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Rookie Rebels #3
Man Down
I’ve been texting the wife I lost, the woman I loved beyond measure ... Now someone else has answered back.
Gunnar Bond is broken.
Three years ago, he lived through the car crash that took his wife and twins away from him—though “lived” barely describes his current state. Giving up professional hockey, going off grid, and drinking himself into oblivion are his coping mechanisms. Another is texting his dead wife about his days without her. Therapeutic? Doubtful. Crazy? Definitely. But those messages into the ether are virtually the only thing stopping him from spiraling to even darker places.
Until someone texts back …
Sadie Yates is losing it.
Suddenly guardian to a little sister she doesn’t know and a misbehaving hound she’d rather not know at all, she’s had to upend her (sort of) glamorous life in LA and move back to Chicago. The nanny has quit, the money’s running out, and her job is on the line. The last thing she needs is her sister’s hockey camp counselor, a judgmental Viking type, telling her she sucks at this parenting lark. Thank the goddess for her sweet, sensitive, and—fingers crossed—sexy text buddy who always knows the right thing to say. In the same city at last, they can finally see if their online chemistry is mirrored in real life. She just needs to set up a meeting …
A ruined man who claims to have used up all his love is surely a bad bet, but Sadie’s never been afraid of a challenge … even one that might shatter her heart into a million pieces.
Gunnar Bond is broken.
Three years ago, he lived through the car crash that took his wife and twins away from him—though “lived” barely describes his current state. Giving up professional hockey, going off grid, and drinking himself into oblivion are his coping mechanisms. Another is texting his dead wife about his days without her. Therapeutic? Doubtful. Crazy? Definitely. But those messages into the ether are virtually the only thing stopping him from spiraling to even darker places.
Until someone texts back …
Sadie Yates is losing it.
Suddenly guardian to a little sister she doesn’t know and a misbehaving hound she’d rather not know at all, she’s had to upend her (sort of) glamorous life in LA and move back to Chicago. The nanny has quit, the money’s running out, and her job is on the line. The last thing she needs is her sister’s hockey camp counselor, a judgmental Viking type, telling her she sucks at this parenting lark. Thank the goddess for her sweet, sensitive, and—fingers crossed—sexy text buddy who always knows the right thing to say. In the same city at last, they can finally see if their online chemistry is mirrored in real life. She just needs to set up a meeting …
A ruined man who claims to have used up all his love is surely a bad bet, but Sadie’s never been afraid of a challenge … even one that might shatter her heart into a million pieces.
358 pages, ebook
First published July 28, 2020
750 people are currently reading
4600 people want to read
About the author
Kate Meader
55 books3,394 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 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)
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 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)
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
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June 14, 2020Are you ready for Gunnar, my most heartbroken (and heartbreaking) hero yet? This was a tough one to write and I actually cried while reading the last chapters and epilogue--which I never do! After 25 books (!) I should be a total automaton so it's nice to know I can still surprise myself.
What's it all about? Well, you've probably read those news stories about people texting their deceased loved ones and the phone number getting recycled. I loved the idea of a stranger comforting a grieving person like that, so that's the premise here. And then I thought: what if your supposed soulmate turned out to be kind of a jerk (at least, initially)? This books explores the ways we connect and how preconceptions and expectations can set people up to go one direction, but the reality is completely different. I can't wait for you to read about Gunnar and Sadie's rocky journey to happiness!
What's it all about? Well, you've probably read those news stories about people texting their deceased loved ones and the phone number getting recycled. I loved the idea of a stranger comforting a grieving person like that, so that's the premise here. And then I thought: what if your supposed soulmate turned out to be kind of a jerk (at least, initially)? This books explores the ways we connect and how preconceptions and expectations can set people up to go one direction, but the reality is completely different. I can't wait for you to read about Gunnar and Sadie's rocky journey to happiness!
July 27, 2020
TITLE: MAN DOWN
AUTHOR: Kate Meader
SERIES: Rookie Rebels #3
RELEASE DATE: July 28, 2020
GENRE: Sports Romance
THEMES & TROPES: Grief, Loss
RATING: 5 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I have read quite a number of books by Kate Meader and I liked them all. But you know what's thrilling? When you find your favorite book by an author you are familiar with. MAN DOWN is hands-down her best story yet and I felt so much joy reading about Gunnar and Sadie.
You would think that a story about a widower who lost his wife and children in a car accident must be really depressing. I will say this: the flashbacks were sad and the foreboding of the tragic end caused my windpipe to close up at times. The story itself is emotional but Kate Meader loosens up the hard parts by the on-point banter between Gunnar and Sadie.
I adored their story from being accidental text buddies to (unbeknownst to both) enemies and then friends with benefits. Gunnar's inability to admit that he'd already lost his heart to Sadie made for some well-placed delicious angst. I loved him so much. He was a family man through and through and his grief was tangible.
"We started talking and I started looking forward instead of back. Forward to your bad jokes and check-ins. Forward to waking up instead of longing for the night to come. Forward."
Sadie could have easily come across as a doormat but I never thought her weak so kudos to the author for making me see that things are never clean-cut. Yes, her little sister was a little annoying with her rudeness and passive aggression but Lauren was a teenager who'd not only lost her mother Zoe to cancer but her dad went to prison and she had to live with a sister she hadn't talked to her whole life. Sadie hat kindness in troves about her, and although she was fluid in sassy speak she was also a gentle soul.
It must be so hard to write a book about a widower. The challenge is to make the reader believe that the new woman in this man's life is worthy and never second best. The connection must be so that in the end we know that the hero's love is as strong and true. Kate Meader succeeded with flying colors. Gunnar was stuck in the past until he met Sadie. She managed what no one else could - she took his hand and guided him out of the darkness, little by little.
"I wasn’t expecting this—you—and it took me by surprise.”
This can definitely be read as a standalone but I think you'd get a kick out of all the cameos of previous favorite characters. Especially Dante and Theo's appearance were highlights for me. Their wisdom and friendship, their support gave me life.
MAN DOWN is gut-wrenching emotions paired with this author's wit and so beautifully romantic that I flew through this story. Definitely a must-read!
I won’t lean on you for everything but if I could rely on you a little …” He squeezed her tight to him. “Maybe you can keep my heart safe.”
July 29, 2020
There are books that are nice to read and then there are stories that you must. I LOVED this story. It pulls at the heartstrings with its raw vulnerability while mending wounds with patience, understanding without judgement and sexy tenderness.
➵ Plot:
Gunnar Bond has been existing ever since a car accident took the lives of his wife and children three years ago. He left his NHL career to live alone in the woods. Self-managing his grief by sending text messages to his dead wife. For the longest time it was his lifeline until someone answered back.
Sadie Yates’ life was turned upside down when she had to move to Chicago to take care of the tween half-sister she hardly knew. The only saving grace is that she’s now in the same city as the man she’s been texting with and now has the chance to meet him.
On paper, Sadie and Gunnar have too much baggage for a relationship to thrive, but life and AT&T (inside joke) found a way for them to cross paths. Can they overcome the guilt and insecurities that plague them in order to find happiness together?
➵ Heroine: Sadie Yates has a huge heart and unflappable spirit. She took life by the horns and faced each challenge with bravery and care. How could I not love a heroine like that?
➵ Hero: Gunnar was so broken I couldn’t fathom how he’d be able to find happiness of any kind, much less of the romantic kind. But Ms. Meader handles the seriousness of the situation with care, respect and skill.
➵ Feels:.Man Down is brimming with a full range of emotion. From LOL moments with Theo (from Instacrush), to tear jerking ones when reading about Gunnar’s sadness and guilt, to sweet and tender and sexy ones between Sadie and Gunnar.
➵ Facts: Man Down is book #3 of the Rookie Rebels series by Kate Meader. It is told from both points of view with a happy ending.
➵ Overall rating: 5
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2WO6bLR
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
➵ Plot:
Gunnar Bond has been existing ever since a car accident took the lives of his wife and children three years ago. He left his NHL career to live alone in the woods. Self-managing his grief by sending text messages to his dead wife. For the longest time it was his lifeline until someone answered back.
