Foreplayer

Rookie Rebels #4

by Kate Meader

She’s got game everywhere but the bedroom. Enter the player who knows exactly how to grade her curves . . .

After a very public breakup and a viral post that declares him the villain, power forward Cal Foreman is taking a timeout from women and relationships to focus on hockey. When Chicago Rebels captain and old friend, Vadim Petrov, “volunteers” him to help train Vadim’s sister Mia, Cal figures he can do a favor for a pal and get ready for the season with his new team. But the imperious Russian would slice a skate blade through Cal’s internal organs if he knew what lessons Mia really wants.

Yeah, not that kind of stickhandling.

Hockey phenom and Olympics hopeful Mia Wallace needs help seducing the man of her dreams. That man is most definitely not Cal Foreman: notorious playboy, thorn in her side, and her brother's bestie. But surely a guy with his reputed skill set has a few tips on how she can nail her target—which makes him the perfect foreplayer.

Cal knows Mia sees him as merely the warm-up act in her grand plan to win another man, but as they spend more time together, he wonders if that’s enough.

If they could be more.

And if he could convince her he’s worthy of the starting line-up . . . in her heart?

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Hockey, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Hockey Romance

332 pages, ebook

First published December 29, 2020

About the author

Kate 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.

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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

Reviews

[Kate Meader]

The next Rookie Rebels book features Vadim Petrov's sister, Mia Wallace (first introduced in Vadim and Isobel's book, SO OVER YOU). She's all grown up and ready to play ...

And I think you'll love Cal, the mouthy Southie, with a heart of gold and plenty of tips for how Mia can win ... another guy. Uh oh!

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and Mia, Cal and Mia, Cal and Mia....I loved them! Oh god, the chemistry...

This story really spoke to me. I mean, all the books in this series are good, but this one just blew me away. The plot, the character development, the sex scenes... I loved and admired Mia, and don't get me started on Cal (swoon)...

I know this book isn't from 2021, but it's one of my favorite reads of the year. To me it had everything!

5+ srars

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hannah - this book was a squee-fest!

I am positively giddy - on an epic book high. Cal and Mia were insanely adorable, wonderfully lovable and - as it turns out - just exactly what my heart was craving.

I adored them! Between the way my heart performed some impressive acrobatics - flipping and fluttering and squeezing with delight - and the way the smile on my face grew and grew until it positively beamed with happiness?

I. freaking. adored. these. two.

There were some more serious undertones - some baggage that Mia and Cal had to sort through that added some emotional depth to the storyline. I loved the way their budding, friends-to-lovers relationship played out against all that. It highlighted a sweet tenderness in their dynamic and I l could not get enough of it. There were moments that literally took my breath away - my heart racing so fast I thought it might burst out of my chest. There was just something magical about the chemistry between Mia and Cal. Their banter was so addicting, so packed with sparky flirty humor and laced with heat. They were the perfect blend of friends into lovers and lord almighty when their spark caught flame - I swear there might be scorch marks on my kindle.

They were everything.

GAH!

Truly, I feel like this was one of the most perfect romances I have read in a while. It was so satisfying. I fell into it effortlessly and hungrily - greedily devouring the smart writing, the engaging storyline, and these two amazing characters. I am so in love with them. So in love with this whole series. And you can bet your sweet bippy I'm already in line for the next one! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: FOREPLAYER
AUTHOR: Kate Meader
SERIES: Rookie Rebels #4
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2020
GENRE: Contemporary Romance, sports romance
THEMES & TROPES: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Childhood Cancer
RATING: 4 STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No

READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG





I love when characters start out as enemies, become friends and then lovers. That's something I can totally see happening in real life. Mia and Cal's story is like that and their progression is so natural. Cal's character was perfect - he was this good man, thoughtful, sexy, funny, but also a tiny bit troubled and with flaws that made him seem human rather than a jerk. I loved how he tried to be a good person. As a commitment-phobe the last thing on his mind is love or relationships so while Cal and Mia know one another from the outset he leaves a not so stellar first impression while breaking up with his girlfriend on his team mate's wedding.

"The end was nigh, another one in the books. Fun while it lasted, but no woman would be depositing a spare toothbrush in Cal Foreman’s mug. Never again."

Famous last words.

