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Chicago Players #4
Secret Husband
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 broke my heart years ago. 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 …
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 broke my heart years ago. 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 …
360 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Kate Meader
57 books3,469 followersKate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.
Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.
The Chicago Players series features the family of Chicago Rebels legend, Theo Kershaw, and the next generation of hockey phenoms.
0. HOLLY JOLLY REBEL (free prequel)
1. SWEET THING (Lars and Adeline)
2. REBEL BRIDE (Hatch and Summer)
3. TOP SHELF STUD (Jason and Franky)
4. SECRET HUSBAND (Alexei and Lauren)
5. FAN FRICTION (Conor and ???)
The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan) - FREE!
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)
The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)
The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.
For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com
Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.
The Chicago Players series features the family of Chicago Rebels legend, Theo Kershaw, and the next generation of hockey phenoms.
0. HOLLY JOLLY REBEL (free prequel)
1. SWEET THING (Lars and Adeline)
2. REBEL BRIDE (Hatch and Summer)
3. TOP SHELF STUD (Jason and Franky)
4. SECRET HUSBAND (Alexei and Lauren)
5. FAN FRICTION (Conor and ???)
The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan) - FREE!
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)
The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)
The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.
For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 15, 2026
⭐ 1.5/5 Stars
A book titled Secret Husband should have remained a secret from all of us.
I genuinely don't know how two grown adults can make this many terrible decisions in one book, but Alexei and Lauren apparently took it as a personal challenge.
Let's begin with the supposed great love story.
If it takes a man fifteen years and numerous other women to finally come back for the woman he supposedly never stopped loving, I have questions. And before anyone brings up his tragic reasons for staying away—no. His father had already moved to the US twelve years ago. Alexei himself lived in the US. He had more than a decade to find Lauren, tell her the truth, and explain what happened.
He didn't.
But don't worry! The universe apparently intervenes by accidentally getting them married fifteen years later, so obviously that's a sign they belong together.
Personally, I think the universe should mind its own business.
Lauren was completely justified when she questioned whether Alexei only wanted her now because he'd gotten older, had his fun, and was finally ready to settle down. Because... isn't that exactly what happened? Whatever his reasons were initially, he spent fifteen years prioritizing everything else over her.
And even when he finally gets the opportunity to tell her the truth, does he?
Of course not.
At one point, while actively trying to win Lauren back, she gives him the perfect opening to be vulnerable. His response is essentially, "We're not friends," followed by kissing her to distract her from asking more questions.
Sir.
USE. YOUR. WORDS.
Also, minor inconvenience: she has a boyfriend.
Which brings me to Lauren, because unfortunately Alexei does not have exclusive ownership of the Bad Decisions Department.
Lauren hides her accidental marriage from Thad—the boyfriend she supposedly desperately wants to marry—then kisses Alexei and decides she's not going to mention that either.
What a shining beacon of loyalty.
And when she finally tells Thad about the marriage, she's somehow annoyed that he isn't sufficiently jealous.
There's literally a moment where Lauren thinks a mature, trusting partner should perhaps be more upset about the situation because apparently jealousy is now proof of love.
No.
If I accidentally discovered I was married to someone from before I met my current partner, and I explained that absolutely nothing romantic was happening between us, I would want my partner to trust me. That's generally considered a positive quality in a relationship.
But apparently we needed Thad to become the villain so Lauren could cheat with a cleaner conscience.
So the man who starts the book as an overeager Chicago Rebels fan suddenly becomes a sleazy, money-hungry asshole. He doesn't take care of Lauren when she's sick. He doesn't pay for dinner. And, perhaps his greatest crime against humanity, he doesn't want to personally help renovate the house Lauren chose to renovate because he'd rather... hire professionals.
The monster.
Look, Thad eventually turns out to be an ass and a fraud. Fine.
Lauren still cheated on him.
Both things can be true.
And honestly, by the halfway point I had decided Alexei and Lauren absolutely deserved each other.
Alexei spent years sleeping with other women while supposedly carrying this eternal torch for Lauren, and Lauren spends half this book emotionally reconnecting with her "husband" while actively dating another man.
Soulmates, apparently.
The mixed signals were equally exhausting.
For the first half of the book, Alexei refuses to sign the divorce papers while Lauren repeatedly tells him she wants out. Her friends rightfully tell him to respect her agency and her decision.
Finally, he listens.
He agrees to let her go.
And what does Lauren do?
Gets tipsy and starts sexting him.
Ma'am.
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
From there, this book becomes a masterclass in how to make every possible wrong decision when one honest conversation could solve everything.
Lauren tells Alexei, "You broke my heart. You are bad for me."
Perfect opportunity to explain what actually happened fifteen years ago, right?
Wrong.
Alexei decides, "I can never tell her the truth."
WHY?
Later, Lauren discovers something Alexei secretly did for her years ago and goes to confront him. Another perfect opportunity for these two to sit down and finally communicate like functioning adults.
Naturally, they have sex instead.
Eventually Alexei tells her the truth, and by then Lauren is rightfully furious because he should have told her from the beginning.
Exactly.
Thank you.
We have finally arrived at the point I've been screaming at my Kindle about for hundreds of pages.
And that's ultimately my biggest problem with this book.
If your entire plot disappears the moment your characters have one honest conversation, you don't have a plot. You have two emotionally constipated adults and several hundred pages of filler.
There were some genuinely sweet moments. Alexei moving to Chicago for Lauren, taking care of her when she was sick, supporting her when her business was struggling—those glimpses showed me why these two potentially could have worked.
Unfortunately, those moments were buried underneath fifteen years of avoidable heartbreak, cheating, mixed signals, secret-keeping, and two people apparently treating basic communication like a state secret.
The real highlight was seeing the secondary characters and getting appearances from the first-generation Chicago Rebels characters, who remain my absolute favorites.
They deserved my time.
Alexei and Lauren?
They deserved a couples therapist and a shared Google Doc titled "Things We Should Have Told Each Other Fifteen Years Ago."
A book titled Secret Husband should have remained a secret from all of us.
I genuinely don't know how two grown adults can make this many terrible decisions in one book, but Alexei and Lauren apparently took it as a personal challenge.
Let's begin with the supposed great love story.
If it takes a man fifteen years and numerous other women to finally come back for the woman he supposedly never stopped loving, I have questions. And before anyone brings up his tragic reasons for staying away—no. His father had already moved to the US twelve years ago. Alexei himself lived in the US. He had more than a decade to find Lauren, tell her the truth, and explain what happened.
He didn't.
But don't worry! The universe apparently intervenes by accidentally getting them married fifteen years later, so obviously that's a sign they belong together.
Personally, I think the universe should mind its own business.
Lauren was completely justified when she questioned whether Alexei only wanted her now because he'd gotten older, had his fun, and was finally ready to settle down. Because... isn't that exactly what happened? Whatever his reasons were initially, he spent fifteen years prioritizing everything else over her.
And even when he finally gets the opportunity to tell her the truth, does he?
Of course not.
At one point, while actively trying to win Lauren back, she gives him the perfect opening to be vulnerable. His response is essentially, "We're not friends," followed by kissing her to distract her from asking more questions.
Sir.
USE. YOUR. WORDS.
Also, minor inconvenience: she has a boyfriend.
Which brings me to Lauren, because unfortunately Alexei does not have exclusive ownership of the Bad Decisions Department.
Lauren hides her accidental marriage from Thad—the boyfriend she supposedly desperately wants to marry—then kisses Alexei and decides she's not going to mention that either.
What a shining beacon of loyalty.
And when she finally tells Thad about the marriage, she's somehow annoyed that he isn't sufficiently jealous.
There's literally a moment where Lauren thinks a mature, trusting partner should perhaps be more upset about the situation because apparently jealousy is now proof of love.
No.
If I accidentally discovered I was married to someone from before I met my current partner, and I explained that absolutely nothing romantic was happening between us, I would want my partner to trust me. That's generally considered a positive quality in a relationship.
But apparently we needed Thad to become the villain so Lauren could cheat with a cleaner conscience.
So the man who starts the book as an overeager Chicago Rebels fan suddenly becomes a sleazy, money-hungry asshole. He doesn't take care of Lauren when she's sick. He doesn't pay for dinner. And, perhaps his greatest crime against humanity, he doesn't want to personally help renovate the house Lauren chose to renovate because he'd rather... hire professionals.
The monster.
Look, Thad eventually turns out to be an ass and a fraud. Fine.
Lauren still cheated on him.
Both things can be true.
And honestly, by the halfway point I had decided Alexei and Lauren absolutely deserved each other.
Alexei spent years sleeping with other women while supposedly carrying this eternal torch for Lauren, and Lauren spends half this book emotionally reconnecting with her "husband" while actively dating another man.
Soulmates, apparently.
The mixed signals were equally exhausting.
For the first half of the book, Alexei refuses to sign the divorce papers while Lauren repeatedly tells him she wants out. Her friends rightfully tell him to respect her agency and her decision.
Finally, he listens.
He agrees to let her go.
And what does Lauren do?
Gets tipsy and starts sexting him.
Ma'am.
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
From there, this book becomes a masterclass in how to make every possible wrong decision when one honest conversation could solve everything.
Lauren tells Alexei, "You broke my heart. You are bad for me."
Perfect opportunity to explain what actually happened fifteen years ago, right?
Wrong.
Alexei decides, "I can never tell her the truth."
WHY?
Later, Lauren discovers something Alexei secretly did for her years ago and goes to confront him. Another perfect opportunity for these two to sit down and finally communicate like functioning adults.
Naturally, they have sex instead.
Eventually Alexei tells her the truth, and by then Lauren is rightfully furious because he should have told her from the beginning.
Exactly.
Thank you.
We have finally arrived at the point I've been screaming at my Kindle about for hundreds of pages.
And that's ultimately my biggest problem with this book.
If your entire plot disappears the moment your characters have one honest conversation, you don't have a plot. You have two emotionally constipated adults and several hundred pages of filler.
There were some genuinely sweet moments. Alexei moving to Chicago for Lauren, taking care of her when she was sick, supporting her when her business was struggling—those glimpses showed me why these two potentially could have worked.
Unfortunately, those moments were buried underneath fifteen years of avoidable heartbreak, cheating, mixed signals, secret-keeping, and two people apparently treating basic communication like a state secret.
The real highlight was seeing the secondary characters and getting appearances from the first-generation Chicago Rebels characters, who remain my absolute favorites.
They deserved my time.
Alexei and Lauren?
They deserved a couples therapist and a shared Google Doc titled "Things We Should Have Told Each Other Fifteen Years Ago."
July 14, 2026
4.5🌟, 3🌶️
My heart is still heavy and happy after finishing this gem.
It is an emotional rollercoaster that perfectly captures the heartache of two people wasting fifteen years due to fear and miscommunication. Watching Lauren and Alexei navigate their past is intense, especially as you realize their baggage runs deep. While Alexei’s struggle with control was frustrating, seeing him slowly learn that he needs to be open to truly keep the woman he loves made his growth feel so earned.