Sadie Yates’ life was turned upside down when she had to move to Chicago to take care of the tween half-sister she hardly knew. The only saving grace is that she’s now in the same city as the man she’s been texting with and now has the chance to meet him.
On paper, Sadie and Gunnar have too much baggage for a relationship to thrive, but life and AT&T (inside joke) found a way for them to cross paths. Can they overcome the guilt and insecurities that plague them in order to find happiness together?
➵ Heroine: Sadie Yates has a huge heart and unflappable spirit. She took life by the horns and faced each challenge with bravery and care. How could I not love a heroine like that?
➵ Hero: Gunnar was so broken I couldn’t fathom how he’d be able to find happiness of any kind, much less of the romantic kind. But Ms. Meader handles the seriousness of the situation with care, respect and skill.
➵ Feels:.Man Down is brimming with a full range of emotion. From LOL moments with Theo (from Instacrush), to tear jerking ones when reading about Gunnar’s sadness and guilt, to sweet and tender and sexy ones between Sadie and Gunnar.
➵ Facts: Man Down is book #3 of the Rookie Rebels series by Kate Meader. It is told from both points of view with a happy ending.
➵ Overall rating: 5
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2WO6bLR
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
July 16, 2020
Y'all I was just not prepared for this emotional ride.
I mean, I read the blurb. And I've read the entire series so far. So I should have known, right?
Nope.
Kate Meader completely outdid herself with this heartbreaking - no - heartwrenching tale of love, loss, and the resurrection of Gunnar Bond.
It was lovely. Literally my thought as I turned the last page -- just...lovely. Never mind that I had just spent the majority of the book having my heart bruised, battered, teased, and titillated - a veritable rollercoaster ride of emotions that left it feeling raw and aching only to have it all swept away by the sweet beauty of the ending and the overwhelming rightness of Gunnar and Sadie.
I absolutely adored these two. Sadie's heart as big as the world, and her unsinkable spirit won me over immediately. How many punches can a heroine take and still get up and do the right thing by the people she loves? This woman was extraordinary. And broken, wounded Gunnar. The unsinkable alpha male whose heart and body and mind fought each other throughout most of this entire story. Watching him heal and come back to life was just a beautiful thing. It was impossible not to love them - from the unorthodox way they met, to the tenuous friendship they formed, to the moment they realized that resistance was futile because there was never anything more right than the way they loved and cared for each other.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all smooth sailing. In fact, there's hardly any smooth sailing. Ms. Meader handled the gravity of the storyline very respectfully and with a loveliness that sometimes took my breath away. There is a brutal beauty to a man reconciling that his life will never be what he expected it to be, and the woman who helps him realize that it's not over. I can't emphasize enough just how beautifully this was written.
I also loved the secondary storylines. I enjoyed the honesty of Sadie and Lauren's relationship. I might even have liked a little bit more resolution to their story - but that's not a complaint because I really was satisfied with what I got and happy with their healing relationship. I also loved getting more time with that scene-stealing devil, Theo Kershaw and the rest of the Rebels family. Books like this one are the reason sports romance is one of my all-time favorite tropes. There's a team/family love story threaded into every romance and I will never get enough of it.
It was so good. So compulsively readable and so wonderfully rewarding. It was tragic and redemptive and I loved every punch delivered, and reveled in every balm it placed upon my heart. Buckle up - this one's going to hurt a little. But it's worth every minute. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
I mean, I read the blurb. And I've read the entire series so far. So I should have known, right?
Nope.
Kate Meader completely outdid herself with this heartbreaking - no - heartwrenching tale of love, loss, and the resurrection of Gunnar Bond.
It was lovely. Literally my thought as I turned the last page -- just...lovely. Never mind that I had just spent the majority of the book having my heart bruised, battered, teased, and titillated - a veritable rollercoaster ride of emotions that left it feeling raw and aching only to have it all swept away by the sweet beauty of the ending and the overwhelming rightness of Gunnar and Sadie.
I absolutely adored these two. Sadie's heart as big as the world, and her unsinkable spirit won me over immediately. How many punches can a heroine take and still get up and do the right thing by the people she loves? This woman was extraordinary. And broken, wounded Gunnar. The unsinkable alpha male whose heart and body and mind fought each other throughout most of this entire story. Watching him heal and come back to life was just a beautiful thing. It was impossible not to love them - from the unorthodox way they met, to the tenuous friendship they formed, to the moment they realized that resistance was futile because there was never anything more right than the way they loved and cared for each other.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all smooth sailing. In fact, there's hardly any smooth sailing. Ms. Meader handled the gravity of the storyline very respectfully and with a loveliness that sometimes took my breath away. There is a brutal beauty to a man reconciling that his life will never be what he expected it to be, and the woman who helps him realize that it's not over. I can't emphasize enough just how beautifully this was written.
I also loved the secondary storylines. I enjoyed the honesty of Sadie and Lauren's relationship. I might even have liked a little bit more resolution to their story - but that's not a complaint because I really was satisfied with what I got and happy with their healing relationship. I also loved getting more time with that scene-stealing devil, Theo Kershaw and the rest of the Rebels family. Books like this one are the reason sports romance is one of my all-time favorite tropes. There's a team/family love story threaded into every romance and I will never get enough of it.
It was so good. So compulsively readable and so wonderfully rewarding. It was tragic and redemptive and I loved every punch delivered, and reveled in every balm it placed upon my heart. Buckle up - this one's going to hurt a little. But it's worth every minute. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
August 24, 2020
Grief and bereavement aren’t the easiest things to write about, particularly when it comes the (in)ability of the protagonist to move on and fully commit to the love interest, especially if his/her previous relationship was established and near impossible to let go of.
‘Man Down’ however, is one that’s written compellingly about bereavement and the complicated emotional and mental journey of the grieving character. Kate Meader explores Gunnar Bond’s guilt, his pain and rawness (and by extension, his dilemma between wanting to stay where he is out of misplaced loyalty and being able to move forward with someone else), and puts him alongside with a compassionate heroine who has so many things on her plate.
Gunnar’s and Sadie’s meeting has the written-in-the-stars sort of vibe: there’s accidental texting, initial faceless communication and later, a huge coincidence finally bring them face to face though it isn’t as swoony as you’d expect. There’re pockets of friction and sparks and a whole hockey team that surrounds the pairing as a support system—and the inevitable dishing of angst given the topic at hand. Both Gunnar and Sadie as a pairing are generally easy to get behind; their motivations are explained and dealt with in ways that I may not always agree with but could understand. I did wish that Sadie had a harder streak in her at times however as she she copped one too many on the chin when I thought she could have easily pushed back—all well within her rights to do so.
‘Man Down’ definitely feels like it has a more heartfelt, more sensitive emotional core that I don’t always observe in Meader’s books. It’s one that reads differently anyhow—more stripped down, more chipping away in order to expose the bare bones of the human psyche than I’d expected but it’s always welcome in my opinion. The result is a more engaging, more satisfying read that shows love in its shades of grey for people both dead and alive and that it’s way more malleable than what we always like to make of it.
‘Man Down’ however, is one that’s written compellingly about bereavement and the complicated emotional and mental journey of the grieving character. Kate Meader explores Gunnar Bond’s guilt, his pain and rawness (and by extension, his dilemma between wanting to stay where he is out of misplaced loyalty and being able to move forward with someone else), and puts him alongside with a compassionate heroine who has so many things on her plate.
Gunnar’s and Sadie’s meeting has the written-in-the-stars sort of vibe: there’s accidental texting, initial faceless communication and later, a huge coincidence finally bring them face to face though it isn’t as swoony as you’d expect. There’re pockets of friction and sparks and a whole hockey team that surrounds the pairing as a support system—and the inevitable dishing of angst given the topic at hand. Both Gunnar and Sadie as a pairing are generally easy to get behind; their motivations are explained and dealt with in ways that I may not always agree with but could understand. I did wish that Sadie had a harder streak in her at times however as she she copped one too many on the chin when I thought she could have easily pushed back—all well within her rights to do so.