Mia one of the NWHL's best players had to leave professional hockey after being painfully wronged by her ex-boyfriend. She's now trying to return to the world of skating via a backdoor by being accepted on the Olympic team. And no other than Callum Foreman is supposed to help her. Balking at first she soon sees the benefits and an easy camaraderie evolves between them. I think this was my favorite part, they had such a strong friendship and even when they became lovers they maintained it.

Too bad that Mia has her sights set on another man. And here is where Mia's character soured a little for me. I thought she was so wise at times and so immature at others. In her mind she kept going on how Cal didn't fight for her, how he only wanted her as a friend when she did nothing but remind him that she wants another man. And in the end, she said the exact same things I was thinking throughout their turbulent times.

"How would he know that she was falling for him unless she told him? As intuitive as Cal was, could she really expect him to be a mind reader on top of it all?"

Yet, I really liked her. She was funny, sweet, wicked smart and full of mischief. And so, so resilient, she was the personified queen, who fell, got up, adjusted her crown and marched on. Together they were a power couple I only could root for.

"The man who shouldn’t mean a thing had suddenly become the man who meant everything."

Vadim Petrov, who's one of my favorite characters in this world, plays a big part in FOREPLAYER. Not surprising, he is Mia Wallace's brother and I adored their relationship. Vadim also happens to be Cal's best friend so, AWKWARD, when Cal and Mia become lovers and they both want to keep it on the down-low. But if you've met Vadim you know that there is more to him than it first seems. We didn't get to catch up with the characters from previous books so much this time - I missed that because I need a dose of Remy, Dante, Cade and Bren. Hopefully next time!

Although some books by her work better for me than others I love Kate Meader. She has this way of writing that is so easy to fall into. With FOREPLAYER she promised to give us a fun, light story. Did she succeed? Not completely - there were themes that made it deeper than I excepted but she did make good on the promise of it being fun. This was an entertaining, fast read that kept me invested until the end. Now I'm excited to see what she has for super-grump Reid Durand in store.

“Mia.”
Her breath stalled, and she had trouble getting ahold of it. How’s that friends plan going, idiot?
“There you go again with the name thing. Like it’s an answer to something.” 
“It is.”
“What’s the question?”
“I don’t know, only that your name’s the answer.”

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Foreplayer, Kate Meader has produced a fun, sweet and heartwarming story that had me smiling like a loon from start to finish!

Youre name’s the answer.”

_________________________
“The answer to every question, a slogan engraved on his heart. ‘Mia.’ Only Mia.”

➵ Heroine: Mia Wallace, Vadim Petrov’s younger sister, is a hockey marvel and knows it. She has plans to get into the WNHL by securing a spot in the women’s Olympic team and landing the man of her dreams: an older, sophisticated man who’d have her back and is definitely NOT a hockey player. Even though she has trust issues, she’s a fearless fighter and a strong survivor.

➵ Hero: Callum Patrick Foreman, newest acquisition of the Chicago Rebels and Vadim Petrov’s old friend, is a commitment phone. However, all his ex-girlfriends have nothing but nice things to say about him. So even though his recent breakup is plastered online portraying him as the bad guy, he doesn’t blame the possible culprits and rather moves on to concentrate on his hockey career.

➵ Plot: When Vadim asks Cal to help Mia train for her upcoming trials, Cal uses it as a way to get ready for the season. Little does he know that Mia wants more than his hockey expertise, she wants tips on how to seduce another man. As the spend time together, their relationship transforms from that of hockey acquaintances, to friends, to more.

Even though Cal knows he’s just a placeholder, and his best friend wouldn’t approve of his relationship with Mia, he’s longs to become the man Mia deserves, but can he convince her?

“Who was he to deny her? That would be like denying sunshine the right to stream or air the right to enter his lungs […] she owned him.”

➵ Feels: The reason for Cal’s reluctance to commit and Mia wanting to avoid hockey players involves more serious topics that gave their story even more emotional depth.

Beyond that, Foreplayer is oozing with all the best warm fuzzy feelings, from sweet and caring moments between two people who understand each other deeply, to fun ones where Back To The Future pop culture is required, to super sexy ones where Cal and Mia will most definitely heat up your eReaders!

“She couldn’t recall this level of feeling, a fizz in her veins, a thrum in her chest, a throb everywhere it counted.”

Mia and Cal where perfect for each other even if they didn’t know it. Their banter was hooking, full of fun flintiness that made my heart flip.