Lauren is exactly the kind of heroine I gravitate toward. She is fierce, self-made, and refuses to apologize for her ambition, which made it so satisfying to watch her hold her own against Alexei’s sudden return. Their chemistry is scorching, but it’s their shift from protective silence to raw honesty that gives the story such weight. You can really feel the tension between her desire for a safe, simple life and the undeniable pull she still has toward the man who broke her heart long ago.
The side characters are the cherry on top, adding a layer of found family warmth that kept me smiling between the heavier, tear-jerking moments. This is a beautiful, messy, and deeply satisfying second-chance romance that balances humor with true vulnerability.
It’s an occasional find to come across a story that leaves me this genuinely happy by the end of it, and I am quite eager to explore more from this world.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Kate Meader and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
My heart is still heavy and happy after finishing this gem.
It is an emotional rollercoaster that perfectly captures the heartache of two people wasting fifteen years due to fear and miscommunication. Watching Lauren and Alexei navigate their past is intense, especially as you realize their baggage runs deep. While Alexei’s struggle with control was frustrating, seeing him slowly learn that he needs to be open to truly keep the woman he loves made his growth feel so earned.
Lauren is exactly the kind of heroine I gravitate toward. She is fierce, self-made, and refuses to apologize for her ambition, which made it so satisfying to watch her hold her own against Alexei’s sudden return. Their chemistry is scorching, but it’s their shift from protective silence to raw honesty that gives the story such weight. You can really feel the tension between her desire for a safe, simple life and the undeniable pull she still has toward the man who broke her heart long ago.
The side characters are the cherry on top, adding a layer of found family warmth that kept me smiling between the heavier, tear-jerking moments. This is a beautiful, messy, and deeply satisfying second-chance romance that balances humor with true vulnerability.
It’s an occasional find to come across a story that leaves me this genuinely happy by the end of it, and I am quite eager to explore more from this world.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Kate Meader and The Author Agency for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
July 16, 2026
First Kate Meader book. And I believe this is a series but I jumped right in with no problems. So it can totally be read as a stand alone.
Lauren is trying to get her sports talent agency afloat. She just started it and being a small fish in a big pond is kinda hard.
Who should also pop up in her life during this time? The guy she saw a few months ago, her old flame Alexei. Who's moved into her city, is now playing for a local NHL team, and says that theyre married. And she totally has a boyfriend.
This book goes back to their past, when they first met, how close they were. It also explores how it all blew up. Lauren is a bad ass, and Alexei... lets just say he is such a devoted son.
I liked how hard Lauren worked. I don't know sports agents that well but it seems maybe male centered? Or at least corporation charged. So I liked reading about how hard she worked. And how it turns out for her.
Lauren is trying to get her sports talent agency afloat. She just started it and being a small fish in a big pond is kinda hard.
Who should also pop up in her life during this time? The guy she saw a few months ago, her old flame Alexei. Who's moved into her city, is now playing for a local NHL team, and says that theyre married. And she totally has a boyfriend.
This book goes back to their past, when they first met, how close they were. It also explores how it all blew up. Lauren is a bad ass, and Alexei... lets just say he is such a devoted son.
I liked how hard Lauren worked. I don't know sports agents that well but it seems maybe male centered? Or at least corporation charged. So I liked reading about how hard she worked. And how it turns out for her.
July 6, 2026
How very dare you Kate? You really yanked the heartstrings in this one. While one could say that it's all due to the #MiscommunicationTrope, but it's deeper than that. Hell, multiple people even call out the issue - he needs control. Control he just can't get due to his circumstances.
Tragedy hit him before he even met Lauren. First he lost his mom, then what happened with his dad sealed the deal for his loss of hope. He kept everyone at arms length because of that and really one person knew the extent of his struggles.
Meanwhile, Lauren is living a groundhogs day situation of her past. To say the least, she has trust issues. Ugh. They wasted 15 years. All of this and then the hurdle and timing of his dad's diagnosis. Absolutely heartbreaking. The hubs heard the tears ... This wrecked me. I liked seeing Lauren again and how Kate told the story with the time jumps was a good way to tell this story. I highly recommend this book. Give it a read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC thanks to The Author Agency. The opinions I hold are my own.
Tragedy hit him before he even met Lauren. First he lost his mom, then what happened with his dad sealed the deal for his loss of hope. He kept everyone at arms length because of that and really one person knew the extent of his struggles.
Meanwhile, Lauren is living a groundhogs day situation of her past. To say the least, she has trust issues. Ugh. They wasted 15 years. All of this and then the hurdle and timing of his dad's diagnosis. Absolutely heartbreaking. The hubs heard the tears ... This wrecked me. I liked seeing Lauren again and how Kate told the story with the time jumps was a good way to tell this story. I highly recommend this book. Give it a read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC thanks to The Author Agency. The opinions I hold are my own.
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July 4, 2026I loved it!
Lauren and Alexei met during their last college year, and the rest is history... Is what I would have liked to say. Unfortunately Alexei keep being an idiot and making bad decisions 🥲 I really wish he didn't keep things from her. It's also a bit of Lauren's fault as well, she is so very closed off and at the smallest sign of emotional hurt she's in another place...
I loved catching up with characters from the other series, and it was wonderful! I can't wait to see what everyone else is up to... Also, I can't wait to read where the series is going.
Thanks Ms Meader for the ARC
EDIT: I read the bonus epilogue and I love the book even more! I cried the whole time I was reading it, totally recommend it!
Lauren and Alexei met during their last college year, and the rest is history... Is what I would have liked to say. Unfortunately Alexei keep being an idiot and making bad decisions 🥲 I really wish he didn't keep things from her. It's also a bit of Lauren's fault as well, she is so very closed off and at the smallest sign of emotional hurt she's in another place...
I loved catching up with characters from the other series, and it was wonderful! I can't wait to see what everyone else is up to... Also, I can't wait to read where the series is going.
Thanks Ms Meader for the ARC
EDIT: I read the bonus epilogue and I love the book even more! I cried the whole time I was reading it, totally recommend it!
July 22, 2026
“You can’t change the destination, but you can make the journey as fulfilling as possible”
July 14, 2026
ARC REVIEW
If you want a romance that delivers all the feels, look no further!This was my very first book by this author, and I am officially hooked—I will definitely be diving into the rest of her backlist.This story packs an incredible punch with a mix of fantastic tropes: second-chance romance, an accidental marriage, and a "it's always been her" hero... even though she currently has a boyfriend! The dynamic between Alexei, a head-over-heels Russian hockey player, and Lauren, a former hockey player turned fierce sports agent, is absolute perfection.Their story kicks off back in college with one of the funniest meet-cutes I’ve read. Alexei was using his best friend’s room for some "extracurricular activities" because his housing wasn't ready. He was being so loud that he woke up Lauren down the hall. Instead of ignoring it, she marched right up to the door and told him to hurry up so she could get some sleep! I laughed out loud, and that hilarious encounter was just the first of many unforgettable moments between them.What I loved most about Alexei and Lauren is how they prove that love can overcome any obstacle, but only if you have open communication. This book beautifully shows that miscommunication—or a total lack of communication—can destroy a relationship. Love is vital, but trust and showing up for each other during the bad times is what truly makes a partnership essential.I am absolutely obsessed with this series. I can't wait to see who is next...
If you want a romance that delivers all the feels, look no further!This was my very first book by this author, and I am officially hooked—I will definitely be diving into the rest of her backlist.This story packs an incredible punch with a mix of fantastic tropes: second-chance romance, an accidental marriage, and a "it's always been her" hero... even though she currently has a boyfriend! The dynamic between Alexei, a head-over-heels Russian hockey player, and Lauren, a former hockey player turned fierce sports agent, is absolute perfection.Their story kicks off back in college with one of the funniest meet-cutes I’ve read. Alexei was using his best friend’s room for some "extracurricular activities" because his housing wasn't ready. He was being so loud that he woke up Lauren down the hall. Instead of ignoring it, she marched right up to the door and told him to hurry up so she could get some sleep! I laughed out loud, and that hilarious encounter was just the first of many unforgettable moments between them.What I loved most about Alexei and Lauren is how they prove that love can overcome any obstacle, but only if you have open communication. This book beautifully shows that miscommunication—or a total lack of communication—can destroy a relationship. Love is vital, but trust and showing up for each other during the bad times is what truly makes a partnership essential.I am absolutely obsessed with this series. I can't wait to see who is next...
July 25, 2026
Review by: Jennifer
This was a nice addition to the series. This is the fourth in the series, so expect a few mentions of previous happenings, as well as characters that have already found their HEA. If you're caught up with the series then no big, but maybe a bit irksome if you aren't. Anyways, a drunk night in Vegas Alexei and Lauren wake up in the light of day, having had a nice night. Until Alexei ends up leaving with no word as to really why he had to leave. Months later, Alexei has moved to Chicago and meets up with Lauren, who has no time for him and hates him. There is so much going on, Lauren with her boyfriend, Alexei and his father issues, then BAM Alexei makes it known that the two of them are married. Just what are they going to do about this situation.... Alexei wants it to work while Lauren is absolutely against it and telling anyone. What will the choice be?
This was a good story, I'm not kidding when I say there was a lot happening, some of it I felt just a little too much, but that's just IMO. We do get some nice drama and some ok naughty bits. I give this 4 stars.
This was a nice addition to the series. This is the fourth in the series, so expect a few mentions of previous happenings, as well as characters that have already found their HEA. If you're caught up with the series then no big, but maybe a bit irksome if you aren't. Anyways, a drunk night in Vegas Alexei and Lauren wake up in the light of day, having had a nice night. Until Alexei ends up leaving with no word as to really why he had to leave. Months later, Alexei has moved to Chicago and meets up with Lauren, who has no time for him and hates him. There is so much going on, Lauren with her boyfriend, Alexei and his father issues, then BAM Alexei makes it known that the two of them are married. Just what are they going to do about this situation.... Alexei wants it to work while Lauren is absolutely against it and telling anyone. What will the choice be?
This was a good story, I'm not kidding when I say there was a lot happening, some of it I felt just a little too much, but that's just IMO. We do get some nice drama and some ok naughty bits. I give this 4 stars.
July 12, 2026
My first Kate Meader book, and it was an okay read.
The first 30% was confusing, but it picked up afterward. I liked Lauren and Alexei, especially their heartbreaking backstories. Lauren was a badass FMC, and I loved Alexei’s broody personality and yearning.
The romance felt rushed, though, and the chemistry wasn’t quite there. The pacing was also uneven.
Overall, a decent second-chance hockey romance, but I wanted more.
Thank you The Author Agency and Kate Meader for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The first 30% was confusing, but it picked up afterward. I liked Lauren and Alexei, especially their heartbreaking backstories. Lauren was a badass FMC, and I loved Alexei’s broody personality and yearning.
The romance felt rushed, though, and the chemistry wasn’t quite there. The pacing was also uneven.
Overall, a decent second-chance hockey romance, but I wanted more.
Thank you The Author Agency and Kate Meader for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2026
I love this Chicago rebels series - the women are strong and the men are down bad for their ladies. Alexi is no different and even though he lied about their marriage - you know he had done it for a good reason. Lauren is a tough chick but had so much distrust because of her father. I loved how they got together and how Alexa kept showing up for her again and again. I even got teary towards the end - the Alzheimer representation was so real and I just felt for alexi. I can’t say enough good things about this book or series.
