar

Superstar

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: April 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

He never saw her coming...

After almost a year away from hockey, Bastian Durand’s return to the game should be a triumph.

Instead he’s taken down by the Chicago Rebels mascot.

It can’t get worse. Or maybe it can. Because the human inside the Rowdy Rebel costume is none other than Pepper Calhoun.

His friend’s sister.
His coach’s daughter.
And the woman Bastian has wanted for the longest time.

Pepper has always been a magnet for bad luck and now she’s ruined superstar Bast Durand’s big comeback. So that tracks. Everyone, from her father and brother to the fans and press, heck, even the NHL commissioner, hates her.

Everyone but the one guy who should.

Hiding away is the only thing she can think of, except Bast has the same idea. To her utter dismay, he’s determined to protect Pepper from anyone who dares breathe a word against her.

And to convince her that crashing on the ice isn’t all that different from … falling in love.

PJ's Thoughts:

Is it wrong of me to hope Kate Meader never runs out of stories to tell within the Chicago Rebels universe? I have fallen hard for these characters and love the way they weave in and out of one another's books, offering up friendship, support, and unwanted relationship advice (meddling hockey players - who knew?) If you're new to this series, Meader has written each book in such a way that you could begin at any point without feeling lost. But, if you're a fan (like I am) it's a special pleasure to see favorites pop up following the conclusion of their own book (I'm looking at you, Kershaw). I love tagging along as earlier couples live out their happily-ever-afters.

After meeting Bastian in his brother's book, Dear Roomie, I immediately wanted to know more about him and was beyond excited when Meader announced he would be getting a book of his own. Tack on a snowed-in-only-one-bed trope (yes, please!) and my excitement knew no bounds. I'm pleased to report that this one had all my happy reader vibes dancing. 

Meader is a master at creating complex, well-developed characters and then weaving them into a fun, steamy story without sacrificing emotional depth. Strategically placed humor keeps things on the light side while complicated relationships (family and romantic) and obstacles ground her stories in reality. I adored Bast and Pepper. I loved how protective Bast was of her, even when they were at odds, and eventually how protective they both became of the other. Their chemistry was off the charts but the quiet, talking times were just as significant. Both characters evolved individually over the course of the book, making their growth as a couple even more solid, relatable, and heartfelt. Yes, I cried during the epilogue. Yes, they were happy tears. Yes, I'm already counting the weeks until the next Rookie Rebel finds his own happily ever after. 

The relationship between Bast and Pepper plays out entirely within Superstar and can be enjoyed on its own without having read the earlier books in the series. However, Bast's relationship with his brother, Reid is a significant part of his character arc in this book. Because of that, and to better understand the history and layers of their sibling relationship as well as the complicated family dynamic with their father, I would suggest reading Reid's story, Dear Roomie followed by Bast's story in Superstar. 

Review & Giveaway - - Down in Flames

Down in Flames: An MM Firefighter - Hockey Romance

by Kate Meader

Hot in Chicago Rookies - Book 2

A Hot in Chicago Rookies / Rookie Rebels Crossover

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: December 6, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

It was supposed to be a random hookup.

At a crossroads, my life a hot mess, I swiped right on the guy with the washboard abs and the tree-trunk thighs. His handle was Holt (yeah, really) but as soon as he opened the door, I recognized him: Hudson Grey, the hottest prospect in pro-hockey and apparently, secretly playing for my team. Not mind-blowing enough? He needed someone to punch his V-card, and I was only too happy to volunteer as tribute . . .

Then he ghosted me when it got to be too much.

A year later, my life is back on track and I’m a candidate firefighter at legendary Engine 6. While I might be new to the Chicago Fire Department, I’m a veteran in the game of steamy hookups. My No. 1 rule? No newbies. Except now Hudson has been traded to my hometown team, the Chicago Rebels, and he’s out, proud, and ready to date. And he wants my help introducing him to the local gay scene.

My messy past means I’m the worst guy to be mentoring the shy, sexy jock. But neither can I stand by and watch while others touch the man who already feels like mine.

I might have been his first, but I’m about to learn that the new guy has even more to teach me about hunger, hope, and falling hard.

Includes: First times, hot firefighters, sexy hockey players, mini-golf shenanigans, meddling friends, and fighting like hell for the love of a lifetime.

PJ's Thoughts:

What can I say about Kate Meader's writing that I haven't already? She continues to up her game with each book she releases and is, in my opinion, one of the best authors out there writing in the contemporary romance genre. The majority of her books are male/female couples but occasionally she'll write a male/male romance that stirs my emotions like no other. This is one of those stories.