➵ Facts: Foreplayer is book #4 of the Rookie Rebels series by Kate Meader. It is told from both points of view with a happy ending. Sub-Genres: Sports | Hockey | Best friend’s younger sister |

➵ Overall rating: 5

Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2KqCEEQ

* 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

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Ms. Kate Meader’s books for years and always love what she writes. This woman knows how to build compelling characters and a good story.
I’ve wanted to know more about Mia since she exploded onto the scene in Isobel’s and Vadim’s story(book 2 of the Chicago Rebels). She’s such a great character! She’s really honest, she’s funny and she sometimes(most times :D) doesn’t have a filter. I never know what’ll come out of her mouth. This story takes place years after she 1st made her appearance, life has dented her a bit, but Cal helps her gain her confidence back.
Callum Forman is known as one of the nicest guys in the NFL and this totally applies to his love life. He stays friends with all his exes, and I mean ALL of them. He hates rocking the boat so sometimes he manipulates events so he doesn’t have to act. Case in point: he makes his current fling break up with him at a wedding, and yes it’s really funny to read. He’s a genuinely nice guy, a great friend, with an aversion to opening up. He doesn’t stand a chance!
Mia and Cal start training together, her to get into the Olympics and him to get back from an injury. At her newest friend’s(Cal’s ex) urging Mia asks him to help her understand what men want, so she can conquer some guy she wants to date(and it really isn’t one of those “I’m asking for a friend” things). Cal is skeptical at first, but doesn’t see a problem with it in the end. They become friends, good friends and the vibes are getting off the charts!
I’m not telling you more because you definitely want to read this story. It’s a bit of the best friend little sister’s trope, and best friends to lovers and I liked that even though it has a bit of a “big misunderstanding” trope thrown in, it’s not overdone and more importantly, it’s resolved pretty quickly.
All of my favorite characters make an appearance, and unlike the other Rookie Rebels books, this one has a lot of Harper, Isobel and Vadim in in it, and a bit of Dante and Cade(they are so cute and hot together!) and a few of our rookie Rebels in as well.
I can’t wait to see what Ms Meader writes next! She’s on my auto-buy, beg for ARCs, do a spell to get it faster lists :D.

[A Klue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I’m a sucker for a well mannered, well meaning, good guy hero, I’m also an even bigger fan of a manly man who throws people out of his life who clearly don’t belong there. Cal’s placating attitude when it came to people who clearly have wronged him seemed cowardly to me. Covering up their transgressions is letting them get away with it, if you ask me. He was trying to be the bigger, better person when it came to his ex. I can get that. Exposing what happened would have caused an even bigger, lingering scandal. But letting that one snake of a poor excuse of a person slither around unscathed for so long felt wrong. Oh, Cal did speak up for Mia’s past unjust treatment, but it irked me to find two people in his past got off Scot free for so long. At least that cat was out of the bag by the end. All in all, it led to an eye rolling coincidence though that had me thinking,“Seriously??”

Foreplayer felt like it fit formatically into play like other books I’ve read with this same theme. Switch a few names around, change the book covers, and the story lines tend to play out the same. Mostly with a pathetic, embarrassing to be her virgin heroine who finally sees she was being an idiot with a misplaced infatuation for the wrong Mr. Right. Leaving the hero on the sidelines having to finally speak up and claim his woman just as she's come to her own senses.

In summary, I found this to be an average read by one of my most favorite talented romance authors. I hope others really enjoy it. For me, it was a filler read that keeps the series going. I’m cool with that. I’m looking forward to Reid’s story next, even though that guy needs to learn some tact and manners. Can’t wait to see who his lady love is going to be that teaches him some lessons. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed it isn’t Mia’s new bestie, who happens to be Cal’s most recent, puck bunny, exgirlfriend/lover, who is all about latching onto any successful hockey player. That’s a forerunner for a whole new layer of pathetic heroine, folks.

Romance Safety Gang: Cal is a serial, brief dater hero after his fiance cheated on him. He’s got no intentions of getting serious again. Mia comes to be besties with his most recent ex-lover, who is an unashamedly buck bunny. OM Mia has her sights on never becomes an actual love interest.

Title: Foreplayer, series: Rookie Rebels (Book 4), Author: Kate Meader, Pages: 332, stand-alone but part of a series, virgin younger heroine, both hockey players, both hiding secret betrayals, plays out predictably with a big coincidence twist.

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 (Mia & Cal), 12/29/20
Book 5 - Dear Roomie (Reid’s story), to be released 2021

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. 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, NetGalley, or PR firm.)