‘Man Down’ definitely feels like it has a more heartfelt, more sensitive emotional core that I don’t always observe in Meader’s books. It’s one that reads differently anyhow—more stripped down, more chipping away in order to expose the bare bones of the human psyche than I’d expected but it’s always welcome in my opinion. The result is a more engaging, more satisfying read that shows love in its shades of grey for people both dead and alive and that it’s way more malleable than what we always like to make of it.
August 24, 2020
4.75 Stars
This is the story of Sadie and Gunnar and the coincidence of a recycled cell number and a temporary move to Chicago to take care of a sister who plays at a hockey camp.
The way that Ms Meader sewed this story together with coincidences tied together with faith had me staying up to get just one more chapter in.
This was filled with angst, heartbreak, and so much more that I had my fill of feels and gained a story that will stay with me for a long time!
This is the story of Sadie and Gunnar and the coincidence of a recycled cell number and a temporary move to Chicago to take care of a sister who plays at a hockey camp.
The way that Ms Meader sewed this story together with coincidences tied together with faith had me staying up to get just one more chapter in.
This was filled with angst, heartbreak, and so much more that I had my fill of feels and gained a story that will stay with me for a long time!
July 28, 2020
Man Down by Kate Meader is an incredibly well written and emotional story, but for me it was much too depressing during this crazy, awful time. I don’t fault Kate at all, it’s a good story but, I had a hard time finishing it. I can look at this book objectively and know that the author wrote a fantastic story, I didn’t enjoy it very much although I’m sure many people will. I’ve read this author for many years and it pains me to write this type of review, but it’s how I feel and I’m always very honest in my reviews.
I loved the way Gunner and Sadie “met” even though that was kind of painful. The twists and turns in this book were phenomenal and Ms. Meader did a great job keeping the characters and the readers on their toes, there’s no doubt about that at all.
Gunner’s back story is tragic and heavy and I felt so much for him and the guilt he lived with and how much he loved his wife and children. I adored the way he jumped in to be a champion for Lauren from the start and the bond they shared. I honestly think she helped him heal his heart just by being someone who needed a friend.
Sadie drove me a bit crazy with her incessant need to please everyone. There was no doubt she had some baggage stemming from her childhood and beyond and I did ache for her as she tried to bond with Lauren and make peace with her father.
I liked Gunner and Sadie together, they found each other at the right time (both times), but I really needed to see them both having more carefree happy times; this book was heavy and a downer.
Writing and superior plot made this book, but for me it was depressing and a bit of a miss.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
I loved the way Gunner and Sadie “met” even though that was kind of painful. The twists and turns in this book were phenomenal and Ms. Meader did a great job keeping the characters and the readers on their toes, there’s no doubt about that at all.
Gunner’s back story is tragic and heavy and I felt so much for him and the guilt he lived with and how much he loved his wife and children. I adored the way he jumped in to be a champion for Lauren from the start and the bond they shared. I honestly think she helped him heal his heart just by being someone who needed a friend.
Sadie drove me a bit crazy with her incessant need to please everyone. There was no doubt she had some baggage stemming from her childhood and beyond and I did ache for her as she tried to bond with Lauren and make peace with her father.
I liked Gunner and Sadie together, they found each other at the right time (both times), but I really needed to see them both having more carefree happy times; this book was heavy and a downer.
Writing and superior plot made this book, but for me it was depressing and a bit of a miss.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 21, 2020
2nd read: December 2020
1st read: July 2020
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book from Ms Meader's facebook group. I read it all in a day and I'm not even sorry :D
I was curious about Gunnar since the last book and he didn't disappoint. He's such a good guy and also an introvert, that doesn't happen as much in sports romance(not at least the ones I read :D). He has a tragic backstory and the author treats his grief with respect and compassion and so does Sadie. She's really nice and a bit of a pushover with people. Both of them have been dealt shitty cards and they make things work!
Gunnar is struggling with the loss of his family and he doesn't know how to adapt to a life without them. He's really resistent to change, but at the same time he doesn't know how not to care about Sadie or the people in his life. I loved seeing them heal and fall in love.
After finishing this wonderful book and revisiting favorite characters I want to reread both series :)) I recommend this to anyone who loves good writing and amazing stories.
1st read: July 2020
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book from Ms Meader's facebook group. I read it all in a day and I'm not even sorry :D
I was curious about Gunnar since the last book and he didn't disappoint. He's such a good guy and also an introvert, that doesn't happen as much in sports romance(not at least the ones I read :D). He has a tragic backstory and the author treats his grief with respect and compassion and so does Sadie. She's really nice and a bit of a pushover with people. Both of them have been dealt shitty cards and they make things work!
Gunnar is struggling with the loss of his family and he doesn't know how to adapt to a life without them. He's really resistent to change, but at the same time he doesn't know how not to care about Sadie or the people in his life. I loved seeing them heal and fall in love.
After finishing this wonderful book and revisiting favorite characters I want to reread both series :)) I recommend this to anyone who loves good writing and amazing stories.
July 28, 2020
Rating: 4.5 stars
Man Down couldn’t be a more appropriate title here. Gunnar, the hero’s life was shot down three years ago, so he has good reason to still feel like a broken hearted man. I certainly felt emotionally gutted and grieved right alongside him after learning his sad story. He may appear to be living and breathing from the outside now, but inside he’s definitely still bleeding out in total despair and deep, dark sadness. It takes Sadie, the sweet, sassy, sympathetic leading lady, to rescue him and put him back on the path of life and healing love. It will take time and determination though to get him fully on the road of recovery. Yeah, it seems to be all about baby steps for this giant, alpha protective, teddy bear hearted, knucklehead, mountain man of professional hockey player muscle.
Sadie’s had more than her fair share of hard luck past, as well. She takes a lot on the chin and soldiers through, even when it’s emotionally painful. Tough, resilient, with a marshmallow heart, she was a light in Gunnar’s darkness. I did, however, find her character somewhat of a doormat at times. Take the smex without strings situation. It had me lowering my head and shaking it in shame for the sisterhood, folks. She wanted and deserved better in this avid romantic at heart's opinion. Honestly, I was geared up for a completely different response from this sassy lady. Sure, it aided and abetted the set up of scorching, steamy lust to falling in love progress between these two, but I wanted Gunnar to have to get down on his knees and really work more for it and for her. Instead, she usually made things pretty easy for him.
Make no mistake, I really enjoyed this riveting, relationship angst story line. Ms. Meader seems to always make a way to interject lots of great back and forth banter, sizzling hot chemistry, and perfect for each other main couple connections and drama.
So listen up! Hands down..I think if you want to score an entertaining romantic read, you should consider letting Kate Meader make your day. Whether it be in the kitchen, on the hockey rink, fire station, or court room, she always has great romances going on. You owe it to yourself to check out all her series: Hot in the Kitchen, Chicago Rebels, Hot in Chicago, and Laws of Attraction. She seems to nail it perfectly each and every time. You’ll see that description often in my reviews of her books, because, well, I find it worth repeating, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Man Down, Series: Rookie Rebels (Book 3), Author: Kate Meader: Pages: 354, stand-alone but part of a series, prof hockey player hero, relationship angst, still loves deceased wife, tragic loss hero, sweet, sympathetic, sassy, likable but doormat at times heroine, a couple graphic very smexy scenes late in book, baggage of her own heroine, may not be romance safe for some due to strong feelings for deceased wife, tragic loss of children, couldn’t put it down, hot/sexy bookcover! Rating: 4.5 stars
Book 1 - Good Guy (Levi & Jordan), 7/30/19
Book 2 - Instacrush (Theo & Elle), 12/10/19
Book 3 - Man Down (Gunnar & Sadie), 7/28/20
Book 4 - Foreplayer (details not yet available)
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or PR firm.)
