Dear Roomie

I know without fail that I’m going to enjoy any book of Kate Meader’s, and this was no surprise. Reid is a grump, Kennedy is cheerful sunshine, and Bucky is pure love. I loved delving deeper into Reid’s backstory, finding out why he is so rigid and abrupt. Characters from earlier books in the series make you feel like you’re coming back home while reading this one.

I love this series and really liked this installment. Reid Durand is the grumpy new guy on the Chicago Rebels team. He is the stepson of hockey legend, and all around jerk Henri Durand and brother to fellow NHL star Bastian Durand. He is emotionally scarred by his stepfather’s emotional abuse and constant pitting him against his half brother. Kennedy Clark is as sunny as Reid is grumpy, but she has her emotional demons she is battling. They end up as roomies and bonding over Bucky, the lovable mutt they saved. I think all the relationships that Reid has made this book for me: Reid and Kennedy; Reid and Bastian; Reid and Bucky; and Reid and Kennedy’s grandmother, Edie. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Grumpy guy meet sunshiny girl in this latest Rookie Rebels read. This is one of my very favorite hockey series and I’m never disappointed in the level of writing or the character development. I will be honesty, though, and admit that Reid and Kennedy did not click instantly for me. I’m not sure why, because taciturn, sexy a-holes are usually my catnip…especially when paired with a gal who is his total opposite. But their chemistry eluded me until about half way through the book. So while I enjoyed the story, I was slow to develop my puck bunny crush! But when it happened, I felt like I was checked into the boards. All of a sudden, I saw Reid and Kennedy as a viable and adorable twosome…well, three if you add in that cute pup, Bucky. As a Marvel fan, his name thrilled me. As a fan of animals in books, I loved the devotion Reid showed to his furry pal from the beginning. How this guy thinks he has no heart is beyond me. As always, Ms. Meader pulled together all my favorite Rebels, current and retired, to bring Reid into the fold and give him some much needed advice about Kennedy. That was bromance gold! While it started slow for this reader, it ended with hearts and flowers for both myself, as well as our couple. It also gave us a glimpse of the next potentially miss-matched pair. I hope this series never ends!

Dear Roomie is absolutely everything I want out of a romance. A “cold” hero with hidden depths, a spirited heroine who hiding herself behind her walls with a sunny, and outgoing disposition. A story that is compelling and consistent, and secondary characters that add to the story rather than distracting from, and most importantly, the romantic tension is off the charts. Kate Meader scored a goal with this one! Reid Durand is all about his career. After being on four teams in five years he is working hard with no time to make friends, with no relationships, no alcohol, no distractions and keeping his personal life personal. Constantly trying to win the approval of his pushy, NHL legend step-father to the detriment of his relationships with his hockey step-brother Bastian, and anyone else. Kennedy Clark is the master of travel and of part-time jobs to save enough money for her next overseas trip, since she is just in Chicago for a little while to make sure Edie her grandfather’s second wife is okay at her new place. Kennedy is always outwardly happy, and outgoing but inwardly always trying to limit who she lets in so she doesn’t let her heart get hurt ever again. But she has been having a rough time of it lately after getting evicted and then losing her job she doesn’t know what else to do… These two have crossed paths already, but soon their lives collide when a one eye mutt is thrown into Lake Michigan and Reid dives into save him and Kennedy dives in to rescue them both. But although Reid knows the cute pink haired barista, she definitely doesn’t like him especially after getting her fired. So when he needs a Dog nanny for Bucky he hires Kennedy to make amends. But what these two don’t count on is the tension and oh my what heat these two have…her sassy banter will distract and entice and along with his teammates ribbing is everything you will adore. And then there is Grandma Edie’s lol antics that just might do even more. This is one you won’t want to miss, so start this hockey romance with its abundance of humor, heart and heat. I loved every minute of their journey to forever.