[Jessica Alcazar]

Out December 29! Pre-order FOREPLAYER, a brother's best friend hockey romance:

❤️ Kindle: https://amzn.to/3cbD6yB
❤️ Nook: https://bit.ly/2QcSPoD
❤️ Apple Books: https://apple.co/2QckbeP
❤️ Kobo: https://bit.ly/3hi3cU1
❤️ Google Play: Live on release day

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I’ve loved about Kate Meader and the original Chicago Rebels series and the Rookie Rebels series is she’s brought to light the obstacles that women face in the world of sports at all levels and in Foreplayer we see just how difficult it can be when you are a woman accusing a man of untoward behavior, especially when that “man’s” mother is in a position of power and while that was a big part of this book, the romance portion of this book was spectacular. What’s a man to do when his best friend who is out of commission with an injury asks his best friend to help his little sister train, the little sister that has been starring in his nightly fantasies after calling him on his cr*p at a teammates wedding? Well, you go all in and get way more than you bargained for.

Mia Wallace is ready to get her hockey career back on track, by trying out for the Olympic Women’s Hockey team, after it was derailed following a college incident she’s tried to put behind her. Mia is also ready to get on with her dating life and has decided that her brother’s agent is the man for her if she can figure out a way to get his attention and keep it. What she doesn’t count on is her brother, Vadim Petrov, enlisting the help of his best friend, Callum (Cal) Foreman to help her train and Cal’s former girlfriend to suggest Mia ask him for pointers on how to get and keep a guy. Sounds a bit crazy, right? It is, but that’s the beauty of this story, there are so many, many layers and watching them get peeled back and the surprises that come with them keeps you hooked from start to finish.

I loved Mia in that she’s didn’t realize her beauty or how her insane talent, intelligence, and fierce spirit are so insanely attractive to men. She is young and because of her childhood she’s been sheltered, but Mia has come to realize that she’s tired of hanging back and going with the flow and she’s ready to show the hockey world what she’s made of on a worldwide stage. It was easy to see she craved relationships with people outside of her small circle, she wanted to make friends on her own and she wanted people to like her for her not because of her family name, or her money, or even her hockey playing ability but as a person and I enjoyed watching her put herself out there to do just that. She blossomed in this book, came into her own, and learned how important it is to not only stand up for yourself but to let people you trust be there when you need them. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her metamorphosis throughout this story.

I’m a sucker for a good guy hero and honestly Cal is just that; he avoids conflict and has good reasons why he does that. He is kind, when he’s with a woman he’s monogamous, and he doesn’t trash talk people who’ve done him wrong. Cal’s got some baggage that has shaped him into the man today, the one who doesn’t do long term, the one who doesn’t argue, and who stays on good terms with women he’s been with in the past, but with Mia he knows she’s hiding something that hurt her and has kept her from playing at her level for the last two years, he doesn’t know what, but he does know he wants to figure it out and then he wants to make it right for her.

I enjoyed their antagonistic relationship at the start and how they slowly began to peel away each other’s layers and become friends and eventually lovers. They are different people at different points in their lives (an 8 year age difference will do that), but between hockey, the love of good food, and friends they have a lot in common as well. It was the little things that they did for one another that made their relationship special.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! After the gut-wrenching intensity of the last book in the series (Man Down), I was ready for a lighter tone and Foreplayer more than fills that need. That's not to say there isn't a satisfying depth of emotion or the complexities that make Meader's characters feel so real. There's all of that, as well as life-altering, emotional journeys for both Mia and Cal. The hidden baggage each of them carries is pretty significant but there is also a wonderfully delicious friendship that develops between them with snappy banter, witty humor, tenderness, and chemistry that begins with a flicker and grows until it flames out of control.

I loved how much fun they had together, how they challenged one another, how they had each other's backs, how they each eventually learned to see themselves through the other's eyes. I was totally invested in each of them as individuals and head over heels for them as a couple. My heart ached for them when the wounds of the past held them back from voicing their feelings, held them back from fighting for what they deserved. Of course, that made the end of their journey all the more sweet and satisfying and I could not have loved it more.

Kate Meader continues to impress me with her impeccable storytelling, laugh-out-loud humor, sizzling chemistry, and rock-solid romance. Her characters are beautifully crafted, with realistic flaws that make them both frustrating (at times) and endearing (at others). I adore the camaraderie and familial vibe among the members of the Rebels franchise. Having been part of a hockey team's inner circle I can say with certainty that Meader nails that aspect of these stories. I have loved every story in this series and am already looking forward to the next Rebels couple to benefit from her guiding hand.

