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 … 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?
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I Love this couple. All the feels included in this wonderful hockey Romance. Mia has set her sights on a sports agent. Hockey players were not her MO. Mia is also working hard at getting picked up for the US Olympic team. Mia’s brother suggests his teammate Cal help her get into shape. Cal and Mia become fast friends. Is it inevitable one of them will catch feelings? Super sweet and loving story about trust, self esteem, baggage, communication and of course love. LOVE this series and this read!
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!
With Foreplayer, Kate Meader has produced a fun, sweet and heartwarming story that had me smiling like a loon from start to finish!
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?
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!
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 |
I’m never disappointed when I pick up a Kate Meader book, especially when it’s a Rebels hockey story. Each book adds another layer to the interpersonal dynamics within the team for the enjoyment of long-time fans, while allowing new readers to come in at any time and enjoy each as a stand-alone story.
Best friend’s sibling is one of my favorite tropes, and that’s what we have when Cal gets involved with teammate and friend’s little sister Mia. What starts as a friendship (again, friends to lovers trope…squee!!) and a “relationship guide” quickly turns more personal, even as they both fight it. Cal is a good guy, seemingly unheard of in the hockey world, if we go by Mia’s experience. He stays on good terms with his exes, he’s not as much of a player as some men are, and his bond with Mia is honest and straightforward. Mia is holding some things back from Cal, but she’s held her own disappointments close to her vest from everyone, including her brother. My heart broke for her as her self-imposed isolation wore her down and effected all parts of her life.
While not as emotionally wrenching Man Down, the previous Rookie Rebels book, Foreplayer incorporated some very timely issues that I thought were handled with a very interesting twist. I couldn’t put this book down, which entirely due to Meader’s gift of both storytelling and character development. Even those characters that irked me were not just two dimensional caricatures, although I’ll admit, I’m still scared one might pop up in a subsequent book!
Loved this book, looking forward to the next and definitely recommend this series, as well as the author herself, to all readers. You don’t need to love hockey or sports romance to be a fan of the Rookie Rebels or Kate Meader…just a fan of great romance books.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book because ”amazing” or “really freaking awesome” doesn’t do it justice. It’s romantic, steamy, entertaining and so heartwarming that it literally leaves you breathless. It makes you feel so many different things at once. It’s hockey with a twist, and the swoon factor is off the charts.
I loved watching Callum and Mia as they grow closer, while they train together. Their flirting, their banter the sweet build of heat that leads them to a seriously great connection. But both of them are hiding a pain from their past that still affects them deeply. If only they can trust each other with their secrets. But with neither of them knowing just how much the other cares for them, will they come to their senses and see what is right in front of them before they lose each other for good?
I enjoyed all their friends and players from previous books. As well as the fierceness of the brotherhood and sisterhood that they have formed. This is another fantastic hockey romance in this fantastic series. Can’t wait for the next one!
Received a complimentary copy for a honest review.
I truly loved this book so much! It’s sweet, fun, heartwarming and full of all the good stuff!! I laughed, I swooned and felt all the emotions. Kate is such an amazing writer and I always feel like I am a part of her stories. These characters are so lovable and awesome! Cal is such an amazing man and as we find out, he is also perfect for Mia. He has changed a lot as he has matured in the NHL and Mia makes him feel things he never truly has before. But Cal is Vadim, Mia’s older brother’s teammate and friend, so it’s possible things could get a little dicey. A hockey player herself, Mia asks Cal to train her so she can make it onto the Olympic team but she really wanted training of another kind. Mia wanted Cal to teach her the ways to seduce a man so she could go after who she really wants. At least that’s how it starts out. But you know how these things can change when someone catches feelings.
Great story! Great characters, great writing!! What more can you ask for? I enjoyed Cal and Mia’s journey to find love so very much! I absolutely love this series!
I adore this series so hard, and I really loved this book. Brother’s best friend is my favorite trope of all-time!
Mia Wallace is working her way back to her first love: hockey. She went through a rough patch the last two years, after an ugly break-up, but now she’s determined to make the US Olympic team, and from there, to women’s pro hockey, where she always should’ve been. When her big brother, hockey star Vadim Petrov, suggests his friend Cal to help with her training, she decides to take him up on it. And she’ll also get pointers from Cal on how to snag the guy she wants that hasn’t shown any interest in her yet. Win-win!
Cal Foreman is coming back to hockey, with a new team, after rehab on his shoulder. He’s flying solo these days, after maneuvering his last date to break up with him, at a wedding. When his best friend volunteers him to help with Mia’s rehab, he’s worried. He’s very attracted to her, and his friend’s little sister is the definition of off-limits. Then, he finds out she needs his help snagging a man too, and he feels some kinda way about it, which confuses him further. They become good friends, and stronger feelings start happening on both sides, but can Mia give up her plans? And can Cal be the man she needs?