Man Down couldn’t be a more appropriate title here. Gunnar, the hero’s life was shot down three years ago, so he has good reason to still feel like a broken hearted man. I certainly felt emotionally gutted and grieved right alongside him after learning his sad story. He may appear to be living and breathing from the outside now, but inside he’s definitely still bleeding out in total despair and deep, dark sadness. It takes Sadie, the sweet, sassy, sympathetic leading lady, to rescue him and put him back on the path of life and healing love. It will take time and determination though to get him fully on the road of recovery. Yeah, it seems to be all about baby steps for this giant, alpha protective, teddy bear hearted, knucklehead, mountain man of professional hockey player muscle.
Sadie’s had more than her fair share of hard luck past, as well. She takes a lot on the chin and soldiers through, even when it’s emotionally painful. Tough, resilient, with a marshmallow heart, she was a light in Gunnar’s darkness. I did, however, find her character somewhat of a doormat at times. Take the smex without strings situation. It had me lowering my head and shaking it in shame for the sisterhood, folks. She wanted and deserved better in this avid romantic at heart's opinion. Honestly, I was geared up for a completely different response from this sassy lady. Sure, it aided and abetted the set up of scorching, steamy lust to falling in love progress between these two, but I wanted Gunnar to have to get down on his knees and really work more for it and for her. Instead, she usually made things pretty easy for him.
Make no mistake, I really enjoyed this riveting, relationship angst story line. Ms. Meader seems to always make a way to interject lots of great back and forth banter, sizzling hot chemistry, and perfect for each other main couple connections and drama.
So listen up! Hands down..I think if you want to score an entertaining romantic read, you should consider letting Kate Meader make your day. Whether it be in the kitchen, on the hockey rink, fire station, or court room, she always has great romances going on. You owe it to yourself to check out all her series: Hot in the Kitchen, Chicago Rebels, Hot in Chicago, and Laws of Attraction. She seems to nail it perfectly each and every time. You’ll see that description often in my reviews of her books, because, well, I find it worth repeating, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Man Down, Series: Rookie Rebels (Book 3), Author: Kate Meader: Pages: 354, stand-alone but part of a series, prof hockey player hero, relationship angst, still loves deceased wife, tragic loss hero, sweet, sympathetic, sassy, likable but doormat at times heroine, a couple graphic very smexy scenes late in book, baggage of her own heroine, may not be romance safe for some due to strong feelings for deceased wife, tragic loss of children, couldn’t put it down, hot/sexy bookcover! Rating: 4.5 stars
Book 1 - Good Guy (Levi & Jordan), 7/30/19
Book 2 - Instacrush (Theo & Elle), 12/10/19
Book 3 - Man Down (Gunnar & Sadie), 7/28/20
Book 4 - Foreplayer (details not yet available)
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or PR firm.)
July 30, 2020
3 stars. Man Down is the 3rd book in the Rookie Rebels series. I liked this book in parts, but I didn't completely love it. This book is Gunnar and Sadie's story. Gunnar is a pro hockey player on the Chicago Rebels with a tragic past. His wife and two young children were killed in a car accident. He is now a shell of a man, just trying to make his way through the grief. After his losses, he still regularly texted his dead wife's phone number his daily thoughts and how much he missed her. One day, someone texts back. Sadie gets a new phone number and it is the one that used to belong to Gunnar's wife. She lets him know it is her number now, but she is sympathetic and they start texting back and forth. They can tell each other their thoughts without consequence or judgement and develop a sort of anonymous friendship. But after many months of texting and a few missed chances to meet up, they finally come face to face in a surprising way. When sparks fly between them and feelings get involved, will Gunnar be ready to move on and find new love with Sadie?
This was a good story and I enjoyed the way the couple met. But this trope is very tricky for me. It has to be written very carefully in a way to make me not feel like the new love is lesser than the old love. I just didn't quite feel that way with this one. I held out hope that Gunnar would come to love Sadie as strongly as his dead wife, but I never really felt like he moved on completely. I felt bad for Sadie. But she let him and others walk all over her. She was too patient and understanding. I wanted at least an epilogue that focused just on Sadie and Gunnar and them looking to the future together, but we don't even get that. I wanted Sadie to have someone that loved her as more than just a consolation prize. I liked Gunnar as person, but I never felt like he more than liked Sadie and felt like he was settling for her and taking advantage of her love for him. Sadie's self-esteem issues made it even worse. She deserved someone who worked for her love, but she made it way too easy on Gunnar. The story had potential though. It would have been a good meet cute for a man who was really ready to move on to a new love. But Gunnar was a mess and it took the entire book for him to even be ready to take the first step to moving on. I just didn't feel like he truly loved and appreciated Sadie the way that she did him and the way that she deserved.
Overall, I did enjoy parts of the book. It just never quite got where I wanted it to by the end. Still, I did enjoy the writing and the story, as well as catching up with other characters from the series. I still enjoy this series and look forward to more from Ms. Meader in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This was a good story and I enjoyed the way the couple met. But this trope is very tricky for me. It has to be written very carefully in a way to make me not feel like the new love is lesser than the old love. I just didn't quite feel that way with this one. I held out hope that Gunnar would come to love Sadie as strongly as his dead wife, but I never really felt like he moved on completely. I felt bad for Sadie. But she let him and others walk all over her. She was too patient and understanding. I wanted at least an epilogue that focused just on Sadie and Gunnar and them looking to the future together, but we don't even get that. I wanted Sadie to have someone that loved her as more than just a consolation prize. I liked Gunnar as person, but I never felt like he more than liked Sadie and felt like he was settling for her and taking advantage of her love for him. Sadie's self-esteem issues made it even worse. She deserved someone who worked for her love, but she made it way too easy on Gunnar. The story had potential though. It would have been a good meet cute for a man who was really ready to move on to a new love. But Gunnar was a mess and it took the entire book for him to even be ready to take the first step to moving on. I just didn't feel like he truly loved and appreciated Sadie the way that she did him and the way that she deserved.
Overall, I did enjoy parts of the book. It just never quite got where I wanted it to by the end. Still, I did enjoy the writing and the story, as well as catching up with other characters from the series. I still enjoy this series and look forward to more from Ms. Meader in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
July 15, 2022
This one is tough to read. I feel for Gunnar, he had the worst happen to him, it has to be hard to come back from that. So while I was rooting for him and Sadie to end up together, I felt bad for wishing for that, because it meant that Gunnar left those he loved behind. I have a feeling due to how their relationship evolved Sadie won't let Gunnar ever forget his first family, that they will be with them as needed, but also there is the space for them to have something new, something both of them deserved.
As much as I liked seeing things happen with Gunnar and Sadie, I also liked seeing Sadie come to terms with her past and how she dealt with her family. It wasn't easy and Lauren didn't help, she was horrible. I get it though, Lauren has lost everything in her life and now a stranger is there taking care of her dictating what was going to happen to her now. I'm glad that by the end of the book the sisters have made peace and found out a way to have a good relationship.
As much as I liked seeing things happen with Gunnar and Sadie, I also liked seeing Sadie come to terms with her past and how she dealt with her family. It wasn't easy and Lauren didn't help, she was horrible. I get it though, Lauren has lost everything in her life and now a stranger is there taking care of her dictating what was going to happen to her now. I'm glad that by the end of the book the sisters have made peace and found out a way to have a good relationship.
August 1, 2020
Just a tad slow at times, and that little sister's attitude bugged me a bit, but overall a pretty good read. Lots of heart in this one--some really sad parts that made me tear up too. So glad that Sadie and Gunner found each other--I loved them together and so hoped they'd be able to start fresh in their lives.
One little bonus like: Sadie was a size 16 and not one mention about how she hated her size, and nothing but appreciation from Gunner about her size. So glad that this wasn't an issue in the story.
4 stars
One little bonus like: Sadie was a size 16 and not one mention about how she hated her size, and nothing but appreciation from Gunner about her size. So glad that this wasn't an issue in the story.