Jude and Hudson are both incredibly complex, well-developed, relatable characters. I loved how they both evolved over the course of their story and how the dynamic of their relationship shifted in accordance with that evolution. On the surface, Hudson seems to be the one who grows the most - from the shy, awkward, closeted virgin to the strong, confident, openly gay hockey player willing to fight for love - but, in actuality, it's Jude who I felt grew the most. My heart ached for him as his cocky, confident persona began to crumble, revealing the mistakes of his past and the vulnerable core so well hidden, bringing me to tears more than once. 

For those of you who like your physical expressions to be on the mild side, this book may not be for you. The sex is steamy and frequent, but also incredibly tender, and used effectively to move this story along. I loved how hot these two were for one another. If you enjoy steam between two consenting adults that's layered with a whole boatload of emotion, this book gives you both...and then some. Jude and Hudson connect on so many levels. I enjoyed how full-bodied their relationship is, the quality of the time they spend talking about a plethora of topics, how they take care of each other, support one another, tease, laugh, and cry with one another. 

As is typical of a Meader book, there's also a lot of humor balancing the emotion and a richly depicted secondary cast of characters. I'll never look at mini-golf the same way again. Hudson's meddling hockey teammates are pure gold (I can't get enough of them), as are Jude's firefighter pals. Then there's Hudson's parents and how they treat Jude. My heart melted and there may have been tears. 

I don't think I could have pulled any harder for these two opposite, but perfect for one another, men to accept the love they didn't always think they deserved. From their awkwardly sweet introduction to their final, heartfelt declarations, they personified the truth that love is love is love and that love is something we all deserve. This one gets my enthusiastic, heartfelt recommendation. 