July 14, 2026
Thanks to the author and The Author Agency for the gifted e-copy.
“Our mouths crashed into each other, and my one, singular thought was: my wife is kissing me.”
Vibes: cocky hockey player who wants his chance
This was so entertaining and funny. I love the married in Vegas trope and the fact that they knew each other years ago was a fun twist to it. The flashbacks to their time at the University of Michigan (as hockey players) were well done. Go Blue!
Tropes:
sports agent
hockey
college flashbacks
Vegas vows
second chance
all the banter
“Our mouths crashed into each other, and my one, singular thought was: my wife is kissing me.”
Vibes: cocky hockey player who wants his chance
This was so entertaining and funny. I love the married in Vegas trope and the fact that they knew each other years ago was a fun twist to it. The flashbacks to their time at the University of Michigan (as hockey players) were well done. Go Blue!
Tropes:
sports agent
hockey
college flashbacks
Vegas vows
second chance
all the banter
August 7, 2026
Thanks to Kate Meader and Bookfunnel for an ARC to this book. Meader’s writing keeps getting better and better. I’ve come to expect that she’ll always be able to evoke strong emotions in me, and she does it in this one too. The other thing she’s been doing lately is sharing her wisdom through statements made by her characters. I’ll point out this book’s wisdom later in this review.
Alexei and Lauren, along with their best friend Jason, attended college together. All were superstars on their hockey teams, and all were recruited onto professional hockey teams. What we don’t fully know is how Alexei and Lauren had a romantic relationship that ended when they all graduated. And apparently, Lauren was very hurt by how Alexei broke things off with her.
A year before “present day,” Alexei and Lauren ran into one another in Las Vegas and “fake married.” At least, that’s what Lauren believes. Now, Lauren has left the company she worked for and has started her own agency representing hockey players. She’s seriously dating someone else and is expecting him to propose soon. That’s when Alexei pops up to tell her they’re married for real. He just took a pay cut to move to Chicago and join the Rebels, all so he can be near her and convince her they belong together. But she doesn’t trust him because he hurt her too many times in the past. She repeatedly demands a divorce.
Some of the things I loved about this book:
Alexei is Russian, so he doesn’t use contractions. It’s subtle, but you’ll notice that his speech and thoughts are very formal. He does not use contractions, and I love how that adds a touch of realism to a work of fiction.
This observation by Lauren made me laugh out loud: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that when a woman needs to rid herself of a husband, he keeps popping up.” For fans of Jane Austen, it’s tough to miss this reference.
Alexei is dealing with a father who has Alzheimer’s, and it’s getting significantly worse. He wants to do right by his father, and it’s tearing him up inside that his father is forgetting who he is. He has hired a caregiver for when he has to work, and he shares his feelings with her. She tells him, “That the pain of forgetting might be a blessing, but that the pain of being forgotten might be even worse.” He feels the truth of that immediately. She encourages him to forge a new relationship, while maintaining the memory of what used to be.
And here’s the part that made me cry. While struggling to decide what to do with his father, Alexie received a letter from his father. A year ago, when he was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sasha wrote a letter to Alexei, apologizing for all he might forget when the Alzheimer’s progressed. His words are so touching: “Accept my apologies in advance for hurting you and know that while it might seem like I have forgotten, it is not true. Inside this shell, I am here with my beautiful memories trapped in amber. Memories of you, of your mother, of a life well lived. I am and will always be, so proud of you.”
I have a degree in gerontology and worked with patients with Alzheimer’s. It never occurred to me to have someone write a letter BEFORE things get bad. It’s a brilliant idea, and one I will be sharing. It may not be original, but it’s new to me, and the words of this character describing what he thinks will transpire is poignant. Imagining Alexei’s feelings as he reads it is heartbreaking and encouraging. I highly recommend this book.
Alexei and Lauren, along with their best friend Jason, attended college together. All were superstars on their hockey teams, and all were recruited onto professional hockey teams. What we don’t fully know is how Alexei and Lauren had a romantic relationship that ended when they all graduated. And apparently, Lauren was very hurt by how Alexei broke things off with her.
A year before “present day,” Alexei and Lauren ran into one another in Las Vegas and “fake married.” At least, that’s what Lauren believes. Now, Lauren has left the company she worked for and has started her own agency representing hockey players. She’s seriously dating someone else and is expecting him to propose soon. That’s when Alexei pops up to tell her they’re married for real. He just took a pay cut to move to Chicago and join the Rebels, all so he can be near her and convince her they belong together. But she doesn’t trust him because he hurt her too many times in the past. She repeatedly demands a divorce.
Some of the things I loved about this book:
Alexei is Russian, so he doesn’t use contractions. It’s subtle, but you’ll notice that his speech and thoughts are very formal. He does not use contractions, and I love how that adds a touch of realism to a work of fiction.
This observation by Lauren made me laugh out loud: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that when a woman needs to rid herself of a husband, he keeps popping up.” For fans of Jane Austen, it’s tough to miss this reference.
Alexei is dealing with a father who has Alzheimer’s, and it’s getting significantly worse. He wants to do right by his father, and it’s tearing him up inside that his father is forgetting who he is. He has hired a caregiver for when he has to work, and he shares his feelings with her. She tells him, “That the pain of forgetting might be a blessing, but that the pain of being forgotten might be even worse.” He feels the truth of that immediately. She encourages him to forge a new relationship, while maintaining the memory of what used to be.
And here’s the part that made me cry. While struggling to decide what to do with his father, Alexie received a letter from his father. A year ago, when he was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Sasha wrote a letter to Alexei, apologizing for all he might forget when the Alzheimer’s progressed. His words are so touching: “Accept my apologies in advance for hurting you and know that while it might seem like I have forgotten, it is not true. Inside this shell, I am here with my beautiful memories trapped in amber. Memories of you, of your mother, of a life well lived. I am and will always be, so proud of you.”
I have a degree in gerontology and worked with patients with Alzheimer’s. It never occurred to me to have someone write a letter BEFORE things get bad. It’s a brilliant idea, and one I will be sharing. It may not be original, but it’s new to me, and the words of this character describing what he thinks will transpire is poignant. Imagining Alexei’s feelings as he reads it is heartbreaking and encouraging. I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
One Vegas wedding...what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?
Alexei and Lauren have a history dating back to college. Alexei was destined for the NHL and Lauren had the skills to play professionally but the PWHL didn't exist then. She continued to play until an injury sidelined her. Alexei chose to defer his NHL contract and go back to play in Russia for his family leaving Lauren behind after they had become more than friends during their last year in university. Like an idiot he didn't tell her why he was leaving because he thought that it would protect her from harm. When he made it to the NHL their paths didn't cross even though they shared a mutual friend from college.
Several years later, they bumped into each other in Las Vegas and caught up. That night they enjoyed spending time together and didn't want the night to end. They had plans for the next day but once again, Alexei left without a word leaving Lauren with more questions than answers. She was determined to put Alexei in the past and find a man who would put her first not knowing that that night had been more than she remembered. Alexei chose her father that morning but would that choice ruin his chances with Lauren forever?
Alexei knows what happened in Vegas and refuses to leave it in Vegas. He requests a trade to Chicago and moves his father to Chicago too. He is willing to do whatever it takes to be closer to Lauren. Little did he know that Lauren had moved on with her life trying to find a man that was safe and dependable. Someone who wasn't like her father or Alexei. Someone who she could settle down with. All her friends were getting married and having children and she wanted that life even if it meant settling for second best. She wanted someone to love and choose her.
Lauren was a cutthroat sports agent who would do anything for her athletes. She chose to start her own company so she could dedicate more time and energy to each athlete instead of having to please the corporate hierarchy. Some athletes love the more personal touches but others are afraid of losing the corporate branding while others are gender biased. Many of the Chicago players are either friends or clients including her best friend. That friend has known her since childhood and was friends with Alexei in university as well. With Alexei's trade, their friendship will most likely be rekindled and paths will cross again.
Alexei is determined to talk to Lauren and reveal the truth about their relationship. When he does, she wants out immediately but Alexei wants time to prove that it wasn't a mistake. He wants to be her man, he wants everyone to know that he loves her and always will. He never stopped even though they were apart for several years. He knows that she was hurt by him leaving but she needs to know why so she has all the facts. He needs to prove that the safe choice is not always the best choice. She needs to know that he will never leave her again because she is the home he craves.
Lauren thought she had found a good one and trusted him. She allowed him access to her home, her clients, and all her friends. She was going to build a life with him. She was going to choose him but then the ultimate betrayal. He destroyed her trust, her reputation, and damaged her career. He chose himself and was a coward. Luckily she had a strong support system who believed in her and rallied around her behind the scenes and in public. During this time Alexei was at her side trying to support her in whatever way she would allow. During times of crisis you learn who your true friends are because they are the ones that show up and keep showing up no matter what. Alexei did that even when she didn't want him to. If that's not love, then what is it?
I loved Alexei and Lauren because they prove that any obstacle can be overcome but they also showed how important communication is in a relationship. Miscommunication can destroy a relationship as much as no communication. Love is important but trust and being there for each other in good times us great but during bad times is essential! I love this series so much, it might be better than the original if that's even possible!
Thank you Kate Meader and the Author Agency for the ARC and the opportunity to review this amazing book!
Alexei and Lauren have a history dating back to college. Alexei was destined for the NHL and Lauren had the skills to play professionally but the PWHL didn't exist then. She continued to play until an injury sidelined her. Alexei chose to defer his NHL contract and go back to play in Russia for his family leaving Lauren behind after they had become more than friends during their last year in university. Like an idiot he didn't tell her why he was leaving because he thought that it would protect her from harm. When he made it to the NHL their paths didn't cross even though they shared a mutual friend from college.
Several years later, they bumped into each other in Las Vegas and caught up. That night they enjoyed spending time together and didn't want the night to end. They had plans for the next day but once again, Alexei left without a word leaving Lauren with more questions than answers. She was determined to put Alexei in the past and find a man who would put her first not knowing that that night had been more than she remembered. Alexei chose her father that morning but would that choice ruin his chances with Lauren forever?
Alexei knows what happened in Vegas and refuses to leave it in Vegas. He requests a trade to Chicago and moves his father to Chicago too. He is willing to do whatever it takes to be closer to Lauren. Little did he know that Lauren had moved on with her life trying to find a man that was safe and dependable. Someone who wasn't like her father or Alexei. Someone who she could settle down with. All her friends were getting married and having children and she wanted that life even if it meant settling for second best. She wanted someone to love and choose her.
Lauren was a cutthroat sports agent who would do anything for her athletes. She chose to start her own company so she could dedicate more time and energy to each athlete instead of having to please the corporate hierarchy. Some athletes love the more personal touches but others are afraid of losing the corporate branding while others are gender biased. Many of the Chicago players are either friends or clients including her best friend. That friend has known her since childhood and was friends with Alexei in university as well. With Alexei's trade, their friendship will most likely be rekindled and paths will cross again.
