Tag Archives: Chicago Players

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

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

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

 

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.

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Top Shelf Stud (Chicago Players 3) by Kate Meader-review

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Top Shelf Stud (Chicago Players 3) by Kate Meader-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 24, 2026

The snail doc wants a baby. I volunteered to do the deed. But it isn’t long before I realize a “donation” will never be enough. I want to be a dad, but most of all, I want her.
Franky

When confronted with the cold, hard facts of her diminishing chances to be a mom, what’s a woman of science to do?

Make a spreadsheet of eligible donors, of course.

Finding a man for life is not in the cards, but one for this singular purpose? I can do that. As the daughter of a Chicago Rebels legend and an expert in the field of gastropods—more commonly known as snails and slugs—I have plenty of choices in the worlds of both hockey and academia. The selection process should be easy, especially as my methodology has already eliminated several options, including Jason Isner, childhood nemesis and recently acquired defenseman for the Rebels. I’ve always considered him arrogant, cruel, and to be honest, not the brightest bulb.

I’m rarely wrong. But I might have been mistaken about Jason . . .

Jason

I surprised even myself when I offered to be Franky St. James’s baby daddy, but fatherhood has been a dream of mine forever. If I can achieve my goal without the hassle of a relationship, even better. I won’t be one of those “pump and dump” donors, though. I want the whole package: nighttime feedings, shopping for cute onesies, teaching my kid to skate. I’m in it for life, and as Franky and I travel this road together, I start to imagine what that life might look like. Not just a baby, but a family of my own.

The thing is, the doc has all sorts of hypotheses about jocks and relationships, and it’s going to take a lot of persuasion—sexy and otherwise—to prove her wrong. She might think the mating rituals of her beloved snails are the only “coupling” worth studying, but I’m determined to show her that when it comes to seeking a mate, this player is as driven as any species in the animal kingdom.

Because making a baby is just the beginning . .

••••••

REVIEW:TOP SHELF STUD is the third 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-six year old, professional hockey player Jason Isner, and PhD professor Dr Franky St. James’s story line. TOP SHELF STUD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary . Franky is the daughter of Bren St. James (Hooked On You), and Jason is the half-brother to Theo Kershaw (Instacrush)

Told from dual first person perspectives (Jason and Franky) TOP SHELF STUD follows Dr. Franky Isner as she considers her options for a baby daddy. At thirty-eight eight years old, Franky is desperate to start a family but with no significant other on the horizon, Franky considers the friends in her life. .When her childhood nemesis gets wind of Franky’s plans, Jason Isner offers up his services as baby daddy but Franky has no plans to marry or begin a relationship, and let’s Jason know, she is willing to raise the child alone. throughout the ensuing months, Jason begins to fall for the woman who carries his child but Franky struggles with past heartache, heartache she blames on our story line hero, and considers Jason nothing more than the sperm donor.

The world building focuses on misunderstanding and miscommunication between our story line couples, as well as Franky’s passive aggressive behavior as it pertains to the man with whom she will fall in love. Franky is determined to raise the child without Jason’s help but Jason wants to be part of their child’s life.

The relationship between Franky and Jason begins acrimoniously . Childhood nemesis but for reasons Jason cannot fathom-Franky’s memory is long, and one perceived and painful betrayal finds Franky struggling to forgive or forget. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and energetic secondary and supporting characters including characters from the author’s Chicago Rebels and Rookie Rebels series.

TOP SHELF STUD is a story of family and relationships, acceptance , friendships and love. The character driven premise is captivating, entertaining and emotional; the romance is seductive but struggles with preconceived notions, independence, and self-reliance; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Kate Meader

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

 

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.

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REBEL BRIDE (Chicago Players 2) by Kate Meader-review

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REBEL BRIDE (Chicago Players 2) by Kate Meader-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 21, 2025

She just jilted my teammate at the altar and I helped her escape. We don’t get along, but I’ll keep her safe … and pray she never learns how I really feel about her.

Summer

I can’t marry him.

I have no good reason to jilt my hockey player fiancé, except that the closer we get to the big day, the more I feel myself shrinking to a hollow shell. Two minutes after I slip into the church bathroom to calm my pre-wedding jitters, I jump out the window to make my escape …

… and land on Hatch Kershaw, my fiancé’s teammate on the Chicago Rebels.

This guy has always hated me for reasons I can’t fathom. Half the time he looks right through me, like I’m no better than the ice shavings on his skate blades. The other half? That brooding green gaze strips me bare and sees right into my soul.

Neither option is good for me, so I really shouldn’t want his help … should I?

Hatch

The bride hit me like a ton of bricks.

The last thing I expected was for my teammate’s bride to ask for my help in fleeing her wedding. Make that the second last—even more unexpected is that I said “yes.” Before I know it, I’ve driven her to my family’s vacation home because I’m a nice guy and she needs to catch her breath.

Only now, I can’t breathe around her.

Summer Landry and I have never hit it off, so why the hell am I going along with this madness? Every stolen glance and accidental touch tell me she’s off-limits, while each torturous second with her in our lakeside hideaway has me questioning everything I thought I knew about who she is and what she’s hiding.

No one can know what I did—not my teammate, not my family, not the media—or all hell will break loose. Most of all, Summer can never know why I dislike her so much.