Cal and Mia had awesome banter, and a lovely, friendly chemistry from the start. In fact, Mia was worried from the start about her attraction to Cal, when she believed he was the exact wrong type of man for her, and she had her sights set on someone more “sophisticated,” and definitely not a jock. Cal was worried from the start because he wanted Mia, but knew he could never act on it. They danced around each other, all while falling deeper, and deeper together before they knew it. Mostly they were really THERE for each other, in so many ways, and I loved their connection.
The side characters here were awesome, as always. I especially adored seeing more of Vadim and Isobel again. With as much as I love these Rookie Rebels, I miss the OG Rebels so much! So any sightings of them are always welcome, and since Mia is Vadim’s sister, he was talked about and featured quite a bit, which was great! Also, the guys in the locker room are always funny, and I enjoyed getting a first glimpse of the hero for the next book in the series, Reid Durand, the grouchy, misunderstood Canadian.
Both Cal and Mia had a lot of baggage from their pasts that was holding them back without their conscious knowledge. They both thought they had their lives well in hand, and were doing just fine alone, only to discover that they were hiding from their past mistakes, and letting them affect their potential futures. I enjoyed how they each dealt with, or avoided dealing with, their issues as they arose, and how they often helped each other navigate them. They really trusted each other, and they both shared things with one another that they had told no one else. It bonded them from the start, before any serious romantic feelings even started between them. They built a true friendship and it was so lovely to watch it blossom into more, almost against both of their wills.
This author’s words always make me happy, even when they are making me sad at the same time. This book did so much to make me smile, and hope, and wish for better for Cal and Mia, and I loved spending time in their Chicago hockey world again. I always want more of this big family of characters, and so I can’t wait for the next story!
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.
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.)
Kate Meader has another hit on her hands with Foreplayer. There’s a dramatic undertone, but, for the most part, it’s a lighthearted and fun addition to the Rookie Rebels series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mia Wallace and Cal Foreman might seem an unlikely match at first, but it soon becomes apparent, to the reader at least, they’re actually perfect for one another. Watching them finally come to that realization is highly entertaining. They’re casual friends, but there’s a definite competitive and frenemies vibe that just adds extra spice to their relationship.
I adored Mia Wallace in So Over You, her brother Vadim Petrov’s story in the Chicago Rebels series. It isn’t surprising she’s grown into a confident, determined, forthright woman who goes after what she wants. What — or who — she wants is definitely not a hockey player. Is it? Over time, Cal proves not all hockey players are complete dic…jerks.
Cal Foreman is yet another in a long line of the author’s irresistible heroes. Although Cal is yummier than most. A fierce protectiveness hidden behind an easy-going charm quickly made him my new favorite Rookie Rebel.
Many of the original cast from the Chicago Rebels series have prominent roles in this story. Seeing them and catching up with their families and careers is always a highlight and something I look forward to.
Foreplayer delivers the snarky competitiveness, sexual tension, emotional, and steamy moments the blurb promises. It hooked me immediately, and I alternately couldn’t put it down and wanted it to never end.
This story can be read as a standalone but reading the previous books in both series would explain some relationships and increase the reader enjoyment. The other stories are fabulous in their own right and shouldn’t be missed.
4.5 stars
I received an advance copy and voluntarily left a review.
Those who have read the Rookie Rebels series will definitely love this installment, those new to the party, hop on because Cal and Mia’s story is a great one. Cal is the new Rebel player, mild manored, level headed in life and love, and loyal to the core. Mia is the long lost sister of the Rebels captain, Vadim Petrov, and is always under his watchful eyes. Both Cal and Mia have deep secrets and baggage that they have kept for years, but when the two are thrown together for hockey training, all bets are off. I truly love this series and author, fun read, lots of steamy scenes, and some emotional circumstances that will definitely tug at your heart strings. Loved every part of this book, and even though I’m a big hockey fan, you don’t need to be to turned on very quickly to this story. Really enjoyed the ending and can’t wait for Durand’s story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
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. Reid Durand’s story line is next in Dear Roomie.
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.
Lesson, never let your friend ask you to watch after his sister. It will never end well, nevermind, yes it will! For me, the friendship of Cal and Mia is the best part of the story. She says “will you help me learn seduction techniques” and he says “of course” but what he doesn’t know is that she means the nitty gritty and that is where the humor comes in. I did laugh at the most inappropriate things Mia asked about. What I love about Kate’s books is that she mixes humor, strong characters, and great insight to their personalities. Nothing on the surface. Dig down deep and you will see the real story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I loved this wonderful romance. This all the feels read is sweet, fun, steamy, humorous, emotional and has a giant heart. Cal and Mia were amazing characters that were super easy to love. The book and story are beautifully written and quickly sweeps you up into it. Drama, turmoil and tension all add extra flavor to the mix but honestly, in my opinion this is just the type of read that’s going to put a smile on your face and a bit of lightness in your heart. This is my candid, elective review.
Cal Foreman is a good guy at heart…but not in the public eye. He definitely has his work cut out for him to get back on the ice…physically and mentally.
Mia, Vadim’s sister (he is the Chicago Rebels captain, and Cal’s longtime friend), needs help getting back on the ice as well, however…she has some dark hidden secrets and individuals working against her.