Note: The initial meeting between Jude and Hudson plays out in the short prequel, White-Hot Hookup, which is currently available to download at no charge. I recommend reading it before beginning Down in Flames. 

~~~~~~~~~~ 

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AUTHOR BIO
 
Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines - and heroes - who can match their men quip for quip.
 
 
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Review - - Jock Wanted

Jock Wanted

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels - Book 7

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: June 14, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

She has her heart set on a hockey player.

Any hockey player.

When the new general manager of the Chicago Rebels tasks Tara Becker with faking it with one of his players to help clean up the naughty jock's act, she's all over it. She'll make that misbehaving hunk of muscle look good and get her dream guy into the bargain.

Only the path from fake to real is riddled with thorns . . .

New Rebels GM Hale Fitzpatrick thinks ditzy blonde and wannabe WAG Tara is the perfect solution to his PR problem - until she isn't. Soon Fitz realizes that maybe he doesn't have control of the strings after all . . . especially when he starts to fall for his pretty little puppet.

A fake relationship hockey romance - with a twist!

PJ's Thoughts:

There's a reason Kate Meader is an auto-buy for me. It doesn't matter how many times she returns to a place (Chicago), an organization (the Rebels), or a group of characters (hockey playing teammates), each story in the original Rebels series as well as the subsequent Rookie Rebels series is fresh, engaging, and addictive as all get out.

I'm fascinated by those one-dimension, (seemingly) throwaway secondary characters who change the rules when they hit the page. That's the impression Tara made on me when first introduced in Foreplayer (Rookie Rebels - Book 4). But gradually, over time, she has shown glimpses of being more than a one-note gold digger and made me begin to wonder if, possibly, there could be more to her than we know? It all comes full circle in Jock Wanted as Meader skillfully begins to unveil the layers and secrets that give this intriguing character the depths that no one imagined. From scorned girlfriend to gold-digging hockey groupie to solid friend, savvy businesswoman, and fully-dimensional character I was happy to root for, Tara is the highlight of this series that I wasn't expecting...but am oh, so happy Ms. Meader gave us!

Then there's Fitz, or Hale, as only Tara calls him. ::deep sigh:: Could the author have created a more perfect counterpart for Tara? I don't think so! What a kind, considerate, sexy man he is at his core. These two gave me so much joy during their up-and-down, push-and-pull journey. The chemistry, the friction, the snappy banter, the confusing attraction, the yearning, the caring, the steam. Oh yes, the steam. So good!

Of course, other Rebels and their partners weave in and out of the story, supporting, meddling, gently nudging, and otherwise helping the story progress. It's always fun when these characters get together. I love catching up with them and there's always plenty of humor but I also appreciate that while Meader allows them to enhance the story, she doesn't allow them to distract from the main couple. This is most definitely Fitz's and Tara's story. I loved it. 

Jock Wanted is the seventh book in Kate Meader's Rookie Rebels series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone but I feel readers will have a better understanding of Tara, her relationships with others, and her growth as a character if they have at least read Foreplayer (book 4).   

Review - - Rebel Yule

Rebel Yule

by Kate Meader

A Rookie Rebels Holiday Novella

Publisher: Kate Meader, LLC

Release Date: October 12, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Casey Higgins, assistant to the Chicago Rebels owner, has a smile for everyone who comes into the front office—everyone but goalie Erik Jorgenson. And he has no idea why. For the last year, she’s refused to give him a kind word, and finally, he’s had enough. At the Rebels holiday party he’ll uncover the root of their mysterious conflict and show this woman that goalkeepers do their best work . . . on their knees.

Can a little Yuletide cheer get Erik into Casey’s good graces, warm bed, and frozen heart? Or will he fumble the puck and lose his chance? Join the Chicago Rebels this holiday season and find out if Erik is as good at saving Christmas as he is at saving goals!

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm pretty sure I won’t be the only reader asking Santa for my very own Swedish hockey goalie after meeting Erik Jorgenson in Kate Meader’s Rebel Yule. He's a big, sexy, cuddly sweetheart with absolutely no clue what he's done to make his boss's admin dislike him so much. After a year of Casey treating him like something she'd scrape off her shoe, he's about to find out exactly why and, wow, I did not see that coming. But, boy howdy, did I ever enjoy what followed!

Rebel Yule is a quick read that sizzles with passion, simmers with sweetness, sparkles with snappy dialogue, and has all the heart-tugging emotion of a full-length Meader novel. Casey and Erik's story captured my heart and had me reaching for a fan more than once. I loved their chemistry and the depth of emotion that began to develop once misconceptions were addressed. Watching Casey grow emotionally and regain her self-confidence was wonderful. I loved how Erik was so supportive of her without taking over. There's a scene with the long-time ex-boyfriend who dumped her where I may have been cheering out loud (totally was). I also appreciated the way Meader handled Erik's "issue" (trying not to divulge spoilers here) that caused the initial friction with Casey. I've known someone with the same challenge but had never seen it in a fictional character before. I also enjoyed the banter - and obvious affection - between Erik and his family and the inclusion of their Swedish holiday traditions in the story. Add in Rebel and Rookie Rebel cameos, laugh-out-loud humor, unexpected twists, a closet scene I’ve reread more than a few times, plus a sigh-worthy happy ending, and you have a fun holiday story I'm sure I'll be rereading more than once. 

I enthusiastically recommend adding Rebel Yule to your holiday book shopping list. Fans of the series are sure to enjoy watching the Rebel's endearing goalie finally find his heart's true love and win her heart with the well-meaning (read meddling) advice of pretty much everyone in the organization while for readers new to Kate Meader's hockey franchise, Rebel Yule is a great place to jump in.  

Review - - Dear Roomie

Dear Roomie

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels - Book 5

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: May 25, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Reid Durand isn't here to make friends.

Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel purely on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women.

Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle.

She'll walk your dog, brew your espresso, and pick up your dry-cleaning, all while rocking it in Warrior pose. Standing still is impossible for her, because the moment she starts to slow down, it'll come rushing back in a torrent. The memories. The pain. The heartbreak.

