He’s a Special Forces veteran making his pro hockey debut. She’s a dogged sports reporter determined to get a scoop. She’s also his best friend’s widow . . .Fans can’t get enough of Levi Hunt, the Special Forces veteran who put his NHL career on hold to serve his country and fight the bad guys. So when his new Chicago Rebels bosses tell him to cooperate with the press on a profile, he’s ready to … profile, he’s ready to do his duty. Until he finds out who he has to work with: flame-haired, freckle-splashed, impossibly perky Jordan Cooke.
The woman he should not have kissed the night she buried her husband, Levi’s best friend in the service.
Hockey-stick-up-his-butt-serious Levi Hunt might despise Jordan for reasons she can’t fathom–okay, it’s to do with kissing–but her future in the cutthroat world of sports reporting hangs on delivering the goods on the league’s hottest, grumpiest rookie. So what if he’s not interested in having his life plated up for public consumption. Too bad. Jordan will have to play dirty to get her scoop and even dirtier to get her man.
Only in winning the story, she might just lose her heart …
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My first Kate Meader book did not disappoint. It was an easy light hearted read that tackled some very important issues in society today, especially involving women in sports related jobs whilst also taking on homelessness and how hard it is to even find a place that will keep you warm at night. These issues did not detract from the overall story of a man trying to rebuild his life again after leaving the army and being called up to the major leagues in hockey. Or the girl he fell for years ago who married his bestfriend, became a widow and who is now a reporter tasked with writing an article about his life. All things he wishes to keep private. She will push and prod him, worming her way in to his heart again, but can he trust it? Can she have it all? Her career and love? They have some trials ahead of them and it’s certainly makes for some interesting reading! Overall 4.5 stars of easy romance with a touch of sadness that will keep you company for a few lazy hours this summer.
I was so excited to read Kate Meader’s Good Guy, book one in the new Rookie Rebels series! It’s a spin-off of the excellent Chicago Rebels series and also a smidge of a cross over with the fantastic Hot in Chicago series! And holy moly, I loved catching up with old friends and meeting Jordan and Levi!
I loved Jordan from the start. She’s been through hell, but she’s strong, sassy, smart and knows where she’s going and what she wants in life. It’s time for her to shine as a hockey journalist—and she’s got a big opportunity to prove herself. She’s wrangled an exclusive with “Hockey’s Oldest Rookie” one Levi Hunt. As long as their history doesn’t derail things before she gets her chance.
And Levi. Damn, the grumpy gus is so damn swoony. And loyal. And all-around great guy. Levi’s served his country. Now it’s his turn to take a chance on himself and play the game he’s loved since childhood. And he doesn’t need any distractions—not from the media, and especially not from Jordan.
I loved the give and take between Jordan and Levi. That there was so much heat between them, even though there was also so much denial. I loved how they talked out their past history—finally. And that their biggest issue was due to outside influences—mostly—not that they were “dumb” in their relationship.
I also loved the bromance between all the guys on the Rebels. Loved how they came together—like brothers—to support each other and get a rise out of each other too. Lordy, some of the attempted nicknames were a riot! And I’m so hoping Theo’s story is next! ~ 5 “Superglutes” stars
Levi Hunt truly is a Good Guy! In fact, this guy is almost too good to be true! Luckily for Jordan Cooke, however, the more we get to know him, the more we discover just what a gem he really is.
Things don’t start out well for these two. When the story begins, Jordan is given the assignment of writing a profile on Levi. Of course, this is only because he was friends with her late husband. And he’s never cared much for her… or at least that’s what Jordan believes. Come to find out, however, Levi does have some very strong, long-standing, and not all negative feelings for her.
As these two get more/reacquainted, they start to have an effect on how the other sees the world. They also begin to suss out their very complicated feelings for one another. There are quite a few tense moments in their relationship, as they learn things about each other that they didn’t know. But mostly they realize what a good person the other one is, and they how much they have to offer each other. Of course, there are disagreements and misunderstandings along the way, some with rather high-stakes results for both the two of them and others around them. But there are a lot of feel-good moments too, as well as some slow but sure realization of how happy they make each other.
Apparently, this book is the first in a spin-off series from the author’s Chicago Rebels and Hot in Chicago series. There were several characters with a back-story that was heavily alluded to, that perhaps was covered in more detail in these other books. However, this was my first book by this author, let alone in this world of hers, and I did not feel the least left out or confused. This came off wonderfully well as a self-contained story. I look forward to reading more stories by her in the future.
