Foreplayer

I have read every book Kate has written to date. I couldn’t be more impressed with her talent! I love Mia And Cal’s story. The best part of all these stories is the possibility of continuing their individual stories further.

Kate Meader has another hit on her hands with Foreplayer. There’s a dramatic undertone, but, for the most part, it’s a lighthearted and fun addition to the Rookie Rebels series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mia Wallace and Cal Foreman might seem an unlikely match at first, but it soon becomes apparent, to the reader at least, they’re actually perfect for one another. Watching them finally come to that realization is highly entertaining. They’re casual friends, but there’s a definite competitive and frenemies vibe that just adds extra spice to their relationship. I adored Mia Wallace in So Over You, her brother Vadim Petrov’s story in the Chicago Rebels series. It isn’t surprising she’s grown into a confident, determined, forthright woman who goes after what she wants. What — or who — she wants is definitely not a hockey player. Is it? Over time, Cal proves not all hockey players are complete dic…jerks. Cal Foreman is yet another in a long line of the author’s irresistible heroes. Although Cal is yummier than most. A fierce protectiveness hidden behind an easy-going charm quickly made him my new favorite Rookie Rebel. Many of the original cast from the Chicago Rebels series have prominent roles in this story. Seeing them and catching up with their families and careers is always a highlight and something I look forward to. Foreplayer delivers the snarky competitiveness, sexual tension, emotional, and steamy moments the blurb promises. It hooked me immediately, and I alternately couldn’t put it down and wanted it to never end. This story can be read as a standalone but reading the previous books in both series would explain some relationships and increase the reader enjoyment. The other stories are fabulous in their own right and shouldn’t be missed. 4.5 stars

I love this the Rookie Rebel series and this book is a great addition to the series. Cal Foreman is a serial monogamist. Since his broken engagement, he ends his relationships before they get too serious. He is now playing for the Chicago Rebels Hockey team with his friend Vadim Petrov. Vadim suggests that Cal work with his younger sister, Mia Wallace, to get her in shape for the Women’s Hockey Olympic tryouts. Mia has the hots for her brother’s agent, but feels too awkward and inexperienced to attract him. So she asks Cal to not just help with her Hockey game, but also hone her seduction skills. Mia and Cal are great characters who have to get beyond past romantic betrayals to get to their happily ever after. While this can be read as a stand-alone, reading about Mia’s background in Vadim’s book’s, does help with understanding her and her brother’s dynamic. I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest opinion.

I truly loved this book so much! It’s sweet, fun, heartwarming and full of all the good stuff!! I laughed, I swooned and felt all the emotions. Kate is such an amazing writer and I always feel like I am a part of her stories. These characters are so lovable and awesome! Cal is such an amazing man and as we find out, he is also perfect for Mia. He has changed a lot as he has matured in the NHL and Mia makes him feel things he never truly has before. But Cal is Vadim, Mia’s older brother’s teammate and friend, so it’s possible things could get a little dicey. A hockey player herself, Mia asks Cal to train her so she can make it onto the Olympic team but she really wanted training of another kind. Mia wanted Cal to teach her the ways to seduce a man so she could go after who she really wants. At least that’s how it starts out. But you know how these things can change when someone catches feelings. Great story! Great characters, great writing!! What more can you ask for? I enjoyed Cal and Mia’s journey to find love so very much! I absolutely love this series!

I’m never disappointed when I pick up a Kate Meader book, especially when it’s a Rebels hockey story. Each book adds another layer to the interpersonal dynamics within the team for the enjoyment of long-time fans, while allowing new readers to come in at any time and enjoy each as a stand-alone story. Best friend’s sibling is one of my favorite tropes, and that’s what we have when Cal gets involved with teammate and friend’s little sister Mia. What starts as a friendship (again, friends to lovers trope...squee!!) and a “relationship guide” quickly turns more personal, even as they both fight it. Cal is a good guy, seemingly unheard of in the hockey world, if we go by Mia’s experience. He stays on good terms with his exes, he’s not as much of a player as some men are, and his bond with Mia is honest and straightforward. Mia is holding some things back from Cal, but she’s held her own disappointments close to her vest from everyone, including her brother. My heart broke for her as her self-imposed isolation wore her down and effected all parts of her life. While not as emotionally wrenching Man Down, the previous Rookie Rebels book, Foreplayer incorporated some very timely issues that I thought were handled with a very interesting twist. I couldn’t put this book down, which entirely due to Meader’s gift of both storytelling and character development. Even those characters that irked me were not just two dimensional caricatures, although I’ll admit, I’m still scared one might pop up in a subsequent book! Loved this book, looking forward to the next and definitely recommend this series, as well as the author herself, to all readers. You don’t need to love hockey or sports romance to be a fan of the Rookie Rebels or Kate Meader...just a fan of great romance books.

I honestly don’t know what to say about this book because ”amazing” or “really freaking awesome” doesn’t do it justice. It’s romantic, steamy, entertaining and so heartwarming that it literally leaves you breathless. It makes you feel so many different things at once. It’s hockey with a twist, and the swoon factor is off the charts. I loved watching Callum and Mia as they grow closer, while they train together. Their flirting, their banter the sweet build of heat that leads them to a seriously great connection. But both of them are hiding a pain from their past that still affects them deeply. If only they can trust each other with their secrets. But with neither of them knowing just how much the other cares for them, will they come to their senses and see what is right in front of them before they lose each other for good? I enjoyed all their friends and players from previous books. As well as the fierceness of the brotherhood and sisterhood that they have formed. This is another fantastic hockey romance in this fantastic series. Can’t wait for the next one!