Their meet-cute is more of a freeze-cute. Besides, they already know each other. He's the rude, entitled customer at her coffee shop, or what used to be her coffee shop since she just got fired--because of Mr. Extra Shot Americano himself.

Reid didn't intend to get Kennedy fired.
He didn't intend to rescue a dog after the poor thing ended up in the lake.
And he definitely didn't intend to acquire a new roommate.

A curvy, chatty, tempting roommate.
Now this perfect storm of events are about to wreak havoc on his neatly-ordered life.

Reid Durand isn't here to make friends, and he's certainly not here to lose his heart to a puppy, a team, or a chaos agent like Kennedy. But then we don't always get what we want...

PJ's Thoughts:

Leave it to Kate Meader to take my least favorite Rookie Rebel, Reid "I don't want to be your friend" Durand, and transform him into my favorite hero of the series. I should have known there was much more to this guy than the rigid lifestyle and snarly, in-your-face demeanor that he's perfected with teammates and opponents alike. All it took to begin chipping away at that hard shell was a half-drowned, one-eyed, skin and bones pup and a "dog nanny" with bubbling, upbeat, positive energy and radiating more sunshine in her personality than...well...the sun. Reid's by-the-book life just got complicated. I adored these two together. Well, I adored them eventually. With Kennedy, my affection happened quickly and continued to deepen as her actions showed her character and loyalty. It took a bit longer to warm up to Reid but once his layers began to unravel (Bucky, the rescued dog started the process - Kennedy finished it), he slowly began to win my heart. And by the time he won over Kennedy - and her grandmother - I was a puddle at his feet.

Kate Meader is one of those authors who never lets me down. Whether her characters hang out at the fire station, in the kitchen, at the hockey rink, or somewhere else, I know going into any book she's written that I'll need a fan (she is a master of sexual tension),  tissues (emotional depth that wrings my heart), and I should never take a drink while reading (some of those zingers are hilarious). In Dear Roomie, she gave me all of the above...and then some. There are a lot of Rom-Com elements to this story but there's also deep emotional baggage that both main characters are hiding beneath the surface. Meader explores some painful topics, such as the lasting effects of verbal and emotional abuse and how traumatic loss at an early age can manifest itself in the way we choose to live and interact with others. Both topics are handled deftly, imparting the gravity and importance of them while keeping the story on a hopeful, upward trajectory. 

Side characters add an incredible amount of richness to this book. Grandma Edie is a hoot; I want to be just like her when I reach Assisted Living age. Reid's teammates, along with retired Rebels, and the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) are all along for the ride. I love the camaraderie among this group and the way the men handle their "issues." One particular scene (among the men), conducted in a kitchen with an assortment of cookies, tequila, and copious amounts of unsolicited advice had me laughing and crying in equal measure. I adore these guys. And, please, may we have more of Reid's brother, Bastian? I know he's not a Rebel but he's such a good guy and so deserves a happily ever after of his own. 

I enthusiastically recommend adding Dear Roomie to your summer reading list. It's the fifth book in Kate Meader's Rookie Rebels series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone, however, once you meet Reid's teammates don't be surprised if you immediately start searching out their stories too. They really are impossible to resist. 

Review - - Foreplayer

 

Foreplayer

by Kate Meader

Rookie Rebels - Book 4

Publisher: Kate Meader LLC

Release Date: December 29, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

After a very public breakup and a viral post that declares him the villain, power forward Cal Foreman is taking a timeout from women and relationships to focus on hockey. When Chicago Rebels captain and old friend, Vadim Petrov, “volunteers” him to help train Vadim’s sister Mia, Cal figures he can do a favor for a pal and get ready for the season with his new team. But the imperious Russian would slice a skate blade through Cal’s internal organs if he knew what lessons Mia really wants.

Yeah, not that kind of stickhandling.

Hockey phenom and Olympics hopeful Mia Wallace needs help seducing the man of her dreams. That man is most definitely not Cal Foreman: notorious playboy, thorn in her side, and her brother's bestie. But surely a guy with his reputed skill set has a few tips on how she can nail her target—which makes him the perfect foreplayer.

Cal knows Mia sees him as merely the warm-up act in her grand plan to win another man, but as they spend more time together, he wonders if that’s enough.

If they could be more.

And if he could convince her he’s worthy of the starting line-up . . . in her heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

I loved this book so much! After the gut-wrenching intensity of the last book in the series (Man Down), I was ready for a lighter tone and Foreplayer more than fills that need. That's not to say there isn't a satisfying depth of emotion or the complexities that make Meader's characters feel so real. There's all of that, as well as life-altering, emotional journeys for both Mia and Cal. The hidden baggage each of them carries is pretty significant but there is also a wonderfully delicious friendship that develops between them with snappy banter, witty humor, tenderness, and chemistry that begins with a flicker and grows until it flames out of control. 

I loved how much fun they had together, how they challenged one another, how they had each other's backs, how they each eventually learned to see themselves through the other's eyes. I was totally invested in each of them as individuals and head over heels for them as a couple. My heart ached for them when the wounds of the past held them back from voicing their feelings, held them back from fighting for what they deserved. Of course, that made the end of their journey all the more sweet and satisfying and I could not have loved it more.

Kate Meader continues to impress me with her impeccable storytelling, laugh-out-loud humor, sizzling chemistry, and rock-solid romance. Her characters are beautifully crafted, with realistic flaws that make them both frustrating (at times) and endearing (at others). I adore the camaraderie and familial vibe among the members of the Rebels franchise. Having been part of a hockey team's inner circle I can say with certainty that Meader nails that aspect of these stories. I have loved every story in this series and am already looking forward to the next Rebels couple to benefit from her guiding hand. 

As one who has read every book in this series, it's always fun to catch up with earlier couples as well as watch the ever-evolving friendships among the team. However, Meader has written each of these books in a way that they can be fully enjoyed on their own. However, if you're anything like me, once you meet these characters you'll most likely be burning to read all of their books. They're just that good.