As one who has read every book in this series, it's always fun to catch up with earlier couples as well as watch the ever-evolving friendships among the team. However, Meader has written each of these books in a way that they can be fully enjoyed on their own. However, if you're anything like me, once you meet these characters you'll most likely be burning to read all of their books. They're just that good.

*ARC received for a fair and unbiased review

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is on fire and I am burning through each book like mad!

Taking a chance on this author was one of the best things that I could have done. I have found my newest go-to author! Every single book is better than the last. Her writing style is magical and casts a spell over me instantly. Her writing is relatable, polished, and has a homey feel. The plot of this book was well-crafted. Some parts may have been a bit predictable but that didn't lessen my enjoyment. The story flowed beautifully.

I am in awe with each couple that I get to know while reading this series. They are all incredible! The characters are fleshed out brilliantly. They are distinct and multi-faceted. The character development is tangible. The found family aspect in this series is executed phenomenally. The dynamics between characters are compelling.

Cal and Mia had such natural chemistry. It was meaningful and the reader could tell that they formed a genuine connection during the time they spent together. At the same time, it was also very explosive. A spark could have ignited these two in seconds. It was palpable. I loved the special bond that they had with one another.

Overall, this was another outstanding book in a series that has utterly captured my heart. This series is going on my top reads for 2024. If you love sports RomComs with memorable characters and masterful storytelling then this series should be next on your TBR!


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⛔My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Cal and Mia! Every time I read another Rookie Rebels story I love it more than the last and this was no exception!

Cal is the new rebel on the block but he is teaming up again with friend and old team mate Vadium.

Mia is the younger sister to Vadium, a promising Hockey player herself but after an incident in college took a step back from playing hockey competitively until now!

With Vadium out injured, and Mia needing some pointers as she tries to get on team usa who better to help her than her brothers best mate Cal.



The sparkes fly for these two pretty much straight away, not the either of them realise that. They have such easy banter.

Mia has no time for hockey players and certainly doesn't want to date one again! Mia's off limits for Cal, she's his best mates younger sister and you don't go there but then Mia turns to Cal for advice, he's a guy and she wants to know how to seduce a guy she has her eye on! Which leads some rather amusing text message exchanges!

Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Kate thank you once again for giving me characters that I can't help by fall in love with and want to be pulled into their world.
Cal is more than a great hockey player he is a true friend, faithful boyfriend and loyal beyond a doubt. When his team mate asks him for a favor he is on board to help. He remembers the sassy and talented Mia but he is not expecting the woman that is now Mia.
Mia is coming back to take the hockey world by storm. She is ready to try out and prove herself to the women's Olympic team. In the past she had found herself a scapegoat for others gain and is ready to show her strength/talent and will not let her past determine her fate!
Cal is coming off a injury and Mia is spreading her wings what could be better than getting better together. This couple is sweet, funny sexy and oh my word are they melting the ice! They have fabulously witty fun banter and such a great supporting cast! Get ready for Cal and Mia !Loved them !
~~Michele McMullen~~

[Maida · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a lighter read than the previous book in the series Man Down. Kate's writing is excellent, as always. Clever use of Reddit’s AITA in the plot. The main characters Cal and Mia went through considerable growth from beginning to end. They sometimes frustrated me, though. Both of them were holding back information that could have ended the conflicts earlier. It's part of the plot but it got to be too prolonged. While I enjoyed both lead characters, I found myself sidetracked by secondary characters like Vadim and Reid. They’re more interesting than Cal. Great guy but he might be a tad too soft for my tastes.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just did not work for me. I had high-ish hopes after really enjoying the previous book in the series. This book had tropes I usually enjoy: brother’s best friend, sports romance (hockey), and seduction lessons, but the execution of the story just didn’t do it for me. I found the heroine very immature and had the hardest time with her character. I also didn’t see anything that was keeping this couple apart, so a lot of the story I was like where is the plot, what is the point, and so why aren’t they together then?

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia and Cal have the most epic romance story in the series.
I love them , together and as individuals. Kate Meader has always managed to make my heart beating fast with these sports romances.
Never a dull moment, from laugh out loud moments to serios topics that couldn’t be missed, from heartbreaking scenes to a well deserved happily ever after, this story and better said this whole series it’s a must read for any romance lovers.