4 stars
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May 19, 2021This might me my favorite Kate Meador book. Oh the tears!!!
July 30, 2020
Romance Reader Down!
Y’all this book...whoa...
Gunner and Sadie “meet” via text at a turning point in both their lives. Neither expected to feel the connection that they feel to one another; they also didn’t expect to meet in person, not knowing who each other is, and rub each other the wrong way while also feeling very good about it.
On the surface the tough stuff about this book is Gunner’s grief but Sadie’s issues of inadequacy and self doubt are just as heart wrenching. I loved the epistolary style of the texts, allowing for so much intimacy and emotional growth while also not making the story or relationship feel rushed or superficial. And his interactions with Lauren were so sweet.
My favorite things about a Kate Meader book are the extremely witty dialogue, humor, and steamy sex but also that she’s not afraid to delve deep with the dynamics of relationships and emotions, but even that didn’t prepare me for the emotional wallop Man Down delivered. Snappy banter, laugh out loud Theo moments, panty stealing scenes (literally), and so much loss and love are packed into this one story.
I adore this series and just more as fast as possible.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Y’all this book...whoa...
Gunner and Sadie “meet” via text at a turning point in both their lives. Neither expected to feel the connection that they feel to one another; they also didn’t expect to meet in person, not knowing who each other is, and rub each other the wrong way while also feeling very good about it.
On the surface the tough stuff about this book is Gunner’s grief but Sadie’s issues of inadequacy and self doubt are just as heart wrenching. I loved the epistolary style of the texts, allowing for so much intimacy and emotional growth while also not making the story or relationship feel rushed or superficial. And his interactions with Lauren were so sweet.
My favorite things about a Kate Meader book are the extremely witty dialogue, humor, and steamy sex but also that she’s not afraid to delve deep with the dynamics of relationships and emotions, but even that didn’t prepare me for the emotional wallop Man Down delivered. Snappy banter, laugh out loud Theo moments, panty stealing scenes (literally), and so much loss and love are packed into this one story.
I adore this series and just more as fast as possible.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
July 29, 2020
First...that cover though! 😍
I knew going into this book that Gunnar’s story was going to be heartbreaking but as much as I thought I was prepared for it, I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR IT!!
Kate Meader just jumps right in from the first page and starts tugging at your heartstrings but you’ll immediately fall in love with Gunnar just as hard as your heart will break for him. But fear not friends, Sadie will step in at just the right moment with just the right joke to lighten the mood and therefore set the tone of their story in the most perfect way.
Sadie and Gunnar’s romance is a slow-burn, sort-of mistaken-identity, friends with benefits romance that blends some pretty heavy topics with just enough humor that you’re not too weighed down with emotion.
Between Sadie’s angsty teen sister, her hateful father, and the memories that haunt Gunnar, preventing him from wanting to move on, this story could have easily turned into an angst fest. However, there were plenty of light-hearted and sweet moments to break up the sad ones. Plus, Theo Kershaw played a huge role in this story and you just can’t NOT laugh when he is involved.
I will admit that a part of me struggled with worry that the connection that Sadie and Gunnar formed through his late-wife’s phone number might not be a solid way for them to start off, so I appreciate that they formed a different connection without the tie-in of the memory of his wife. I needed that to accept that Sadie was more than just the rebound from his grief.
All in all, I highly recommend this book! Kate Meader never fails to deliver a great story. Each new book becomes my new favorite and as soon as I finish I’m already looking forward to what comes next!! I can’t wait for Mia’s book!
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
I knew going into this book that Gunnar’s story was going to be heartbreaking but as much as I thought I was prepared for it, I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR IT!!
Kate Meader just jumps right in from the first page and starts tugging at your heartstrings but you’ll immediately fall in love with Gunnar just as hard as your heart will break for him. But fear not friends, Sadie will step in at just the right moment with just the right joke to lighten the mood and therefore set the tone of their story in the most perfect way.
Sadie and Gunnar’s romance is a slow-burn, sort-of mistaken-identity, friends with benefits romance that blends some pretty heavy topics with just enough humor that you’re not too weighed down with emotion.
Between Sadie’s angsty teen sister, her hateful father, and the memories that haunt Gunnar, preventing him from wanting to move on, this story could have easily turned into an angst fest. However, there were plenty of light-hearted and sweet moments to break up the sad ones. Plus, Theo Kershaw played a huge role in this story and you just can’t NOT laugh when he is involved.
I will admit that a part of me struggled with worry that the connection that Sadie and Gunnar formed through his late-wife’s phone number might not be a solid way for them to start off, so I appreciate that they formed a different connection without the tie-in of the memory of his wife. I needed that to accept that Sadie was more than just the rebound from his grief.
All in all, I highly recommend this book! Kate Meader never fails to deliver a great story. Each new book becomes my new favorite and as soon as I finish I’m already looking forward to what comes next!! I can’t wait for Mia’s book!
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
July 28, 2020
Man Down packed a wallop of emotion! If I wasn’t laughing over something Theo did or something Sadie said in jest, I was totally teary-eyed over Gunnar’s grieving text messages to his deceased wife, and omg, those messages could break the heart with his sadness and guilt.
Sadie had her own share of drama with her crazy ‘vajajay promoting’ boss, a criminal parent, and her half-sister, Lauren. Kudos to Sadie for keeping her sanity because oy, I’d have lost my cool long before she did.
Romantically speaking, I felt Sadie and Gunnar were forming strong bonds of friendship that could potentially develop in to a deeper, affectionate relationship. I felt their relationship was a rebound for Gunnar to dip his toes back into the dating pool rather than a potentially serious relationship, which was okay considering Gunnar’s total devastation. However, that left things at a HFN rather than a total HEA (what can I say?! I love my HEA’s and Sadie and Gunnar both really deserve one!) so fingers crossed I’ll see more of these two in the future.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Sadie had her own share of drama with her crazy ‘vajajay promoting’ boss, a criminal parent, and her half-sister, Lauren. Kudos to Sadie for keeping her sanity because oy, I’d have lost my cool long before she did.
Romantically speaking, I felt Sadie and Gunnar were forming strong bonds of friendship that could potentially develop in to a deeper, affectionate relationship. I felt their relationship was a rebound for Gunnar to dip his toes back into the dating pool rather than a potentially serious relationship, which was okay considering Gunnar’s total devastation. However, that left things at a HFN rather than a total HEA (what can I say?! I love my HEA’s and Sadie and Gunnar both really deserve one!) so fingers crossed I’ll see more of these two in the future.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and this is my honest review.
September 9, 2021
CW: Death of a parent, spouse, and children. Anxiety and depression.
3.75 stars
Amazing premise, well-written, emotional—so be prepared for a sniffle or two.
I enjoyed this one a lot. Gunnar Bond—gosh, where do I even begin? This hero’s backstory and pain is intense and tragic. Years ago, he lost his wife and young children in a car accident and has been grieving ever since. Seeking to hang onto the memory of his dead wife, he texts her phone, emptying his feelings in the void. Until her number gets recycled and a new person texts back.
Sadie Yates is a woman trapped in limbo. She has personal business ambitions but works as a personal assistant to make ends meet. After her estranged father is sent to prison for fraud, she upends her life in LA, and moves back to Chicago to become the legal guardian for her twelve year old half-sister.
There is a lot to unpack, but it was heartwarming to read Gunnar and Sadie’s romance, as well as their paths to healing. Great story, heavy subject matter, a lot of love and support from their group of friends.
3.75 stars
Amazing premise, well-written, emotional—so be prepared for a sniffle or two.
I enjoyed this one a lot. Gunnar Bond—gosh, where do I even begin? This hero’s backstory and pain is intense and tragic. Years ago, he lost his wife and young children in a car accident and has been grieving ever since. Seeking to hang onto the memory of his dead wife, he texts her phone, emptying his feelings in the void. Until her number gets recycled and a new person texts back.