Alexei is determined to talk to Lauren and reveal the truth about their relationship. When he does, she wants out immediately but Alexei wants time to prove that it wasn't a mistake. He wants to be her man, he wants everyone to know that he loves her and always will. He never stopped even though they were apart for several years. He knows that she was hurt by him leaving but she needs to know why so she has all the facts. He needs to prove that the safe choice is not always the best choice. She needs to know that he will never leave her again because she is the home he craves.
Lauren thought she had found a good one and trusted him. She allowed him access to her home, her clients, and all her friends. She was going to build a life with him. She was going to choose him but then the ultimate betrayal. He destroyed her trust, her reputation, and damaged her career. He chose himself and was a coward. Luckily she had a strong support system who believed in her and rallied around her behind the scenes and in public. During this time Alexei was at her side trying to support her in whatever way she would allow. During times of crisis you learn who your true friends are because they are the ones that show up and keep showing up no matter what. Alexei did that even when she didn't want him to. If that's not love, then what is it?
I loved Alexei and Lauren because they prove that any obstacle can be overcome but they also showed how important communication is in a relationship. Miscommunication can destroy a relationship as much as no communication. Love is important but trust and being there for each other in good times us great but during bad times is essential! I love this series so much, it might be better than the original if that's even possible!
Thank you Kate Meader and the Author Agency for the ARC and the opportunity to review this amazing book!
July 15, 2026
In A Second Chance at Love, the author delivers a contemporary romance centered on Alexi, a Russian hockey player grappling with family drama and personal failings, and Lauren, a former pro player turned sports talent agent. At its core, this novel explores themes of love, regret, and redemption amid the high-stakes world of professional hockey. This book invites us into a familiar yet fresh setting, offering a heartfelt exploration of second chances not only in romance but in life itself. My overall impression is that of an engaging, emotionally resonant story that, while not perfect, offers much to appreciate for fans of sports romance and character-driven plots.
One of the novel’s standout features is its character work, particularly the nuanced portrayal of Alexi. He emerges as a layered individual carrying the burden of both external pressures and internal struggles. His flaws — notably poor communication and emotional distance — make him relatable and human rather than a flawless hero. The author captures his conflicted nature and desire to make amends with a deft touch, inviting us to root for his growth despite his missteps.
Lauren’s character strikes a more complex chord. She is clearly talented, smart, and dedicated, balancing a demanding career with heartfelt volunteer work. Yet, her past relationship marked with obvious red flags and unresolved “daddy issues” adds depth as well as some frustration for the reader. Her occasional stubbornness and tendency to overlook warning signs make her more realistic. Still, they can sometimes make the romance feel one-sided, as Alexi appears to bear most of the emotional weight in their reconciliation. This dynamic underscores the emotional realism of failed communication and painful growth, even if it occasionally left me wishing for a more balanced partnership early on.
The chemistry and dialogue between Alexi and Lauren are undeniably a highlight. Their witty banter sparks with genuine warmth and smoldering tension. The supporting cast further enriches the story. Through emotional secrets, betrayals, and moments of vulnerability, the plot invites us to invest deeply in their journey toward forgiveness and new beginnings.
Stylistically, the book is accessible and immersive. Its pace suits a light yet emotionally charged read, perfect for those who appreciate stories where friendships are as vital as romance. However, the plot occasionally leans heavily on Alexi’s perspective as the sole fighter for the relationship, which may frustrate readers looking for a more evenly matched emotional tug-of-war. Nonetheless, this imbalance serves the theme of personal growth and the painful learning curve in love.
In conclusion, A Second Chance at Love is a warm, heartfelt romance that resonates with anyone who believes in the messy, complicated, and ultimately redeeming power of second chances. It will particularly appeal to readers drawn to sports settings, character-driven stories, and emotionally authentic depictions of relationships. Though Lauren’s character may provoke mixed feelings and the plot sometimes skews toward Alexi’s efforts, the novel’s warmth, humor, and emotional honesty shine through. For those who enjoy a story as much about friendship and personal healing as it is about love, this is a satisfying pick.
One of the novel’s standout features is its character work, particularly the nuanced portrayal of Alexi. He emerges as a layered individual carrying the burden of both external pressures and internal struggles. His flaws — notably poor communication and emotional distance — make him relatable and human rather than a flawless hero. The author captures his conflicted nature and desire to make amends with a deft touch, inviting us to root for his growth despite his missteps.
Lauren’s character strikes a more complex chord. She is clearly talented, smart, and dedicated, balancing a demanding career with heartfelt volunteer work. Yet, her past relationship marked with obvious red flags and unresolved “daddy issues” adds depth as well as some frustration for the reader. Her occasional stubbornness and tendency to overlook warning signs make her more realistic. Still, they can sometimes make the romance feel one-sided, as Alexi appears to bear most of the emotional weight in their reconciliation. This dynamic underscores the emotional realism of failed communication and painful growth, even if it occasionally left me wishing for a more balanced partnership early on.
The chemistry and dialogue between Alexi and Lauren are undeniably a highlight. Their witty banter sparks with genuine warmth and smoldering tension. The supporting cast further enriches the story. Through emotional secrets, betrayals, and moments of vulnerability, the plot invites us to invest deeply in their journey toward forgiveness and new beginnings.
Stylistically, the book is accessible and immersive. Its pace suits a light yet emotionally charged read, perfect for those who appreciate stories where friendships are as vital as romance. However, the plot occasionally leans heavily on Alexi’s perspective as the sole fighter for the relationship, which may frustrate readers looking for a more evenly matched emotional tug-of-war. Nonetheless, this imbalance serves the theme of personal growth and the painful learning curve in love.
In conclusion, A Second Chance at Love is a warm, heartfelt romance that resonates with anyone who believes in the messy, complicated, and ultimately redeeming power of second chances. It will particularly appeal to readers drawn to sports settings, character-driven stories, and emotionally authentic depictions of relationships. Though Lauren’s character may provoke mixed feelings and the plot sometimes skews toward Alexi’s efforts, the novel’s warmth, humor, and emotional honesty shine through. For those who enjoy a story as much about friendship and personal healing as it is about love, this is a satisfying pick.
July 24, 2026
💙 When Love Finally Gets a Second Chance 💙
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some second-chance romances ask whether two people can find their way back to each other. Secret Husband asks a much harder question: what happens when fear, grief, and silence steal fifteen years from the people who were always meant to be together? Kate Meader delivers an emotional story full of heartbreak, healing, and hope that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Lauren Yates is exactly the kind of heroine I love reading about. She's ambitious, fiercely independent, and determined to build a successful sports agency on her own terms. After years of disappointment, she's finally creating the stable life she's always wanted, making Alexei's unexpected return the last complication she needs. What I admired most about Lauren was that she never sacrificed her ambitions or apologized for chasing her dreams. She refused to let anyone define her future, even the man she never truly stopped loving.
Alexei Nazarov is a hero who frustrated me as much as he broke my heart. His need to control every situation, believing he could protect the people he loved by carrying every burden alone, created years of unnecessary pain. As frustrating as his choices were, understanding the losses that shaped him made his actions easier to empathize with. Watching him slowly realize that love cannot survive without honesty made his emotional growth feel incredibly rewarding. Once Alexei decided to fight for Lauren instead of protecting her from a distance, there was never any doubt that she was the only future he wanted.
The chemistry between Lauren and Alexei never disappeared, despite the years apart. Every conversation carried the weight of everything left unsaid, creating emotional tension that was just as compelling as their romantic connection. I especially loved how the story balanced present-day events with flashbacks to their younger selves, allowing their history to unfold naturally and making every revelation hit even harder.
The supporting characters added so much warmth to an already emotional story. Their friendships and unwavering support reminded me that healing doesn't happen alone, and those lighter moments helped balance some truly heartbreaking scenes. There were several moments that had me smiling, but there were just as many that had me reaching for tissues.
While I occasionally wished Alexei had opened up sooner, that frustration ultimately made his growth feel earned. This wasn't simply a story about rekindling an old romance. It was about learning that love cannot thrive without trust, vulnerability, and honest communication. Watching Lauren and Alexei finally choose each other after so many missed opportunities made the ending incredibly satisfying.
Secret Husband is a heartfelt second-chance romance that perfectly blends emotional depth, family, friendship, and hockey. It reminded me that sometimes the greatest obstacle standing between two people isn't a lack of love. It's the fear of letting someone see your whole heart.
Thank you to Kate Meader and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Some second-chance romances ask whether two people can find their way back to each other. Secret Husband asks a much harder question: what happens when fear, grief, and silence steal fifteen years from the people who were always meant to be together? Kate Meader delivers an emotional story full of heartbreak, healing, and hope that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Lauren Yates is exactly the kind of heroine I love reading about. She's ambitious, fiercely independent, and determined to build a successful sports agency on her own terms. After years of disappointment, she's finally creating the stable life she's always wanted, making Alexei's unexpected return the last complication she needs. What I admired most about Lauren was that she never sacrificed her ambitions or apologized for chasing her dreams. She refused to let anyone define her future, even the man she never truly stopped loving.
Alexei Nazarov is a hero who frustrated me as much as he broke my heart. His need to control every situation, believing he could protect the people he loved by carrying every burden alone, created years of unnecessary pain. As frustrating as his choices were, understanding the losses that shaped him made his actions easier to empathize with. Watching him slowly realize that love cannot survive without honesty made his emotional growth feel incredibly rewarding. Once Alexei decided to fight for Lauren instead of protecting her from a distance, there was never any doubt that she was the only future he wanted.
The chemistry between Lauren and Alexei never disappeared, despite the years apart. Every conversation carried the weight of everything left unsaid, creating emotional tension that was just as compelling as their romantic connection. I especially loved how the story balanced present-day events with flashbacks to their younger selves, allowing their history to unfold naturally and making every revelation hit even harder.
The supporting characters added so much warmth to an already emotional story. Their friendships and unwavering support reminded me that healing doesn't happen alone, and those lighter moments helped balance some truly heartbreaking scenes. There were several moments that had me smiling, but there were just as many that had me reaching for tissues.
While I occasionally wished Alexei had opened up sooner, that frustration ultimately made his growth feel earned. This wasn't simply a story about rekindling an old romance. It was about learning that love cannot thrive without trust, vulnerability, and honest communication. Watching Lauren and Alexei finally choose each other after so many missed opportunities made the ending incredibly satisfying.
Secret Husband is a heartfelt second-chance romance that perfectly blends emotional depth, family, friendship, and hockey. It reminded me that sometimes the greatest obstacle standing between two people isn't a lack of love. It's the fear of letting someone see your whole heart.
Thank you to Kate Meader and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 14, 2026
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
She’s waiting for her boyfriend to propose. There’s just one tiny complication: she’s already married. 💍🏒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🏒 Hockey romance
💍 Accidental marriage
❤️🩹 Second-chance romance
🔥 Explosive chemistry
😈 A hero who fights dirty
💼 Ambitious, capable heroines
🗯️ Banter with emotional history
Kate Meader is a must-read author for me, and she completely outdid herself with Secret Husband. I absolutely loved Lauren and Alexei’s emotional, funny, and deliciously complicated second-chance romance.
Lauren Yates is finally building the life she wants. After an incredible career in professional hockey, she has started her own sports talent agency, bought a home, and found a perfectly normal boyfriend who appears ready to propose.
Unfortunately, there’s one small problem.
Lauren already has a husband.
