White-Hot Hookup

Hot in Chicago Rookies #1.5

by Kate Meader

Ever hear the one about the under-the-radar hockey player, so desperate to lose his virginity that he’s willing to swipe right on an app?

Here I am, waiting nervously in a boutique hotel room for my anonymous hookup to show up and take care of business. Only then can I move on to what comes next. A boyfriend, a dog … heck, a life. After I come out, of course.

But first, my virginity problem.

Little do I know that opening that door will upend my life and change me forever. Because I’m about to meet a guy so hot he can practically punch my V-card with a single look.

Well, hello there, Jude Torres.

Author’s note: This is a prequel novella for Down in Flames, an MM Firefighter-Hockey Romance, releasing soon. The prequel is 15,000 words, very steamy, and ends on a cliffhanger. It will also be included in the full-length book.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports, M M Romance, Hockey, LGBT, Novella

69 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2022

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.

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

Reviews

[annob [on hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice tension in the story and writing, I liked it.

This was an 8 chapter novelette length prologue/sampler of the upcoming novel 'Down in Flames', and as a sampler it did a good job. The focus was on the relationship, which suited me. The hockey theme was more of a starstudded backdrop than a main part of the storyline.

There was a bit of an M/F vibe to the characters, noticeable predominantly in their internal monologue. In spite of that I do want to read the continuation of Hudson and Jude's story. It might be a bit on the fluffy side compared to what I usually prefer, but hey these days anything that can hold my attention span deserves ample praise.

[AngelFire]

I'm not going to rate this because it's not a complete story. I'm pretty sure the author confused the terms 'prologue' and 'prequel' because this is a prologue, not a prequel and I have no idea why she decided to make them be separate books. Making things more confusing is that the prequel is being sold in the same package as the actual story. That means somebody must have pointed out to her that it makes no sense to sell this prequel/prologue separately, since neither the prequel nor the follow up story can stand on their own.

Anyway, I recommend not skipping over this 'prequel' because it really is a prologue in every sense of the word. It shows the MCs first brief relationship and their break up and the author doesn't do a good job of adding in enough details about these things in the actual story (Down In Flames) so you'll be missing a lot of context if you skip over it.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I didn’t realize when starting this book that it was a prequel/prologue for the next book in the series. This book ends on a cliffhanger and seems like it should be read before the next book in the series. It doesn’t look like this author writes many MM stories but I don’t think that impacted the writing at all. I really enjoyed the start of Hudson and Jude’s story and I’m really interested in reading the rest of their story at some point.

[Maida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot!

What a steamy snippet. Short but already showing depth of the characters and the upcoming growth. Looking forward to reading the full novel.

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Useful and well-written intro to the characters of Down in Flames, but is only a teaser rather than a complete story.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Heroes: Hudson and Jude

Cute prequel novella to introduce you to the characters and their original meeting before their full-length novel.

[Jessica Alcazar]

GRAB IT TODAY FOR FREE → https://geni.us/white-hot-hookup

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm keeping this short because this prequel will be included in the full novel Down in Flames and I'm patiently (or not so patiently lol) waiting for that book to be available and yes, I immediately pre-ordered it after reading this. I'm not one for stories that are mostly sex but this author made this story both sweet and sexy. These guys have a lot of chemistry and I hope it carries over to their next story. Oh and it doesn't hurt that the MCs are a hockey player that's a nervous virgin and in the closet and a very patient and sexy hookup that's very willing to help him with that, a perfect pairing in my opinion.

[Bona Caballero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relato corto sin final feliz que te cuenta cómo Hudson Grey (22) pierde la virginidad con Jude Torres (23) intentando: a) mantener en secreto que es un jugador de hockey profesional y b) seguir en el armario.
El sexo, muy bien; la relación, no tanto... Te deja con ganas de seguir leyendo...
Este cuentecillo que estaba gratis (creo que así sigue), cumple con su misión de picarte para que compres la novela larga. Claro. ¿Cómo no voy a empezar el año con un male/male romance 🏒🏒🏒 así de 🔥?

[Princess Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew it going in...

...I hate cliffhangers, especially when the next book isn't out yet. Having said that, this book was excellent! This author didn't waste any time with the fluff-and-fold, just jumped right in with both feet and then set everything on fire! You get to know these characters during their "hookup", which I found refreshing. The rest of the story should be awesome.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Prelude

Can it be December 6th yet? I want to know what transpired before the last game. It was intense and Jude and I need to know why Hudson was being shunned.

I guess we have to wait and see.

[Noelle Haycraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, yes

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is a spicy teaser that sets the stage for Down in Flames and gives some insight in to Jude and Hudson. Smexy read with a bit of geeky cuteness from Hudson, I am cheering for him to win Jude over!

[Tekayah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is exactly what you expect it to be. To me it wasn’t good but it wasn’t bad, it was just meh. I do realize it’s just a prequel to the first book, but idk if I can bring myself to read it.

[Anita Byars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soulfully seductive. Hudson and Jude’s story will have you spellbound from the beginning to the end. This is Kate Meader’s first M/M contemporary romance and although I would normally not read this genre. Since I am a big fan of Kate Meader I had to read this. I loved this story. It was perfect, so tastefully done so full of heat, heart, humor, and emotions. Every single page was filled with yummy perfection. Oh my! So good! I swooned hard for these characters!