Sadie Yates is a woman trapped in limbo. She has personal business ambitions but works as a personal assistant to make ends meet. After her estranged father is sent to prison for fraud, she upends her life in LA, and moves back to Chicago to become the legal guardian for her twelve year old half-sister.
There is a lot to unpack, but it was heartwarming to read Gunnar and Sadie’s romance, as well as their paths to healing. Great story, heavy subject matter, a lot of love and support from their group of friends.
February 17, 2025
I just need to unsubscribe to Book Bub. The is the second 99¢ deal-of-the-day book in the last week that’s let me down.
Just like Friend Me, I really liked the premise of this book—the getting to know you, falling in love via text—but it turned out to be just a minor setup plot point. After that, it was just your standard sports-centered romance trope, which I really don’t like.
So, I’m bowing out at around the two-third’s mark. It’s not a poorly written book, but like the other sports romances I’ve read, it just started to get boring toward the middle of the book, relying almost completely on the steam to carry the plot.
I’ve always wondered why there are so many NA romance series centered on hockey specifically, and I think I’ve got it figured out. A professional hockey team has a manageable number of mostly white players, ergo a manageable number of mostly white characters for an author. Sorry, that may seem cynical, but there you go.
Just like Friend Me, I really liked the premise of this book—the getting to know you, falling in love via text—but it turned out to be just a minor setup plot point. After that, it was just your standard sports-centered romance trope, which I really don’t like.
So, I’m bowing out at around the two-third’s mark. It’s not a poorly written book, but like the other sports romances I’ve read, it just started to get boring toward the middle of the book, relying almost completely on the steam to carry the plot.
I’ve always wondered why there are so many NA romance series centered on hockey specifically, and I think I’ve got it figured out. A professional hockey team has a manageable number of mostly white players, ergo a manageable number of mostly white characters for an author. Sorry, that may seem cynical, but there you go.
July 12, 2020
Oh, Gunner. Dear, sweet, tormented Gunner. The hero in Kate Meader’s latest installment of her Chicago Rebels series is both tragic and endearing. A family man who lost his wife and children in a horrific accident, Gunner is stuck in limbo. He has abandoned his life as a successful hockey player and is hiding out at a cabin playing mountain man. In an attempt to deal with his suffocating grief, he begins texting his late wife. Unbeknownst to him, her cell number has been re-issued, and instead of his messages disappearing into the ether, they make their way to a woman in the midst of her own problems. Sadie is stuck in her own personal limbo. A thankless job as a personal assistant to an online influencer has her dreams of being a designer stalled. Her estranged father has been caught stealing from his clients, and Sadie suddenly finds herself back in her hometown of Chicago, attempting to reunite with her teenage sister who has now been left in her care. When she answered Gunner’s texts months ago, neither of them realized that they would begin a relationship, but over time they have come to rely on one another, lost “LonelyHeart” and his “Angel.” While they continue to play out their relationship in text, the two are brought together in real life and their first meeting is less than perfect. Slowly the two warm to one another, and eventually Sadie figures out that Gunner and “LonelyHeart” are one and the same. They agree to embark on a fling, but it’s obvious that both are harboring much deeper feelings for each other. Kate Meader manages to make the rather fantastical story seem possible. She handles Gunner’s grief with a deft hand, and while he is a wounded hero she imbues the character with hope. What could be a very weighty and somber storyline is buoyed by the crackling tension between the two main characters. Sadie comes off as a bit of a doormat to the people in her life, but is saved by her spunk and confrontational attitude toward Gunner. As she slowly finds her way in her new reality as a guardian to her antagonist sister, Gunner is still attempting to bury his grief. Their story was engrossing and heartbreaking, their banter witty, their struggles endearing. Ultimately, a story that could have been far too heavy was lifted by Kate Meader’s deft writing and those dark moments never overtook the joy of Gunner and Sadie’s journey. And of course, this being part of a series, we also get glimpses of characters from past installments, as well as mention of characters from other series by Kate Meader. The book can be read as a stand-alone, but those brief moments with the characters is a fun way to catch up with them. I highly recommend this book, as well as all the other books in this series.
August 4, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie
Oh, my heart! Kate Meader outdid herself with the newest Rookie Rebels novel, Man Down. It explored the depths of grief, the joy of new connections, the guilt of moving on after loss, family dramatics, and everything in between.
I adore Kate Meader’s writing style. How she can pull so many emotions into each scene seamlessly and truly make you feel the same things the characters are feeling. In Gunnar Bond’s case, it might honestly be a bit much for some sensitive readers. Because even knowing he would likely relive the tragic loss of his wife and twins, I was absolutely gutted emotionally in those flashback scenes/dreams. *sob* Read More
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie
Oh, my heart! Kate Meader outdid herself with the newest Rookie Rebels novel, Man Down. It explored the depths of grief, the joy of new connections, the guilt of moving on after loss, family dramatics, and everything in between.
I adore Kate Meader’s writing style. How she can pull so many emotions into each scene seamlessly and truly make you feel the same things the characters are feeling. In Gunnar Bond’s case, it might honestly be a bit much for some sensitive readers. Because even knowing he would likely relive the tragic loss of his wife and twins, I was absolutely gutted emotionally in those flashback scenes/dreams. *sob* Read More
May 16, 2021
5 star review Man Down (Rookie Rebels #3) by Kate Meader
Hard to believe but Kate Meader is a new author to me. Narrator Ramona Master is new to me too and she did a good job although I felt her male voices were distracting but that is just my opinion.
This story had me laughing and crying and I felt as though I was on an emotional roller coaster.
Loved the story so much that I went and purchased the rest of the series, now I just need time to listen to them.
Hard to believe but Kate Meader is a new author to me. Narrator Ramona Master is new to me too and she did a good job although I felt her male voices were distracting but that is just my opinion.
This story had me laughing and crying and I felt as though I was on an emotional roller coaster.
Loved the story so much that I went and purchased the rest of the series, now I just need time to listen to them.
Read
November 24, 2023I read like 60% of this, and for most of it, I was bored to tears. I was never really engaged by the romance, so when this element started to take off, I didn't feel like picking up the book. I was more interested in Sadie's situation, and would have liked to see her grow a spine and stand up for herself. But I got tired of her being a doormat for people like her ridiculous boss and her father and sister (who never made any sense as a character, I'm afraid).
Also, I couldn't help noticing the abundance of dead young mothers. We have Gunnar's wife, Sadie's mother, then her stepmother (her sister's mum). There's something about that which doesn't sit well with me.
Also, I couldn't help noticing the abundance of dead young mothers. We have Gunnar's wife, Sadie's mother, then her stepmother (her sister's mum). There's something about that which doesn't sit well with me.
July 30, 2020
4.5 heartfelt stars ❤️
February 10, 2025
Started out good, nice setting and the story is enjoyable!
June 1, 2021
This was a rough read.
First - and this is totally my fault, having gone into this book knowing what it was about, and choosing to read it anyway - the details of the accident that killed Gunnar’s wife and children are horrific. It approached trauma porn for me, but I get that the author felt we needed to know these horrific details in order to understand the man Gunnar is today. The details were very, very difficult to read and you should know there’s a CW at the outset of the book. Honestly, I do not recommend if you have small children.
Second, the absolute horror that Gunnar was suffering made it really hard for me to accept that he was ready or had the capacity for sexytimes with Sadie (or anyone else). His deceased wife, frankly, sounds like a lovely human being. And if the author was attempting to have the reader understand why it was so hard for Gunnar to move on from Kelly, she certainly did her job. I found myself heartbroken over Gunnar losing his wife and two children to the point that I was not ready to accept a new romance between him and Sadie. This is due in large part to the type of person Sadie is, as discussed below.
Third, Sadie was super underdeveloped for me. Gunnar was a final draft hero, and Sadie was a first draft heroine.
I felt like there were two Sadies - the girl from L.A. who has a thankless job for an influencer (who is the most vapid person in the world), and also is dealing with being named guardian of her younger half sister.