A year ago, a chance encounter in Las Vegas reunited her with Alexei Nazarov, the Russian hockey star who broke her heart fifteen years earlier. Their night together ended in what Lauren believed was a fake wedding. Alexei arrives in Chicago with very different news: their marriage is completely real, and he has no intention of letting her walk away again.
Lauren wants an annulment. Alexei wants his wife.
I loved discovering all the layers beneath Alexei’s confident, slightly devious exterior. He may be known for fighting dirty on the ice, but beneath all that swagger is a patient, kind, and fiercely devoted man who deeply regrets hurting Lauren. He knows earning back her trust won’t be easy, but he is prepared to fight for her every step of the way.
Lauren is every bit his match. She’s strong, ambitious, and determined to protect both her heart and the career she has worked so hard to build. Her resistance makes perfect sense after everything that happened between them, but the chemistry between these two is tremendous. Their banter is sharp, their history adds so much emotional weight, and every interaction makes it clearer that their connection never truly disappeared.
I also loved seeing familiar characters from the series again. The friendships and team dynamics brought plenty of humor, while Lauren and Alexei’s story delivered some unexpectedly touching moments that had me laughing one minute and emotional the next.
Secret Husband is everything I want from a second-chance hockey romance: yearning, regret, humor, scorching chemistry, and a hero determined to prove that losing the woman he loves once was more than enough.
And that bonus epilogue? Absolute happiness. 💗
QOTD: Could you forgive someone who broke your heart if they returned determined to win you back?
#SecretHusband #KateMeader #HockeyRomance #SecondChanceRomance #RomanceBookReview
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🏒 Hockey romance
💍 Accidental marriage
❤️🩹 Second-chance romance
🔥 Explosive chemistry
😈 A hero who fights dirty
💼 Ambitious, capable heroines
🗯️ Banter with emotional history
Kate Meader is a must-read author for me, and she completely outdid herself with Secret Husband. I absolutely loved Lauren and Alexei’s emotional, funny, and deliciously complicated second-chance romance.
Lauren Yates is finally building the life she wants. After an incredible career in professional hockey, she has started her own sports talent agency, bought a home, and found a perfectly normal boyfriend who appears ready to propose.
Unfortunately, there’s one small problem.
Lauren already has a husband.
A year ago, a chance encounter in Las Vegas reunited her with Alexei Nazarov, the Russian hockey star who broke her heart fifteen years earlier. Their night together ended in what Lauren believed was a fake wedding. Alexei arrives in Chicago with very different news: their marriage is completely real, and he has no intention of letting her walk away again.
Lauren wants an annulment. Alexei wants his wife.
I loved discovering all the layers beneath Alexei’s confident, slightly devious exterior. He may be known for fighting dirty on the ice, but beneath all that swagger is a patient, kind, and fiercely devoted man who deeply regrets hurting Lauren. He knows earning back her trust won’t be easy, but he is prepared to fight for her every step of the way.
Lauren is every bit his match. She’s strong, ambitious, and determined to protect both her heart and the career she has worked so hard to build. Her resistance makes perfect sense after everything that happened between them, but the chemistry between these two is tremendous. Their banter is sharp, their history adds so much emotional weight, and every interaction makes it clearer that their connection never truly disappeared.
I also loved seeing familiar characters from the series again. The friendships and team dynamics brought plenty of humor, while Lauren and Alexei’s story delivered some unexpectedly touching moments that had me laughing one minute and emotional the next.
Secret Husband is everything I want from a second-chance hockey romance: yearning, regret, humor, scorching chemistry, and a hero determined to prove that losing the woman he loves once was more than enough.
And that bonus epilogue? Absolute happiness. 💗
QOTD: Could you forgive someone who broke your heart if they returned determined to win you back?
#SecretHusband #KateMeader #HockeyRomance #SecondChanceRomance #RomanceBookReview
July 21, 2026
There's something especially bittersweet about watching two people lose fifteen years because neither of them truly knew how to communicate. Secret Husband took me on exactly that journey, and while it frustrated me at times, it also delivered a genuinely rewarding emotional payoff.
Lauren and Alexei have so much history together that every interaction feels loaded with unfinished conversations and lingering feelings. The flashbacks were woven in beautifully, giving their relationship real depth without slowing the pacing. It was impossible not to understand why these two still carried so much love... and so much hurt.
Lauren was easily my favourite part of the book. She's ambitious, fiercely independent, and determined to build her sports agency on her own terms. I loved watching her navigate a career that still feels heavily male-dominated while refusing to make herself smaller for anyone. She's exactly the kind of heroine I naturally gravitate towards.
Alexei... well, let's just say there were moments I wanted to climb into the pages and give him a stern talking too. His instinct to protect people by keeping them in the dark caused so much unnecessary pain, and his struggle with control definitely tested my patience. But that's also what made his growth so satisfying. Watching him slowly learn that honesty, trust, and vulnerability are just as important as love made his journey feel authentic.
The chemistry between these two is fantastic, but what really stayed with me was the emotional tension. Their relationship isn't built on grand gestures alone. It's built on learning how to truly choose each other, especially when it's uncomfortable.
I also loved the supporting cast. The found family dynamic added so much warmth between the heavier moments, and it definitely left me curious about the rest of the series. Considering this was my first Kate Meader book, I had no trouble following along, which says a lot about how welcoming this world is for new readers.
One of my favourite things about this story was how it highlights that love alone isn't enough. Communication, trust, and showing up for each other during the difficult moments are what truly make a relationship work.
This book had me laughing, sighing, occasionally muttering "just tell her already," and finishing with a huge smile on my face. Those are the kinds of romances I always remember.
If you love hockey romance, second-chance love stories, accidental marriage, found family, and emotionally messy characters who have to earn their happily ever after, I think you'll really enjoy this one. I'll definitely be exploring more of Kate Meader's backlist.
Thank you so much to Kate Meader and The Author Agency for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lauren and Alexei have so much history together that every interaction feels loaded with unfinished conversations and lingering feelings. The flashbacks were woven in beautifully, giving their relationship real depth without slowing the pacing. It was impossible not to understand why these two still carried so much love... and so much hurt.
Lauren was easily my favourite part of the book. She's ambitious, fiercely independent, and determined to build her sports agency on her own terms. I loved watching her navigate a career that still feels heavily male-dominated while refusing to make herself smaller for anyone. She's exactly the kind of heroine I naturally gravitate towards.
Alexei... well, let's just say there were moments I wanted to climb into the pages and give him a stern talking too. His instinct to protect people by keeping them in the dark caused so much unnecessary pain, and his struggle with control definitely tested my patience. But that's also what made his growth so satisfying. Watching him slowly learn that honesty, trust, and vulnerability are just as important as love made his journey feel authentic.
The chemistry between these two is fantastic, but what really stayed with me was the emotional tension. Their relationship isn't built on grand gestures alone. It's built on learning how to truly choose each other, especially when it's uncomfortable.
I also loved the supporting cast. The found family dynamic added so much warmth between the heavier moments, and it definitely left me curious about the rest of the series. Considering this was my first Kate Meader book, I had no trouble following along, which says a lot about how welcoming this world is for new readers.
One of my favourite things about this story was how it highlights that love alone isn't enough. Communication, trust, and showing up for each other during the difficult moments are what truly make a relationship work.
This book had me laughing, sighing, occasionally muttering "just tell her already," and finishing with a huge smile on my face. Those are the kinds of romances I always remember.
If you love hockey romance, second-chance love stories, accidental marriage, found family, and emotionally messy characters who have to earn their happily ever after, I think you'll really enjoy this one. I'll definitely be exploring more of Kate Meader's backlist.
Thank you so much to Kate Meader and The Author Agency for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2026
Second chance romance? More like a third time’s the charm romance for Alexei Nazarov and Lauren Yates when, fifteen years after breaking Lauren’s heart in college, Alexei signs with the Chicago Players, hoping to finish his hockey career on a high. Fortunately for him, Lauren now lives and works in Chicago as a successful sports agent, but unfortunately, she’s still carrying a grudge the size of a hockey arena. If breaking her heart once wasn’t enough, the last time they saw each other just one year before, during a drunken reunion in Vegas, he disappeared after they spent the night together, leaving her with nothing more than two breakfasts and a whole lot of unanswered questions. It’s what neither of them remembers from that night is where the real fun begins.
Alexei has always known Lauren was the one who got away, even if he’s the one who let her go. Years earlier, his life was falling apart, and walking away was the only way he knew how to protect her. Unfortunately, he never gave Lauren the explanation she deserved, leaving her convinced he’d simply chosen to abandon her. Now she’s built a new life for herself, has her own agency, and a ‘normal’ boyfriend who’s on the verge of proposing. As far as she’s concerned, Alexei has had more than enough chances and if she never sees him again it’ll be too soon. Once Alexei discovers what really happened in Vegas, though, all bets are off and winning Lauren back becomes his only goal, one he’s more than willing to play dirty to achieve if that’s what it takes to win back his wife but Lauren doesn’t make it easy for him and watching him try to wear down her defences was pure entertainment. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. Their banter was sharp, flirty, and genuinely funny, and neither of them ever backed down, making every interaction feel like the proverbial irresistible force colliding with an immovable object. As much as I loved the humour, I also liked the more emotional moments woven throughout the story, particularly those involving Alexei and his father, which added real depth to his character.
This was another fantastic addition to the Chicago Players series. Packed with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, emotional depth, and a hero determined to fix the biggest mistake of his life, it was everything I want from a second-chance romance as well as proving that sometimes it really is third time lucky.
Alexei has always known Lauren was the one who got away, even if he’s the one who let her go. Years earlier, his life was falling apart, and walking away was the only way he knew how to protect her. Unfortunately, he never gave Lauren the explanation she deserved, leaving her convinced he’d simply chosen to abandon her. Now she’s built a new life for herself, has her own agency, and a ‘normal’ boyfriend who’s on the verge of proposing. As far as she’s concerned, Alexei has had more than enough chances and if she never sees him again it’ll be too soon. Once Alexei discovers what really happened in Vegas, though, all bets are off and winning Lauren back becomes his only goal, one he’s more than willing to play dirty to achieve if that’s what it takes to win back his wife but Lauren doesn’t make it easy for him and watching him try to wear down her defences was pure entertainment. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. Their banter was sharp, flirty, and genuinely funny, and neither of them ever backed down, making every interaction feel like the proverbial irresistible force colliding with an immovable object. As much as I loved the humour, I also liked the more emotional moments woven throughout the story, particularly those involving Alexei and his father, which added real depth to his character.
This was another fantastic addition to the Chicago Players series. Packed with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, emotional depth, and a hero determined to fix the biggest mistake of his life, it was everything I want from a second-chance romance as well as proving that sometimes it really is third time lucky.
July 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Lauren is exactly the kind of heroine I want more of in this genre. She built her career from the ground up - from professional hockey herself to becoming an agent for the same world — and everything she has, she earned on her own terms. Watching her stand fully in that ambition, without apology, was genuinely satisfying to read.