There is a delightful supporting cast in this tale! Levi’s hockey teammates are all quite interesting and personable. I especially enjoyed Theo, Eloise, Joe and (of course) Cookie. I’m hopeful that we’ll see more of all these characters in future volumes of the series.
Sassy, steamy, and sexy!
Good Guy is a second-chance, hockey romance featuring the humble, publicity magnet, Levi Hunt who after having a harrowing career in the Green Berets becomes the oldest rookie in the NHL, and the spunky, tenacious widow, Jordan Cooke who may have to decide what’s more important the feelings of her late husband’s best friend or the opportunity at the career she’s always wanted.
The writing is crisp and fervent. The characters are charismatic, intriguing, and endearing. And the plot is a lighthearted, passionate tale filled with sizzling tension, poignant moments, scorching chemistry, flirty innuendoes, genuine emotion, and a swoon-worthy, happy-ever-after ending.
Overall, I found Good Guy to be a charming, entertaining, fantastic start to this new Rookie Rebels series by Meader that I am positive will be a big hit with fans of the sports romance genre and lovers of the Chicago Rebels series everywhere.
Kate has given us another great start to a new series. Levi & Jordan will tug at your heart strings and give you all the feels !!
Levi is a retired Green Beret that left hockey long ago to serve his country but at 30 he is back with a vengence and now the oldest rookie on the team . He knows to expect some blowback what he didnt expect is to see her.
Jordan is a woman making her way in a sports world ruled by men. She is a great jounalist and has just got her break. The opportunity to cover the newest older rookie on the block but it is Levi . This man was her husbands best friend and fellow soldier he was also there when she lost him to the war. She knows that she never had a spot in his heart . Levi never took to her but she is here to do a job and that she will get down no matter what the cost !! They will both need to bend a bit to make this interview work but they may soon discover so many things left hidden in the past !!
Such a great story!!!
~~Michele McMullen ~
Kate Meader’s Good Guy isn’t just good—it’s top shelf, must read hockey romance. I fell head-over-skates for Levi and Jordan!
Jordan Cooke has her chance at the big time…well as a substitute for the sports reporter on medical leave, but still a chance. Levi Hunt, former Special Forces, has left the military and is trying to return to his hockey career with the Chicago Rebels. He is taken aback, during the after-game interviews, when the female reporter is Jordan Cooke whom he has not seen in five years. He and Jordan have a history based on his friendship with Josh, Jordan’s husband, who was killed in Afghanistan. Levi was best man at their wedding and last saw Jordan at Josh’s funeral. He knows that the Rebels want him to do interviews as the fans seems obsessed with his military and now hockey career, but there is only so much that he is willing to discuss. Levi has always been attracted to Jordan and slowly begins to share himself with her as their attraction to each other deepens. A second chance at romance and witty dialog make this an enjoyable story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
4.5 stars
I am giggling like a school girl! You don’t have to have read the Chicago Rebels series to fall for the Good Guy but it definitely colors your glasses! Knowing all the secondary players in this story makes it that much more special! Newbies to the Rebels will definitely be drawn to start at the beginning. Old friends, like myself, will want to re-read all the awesomeness. It’s like visiting with your old friends! You are ridiculously excited to see them and it feels like you’ve never left them.
Good Guy is all the swoons. You have a former Green Beret turned hockey stud who is an all around respectful and stoic man. (You may not have inferred from the Green Beret/hockey player part…But dude is in outstanding shape!) A hockey hottie with military manners! What is not to like…throw in a Cookie, a Theo, and some visits from Rebel Royalty and Good Guy will leave you smiling and a little bit breathless! Not to mention the hashtags…#superglutes!
This was a Fantastic start into a new series. Where the new rookie Levi Hunt is also the oldest rookie. Levi had been off the ice and serving his country for the last nine years as a Green Beret. The newest Chicago Rebel was the hottest story in hockey, and everyone wanted his story.
Levi Hunt wanted to forget what he had seen in his deployments, he didn’t want to talk about it. He had so much regret, pain, but most of all guilt that he had survived. He had hoped to stay in the feeder league for a year or two to get game tough, but after the Rebels center fractured his arm Levi was called up 4 months after he was discharged. And now they were assigning a sports reporter to do a story about him, and he couldn’t believe it was her.