Then, there’s the Sadie who meets Gunnar IRL and via text. These were like two different people for me. I did not understand how the Sadie who does the influencer stuff and lets her boss treat her like absolute shit could be the same Sadie who meets and comes to care for Gunnar. Those two people could not be reconciled, in my opinion.
The whole L.A./influencer subplot - and Sadie’s supposed BFF whom she FaceTimes with occasionally - could have been dropped from the book entirely. I just don’t understand why Sadie felt the need to continue in this employment. Her constant claim that her boss could help her make a dent in the fashion world did not ring true for me.
Relatedly, there were way too many claims by Sadie that “I’LL BE BACK IN L.A. IN TWO WEEKS!” Bitch no you won’t! You hate your job, do not appear to be very good at your job, and have nothing going for you in L.A. Her claims, again, just didn’t ring true for me.
Sadie was just like, floating listlessly through life. Her pairing with Gunnar was one I had a hard time accepting (or at least, suspending my disbelief sufficiently enough to buy their romance).
Overall, not my fav. But I love love love this universe so I’ll be back for more.
First - and this is totally my fault, having gone into this book knowing what it was about, and choosing to read it anyway - the details of the accident that killed Gunnar’s wife and children are horrific. It approached trauma porn for me, but I get that the author felt we needed to know these horrific details in order to understand the man Gunnar is today. The details were very, very difficult to read and you should know there’s a CW at the outset of the book. Honestly, I do not recommend if you have small children.
Second, the absolute horror that Gunnar was suffering made it really hard for me to accept that he was ready or had the capacity for sexytimes with Sadie (or anyone else). His deceased wife, frankly, sounds like a lovely human being. And if the author was attempting to have the reader understand why it was so hard for Gunnar to move on from Kelly, she certainly did her job. I found myself heartbroken over Gunnar losing his wife and two children to the point that I was not ready to accept a new romance between him and Sadie. This is due in large part to the type of person Sadie is, as discussed below.
Third, Sadie was super underdeveloped for me. Gunnar was a final draft hero, and Sadie was a first draft heroine.
I felt like there were two Sadies - the girl from L.A. who has a thankless job for an influencer (who is the most vapid person in the world), and also is dealing with being named guardian of her younger half sister.
Then, there’s the Sadie who meets Gunnar IRL and via text. These were like two different people for me. I did not understand how the Sadie who does the influencer stuff and lets her boss treat her like absolute shit could be the same Sadie who meets and comes to care for Gunnar. Those two people could not be reconciled, in my opinion.
The whole L.A./influencer subplot - and Sadie’s supposed BFF whom she FaceTimes with occasionally - could have been dropped from the book entirely. I just don’t understand why Sadie felt the need to continue in this employment. Her constant claim that her boss could help her make a dent in the fashion world did not ring true for me.
Relatedly, there were way too many claims by Sadie that “I’LL BE BACK IN L.A. IN TWO WEEKS!” Bitch no you won’t! You hate your job, do not appear to be very good at your job, and have nothing going for you in L.A. Her claims, again, just didn’t ring true for me.
Sadie was just like, floating listlessly through life. Her pairing with Gunnar was one I had a hard time accepting (or at least, suspending my disbelief sufficiently enough to buy their romance).
Overall, not my fav. But I love love love this universe so I’ll be back for more.
June 24, 2022
2nd Read, June 2022:
I loved this even more a year later upon re-read. I listened to the audio this time and the story was everything I remembered. I love the emotions this book taps into and the journey of grief and loss that Gunnar is going through. I love Sadie’s story with her younger half sister and just the whole relationship evolution with Gunnar. This hit me in the feels a little bit more this time and the flashbacks really got to me!
1st Read, May 2021:
Man Down is a contemporary romance with a sports/hockey hero who took time off after tragedy in his life, but is getting back in the game. Gunnar and Sadie’s story is filled with so much grief and loss and heartache, but I really enjoyed it. Gunnar is a widower who lost his wife and children almost 3 years ago when the story starts, he was a hockey player but kind of went off the grid after the accident to grieve on his own. He has been texting his wife’s old phone number as part of his grieving process and one day he gets a response back, as her number got recycled to a new person. Sadie is also going through a lot and she starts responding and having conversations with Gunnar via text. They’re both dealing with things in their lives and kind of just need/want someone to connect to. They end up being text buddies for almost a year and by coincidental circumstances end up both in Chicago at the same time and meet (all while not realizing they’re one another’s text buddy). They sort of get off to a wrong start in person and it was fun seeing them deal with their chemistry towards one another while also being like “yeah I don’t really like you.”
Definitely tons of loss and grief in this one, Gunnar’s flashbacks are so sad. 🥺 Sadie also has some complicated family life going on, her estranged dad just got arrested and she’s given legal guardianship of her 12-year-old half sister Lauren who wants nothing to do with Sadie. Gunnar and Lauren (Sadie’s sister) actually meet in person first because of hockey camp, he’s a coach at Lauren’s hockey camp and it was sweet to see Gunnar & Lauren work together. This is when Gunnar & Sadie first meet in person and it doesn’t go well, he assumes some things and she thinks he’s a jerk. I loved how protective and gruff/mixed with sweet Gunnar was. This was definitely a quick, bittersweet read and I’ll have to check out more from this author now.
I loved this even more a year later upon re-read. I listened to the audio this time and the story was everything I remembered. I love the emotions this book taps into and the journey of grief and loss that Gunnar is going through. I love Sadie’s story with her younger half sister and just the whole relationship evolution with Gunnar. This hit me in the feels a little bit more this time and the flashbacks really got to me!
1st Read, May 2021:
Man Down is a contemporary romance with a sports/hockey hero who took time off after tragedy in his life, but is getting back in the game. Gunnar and Sadie’s story is filled with so much grief and loss and heartache, but I really enjoyed it. Gunnar is a widower who lost his wife and children almost 3 years ago when the story starts, he was a hockey player but kind of went off the grid after the accident to grieve on his own. He has been texting his wife’s old phone number as part of his grieving process and one day he gets a response back, as her number got recycled to a new person. Sadie is also going through a lot and she starts responding and having conversations with Gunnar via text. They’re both dealing with things in their lives and kind of just need/want someone to connect to. They end up being text buddies for almost a year and by coincidental circumstances end up both in Chicago at the same time and meet (all while not realizing they’re one another’s text buddy). They sort of get off to a wrong start in person and it was fun seeing them deal with their chemistry towards one another while also being like “yeah I don’t really like you.”
Definitely tons of loss and grief in this one, Gunnar’s flashbacks are so sad. 🥺 Sadie also has some complicated family life going on, her estranged dad just got arrested and she’s given legal guardianship of her 12-year-old half sister Lauren who wants nothing to do with Sadie. Gunnar and Lauren (Sadie’s sister) actually meet in person first because of hockey camp, he’s a coach at Lauren’s hockey camp and it was sweet to see Gunnar & Lauren work together. This is when Gunnar & Sadie first meet in person and it doesn’t go well, he assumes some things and she thinks he’s a jerk. I loved how protective and gruff/mixed with sweet Gunnar was. This was definitely a quick, bittersweet read and I’ll have to check out more from this author now.
August 22, 2021
I really enjoy this author's writing. (I've read several) I listened to the audio, but I think that if you don't do audios, the ebook would be great as well.
This is 3rd person POV Sadie and Gunnar.
Gunnar is beyond grief stricken after his wife and 2 children died in a car crash. He's been texting his wife's cell phone#.. He's been pouring out his broken heart. One day Sadie responds and tells him that it's her phone# now. He's shocked that his private thoughts and messages to his beloved Kelly have been read by someone.
Sadie starts to respond back with supportive messages and listens (reads his texts).
Sadie and Gunnar don't know the other's real name. Hockey is what brings them together.
Sadie mentions that she lives in Los Angeles and Gunnar says he lives in the Chicago area.
Sadie has to go to Chicago to take care of her sister that she hasn't seen in several years.