Alexei is a good man wrapped around a control problem. His love for Lauren was never in question - everything he did, even the parts that frustrated me, came from wanting to protect her. But as Lauren herself points out, some things are meant to be said, not buried. I understood his instinct completely, especially knowing where his immaturity came from the first time around, but this time, he had the tools to handle it better and didn't always use them. What I did love was how carefully he approached her the second time - patient, deliberate, never pushing her further than she was ready to go. And the Russian nicknames? Completely unfair how much that got me.
Honestly, though, it was the side characters that stole this book for me - enough that I'm now fully committing to the rest of the series, plus the spinoff following the parents of this generation's characters. Jason's devotion to his daughter Cammy and his soon-to-be wife wrecked me in the best way. Connor, Theo, Gunnar, Sadie - there were so many characters woven through this book that I lost count, and I loved every one of them. That team-as-family element is exactly why I keep coming back to sports romance as a genre; there's something about that built-in found family that just hits differently.
If I have one honest note, it's that the side characters occasionally out-shined the main couple's chemistry. I liked Lauren and Alexei together - I even loved them - but I found myself wishing for just a bit more heat and tension between them specifically, given how much of that energy the side cast was carrying.
If you love second-chance romance, hockey-world found family, and a hero who calls his girl zaika while trying to win her back, this delivers.
Lauren is exactly the kind of heroine I want more of in this genre. She built her career from the ground up - from professional hockey herself to becoming an agent for the same world — and everything she has, she earned on her own terms. Watching her stand fully in that ambition, without apology, was genuinely satisfying to read.
Alexei is a good man wrapped around a control problem. His love for Lauren was never in question - everything he did, even the parts that frustrated me, came from wanting to protect her. But as Lauren herself points out, some things are meant to be said, not buried. I understood his instinct completely, especially knowing where his immaturity came from the first time around, but this time, he had the tools to handle it better and didn't always use them. What I did love was how carefully he approached her the second time - patient, deliberate, never pushing her further than she was ready to go. And the Russian nicknames? Completely unfair how much that got me.
milaya
silver eyes
my wife
my kotyonok
lyubimaya
my silver eyed skater
zhena
Honestly, though, it was the side characters that stole this book for me - enough that I'm now fully committing to the rest of the series, plus the spinoff following the parents of this generation's characters. Jason's devotion to his daughter Cammy and his soon-to-be wife wrecked me in the best way. Connor, Theo, Gunnar, Sadie - there were so many characters woven through this book that I lost count, and I loved every one of them. That team-as-family element is exactly why I keep coming back to sports romance as a genre; there's something about that built-in found family that just hits differently.
If I have one honest note, it's that the side characters occasionally out-shined the main couple's chemistry. I liked Lauren and Alexei together - I even loved them - but I found myself wishing for just a bit more heat and tension between them specifically, given how much of that energy the side cast was carrying.
If you love second-chance romance, hockey-world found family, and a hero who calls his girl zaika while trying to win her back, this delivers.
July 23, 2026
What is worse than bumping into the ex who shattered your heart fifteen years ago… Finding out you secretly married him in Vegas a year ago and forgetting all about it…
Kate Meader’s latest release is officially out, and even though I am dropping this review a few days late, I am still completely stuck on this story after devouring it in one sitting. If you are obsessed with emotional second-chance romances, accidentally-married-in-Vegas chaos, and the kind of intense chemistry that makes the pages practically fly by, then this is an absolute must-read.
The story follows Lauren, a fierce former professional hockey player who is finally building her dream life. She just launched her own boutique sports talent agency, has a steady boyfriend on the verge of proposing, and everything seems safely on track… that is, until the ultimate wildcard crashes back into her orbit. Enter Alexei Nazarov, the cocky, jaw-dropping Russian hockey star who broke her heart back in college. Thanks to a wild night in Las Vegas a year prior, Alexei drops a massive bombshell: they did not just hook up… they are legally husband and wife. Now traded to the Chicago Rebels, Alexei has zero intention of ever signing divorce papers. He is ready to play dirty off the ice to win back his wife, forcing Lauren to decide if she can ever trust her heart to the one man who knows how to break it.
What makes this book work so well is the genuine emotional weight grounded beneath all the fun tropes. Kate Meader beautifully proves that a fifteen-year separation leaves deep scars that cannot be fixed with a quick apology. Lauren is a fierce, independent heroine who forces Alexei to earn back every. Single. Inch. of her trust! Meanwhile, Alexei’s vulnerability, especially regarding his father’s failing health, adds to a heartbreaking layer that will completely melt you. Watching them unpack fifteen years of history and finally choosing each other made every emotional high and low completely worth it.
This is a stunning, raw, and deeply addictive sports romance about forgiveness, found family, and the kind of rare, soulmate connection that refuses to stay buried, no matter how much time or distance stands in the way.
A massive thank you to @theauthor.agency and Kate Meader for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kate Meader’s latest release is officially out, and even though I am dropping this review a few days late, I am still completely stuck on this story after devouring it in one sitting. If you are obsessed with emotional second-chance romances, accidentally-married-in-Vegas chaos, and the kind of intense chemistry that makes the pages practically fly by, then this is an absolute must-read.
The story follows Lauren, a fierce former professional hockey player who is finally building her dream life. She just launched her own boutique sports talent agency, has a steady boyfriend on the verge of proposing, and everything seems safely on track… that is, until the ultimate wildcard crashes back into her orbit. Enter Alexei Nazarov, the cocky, jaw-dropping Russian hockey star who broke her heart back in college. Thanks to a wild night in Las Vegas a year prior, Alexei drops a massive bombshell: they did not just hook up… they are legally husband and wife. Now traded to the Chicago Rebels, Alexei has zero intention of ever signing divorce papers. He is ready to play dirty off the ice to win back his wife, forcing Lauren to decide if she can ever trust her heart to the one man who knows how to break it.
What makes this book work so well is the genuine emotional weight grounded beneath all the fun tropes. Kate Meader beautifully proves that a fifteen-year separation leaves deep scars that cannot be fixed with a quick apology. Lauren is a fierce, independent heroine who forces Alexei to earn back every. Single. Inch. of her trust! Meanwhile, Alexei’s vulnerability, especially regarding his father’s failing health, adds to a heartbreaking layer that will completely melt you. Watching them unpack fifteen years of history and finally choosing each other made every emotional high and low completely worth it.
This is a stunning, raw, and deeply addictive sports romance about forgiveness, found family, and the kind of rare, soulmate connection that refuses to stay buried, no matter how much time or distance stands in the way.
A massive thank you to @theauthor.agency and Kate Meader for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 21, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5)
I really liked this book! It was a super cute read, and I absolutely loved Alexei’s devotion to Lauren—even if, at a certain point, he felt a little too perfect and a bit too ready to prostrate himself for her. I also wouldn't have minded a bit more spice to elevate the romance!
That said, the story did drag a little bit in the middle. The plot felt a bit too obvious at times, especially when it came to making her boyfriend, Thad, look like an absolute dud. I get that the author needed to clear him out of the way so Lauren wouldn't look bad for moving on with her secret husband, but his villainy was laid on a bit thick.
Furthermore, the resolution to the drama felt incredibly convenient. Having outside help swoop in to save Lauren from immediate professional ruin felt too pat, and it completely let the narrative off the hook from dealing with the actual, messy consequences of the situation just so Alexei could play the hero.
It felt like everything was wrapped up in a perfect little happy bow. Even Alexei's heavy subplot (dealing with his father's Alzheimer's) gets neatly resolved by a convenient narrative choice that instantly absolves Alexei of his guilt. While this is a romance, it's also a series, and you can leave a few realistic threads loose. They could have gotten their happy ending while Alexei was still actively navigating the ongoing, messy reality of his family situation. You can have your happily ever after and still have a little bit of real-life mess!
On a personal note, I have to mention a specific pet peeve: the book perpetuates the harmful myth that breastfeeding women have to stay completely dry. Making the side character, Franky, abstain entirely is just not rooted in science—and what makes it infuriating is that Franky is a scientist! Her entire character is established as being deeply analytical and research-focused, so it makes zero sense that she wouldn't have looked into the actual data and known that drinking while breastfeeding is perfectly fine. It’s incredibly frustrating to see this kind of misinformation spread in fiction, especially when it completely breaks a character's established personality just to fuel real-world judgment against mothers. As someone who has dealt with that exact harsh judgment from a mother-in-law on Christmas Day, this detail really jumped out at me.
Overall, a sweet and enjoyable romance, but some overly convenient plot resolutions and glaring character inconsistencies kept it from being a total favorite.
I really liked this book! It was a super cute read, and I absolutely loved Alexei’s devotion to Lauren—even if, at a certain point, he felt a little too perfect and a bit too ready to prostrate himself for her. I also wouldn't have minded a bit more spice to elevate the romance!
That said, the story did drag a little bit in the middle. The plot felt a bit too obvious at times, especially when it came to making her boyfriend, Thad, look like an absolute dud. I get that the author needed to clear him out of the way so Lauren wouldn't look bad for moving on with her secret husband, but his villainy was laid on a bit thick.
Furthermore, the resolution to the drama felt incredibly convenient. Having outside help swoop in to save Lauren from immediate professional ruin felt too pat, and it completely let the narrative off the hook from dealing with the actual, messy consequences of the situation just so Alexei could play the hero.
It felt like everything was wrapped up in a perfect little happy bow. Even Alexei's heavy subplot (dealing with his father's Alzheimer's) gets neatly resolved by a convenient narrative choice that instantly absolves Alexei of his guilt. While this is a romance, it's also a series, and you can leave a few realistic threads loose. They could have gotten their happy ending while Alexei was still actively navigating the ongoing, messy reality of his family situation. You can have your happily ever after and still have a little bit of real-life mess!
On a personal note, I have to mention a specific pet peeve: the book perpetuates the harmful myth that breastfeeding women have to stay completely dry. Making the side character, Franky, abstain entirely is just not rooted in science—and what makes it infuriating is that Franky is a scientist! Her entire character is established as being deeply analytical and research-focused, so it makes zero sense that she wouldn't have looked into the actual data and known that drinking while breastfeeding is perfectly fine. It’s incredibly frustrating to see this kind of misinformation spread in fiction, especially when it completely breaks a character's established personality just to fuel real-world judgment against mothers. As someone who has dealt with that exact harsh judgment from a mother-in-law on Christmas Day, this detail really jumped out at me.
Overall, a sweet and enjoyable romance, but some overly convenient plot resolutions and glaring character inconsistencies kept it from being a total favorite.
July 17, 2026
I absolutely devoured Secret Husband by Kate Meader in one sitting, it’s the kind of addictive, heart racing romance that perfectly blends second chance longing with the high stakes world of professional hockey.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Lauren Yates, a heroine who feels so real and down to earth. She’s built a life on her own terms after heartbreak, running her own sports talent agency with fierce determination while navigating the ordinary milestones most of us chase, a steady relationship, a new home, and the promise of stability.
Finding out she’s secretly married to the man who once shattered her heart throws everything into chaos (in the best possible way 😜.)
Alexei Nazarov is pure catnip for us romance readers who love a possessive, slightly morally gray hero with a soft center.
As a Russian hockey star known for fighting dirty on the ice, he brings that same relentless energy to winning Lauren back. 😉
Their history is layered with regret and unresolved passion, and the author does an excellent job showing how much he’s grown while still letting his protective, alpha tendencies create delicious tension.