When Cal agrees to help Mia train for the Olympic hockey team, he is also stupid enough to try to help her “hook” the man she has a crush on… he didn’t intend on teaching her “stick-handling” in the process…
This 4th book in the Rookie Rebels series by the wonderful romance author, Kate Meader, is “pucking” hot! There is a bit of a slow-burn, but then it heats up enough to melt the ice, a great storyline from an author who obviously knows her hockey, and characters (not only in this book, but in the series as well!) are a wonderful combination! Kate is an author I can count on to give me a hot, do-not-miss, hockey romance! This is a 5 goal book!
If you love hockey romances or romance in general Foreplayer ( Rookie Rebels #4) should certainly be on your radar, it’s a book that will appeal to wide range of audiences and I loved everything about this wonderful story. I adored Cal and Mia and I was so happy to join their journey to find their HEA.
Cal is asked by Mia’s brother to help her train and get ready for the trails for the US woman’s hockey team, he is only meant to be her friend but what happens when Mia asks him for advice for seducing the man she thinks is the love of her life…..
This is a slow burn friends to lovers story and it touched me on so many levels, I loved the characters and I loved the journey they took me on, I laughed, I sighed and I found myself wishing and hoping this couple would finally see what’s right in front of their eyes. But couple first need to get past the baggage they are carrying around before they can move forward and that only adds depth to this wonderful romance. Sizzling chemistry, witty banter and an adorable couple make this gem a must read so all that’s left for me to say is I highly recommend you one click Foreplayer !!!!
Emotive, steamy, and sweet!
Foreplayer is a lighthearted, passionate RomCom about the intelligent, talented Mia who knows she needs more help in the seduction department but is adamant she definitely won’t be getting help from a hockey player and the hunky, charismatic Cal who has finally decided he’s finished with casual hookups and dating in general.
The writing is sultry and smooth. The supporting characters are fun-loving, supportive, and engaging. And the plot sweeps you away into an irresistible storyline filled with red-hot chemistry, shameless flirting, emotional moments, family, friendship, light drama, sizzling romance, and hockey.
I absolutely love this Rookie Rebels series by Meader. It just keeps getting better and better, and I am counting down the days until I get a chance to read Reid’s story in Dear Roomie releasing in May 2021!
The greatest gift that any author can give fans is a strong sense of self. With Foreplayer, Meader creates a heroine that bucks convention to find comfort living in her own skin. Mia is at her best when she lets her heart fly free and her spirit shine through. Love is about more than giving your heart, it’s about trusting yourself to make the right choice despite the heartache it takes to get you there.
There’s a reason they call it the mating dance. Cal and Mia are leading different lives with their only common interest is hockey. Mia, however, has sworn off romance with a hockey player and Cal has sworn off commitment. They both have secrets that follow them everywhere and impact how they face romance.
As always Ms Meader’s characters are believable and come across as people you’d really like to know. Its a love story with some undercurrents that threaten to undermine that love before it gets started. this book can be read as a stand alone but its so much better to read them all in order. Let the dance begin.
Mia and Cal’s love story in Foreplayer by Kate Meader, book four in the Rookie Rebels series, was an emotional, intriguing, sexy, enjoyable and brother’s best friend hockey romance. Cal Foreman is focusing on hockey and taking a break from women and relationships after a public breakup and a viral post that named him as the one at fault. When Cal’s old friend and Chicago Rebels captain, Vadim Petrov, asks him to help train Vadim’s sister, Mia, he figures he can do a favor and get himself ready for the season with his new team. The problem is that Mia has additional lessons on her mind; something that would make her brother lock her in her room. Hockey phenom and Olympic hopeful Mia Wallace wants help seducing the man of her dreams; a man who is definitely not Cal Foreman, the notorious playboy, thorn in her side, and her brother’s best friend. Surely a guy with his skill set can share a few tips on how she can attract her target, which makes Cal the perfect foreplayer. Cal knows that Mia sees him as her warm-up act in her plan to win another man, but as they spend more time together, he wonders if that is enough for him. Cal wonders if he might not be able to convince Mia that he should be her dream guy, instead of some other guy who has yet to notice her. The attraction between Cal and Mia is magnetic and their chemistry is off the charts. As these two work together on and off the ice, they begin to trust each other, being able to share their secrets; secrets that affected them emotionally and professionally. Learning that maybe, yes maybe, they were perfect for each other; soul mates, team mates, lovers.
Ms. Meader wrote an emotional, amazing, burn the sheets, sports romance that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, sarcasm, revealing conversations, and endearing characters giving Cal and Mia a chance at closure with the past, love, and a future together. I highly recommend Foreplayer to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I love brother’s best friend stories and this was a great one. Cal and Vadim’s bromance had me laughing. Mia and Cal’s relationship unfolded in a way that felt natural and not forced. They had such chemistry and helped each other find what was missing. The ending left me smiling (and wanting more of Cal and Mia).
Throughly enjoyed this great addition to the Rookie Rebels series. Can’t wait to learn more about Reid and seeing him meet his match.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.