Jordan Cooke has been a women working in a mans world, dealing with the good and the bad. She finally had a chance at one of the most coveted reporting gigs in sports with an interview for a job at Chicago Sports Net. After losing her husband five years ago, she was forced to focus on what was important and that became her career. Now she was was ready to seize her destiny. But she didn’t want it to be based on her past with Levi Hunt. He had been her husband’s best friend and his best man when they got married. And a man she had kissed six hours after she buried her husband. Now she had a new job because she had a connection that could be exploited. And she really didn’t want to have to deal with him.
These two are a slow burn romance. Their interactions are filled with angst, attraction, attitude, emotion, passion and love. Doing some articles about this mild mannered Super hero, could be the start of getting to know the Good Guy.
I cant wait to read the rest of this series!!
This was a quick read from Kate Meader. It is a spin-off of the Chicago Rebels series. You don’t need to read that series to be able to enjoy this story. Jordan is a reporter and Levi is an ex-green beret that has now turned into an NHL rookie. They have a past that comes into play and could possibly affect their future. It had some steamy love scenes. It is a good read for fans of sports romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I am a huge Kate Meader fan girl. I was thrilled when she announced a return to the Chicago Rebels. Good Guy does not disappoint. There are enough cameos to make long-time readers happy even as she introduces a new crop of Rebels. This is a hot hockey romance with cameos by a few favorite firefighters which checks all the blocks for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
I really enjoyed this standalone read that is set in the same world as the Chicago Rebels. I found the storyline to be entertaining and it held my attention well. Tension, drama, emotional turmoil, humor, romance and social commentary are woven throughout. I liked Levi a lot. He was a really good guy and quite swoon worthy. I enjoy them broody and that description I feel, fits Levi perfectly. Jordan was spunky, determined and upbeat. I liked these two as a couple and thought they had good chemistry. Both the past and the present are obstacles on the road to a HEA for this couple. This was a very good read and a solid start to this new series.
Kate Meader has a wicked way of wrapping every man she creates around a reader’s heart … and I absolutely love it! With the first look at her new hockey spin-off series Rookie Rebels, she brings us the story of a decorated war hero who sacrificed a lot in his service to our country, but just sees himself as an average Joe as he starts his NHL career. His world is about to go up in flames when he reconnects with the widow of his best friend who he’s had a thing for since the day he met her. The story line is fresh and fun, the characters took a little longer to connect for me, but once they did it was magical. Really enjoyed the first duo of the series … so looking forward to more!
Former Green Beret Levi Hunt wishes the media attention surrounding him would die down. He thinks of himself as the furthest thing from a hero, but everyone seems to be latching on and wanting a piece of him. He wants to settle into his new career as a hockey player … and just live for awhile. He isn’t happy when his new bosses decide he needs to cooperate with a media expose … but he especially isn’t happy when he sees who is doing it!
Sports reporter Jordan Cooke isn’t really into using the “who I know” card to get a leg up in her career, but she knows it might be her only chance, so she let’s it be known that she knows the man that everyone wants a scoop on. Her husband was best friends with him. He might have never liked her, but she knows she can get him to talk … if they can get past the kiss they shared the last time they saw each other … the day they buried her husband.
I absolutely loved this book!! I’m a fairly new fan of Kate Meader’s books and I’m thrilled I was able to read Good Guy. Good Guy is a spin off of the Chicago Rebels series, which I haven’t read… yet. Although I do think that this book can be read and understood without having read the Chicago Rebels series I think that having the prior background knowledge of the characters would have been nice. I loved each of the characters so much that I am planning to go back and read the Chicago Rebels series too!!
I am a huge hockey fan (Go Detroit Red Wings) and I absolutely LOVED the references in the book to many of the hockey greats (Gordie Howe, Gretzky, etc.), however, you really don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy this book. Levi Hunt is a retired Green Beret that is the oldest rookie to join the NHL’s Chicago Rebels hockey team. He is a very complex character as we discover throughout the story. Jordan Cooke is a widow and journalist that gets an opportunity to move from the minor league to the NHL to fill in for a colleague. Her job is basically to write a profile on Levi Hunt. Levi doesn’t have much of a choice to work with Jordan and they already have history… Jordan’s husband was Levi’s best friend in the service. I won’t expand much more than that on the 2 characters, however, the chemistry between Jordan and Levi is off the charts. I loved their interactions and the process of them falling deeply in love.
I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of the team, and really, of the Chicago Rebels franchise throughout the story. (I’m really hoping that ‘Superglutes’ & Elle will be the main focus for the next story too!) There were some tough aspects in the story that were tackled: homelessness, sexual harassment, and how women fit in to a predominantly male world in sports/journalism, but the overall tone of the story was perfect!!