The accidental marriage trope is executed so cleverly here, it’s not just a convenient plot device but a catalyst that forces both characters to confront old wounds and undeniable chemistry.
What I loved most was the push/pull dynamic. Lauren isn’t a pushover, she’s a “ball busting tigress” who makes Alexei work for every inch of forgiveness. Their banter crackles with heat and humor.
The hockey setting adds an exciting backdrop without overshadowing the story, and the side characters (including glimpses of the Chicago Players crew) make the world feel vibrant.
There were moments that had me grinning, others that tugged at my heart, and plenty of steamy scenes that delivered on the romance promise without feeling too over the top.
If you enjoy second chance stories where the hero has to grovel just enough, strong heroines who hold their ground, and that irresistible “mine” energy, this book is a winner.
It left me smiling and immediately wanting to dive into more of Kate Meader’s hockey romances.
Highly recommend for a cute, swoony escape. 🏒 ❤️🩹😊
🦋
4.5 ⭐️
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by Lauren Yates, a heroine who feels so real and down to earth. She’s built a life on her own terms after heartbreak, running her own sports talent agency with fierce determination while navigating the ordinary milestones most of us chase, a steady relationship, a new home, and the promise of stability.
Finding out she’s secretly married to the man who once shattered her heart throws everything into chaos (in the best possible way 😜.)
Alexei Nazarov is pure catnip for us romance readers who love a possessive, slightly morally gray hero with a soft center.
As a Russian hockey star known for fighting dirty on the ice, he brings that same relentless energy to winning Lauren back. 😉
Their history is layered with regret and unresolved passion, and the author does an excellent job showing how much he’s grown while still letting his protective, alpha tendencies create delicious tension.
The accidental marriage trope is executed so cleverly here, it’s not just a convenient plot device but a catalyst that forces both characters to confront old wounds and undeniable chemistry.
What I loved most was the push/pull dynamic. Lauren isn’t a pushover, she’s a “ball busting tigress” who makes Alexei work for every inch of forgiveness. Their banter crackles with heat and humor.
The hockey setting adds an exciting backdrop without overshadowing the story, and the side characters (including glimpses of the Chicago Players crew) make the world feel vibrant.
There were moments that had me grinning, others that tugged at my heart, and plenty of steamy scenes that delivered on the romance promise without feeling too over the top.
If you enjoy second chance stories where the hero has to grovel just enough, strong heroines who hold their ground, and that irresistible “mine” energy, this book is a winner.
It left me smiling and immediately wanting to dive into more of Kate Meader’s hockey romances.
Highly recommend for a cute, swoony escape. 🏒 ❤️🩹😊
🦋
4.5 ⭐️
July 20, 2026
This is the first book I have read by Kate Meader so I didn't know what to expect for writing style. But I love a good sports romance with a found family, second chance love and a little bit of hate to want you. So I thought I'd give it a try. I didn't expect all the feels I got! Loved the trope, the characters, the drama and intense emotions she garners. Plus the secondary characters (from other books) are hilarious! Definitely makes me want to go and read the other books in the series.
Alexei and Lauren meet in college where they first became acquaintances, then friends and then briefly a fling. But when Alexei broke things off, Lauren was badly hurt and 15 years quickly sped by. When the two reconnect in Vegas, old hurts are in the past until the next morning when Alexei again blows Lauren off. Now she is done. So when he shows up in her hometown on her hometown team, she stands firm. Especially since she is in a serious relationship with someone else. Unfortunately for her, Alexei has proof that they got married that night in Vegas. Whoops! Now he wants another chance but Lauren has other priorities. What Lauren doesn't realize, is that Alexei had reasons for breaking things off 15 years ago and ghosting her 9 months ago. He has his own past and drama to deal with but Lauren is his endgame. But can he overcome the hurt he caused her? Especially when he hasn't been honest with her. And can Lauren trust Alexei after everything that has happened? She has a pretty upsetting past also that makes her not trust easily.
I have to say - Alexei and his father's story line really got me in the feels. I think that is such a heartbreaking thing to have to deal with (dementia) and it really make me love Alexei's character. I can't imagine having to deal with that and the author does a great job of incorporating it into the book.
I will say that I did find some segue a little disjointed in the book if you haven't read the previous books. Like jumping to characters I didn't know. But overall, the story itself made it worth it.
Alexei and Lauren meet in college where they first became acquaintances, then friends and then briefly a fling. But when Alexei broke things off, Lauren was badly hurt and 15 years quickly sped by. When the two reconnect in Vegas, old hurts are in the past until the next morning when Alexei again blows Lauren off. Now she is done. So when he shows up in her hometown on her hometown team, she stands firm. Especially since she is in a serious relationship with someone else. Unfortunately for her, Alexei has proof that they got married that night in Vegas. Whoops! Now he wants another chance but Lauren has other priorities. What Lauren doesn't realize, is that Alexei had reasons for breaking things off 15 years ago and ghosting her 9 months ago. He has his own past and drama to deal with but Lauren is his endgame. But can he overcome the hurt he caused her? Especially when he hasn't been honest with her. And can Lauren trust Alexei after everything that has happened? She has a pretty upsetting past also that makes her not trust easily.
I have to say - Alexei and his father's story line really got me in the feels. I think that is such a heartbreaking thing to have to deal with (dementia) and it really make me love Alexei's character. I can't imagine having to deal with that and the author does a great job of incorporating it into the book.
I will say that I did find some segue a little disjointed in the book if you haven't read the previous books. Like jumping to characters I didn't know. But overall, the story itself made it worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kate Meader is a must-read author for me, so I was very excited to read this book. She’s really outdone herself with this story – I absolutely loved it!
Lauren Yates is famous in the women’s professional hockey world, having won all the awards and Olympic gold. Now, she’s taken a very courageous step to start her own boutique sports talent agency in a world where few women succeed. Lauren hopes to finally get married and start a family – she’s dating Thad Covington, a hedge fund manager who she met through a dating app. She discovers an engagement ring at his house, so she knows he is about to propose.
Alexei Nazarov is a famous Russian hockey star who just signed with the Chicago Rebels hockey team. He has had a long career in the NHL and is moving from Seattle for what will be his last gig. There is history between Alexei and Lauren that goes back 15 years to their college days in Michigan. He broke her heart and she has closed him out ever since.
When Alexei arrives back in town and meets with Lauren, we learn that they had a change encounter about a year ago in Las Vegas that ended in a one-night stand and an accidental marriage. At the time, Lauren thought the marriage was not real, but now Alexei shares that it was in fact real. Lauren wants to get the marriage annulled so she can move on with her boyfriend Thad, who is about to propose. Alexei has other ideas.
Getting to see all the layers of the man that Alexei has become was such a pleasure! He is so patient and kind and loves fiercely. Lauren tries to protect her heart and resist him, but that is harder and harder to do.
The chemistry between these two is TREMENDOUS! I loved all the characters from the other books in the series making appearances. I laughed and I cried too – there are some very touching moments in this book that are incredible. The bonus epilogue has me over the moon with joy!
Lauren Yates is famous in the women’s professional hockey world, having won all the awards and Olympic gold. Now, she’s taken a very courageous step to start her own boutique sports talent agency in a world where few women succeed. Lauren hopes to finally get married and start a family – she’s dating Thad Covington, a hedge fund manager who she met through a dating app. She discovers an engagement ring at his house, so she knows he is about to propose.
Alexei Nazarov is a famous Russian hockey star who just signed with the Chicago Rebels hockey team. He has had a long career in the NHL and is moving from Seattle for what will be his last gig. There is history between Alexei and Lauren that goes back 15 years to their college days in Michigan. He broke her heart and she has closed him out ever since.
When Alexei arrives back in town and meets with Lauren, we learn that they had a change encounter about a year ago in Las Vegas that ended in a one-night stand and an accidental marriage. At the time, Lauren thought the marriage was not real, but now Alexei shares that it was in fact real. Lauren wants to get the marriage annulled so she can move on with her boyfriend Thad, who is about to propose. Alexei has other ideas.
Getting to see all the layers of the man that Alexei has become was such a pleasure! He is so patient and kind and loves fiercely. Lauren tries to protect her heart and resist him, but that is harder and harder to do.
The chemistry between these two is TREMENDOUS! I loved all the characters from the other books in the series making appearances. I laughed and I cried too – there are some very touching moments in this book that are incredible. The bonus epilogue has me over the moon with joy!
July 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The way my heartstrings were pulled while reading this book! Book 4 in the Chicago Players series, Kate Meader may have written my favorite of the series. Secret Husband is filled with witty banter, a girl boss FMC, a head over heels MMC, and 15 years of missed time together. As always, Kate provides MCs whose chemistry is off the charts and it is consistently tiptoeing the line of full on boiling over throughout the book. I was instantly drawn in by the storyline and couldn’t wait to see how Kate would make everything work in the end.
Lauren is an all star sports agent. She knows the ins and outs of the sports world so well, probably due to the fact that she used to be a female hockey player. A very well accomplished one at that. She may love taking risks for her clients, but her heart has been content with having a predictable, some would say boring boyfriend. She has had her heart broken too many times, by the same man. So imagine her surprise when she not only is back in orbit with her ex-boyfriend, but also finds out they are married! Um, no, this isn’t in her plan.
Alexei is finishing his NHL career with the Chicago Rebels and is determined to win back the one woman who has owned his heart for almost 2 decades. He is going to prove to her once and for all they belong together and he has changed. Who cares if she has a boyfriend, when she is already his wife. This fact comes as a shock to Lauren, but he is still going to make it work. He knows he messed up before, but still won’t let Lauren go without a fight.
These two are amazing together. Their banter, sexual tension, and as mentioned before, their chemistry makes this book a great read. Alexei has gone through so much in his life and didn’t know how to handle it all. But he has matured and done the work to better himself. Lauren, under all her armor, is scared of being hurt again, but also can’t deny what she feels when Alexei is around her. Of course, Kate ensures that past characters show up in this book to help our MCs along their journey. This team is the definition of a found family and shows up for everyone, whether they are asked or not. A story worth reading, a must read author, and a romance that will burrow into your heart all make this book absolutely worth reading.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
❤️Second Chance Romance
🏒Disdain to Love
❤️Accidental Marriage
🏒Vegas Wedding
❤️Sports Agent FMC
🏒Russian MMC
❤️Athlete MCs
🏒Right Person, Wrong Time
❤️It’s Always Been You
The way my heartstrings were pulled while reading this book! Book 4 in the Chicago Players series, Kate Meader may have written my favorite of the series. Secret Husband is filled with witty banter, a girl boss FMC, a head over heels MMC, and 15 years of missed time together. As always, Kate provides MCs whose chemistry is off the charts and it is consistently tiptoeing the line of full on boiling over throughout the book. I was instantly drawn in by the storyline and couldn’t wait to see how Kate would make everything work in the end.
Lauren is an all star sports agent. She knows the ins and outs of the sports world so well, probably due to the fact that she used to be a female hockey player. A very well accomplished one at that. She may love taking risks for her clients, but her heart has been content with having a predictable, some would say boring boyfriend. She has had her heart broken too many times, by the same man. So imagine her surprise when she not only is back in orbit with her ex-boyfriend, but also finds out they are married! Um, no, this isn’t in her plan.