Because if she did, I might not recover.

••••••••

REVIEW: REBEL BRIDE is the second instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary adult CHICAGO PLAYERS erotic,hockey romance series focusing on retired hockey player Theo Kershaw’s progeny, the next generation of Chicago Rebel hockey players. This is hockey player Hatch Kershaw, and PA Summer Landry’s story line. REBEL BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hatch and Summer) REBEL BRIDE follows the almost wedding that wasn’t. Approximately five years earlier Hatch Kershaw fell in love with Summer Landry but life had a way of spiralling out of control. Fast forward to present day, Summer is about to marry Hatch’s teammate and hotel heir Dash Carter but our heroine is unable to commit and with the help of Hatch Kershaw becomes a runaway bride. Hiding out in the Kershaw family cabin in Michigan, Summer and Hatch will come to a detente in their years long battle, a battle of which Summer is wholly unaware until our heroine decides it is time to face the truth, and returns home only to discover there is nothing to come home to.

The world building focuses on the revelation of truths. Summer is not whom she claims to be, and in this, she struggles to fit in, and feels like a fraud. The Kershaw hockey dynasty is growing, and the Rebels continue to welcome each successive generation but Hatch is troubled by the comparisons to his father, and must come to a decision about his future.

The relationship between Hatch and Summer begins acrimoniously as our couple keep their distance . Summer does not understand Hatch’s anger and rebukes but days spent together, hiding in Michigan forces Hatch to open his heart to a woman who recently belonged to someone else. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of familiar,colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the return of Hatch’s immediate family and siblings. We are introduced to Summer’s fiance, and Hatch’s teammate Dash Carter, as well as several cameos from friends, front office personnel and Michigan locals.

REBEL BRIDE is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is inviting, edgy and heartwarming; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one SWEET THING

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

 

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.

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SWEET THING (Chicago Players 1) by Kate Meader-review

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SWEET THING (Chicago Players 1) by Kate Meader-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2025

Lars

I just found out I’m a dad.

My one-night stand dropped a baby bombshell in my local bar where I was celebrating my team’s win. Then she fled, leaving me holding my new daughter.

Thank God for Adeline. The daughter of my teammate and closest friend on the Chicago Rebels, she practically raised her little sister and knows exactly how to deal with this situation. I need a nanny; she needs a job. Problem sorted, right?

Not so fast …

Adeline

I think you’re the sexiest guy alive.

That’s what Lars Nyquist overheard me say while recounting my embarrassing crush on him. Yeah, that Lars Nyquist. Defenseman for the Chicago Rebels. Owner of the thickest thighs in the league. More than a decade my senior. Oh, and my dad’s teammate.

My only option? Leave the country, of course. Luckily, I’d already planned a round-the-world trip with my bestie and by the time I returned to Chicago a year later, I expected my blunder would be long forgotten. Shows what I know. Now I’m lying awake in the bedroom next to his while playing nanny to his surprise little girl. But I can ignore this stupid infatuation. I have to. Even though the sight of Lars learning to be a dad leaves me breathless and takes that crush to a whole other level.

One that has the potential to break my sorry little heart …

•••••

REVIEW:  SWEET THING is the first instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult CHICAGO PLAYERS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the next generation of Chicago Rebels star Theo Kershaw (Instacrush. Rookie Rebels). This is twenty-three year old, Adeline Kershaw, and thirty-six year old defenseman Lars Nyquist’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lars and Adeline) SWEET THING follows Lars Nyquist in the wake of the discovery that he fathered a child three months earlier. Approximately one year ago, in the wake of his father’s death, Lars had a one-night stand that apparently resulted in a child he knew nothing about but while celebrating a winning game at the local bar, his one-night stand dropped the baby in his lap, and walked away without looking back.Desperate for help, Lars accepts the Kershaw family assistance including the nanny duties of Theo Kershaw’s eldest daughter Adeline Kershaw, the woman with whom Lars will fall in love. Adeline Kershaw made an early return from a year’s long journey throughout Europe and the far East but life was unkind to Adeline, and our heroine returned with secrets of her home. Having lusted after Lars for most of her life, Adeline gladly accepted the temporary position of Lars Nyquist’s nanny, a position that would eventually break her heart.

The world building focuses on Lars’ struggle as an instant single father. Believing himself unworthy as a father, having survived the dysfunctional family dynamics of his late father’s addiction, Lars battled between head and heart knowing to fall for his teammate’s daughter was all kinds of wrong, but especially to fall for a woman thirteen years younger. As Lars and Adeline navigate their attraction, someone else is determined to destroy what has barely begun.

The relationship between Lars and Adeline is one of unrequited attraction. Adeline’s friend Rosie, knows that Adeline’s heart will break if Lars rejects our story line heroine but Adeline is determined to prove there is more to the relationship than nanny and boss. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of family and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Adeline’s parents Elle and Theo Kershaw, and her siblings Hatch, Conor, Landon and Tilly; Teammates Dash Carter, Lars’ one-night stand Vicki, and fellow defenseman Rowan MacFarlane.

SWEET THING is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and dysfunctional family dynamics; family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is emotional and dramatic; the romance is fated and heart breaking; the characters are determined, dynamic and broken.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Reader’s Group | Bookbub | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author Profile

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.

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