Arc team

[Inna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Not a bad story, but there were a few things that I didn't like that made me bring my rating down.

This is an experienced hero & virgin heroine matchup. Not a fan. The hero is a borderline manwhore who is friends with all of his ex girlfriends. It's all a part of his messed up coping mechanisms, a way to keep others at a distance and to keep from disappointing anyone. I didn't mind the reasons behind his behavior, but I didn't feel like the hero really changed or learned anything before the end of the story, which was frustrating. I really wanted to see some growth from the hero...see him changing his ways...something. That really didn't happen in any meaningful way.

SWE; there's some OW drama from the hero's most recent ex g/f (he's still dating her at the start of the story but breaks up almost right away), OW then befriends the heroine and becomes the heroine of her own book (soon to be released). There's also some OW drama from the hero's ex fiancee, who he shares a dog with, but nothing major. Some minor OM drama caused by a man who the heroine is interested in. As I already mentioned, hero is borderline manwhore, he has many short-lived relationships. Heroine is a virgin. No scenes with anyone besides hero & heroine. No cheating.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have never read a book by Kate Meader before, you need to remedy that now! Foreplayer is the fourth book in the Rookie Rebels series, but the tenth book in the Rebels world. What does that mean? Well, Foreplayer can be read as a standalone read, but characters from previous books are mentioned or make appearances. In some cases, interactions might make more sense if you know about some characters.

Foreplayer stars Chicago Rebels forward Cal Foreman and Mia Wallace. Cal is really good friends with the Rebels Captain Vadim Petrov, who happens to be the older protective brother of Mia. Cal and Mia first really become acquainted with each other at the wedding of Levi and Jordan (Good Guy). During the reception, Mia and Cal’s date get into a little squabble. Cal conveniently uses the situation to convince his date to break up with him. Mia responds by doing something she’s sure will upset and embarrass him.

Turns out the joke is on her. Mia despises hockey players and has her sights set on someone more refined. But Vadim insists that Cal help her train for the Women’s Olympic Hockey Team since he himself is injured. At the same time, a little birdie tells Mia that Cal could help her with her seduction skills.

As Mia and Cal spend more time together both on and off the ice, they realize they had each other pegged wrong. Their feelings for each other become all too real. But can they really be together when she has her mind made up that someone else is perfect for her and he is afraid of commitments?

I loved Cal and Mia both as individuals and together as a couple. Kate has this amazing ability to make the reader fall madly in love with her heroes and heroines. Cal is known as the “nicest Guy in the NHL”. He generally takes things in stride. He doesn’t lose his temper. But that makes him a ticking time bomb. Mia is strong and independent. She’s taken a huge hit to her self-esteem and has some trust issues, but she has a plan. She doesn’t want or need her brother or anyone to save her. She can do it herself. Together, these two are fun. Their back and forth banter is playful and funny. Their bedroom action is hot. I could be wrong, but Foreplayer seemed like the hottest book in the Rebel series.

The hero of the next book has been introduced. He comes off initially as unlikeable, but he seems to have many, many layers. I can’t wait to read his story.

Additionally, Kate has proved a content warning on her website, regarding Foreplayer. I personally love that she does this.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Never be afraid to ask for what you want. Never be afraid of wanting anything.”

“Sometimes you can plan all you want, but it’s not what you want after all.”

“I marvel at what a wonderful person you have become. Do not let anyone dim your fire, pchyolka. Do not accept second best for anything.” (Pchyolka. Little bee, a term of endearment.)

“Love is truly an act of courage.”

**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 – Kate Meader is back at her best. The story is a tad bit over the top regarding Mia's history/Serena's doings in the past and present, and the heroes are ignoring their obvious love for eachother very thoroughly, but the story is wonderful and heart-warming anyway. Mia and Cal are awesome heroes, just as the supporting roles are.

I'm looking forward to read the sequel, Reid's story.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was pretty cute. I liked that by the end both Mia and Cal worked through their issues, shared important things with those that were important in their lives, had their backs taken and were starting a new adventure together.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Sexism
Revenge pornography recounted

[Melissa Ivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Meader did it again. Just when I think I couldn’t love her books more, I read another. Cal and Mia were perfect for each other and both a bit afraid of upsetting the mighty Vadim! Their chemistry was great and I can’t wait to get Reid’s story.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Loved this. It's a fun and sexy read that is not to be missed. Cal and Mia will make you laugh and swoon. Highly recommended read.