The chance meeting of Sadie and Gunnar should not be spoiled. It did have shades of "You've Got Mail"
Ramona Master is the narrator and does all the voices. Her voice for Sadie is very cheerful and upbeat most of the time. The voice for Gunnar is sad, sullen and a little monotone. The voice used for Sadie's sister Lauren is so natural.
Lauren is missing her dad and resents Sadie taking care of her.
I really felt for Gunnar. He was so stuck in his grief and guilt over losing his family.
Sadie understands that Gunnar is in no place for a new relationship, but gets closer to Sadie. It's gradual and seems like a natural progression.
Sadie is trying to do right by her young sister that really needed her but didn't want her.
There were some funny, dry humor moments. There's some supporting characters from the previous Rookie Rebels & the the Chicago Rebel's series.
The middle was a little slow, but picked up the last 25% or so.
4.5 stars. I know that some might not want a hero that was hung up on his late wife. I really wanted him to have a better life than just barely hanging on. Sadie really was a good match for him. I hope that I catch up on their story in the next book....
This is 3rd person POV Sadie and Gunnar.
Gunnar is beyond grief stricken after his wife and 2 children died in a car crash. He's been texting his wife's cell phone#.. He's been pouring out his broken heart. One day Sadie responds and tells him that it's her phone# now. He's shocked that his private thoughts and messages to his beloved Kelly have been read by someone.
Sadie starts to respond back with supportive messages and listens (reads his texts).
Sadie and Gunnar don't know the other's real name. Hockey is what brings them together.
Sadie mentions that she lives in Los Angeles and Gunnar says he lives in the Chicago area.
Sadie has to go to Chicago to take care of her sister that she hasn't seen in several years.
The chance meeting of Sadie and Gunnar should not be spoiled. It did have shades of "You've Got Mail"
Ramona Master is the narrator and does all the voices. Her voice for Sadie is very cheerful and upbeat most of the time. The voice for Gunnar is sad, sullen and a little monotone. The voice used for Sadie's sister Lauren is so natural.
Lauren is missing her dad and resents Sadie taking care of her.
I really felt for Gunnar. He was so stuck in his grief and guilt over losing his family.
Sadie understands that Gunnar is in no place for a new relationship, but gets closer to Sadie. It's gradual and seems like a natural progression.
Sadie is trying to do right by her young sister that really needed her but didn't want her.
There were some funny, dry humor moments. There's some supporting characters from the previous Rookie Rebels & the the Chicago Rebel's series.
The middle was a little slow, but picked up the last 25% or so.
4.5 stars. I know that some might not want a hero that was hung up on his late wife. I really wanted him to have a better life than just barely hanging on. Sadie really was a good match for him. I hope that I catch up on their story in the next book....
July 28, 2020
Kate Meader infuses her books with steamy romance, complicated relationships, sharp banter, perfectly-timed humor, and a whole lot of heart. She brings her characters to life and is not the least bit hesitant to delve deeply into their emotions, and my own. Man Down is the newest story in her Rookie Rebels hockey world (but can be enjoyed as a standalone) and, for me, one of the best she's written.
Grief is a difficult subject to write about without allowing its darkness to overwhelm the story, while still giving it its due. Meader walks that line with sensitivity and finesse. She doesn't soft pedal Gunnar's unimaginable grief in this book, especially in his texts, as well as the series of flashbacks leading up to the accident three years ago that claimed his family's lives (keep the tissues handy), but while parts of the book are very sad, she expertly tempers that sadness with humor, hope, and a whole lot of sizzle. Sadie's presence in his life slowly brings Gunnar back into the light with an unexpected opportunity to love again. Though that path is not an easy one to travel. Sadie's journey is no less emotional, her evolution no less profound. I was in her corner, cheering her on as she navigated the twists and turns of her complicated family and professional life while at the same time trying to figure out exactly where Gunnar fit into that life. If he did at all.
I laughed. I cried. I loved these two so much and I highly recommend their story.
Grief is a difficult subject to write about without allowing its darkness to overwhelm the story, while still giving it its due. Meader walks that line with sensitivity and finesse. She doesn't soft pedal Gunnar's unimaginable grief in this book, especially in his texts, as well as the series of flashbacks leading up to the accident three years ago that claimed his family's lives (keep the tissues handy), but while parts of the book are very sad, she expertly tempers that sadness with humor, hope, and a whole lot of sizzle. Sadie's presence in his life slowly brings Gunnar back into the light with an unexpected opportunity to love again. Though that path is not an easy one to travel. Sadie's journey is no less emotional, her evolution no less profound. I was in her corner, cheering her on as she navigated the twists and turns of her complicated family and professional life while at the same time trying to figure out exactly where Gunnar fit into that life. If he did at all.
I laughed. I cried. I loved these two so much and I highly recommend their story.
August 28, 2020
4.5
Three years ago, the life of Gunnar Bond shattered. He lost his wife and two kids in a car accident and the only way he could try to deal with it was to left his hockey team and go lives in the wood. And send text messages on his wife's phone. But one day, someone answer back...
Sadie Yates's life might not be as tragic, but it still sent her plenty of hardship. She didn't have a very good family situation but it's just getting more peculiar now that her father is in prison and she suddenly find herself becoming her half-sister's guardian. And let's not talk about her crazy boss, a "Gwyneth" wannabe kind of influencer.
Gunnar and Sadie just met in real life. Not a good first impression for both of them, thanks to a few misunderstanding. So how will they learn that they're each other's text messages pal and what will be their reaction to the news? Read the third books in the Rookie Rebels series to know😛.
Kate Meader always deliver on the sweet and sizzling romance but this book was particularly touching and my favorite of the series so far! I just wished more pages with Gunnar and Sadie at the end because we didn't see enough of their "finally get together for good" moments. I also really appreciated that the author didn't made a big deal of the heroine being curvy or plus-sized. It normalize it, just like it should be.
Three years ago, the life of Gunnar Bond shattered. He lost his wife and two kids in a car accident and the only way he could try to deal with it was to left his hockey team and go lives in the wood. And send text messages on his wife's phone. But one day, someone answer back...
Sadie Yates's life might not be as tragic, but it still sent her plenty of hardship. She didn't have a very good family situation but it's just getting more peculiar now that her father is in prison and she suddenly find herself becoming her half-sister's guardian. And let's not talk about her crazy boss, a "Gwyneth" wannabe kind of influencer.
Gunnar and Sadie just met in real life. Not a good first impression for both of them, thanks to a few misunderstanding. So how will they learn that they're each other's text messages pal and what will be their reaction to the news? Read the third books in the Rookie Rebels series to know😛.
Kate Meader always deliver on the sweet and sizzling romance but this book was particularly touching and my favorite of the series so far! I just wished more pages with Gunnar and Sadie at the end because we didn't see enough of their "finally get together for good" moments. I also really appreciated that the author didn't made a big deal of the heroine being curvy or plus-sized. It normalize it, just like it should be.
June 7, 2021
Quite the dramatic story, which dropped of a little bit after the true identities of the former chat partners were revealed. Their arrangement (sex but no relationship) clearly doesn't work like planned from the very beginning, because especially Gunnar behaves very protective und affectionate. Obviously, he DOES care for Sadie and her sister, whatever he claims to feel.
It's still a pretty good read with interesting characters (and many wonderful appearances of former heroes from the "Chicago Rebels" and "Rookie Rebels" series). Gunnar's tragic history might be a bit over the top, but handled well by the author–and the heroine. Sadie is a nice character overall, for my taste she's too altruistic at times, though.
Best book in this series so far. (I wasn't the biggest fans of the previous two books, though.)
It's still a pretty good read with interesting characters (and many wonderful appearances of former heroes from the "Chicago Rebels" and "Rookie Rebels" series). Gunnar's tragic history might be a bit over the top, but handled well by the author–and the heroine. Sadie is a nice character overall, for my taste she's too altruistic at times, though.
Best book in this series so far. (I wasn't the biggest fans of the previous two books, though.)
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