Secret Husband (Chicago Players 4) by Kate Meader-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 14, 2026

Years ago, I broke her heart, but fate has given me a second chance. I am here to claim my wife—and I will fight like hell to make her mine.

Lauren

I might be late to the game of life, but things are finally starting to go my way. I’ve just started my own sports talent agency, stepped on the first rung of the property ladder, and landed myself a normal boyfriend who’s about to propose. (I found the ring!)

Unfortunately, I have a slight problem—as in a husband who is surplus to requirements. Somehow, I got married without even realizing it to the guy who once broke my heart , and now he’s back in my life, making demands and turning my world upside down. Except I’m no longer that starry-eyed girl in love with the Russian hockey star. These days I’m a ball-busting tigress for my clients, and the last thing I need is Alexei Nazarov ruining everything for which I’ve worked so hard.

But when he makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I wonder if I’ve struck a bargain with the devil who knows my heart better than anyone …

Alexei

Years ago, I met a hockey playing spitfire and fell ass over skates for her. But my life was in disarray, and I had to let her go. When a chance comes to reconnect with her, I grab it with both hands.

There are obstacles. A boyfriend (unworthy), her disdain for me (admittedly, hot), and the fact I hurt her deeply (my biggest regret). It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Known for fighting dirty on the ice, I am not opposed to fighting dirty off it to get what I want.

And I want Lauren Yates …

••••••

REVIEW:SECRET HUSBAND is the fourth instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult CHICAGO PLAYERS erotic, second generation, hockey romance series, set in the author’s Chicago Rebels and Rookie Rebels series. This is thirty-seven year old professional hockey player Alexei Nazarov,and former women’s professional hockey player turned sports agent Lauren Yates’ story line. SECRET HUSBAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Lauren is the sister of Sadie Bond ( Rookie Rebels/ Man Down). Several characters cross over from the author’s interconnected Rookie Rebels and Chicago Rebels hockey series.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Alexei and Lauren) using present day and memories from the past, SECRET HUSBAND follows the second chance romance and relationship between our story line couple. Approximately twenty years earlier, Alexei and Lauren met in college, and fell in love but following graduation Alexei had to return to Russia, leaving a heart broken Lauren behind. Fast forward and nine months earlier, a chance meeting in Las Vegas, ends with one night stand, both going their separate ways. At the end of the hockey season Alexei will be traded from Seattle to the Chicago Rebels, where he will once again reconnect with the woman he loves, the woman he secretly married in Vegas, a woman who is now ‘engaged’ to someone else. Lauren needs a divorce immediately from the secret husband she clearly forgot but all is not as it appears to be back home. As Alexei struggles with his own family secret, Lauren will discover that betrayal comes in many forms.

The world building focuses on the past and the present; on Lauren’s career as an agent, a career that is about to come to a screeching halt; an unforeseen betrayal , and Alexei’s ongoing struggles at home, struggles of which nobody knows.

The relationship between Lauren and Alexei is one of second chances. Lauren does not remember marrying the man she once loved, but Alexei is determined to reclaim the heart she had stolen. The $ex scenes are limited but intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, varied and familiar secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Alexei Nazarov’s father Sasha, and Lauren’s boyfriend Thad, as well as the return of several players past and present from the Chicago Rebels and Rookie Rebels series including team owners Harper Chase, and Isobel Chase , and Gunnar and Sadie Bond.

SECRET HUSBAND is a story of betrayal and heart break, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is startling, spirited and edgy; the rekindling romance is seductive and emotional; the characters are animated and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kate Meader

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 or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.