[Kristi]

One of my edits, publishing December 29, 2020. Hockey phenom and Olympic hopeful heroine, and her older brother's NHL teammate and best friend hero. 🖤🏒🖤

https://www.editsbykristi.com/foreplayer

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callum and Mia’s story was quite a read! I loved how their (mostly) easy friendship developed, gaining understandable emotional traction as time progressed. The humorous exchanges and relatively open conversation topics these two had -Mia’s bluntly amusing topic texts were free game for razzing Cal a bit in the locker room-also gave great insight to how these two tick. And what blossoms as Cal and Mia go from teacher/student to friends to lovers...yowza!

I received an advance reader copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an unapologetic sucker for the old "help her get someone else and then d'oh fall for her instead" trope because it inherently has "friends to lovers" baked into the plot. It's among the best two-fers you can ask for.

Cal and Mia are adorable, very compatible and have good chemistry from the start. I liked that their connection through hockey really feels believable and both are equals in their attraction and in their fears of being hurt. Seeing glimpses of the couples from previous books is fun but it's not necessary to know their stories to enjoy this one. It's a long running series (split into two which makes it seem not so long) but there's more to be enjoyed in this hockey series. Basically I tore through it like a hot knife through butter, and that's always a good time in my book.

If you're into hockey romances and love some friends to lovers, you may enjoy this as much as I did.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always prepared to cry when I read something from Kate Meader, but for some reason I keep signing up for her ARC list anyway. I admit, I enjoy it. She’s just so good at evoking emotions and getting readers fully engaged in the lives of her characters. Or maybe it’s just me. I don’t think so.

To be honest, I was wrecked after reading Man Down, Gunnar and Sadie’s story. I wasn’t so sure I could survive another, but the plot isn’t as raw here (man loses his wife and two young children in a car accident is tough to beat in the sympathy arena). This emotion level here is more similar to InstaCrush (Theo & Elle), two people clearly drawn to one another, clearly falling in love, but both unsure of the others’ feelings. There aren’t so many complicating factors, other than the psychological barriers they’ve each erected. I like that Cal is best friends with Vadim while Mia is Vadim’s little sister, a potential stumbling block.

On page two, Kate Meader had me chuckling as she managed to insert the phrase “ew, David.” I hope that reference will age well, as quality TV comedies tend to do. The first encounter between Cal and Mia, in this book anyway, is not the best. Mia is disgusted with him and he’s a bit ashamed. She posts a thinly-veiled description of the encounter on AITD (Am I the dick?) She does not anticipate seeing him again so when he shows up to see her brother the next day, she’s markedly uncomfortable. “The first rule of pranking is that if you don't have the stomach for it, you shouldn’t spend time with your victim in the immediate aftermath.” Cal has figured out that she was behind the post, but wants her to squirm. At one point, “He grinned at her with the most obnoxious, fuck-you, if-you-come-for-the-king grin in his arsenal.”

There was another interaction, once they’d gotten to know one another better that made me laugh out loud. Mia had been raised in Brooklyn, while Cal had been raised in Boston, thus having a natural team rivalry. They were in Boston together and Cal asked Mia what she had planned for the day:
“...Grab a can of spray paint.”
“He cocked an eyebrow. “For?”
“Just a little redecorating job at Fenway. Is “Losers” spelled with one O or two?”
“It’s spelled Y-A-N-K-E-E-S…”

I love Kate Meader’s way with words. Vadim decides that Cal and Mia should train together, and Cal, already feeling the stirrings of an attraction for her, thinks: “This was...a terrible idea?” Mia decides that she wants Cal to teach her some moves to attract the male she has decided is a good choice. Cal is very hesitant and Mia says, “Are you saying you’re afraid of my brother?” Cal responds in a way that made me laugh, “I most certainly am saying that…”

And although she has a great sense of humor and manages to make the reader laugh with statements like, “Moving faster than a Grizzly on a honey-soaked jogger…,” it’s really her ability to elicit empathy with exactly the right formulation of words that keeps me coming back. Mia and Cal share a kiss and both are blown away by it, but both are fearful of expressing their feelings. As far as Cal is concerned, “He wasn’t going to talk about the kiss because it would mean he had to hurt her again. He couldn’t tell her he regretted it because he didn’t. He couldn’t tell her it meant everything because it did.”