I would highly recommend reading this book!! I love when reading a book and I find myself laughing, smiling, crying, hoping, and falling in love with the characters through their journey. Kate Meader definitely has a way of writing that drags the reader into the story and allows her readers to experience the book in a magical way. I can not wait for the next book in this series!! I hope that you all enjoy reading Good Guy, because Levi Hunt is most definitely a Good Guy and this book is a phenomenal story!!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the original Rebels books so I was definitely excited to hear that Kate Meader is giving us more hockey goodness! The premise of this story pulled me right in too: ex-soldier getting a second chance to play in the NHL and the widow of his Special Forces best friend and teammate getting a chance at love.
Levi wants no part of the media focus that surrounds him or the public’s fascination with his military history. He just wants a chance to find his game on the ice and show Harper and the Rebels front office that they made the right choice by giving him the opportunity to play in the big leagues at his age. His nickname, Mount Grump, seems to fit given his stoic facade but one person threatens to break through despite his best efforts.
Jordan put her career on hold when she got married but she didn’t regret it. Now that she has a chance to build a new life, she is struggling to find a foothold in the male dominated arena of sports journalism. She briefly pauses when she is offered a juicy opportunity to write an in depth piece on Levi given her connection to him, but the pause is very brief. She needs any in that she can get, and Levi hates her anyway… right?
The tension between these two is off the charts: first due to an ill-timed kiss they shared right before Josh’s funeral that they both blame themselves for, and then due to the UST between them. Levi tries to maintain his distance for multiple reasons that are eventually revealed to us, but Jordan’s sparkling personality slowly wears him down. He nicknamed her Ms. Sunshine for a reason and it’s fitting – but make no mistake, the heart of a reporter sniffing for a story definitely beats in her chest and the reader has to wonder which side of her will win out.
Jordan is funny and snarky and had me laughing throughout this story. She also shines a spotlight on the plight of women in her industry while hoping to bring awareness at a minimum with changes being the best case scenario. Of course the boys club doesn’t intend to stand by and let her get away with it, and some cutthroat tactics may be deployed. Through it all, once she realizes how deep her feelings for Levi run, she has to find a way to convince him that their past connection does not preclude a future together.
We get to meet some very interesting characters along the way from the new Rebels team members that we will be seeing more of in the future to some very familiar faces from the original Rebels series. I loved Levi’s teammate Theo and the beginnings of the backstory that were laid out for us! When things go sideways between Levi and Jordan, he provides the voice of reason to help get them back on track. Good Guy was a great intro to a new series and I am looking forward to what comes next!
Good Guy was my first time reading Kate Meader, and I really liked it. Though this can be read as a standalone novel, It was very evident that this was a spin off series. In the first few chapters I felt like that friend that tagged along to a party were everyone knows everyone, and I was the outsider. It didn’t bother me though, it just made me want to go read their books(which I totally will be doing) so that I know them better. Levi, OMG he was just so yummy. I fell madly in love with Levi. In my eyes he was perfect. I love how protective and respectful he was. The title of the book was spot on, he was such a Good Guy. Truly, Levi made the whole book for me. I liked Jordan a lot, but there was a few times when I didn’t understand her choices. Still I found her strong, smart, and a good match for Levi. I thought they made a very cute couple. The sexual tension was off the chain. I loved how Jordan worked so hard to get Levi to open up. It made every smile and laugh special.
Someone else that really stood out in this book was Theo (Superglutes) Kershaw. He was so damn funny and sexy. I can’t wait for Superglutes to get his HEA. The story plot was good. Kate Meader’s writing style was smooth like butter. I love when an author can make me laugh and this book had some really funny parts. I think my only problem with this book, and it wasn’t a big thing, but at times I felt that it got a bit preachy. What I mean by that is this book brought up subjects of Social Justice. Which isn’t a problem in itself. No the problem was there was just so much of it like there was a Social Justice Warrior check list, and it checked them all off. It got into sexism in a male dominated professions, homelessness, metal health, domestic violence, sexual harassment, bullying, social media bullying, hunger and poverty, etc etc. I’m all for bringing light on these subjects, but maybe not so many in one story. Overall I really liked the book. I liked it enough to head to Amazon and get the Chicago Rebels series, and the Hot in Chicago series.