Alexei is finishing his NHL career with the Chicago Rebels and is determined to win back the one woman who has owned his heart for almost 2 decades. He is going to prove to her once and for all they belong together and he has changed. Who cares if she has a boyfriend, when she is already his wife. This fact comes as a shock to Lauren, but he is still going to make it work. He knows he messed up before, but still won’t let Lauren go without a fight.
These two are amazing together. Their banter, sexual tension, and as mentioned before, their chemistry makes this book a great read. Alexei has gone through so much in his life and didn’t know how to handle it all. But he has matured and done the work to better himself. Lauren, under all her armor, is scared of being hurt again, but also can’t deny what she feels when Alexei is around her. Of course, Kate ensures that past characters show up in this book to help our MCs along their journey. This team is the definition of a found family and shows up for everyone, whether they are asked or not. A story worth reading, a must read author, and a romance that will burrow into your heart all make this book absolutely worth reading.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
❤️Second Chance Romance
🏒Disdain to Love
❤️Accidental Marriage
🏒Vegas Wedding
❤️Sports Agent FMC
🏒Russian MMC
❤️Athlete MCs
🏒Right Person, Wrong Time
❤️It’s Always Been You
Review of advance copy received from Author
Secret Husband takes one of my favorite tropes—waking up married in Las Vegas—and dials up the conflict, since our MCs don’t realize it until months later. Add in a second chance romance, with plenty of yearning, banter, and found family too, and you have a wonderfully satisfying romance. I adore Kate Meader’s hockey world, and this installment is another hit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Hockey player turned sports agent Lauren and hockey player Alexei fell in love in college, but after Alexei broke her heart, Lauren blocked his number. Until they run into each other in Las Vegas years later, and wake up together. Only Alexei takes off again without explanation, and Lauren’s had it. So she returns home to Chicago and finds a boring boyfriend who won’t break her heart. But things change when Alexei gets traded to the Chicago Rebels and announces they actually got married months ago. Now he’s on a mission to prove to Lauren that they are meant to be together.
Read this book if you love:
🏒 Married in Vegas
🥅 Second chance romance
🏒 Both MCs play hockey
🥅 Found family
🏒 MCs in their 30s
🥅 Tons of banter and chemistry
Honestly, there isn’t a ton of hockey in this one, since it takes place in the summer, but it works for this story. Lauren’s hesitation to trust Alexei again makes sense, especially considering her history. And, Alexei struggles with his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis are realistically written, and it was easy to see how it influenced his decisions.
Secret Husband is a fun hockey romance with emotional moments too. And if you are a fan of found family, this crew is the best. I adore Lauren and Alexei’s quips, nicknames, and steamy moments too, and I love seeing them find their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Hockey player turned sports agent Lauren and hockey player Alexei fell in love in college, but after Alexei broke her heart, Lauren blocked his number. Until they run into each other in Las Vegas years later, and wake up together. Only Alexei takes off again without explanation, and Lauren’s had it. So she returns home to Chicago and finds a boring boyfriend who won’t break her heart. But things change when Alexei gets traded to the Chicago Rebels and announces they actually got married months ago. Now he’s on a mission to prove to Lauren that they are meant to be together.
Read this book if you love:
🏒 Married in Vegas
🥅 Second chance romance
🏒 Both MCs play hockey
🥅 Found family
🏒 MCs in their 30s
🥅 Tons of banter and chemistry
Honestly, there isn’t a ton of hockey in this one, since it takes place in the summer, but it works for this story. Lauren’s hesitation to trust Alexei again makes sense, especially considering her history. And, Alexei struggles with his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis are realistically written, and it was easy to see how it influenced his decisions.
Secret Husband is a fun hockey romance with emotional moments too. And if you are a fan of found family, this crew is the best. I adore Lauren and Alexei’s quips, nicknames, and steamy moments too, and I love seeing them find their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 13, 2026
My first book by Kate Meader and now I’m feeling left out because there was so much history with other characters - in the best way! I’m excited to go back and read her other books to catch up.
Secret Husband was sweet, funny, and sexy but it was also really emotional and heartfelt; I didn’t expect to be pulled into such a deep storyline with the MMC. Alexei is going through so much, basically has been his entire life, and doesn’t let anyone in. While he doesn’t always make the best decisions in his attempts to shield others from getting close to him and his family… sighhh, I didn’t even care!! His intentions were pure and I loved him!
Lauren was a great FMC (side note, I loved that we had two main characters in their 30s). This woman was a rockstar: elite college hockey player, and then professional hockey player turned sports agent. She recently left a big agency and was starting up her own boutique firm so we get to read on the ins and outs of that. The side storyline with her career was interesting and I appreciated that the book wasn’t completely surrounded by Alexei and Lauren. Her career was a true focus of this story and it was really important.
Alexei and Lauren were so good together!! There were a few chapters of flashbacks showing them in college which I always love when we get some history, but otherwise we got to read their present-day banter and sexual tension to make up for the last 14 years! Lauren was a woman scorned and she was going to let him know. Alexei took it like a champ from his accidental wife.
I’m so looking forward to what’s next for this group - I have my thoughts so I can’t wait to see if I’m right!
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC!
Secret Husband was sweet, funny, and sexy but it was also really emotional and heartfelt; I didn’t expect to be pulled into such a deep storyline with the MMC. Alexei is going through so much, basically has been his entire life, and doesn’t let anyone in. While he doesn’t always make the best decisions in his attempts to shield others from getting close to him and his family… sighhh, I didn’t even care!! His intentions were pure and I loved him!
Lauren was a great FMC (side note, I loved that we had two main characters in their 30s). This woman was a rockstar: elite college hockey player, and then professional hockey player turned sports agent. She recently left a big agency and was starting up her own boutique firm so we get to read on the ins and outs of that. The side storyline with her career was interesting and I appreciated that the book wasn’t completely surrounded by Alexei and Lauren. Her career was a true focus of this story and it was really important.
Alexei and Lauren were so good together!! There were a few chapters of flashbacks showing them in college which I always love when we get some history, but otherwise we got to read their present-day banter and sexual tension to make up for the last 14 years! Lauren was a woman scorned and she was going to let him know. Alexei took it like a champ from his accidental wife.
I’m so looking forward to what’s next for this group - I have my thoughts so I can’t wait to see if I’m right!
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC!
July 14, 2026
Secret Husband is the perfect second-chance hockey romance. It has everything I crave: the longing, the remorse, the witty banter, the electrifying chemistry, the pent-up desire, the humor, and a man who is determined to prove that his love for her has remained unwavering, and losing her was his greatest regret. Alexei knows earning her trust won’t be easy, but he is willing to do everything to win her back again.
Lauren Yates has finally hung up her skates after an incredible career in Women’s professional hockey. She is busy building her own boutique sports agency, renovating her home and waiting for her boyfriend to propose after finding a ring in his drawer.
But there is one little problem she knew nothing about…she already has a husband.
Alexei Nazarov is a Russian hockey god, capable of slaying any woman with his come-hither eyebrow and the snap of his million-dollar fingers. A right wing NHL player that has just been traded to Chicago to be closer to his secret wife.
Alexei, driven by a desire to prove his worth, express his emotions, and seek Lauren’s forgiveness, embarks on a journey to win her heart once more. This captivating story masterfully portrays Alexei as a formidable alpha hockey player, while simultaneously highlighting his unwavering love and adoration for Lauren. Their chemistry is palpable, brimming with emotional depth, humor, intricate complexities, and their heartfelt moments make their journey an enthralling read that kept me engrossed in my Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed their second-chance romance and couldn’t put this book down.
This book has all the emotions! I laughed, giggled, and even swooned as I cheered on this couple. Everyone deserves a Alexei Nazarov in their life!
Lauren Yates has finally hung up her skates after an incredible career in Women’s professional hockey. She is busy building her own boutique sports agency, renovating her home and waiting for her boyfriend to propose after finding a ring in his drawer.
But there is one little problem she knew nothing about…she already has a husband.
Alexei Nazarov is a Russian hockey god, capable of slaying any woman with his come-hither eyebrow and the snap of his million-dollar fingers. A right wing NHL player that has just been traded to Chicago to be closer to his secret wife.
Alexei, driven by a desire to prove his worth, express his emotions, and seek Lauren’s forgiveness, embarks on a journey to win her heart once more. This captivating story masterfully portrays Alexei as a formidable alpha hockey player, while simultaneously highlighting his unwavering love and adoration for Lauren. Their chemistry is palpable, brimming with emotional depth, humor, intricate complexities, and their heartfelt moments make their journey an enthralling read that kept me engrossed in my Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed their second-chance romance and couldn’t put this book down.
This book has all the emotions! I laughed, giggled, and even swooned as I cheered on this couple. Everyone deserves a Alexei Nazarov in their life!
July 16, 2026
Alexi "he falls first and hard" Nazarov and Lauren's story was everything!
They had a (secret) relationship in college...it ended badly, and when Alexi reached out again, he was blocked. Then came that weekend in Vegas...
Lauren's had trust issues since her childhood--rightly so, given her father--so Alexi had an uphill battle convincing her to give their (once again, secret) marriage a chance. He's more than up to the challenge, though, even as he's got so many other things needing his time--he's moved to a new town, he has a new team, his father's health is deteriorating quickly--but of course they both have the Chicago Rebels family in their corner.
If only Alexi will trust that they've got his back...because, yeah. He's got his own issues with trusting and leaning others.
Fortunately, the Chicago Rebels won't let either of them fall through the cracks, and even though the path to their HEA is often rocky, they get there in the end with the help of their friends and family. Be warned, though--there may be a few tears shed near the end. Even more if you pick up the bonus epilogue from Ms Meader's website. (DO IT. Always pick up the bonus epilogues. You won't be sorry!)
Now I'm going to keep myself busy waiting for the next book (it's Rosie and Conor, right? I want it to be Rosie and Conor!) by re-reading Man Down for some OG Lauren Yates :)
Rating: 5 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
They had a (secret) relationship in college...it ended badly, and when Alexi reached out again, he was blocked. Then came that weekend in Vegas...
Lauren's had trust issues since her childhood--rightly so, given her father--so Alexi had an uphill battle convincing her to give their (once again, secret) marriage a chance. He's more than up to the challenge, though, even as he's got so many other things needing his time--he's moved to a new town, he has a new team, his father's health is deteriorating quickly--but of course they both have the Chicago Rebels family in their corner.
If only Alexi will trust that they've got his back...because, yeah. He's got his own issues with trusting and leaning others.
Fortunately, the Chicago Rebels won't let either of them fall through the cracks, and even though the path to their HEA is often rocky, they get there in the end with the help of their friends and family. Be warned, though--there may be a few tears shed near the end. Even more if you pick up the bonus epilogue from Ms Meader's website. (DO IT. Always pick up the bonus epilogues. You won't be sorry!)
Now I'm going to keep myself busy waiting for the next book (it's Rosie and Conor, right? I want it to be Rosie and Conor!) by re-reading Man Down for some OG Lauren Yates :)
Rating: 5 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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