It’s a slow build, each of them revealing their feelings a little at a time, even to themselves. At one point, Cal says Mia’s name and she says, “There you go again with the name thing. Like it’s an answer to something.”
“It is.”
“What’s the question?”
“I don’t know, only that your name’s the answer.”
Honestly, at this point, she should have figured it out, but they still have to work through some issues—both of them. Each is hiding a wealth of pain and they need to wade through their past to start building their future. In typical Rebels fashion, the team is totally behind them, rooting for them all the way. And we have another HEA.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOREPLAYER is the fourth instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult ROOKIE REBELS erotic, hockey romance series focusing on the members of the professional hockey team the Chicago Rebels. This is team forward Cal Foreman, and twenty-four year old, women’s hockey player Mia Wallace’s story line. FOREPLAYER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Mia Wallace is Vadim Petrov’s sister (So Over You-Chicago Rebels #2). The Rookie Rebels series is a spin off from the author’s Chicago Rebels series-several characters cross over for back story and cohesion.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mia and Cal) FOREPLAYER follows the building relationship between Chicago Rebels forward Cal Foreman, and twenty-four year old, women’s hockey player Mia Wallace. Two years earlier Mia’s chance at a professional hockey career was derailed when a college scandal imploded leaving Mia struggling for a direction in life. When an opportunity to try-out for Team USA came to fruition Mia found herself approaching her brother’s teammate Callum Foreman for training both on and off the ice for Mia had been lusting after her brother’s agent, a man Mia knew little about. As Cal begin ‘instructing’ Mia on how to seduce her mystery man, Cal found himself falling for his teammate’s sister. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cal and Mia, and the potential fall-out as secrets from the past are about to upset the status quo, forcing Cal to take steps to defend the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Cal and Mia is a teammate’s little sister relationship; a forbidden affair that would be supported by the people in charge but a relationship with too many past heart breaks and secrets that had to be overcome. When Callum reluctantly agreed to help Mia with her seduction of another man, our hero had no idea that the man in question was about to destroy Callum’s heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of the Chicago Rebels previously introduced in the author’s CHICAGO REBELS hockey series incuding team manager Dante Moretti; Chicago Rebels owners-Harper DuPre, Violet Vasquez, and Isabel Petrov; team members Theo Kershaw, Reid Durand, Gunnar Yates ; Coach Lindhoff, sports agent Tommy Gordon; Commissioner of Women’s Hockey Selena Fabien; and two of Callum Foreman’s exes Tara and Bethany.

FOREPLAYER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; heart break, secrets and lies; family, friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is inviting, profound and relevant to the current atmosphere in sports; the characters are stubborn and dynamic; the romance is sensitive and spicy.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Kini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I have really enjoyed several of Meader's previous hockey romances. This book features Cal Foreman and Mia Wallace. Mia is the sister of Vadim, one of the heroes from a previous book. Mia and Cal have a not so great interaction at a wedding and the next day, Cal is the subject of an AITD (Am I the Dick, aka Am I the Asshole) post on the interwebs. That detail was actually really clever and it is clear that Meader pulled that straight from Reddit/Twitter and I loved it.

Cal and Mia are sort of enemies now but she is trying to get back in to hockey and he becomes her trainer. Of course they get close. Mia is also trying to woo a different man. So Cal becomes not only her hockey trainer but her love/sex guide as well. This was a fun premise and I did enjoy seeing their relationship, emotional and physical, develop.

Cal thinks he is damaged goods and not suitable for a relationship. Mia thinks all hockey guys are terrible. Naturally neither of these things are true and the realizations were fun to read.

A few things that I didn't like. Mia is very isolated. Some things happened in college and she shut herself down. I wanted more for her. And I think when we see her in future books she will be less isolated. I am done with main characters who only have each other. That seems weird and mildly toxic.

There were a lot of conflicts happening and I think the book would have been better with one less conflict.
Cal is hesitant to pursue a relationship because Mia is Vadim's younger sister.
The other man that Mia is interested becomes a conflict.
Mia had a very bad relationship in college and this creates some conflict.

Overall I enjoyed the book and was invested in the characters. I thought there were too many conflicts. Also my ability to retain info from one book to the next is slim but Meader used a lot of references to the previous books. This is fine but if you are like me and can't remember anything, it may feel like to much.

CW: mentions of childhood cancer, mentions of cheating (not by MCs) in previous relationships, Mia sent nudes to her college BF and those were used against her, so kind of revenge porn?