The first in the new spin-off series from the Chicago Rebels introduces us to Levi Hunt and Jordan Cooke. Levi was the best man at Jordan’s wedding to his best friend. And he was there to help her bury him when he was killed in action. And now that he has left the special forces and rejoined the hockey world, she has been asked to use her “in” to get an interview with the oldest rookie. The only problem is that he can’t seem to stand her and always let’s her know it. But she wants to move ahead in her career and is willing to poke him until he gives her the interview she needs.
I liked this first installment and definitely liked Jordan and Levi’s banter back and forth. Levi has had a rough life and lets it follow him around and make him think he doesn’t deserve things that he truly does. Jordan has managed to follow her dreams even after losing her husband at such a young age. I love how they both fell for each other despite the obstacles that were in their path. And that even when the worst happens they manage to work it out. It’s a second chance book at it’s finest. My only drawback was that parts of it seemed slow to me, and I had to force myself to keep reading to get past those portions. But on a whole, I really liked it and am looking forward to the next one!
Levi and Jordan stole my heart in Good Guy! It is the first book in the Rookie Rebels series that is a spin off from the Chicago Rebels. It can be read as a standalone but you will definitely recognize many of the characters from the previous series!
The book has all the makings of a hot hockey romance with the perfect combination of a well written steamy story, memorable characters and just the right amount of hockey on and off the ice!
Levi truly is a hero, from his service in the Army to his dedication to help others, whether it is a team mate or a person down on their luck. But as much as he gives he still doesn’t believe he is deserving of the friendship and love he wants with Jordan. She is the wife of his good friend who died in combat, so when she shows up suddenly and is back in his life he feels maybe he might now have a chance with her that he didn’t years earlier. He just has to get out of his own way.
Jordan is trying to build her career and when her subject is the man she knew through her husband, but she thought didn’t like her she has to figure how to break his walls down to get her story. What she finds it so much more than she ever thought possible again, Love!
The Good Guy Delivers a Romance Hat Trick!
1) swoon worthy grumpy hero falls for a Ms. Sunshine heroine
2) intimacy that is as sweet as it is hot (and it’s )
3) amazing social commentary on gender and sports
Levi Hunt is the oldest rookie in the NHL and happens to be a former Green Beret, what a story?! Jordan Cooke is a female sports reporter trying to excel at her job while dealing with double standards and harassment at every turn. When her connection to Levi becomes the foundation for her getting what could be the scoop of season she knows she has to be professional…except there’s just something about Mount Grump she can’t resist.
Levi and Jordan were perfect opposites attract that had these really steamy moments mixed in with extremely profound moments dealing with love, loss, and the feelings of inadequacy. Joe and Cookie and Theo and Elle also brought some deep feels and funny moments while Levi and Jordan figured things out.
Kate Meader’s skill at creating funny, steamy, and even a little bit dirty banter is among the best and Good Guy is a prime example! She’s also a total pro at creating a cast of characters that you care about and don’t mind popping in because they are going to say and do just the right thing for the main characters while also making you love them (I’m talking about Theo and Elle and my need for their book like now, hint hint). I absolutely loved seeing the Hot in Chicago crew again and getting some time with all the Chase sisters and their fellas!
I can’t wait for more of this Chicago Rebels spin off series…and well anything else she writes!
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
I love the Chicago Rebels series so I was thrilled when Kate Meader decided to do a spinoff. I enjoy her writing very much so it was no surprise as to how much I really enjoyed this story and the whole concept of it. I love the characters we are introduced here and of course the characters I came to love from the Rebels series that make many appearances.
Our hero Levi, and in this case he really is one, had a whole other career before coming onto the scene as a rookie hockey player, as a Green Beret. Thus making him quite old to be a rookie in this game. Levi is a very private man, which makes the fact that the team wants him to be the subject of an in depth profile story pretty unnerving for him. This is exacerbated when the reporter picked to do it is the widow of an old army buddy/friend of his that he has been pining for forever. In fact, he was the best man at their wedding. Levi is so much more than he appears to be at first and I loved watching Jordan discover all the many layers he has. Jordan, who is now finally chasing after something for herself, is smart, sassy and driven and is picked over her male counterparts to write this piece because of her connection with Levi. She is an amazing reporter but has been overshadowed in this male dominated field. They have some serious chemistry that neither really wants to explore at first, but you know how that goes. And of course this makes for some great tension filled moments and dialogue.
Great storyline, wonderful characters both old and new as well as a wonderful ending, makes this an excellent start off to a new series. I cannot wait for more of the rookies on the Rebels as they already have me intrigued especially Superglutes!
I received an ARC from publisher through Netgalley.