Hudson Grey is at the start of his hockey career. He has been hiding his sexuality his whole life. So when he decides that he needed to finally lose his virginity to a stranger, he picks a town where he thinks nobody would know who he was. Uses an alias and checks into a upscale boutique and swipes right on a tattoo hottie.

Jude Torres has had a rough life since his mother died. Him and his father have never connected and his life had been one wrong move after another. It was supposed to be just a random hookup, with a guy with the cut, washboard abs but as soon as he opened the door he recognized him. Hudson Grey the hottest prospect in pro-hockey and secretly in the closet. He needed someone to punch his v-card and Jude was happy to help. Then he ghosted Jude when he found out he knew who he was.

This was Hot, Hot, Hot!


Kate Meader does an excellent job of taking an often misunderstood lifestyle and presenting it in a romantic and exciting manner. Her descriptions were so vivid and tastefully done. Hot and sexy, her words steam off the the pages. Causing those little zips of excitement, with heart racing, blood pumping, as well as a wide grin on your face great read.

Received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for the novella equivalent of a delicious little snack (that will also make you unbelievably anxious for the novel to come to be released), look no further than White-Hot Hookup by Kate Meader!

The story of how Hudson and Jude meet-but-don't (since poor Hudson is pretending he can hide his hockey hotness behind a fake dating app name) made me laugh out loud, swoon, and need to fan myself--all more than once! Hudson's anxiety and uncertainty made me want to reach into the book and give him a hug--on pretty much every other page--and getting a glimpse of some of what Jude will probably also be dealing with on the personal front in their full-length book made him feel just as real to this reader. Honestly, it shouldn't be possible to cram so much story substance into such a short read, but somehow Ms Meader managed!

I mean, you could undoubtedly read Down in Flames without reading the prequel novella first. But WHY would you do that to yourself? (It will be included in the novel, though, so you have no excuse not to read it eventually...but OMG, why wait??? ;))

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

[Kristi]

This is a FREE 8-chapter prequel of one of my edits!

White-Hot Hookup is a standalone male/male crossover novella featuring a firefighter with a sordid past (from Hot in Chicago Rookies) and a closeted, virgin NHL player (from Rookie Rebels).

Note: It ends on a cliffhanger! The full-length novel, Down in Flames, publishes on 12/6/22.

https://editsbykristi.com/whitehot-ho...

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A famous hockey player is secretly gay, but has never had sex. He decides to take care of that by meeting someone via app when he's on the road.

He's deliciously awkward, but his partner is chill and it all works out. He uses a pseudonym, but his partner recognizes him and just doesn't say.

They text over the next couple of months and make plans to meet up again. Before they do, they run into each other in real life and he realizes that his partner knows who he is. He shuts down and cuts off contact.

[Cardyn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

With poignant tenderness, humor, and as much sensuality as explicit sex, this teaser hypes readers' anticipation for Hudson and Jude's full story in Down in Flames, scheduled for an early December pub date. "Hot in Chicago" is truth in advertising for this series that keeps expanding and devoloping in unpredictable and satisfying ways.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok - I must tell you that I had no idea what I signed up for. I actually had to look up what MM stood for 🫣! I received this prequel novella from the author to provide a back story for the latest installment of Hot in Chicago Rookies - Down in Flames.

I am definitely a virgin when it comes to reading anything other than your simple vanilla HEA’s. But - I was intrigued enough to continue to read Hudson and Jude’s steamy saga.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching novella of a guy, in the closet, hockey star who also happens to be a virgin with an itch to scratch. We follow him as he has a hook up, so nervous it will make you go aww. A good story that gets a tiny bit angsty and bloody well leaves us hanging and we have to wait until August 2023 to know the outcome.

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast read, quick and to the point with Hudson making the decision to end his virginity while on the road with the team. Not necessarily my type of story, but it hit all the marks for a hockey quicky.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, intriguing and fun

Kate sets the stage for what is bound to be an epic ride.
Giving just enough to keep me hooked, I can't wait for more Hudson and Jude!

4.5 stars and a sofa

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Beginning!

This quick read is really good! Who doesn’t like a hockey player book? Especially a virgin who wants to get his V card punched. Add in two sexy men who have a blazing first time together. Next read is the sequel!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

I loved this short about Hudson and Jude!! They met on an app when Hudson wanted to rid himself of his V card. Things could have gone so wrong, but Hudson was lucky and met Jude. These two really are good for each other. I can't wait to read the full book!!

[Linzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

Aww this was a good short but sweet book. I loved how Jude was with Hudson (Holt) and just wished they'd of got what they deserved. I'll definitely be reading the next book to see what happens.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is from Kate Meader, so of course, it earns five stars. But it's only a prequel and I was going to read Down in Flames anyway. Yes, it's great, but for my copy anyway, it was included as an intro to the main attraction--Down in Flames. Read it all. It's worth it.

[Sara Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully descriptive, intriguing, and sexy. The ending definitely left me wanting more about these characters. (I may or may not have screamed at some point. There was definitely some second-hand embarassment happening.)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A teaser for Hudson & Jude

Nice lead up to the continued story of these two great guys. Figuring out who they are in life & where their next steps will take them. Hopefully into the direction of each other.

[SusiePisces225 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the perfect introduction to our next super couple, Hudson and Jude. Can't wait to see all the cameos from the Chicago Rebels!