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Rookie Rebels #6
Jock Wanted
She has her heart set on a hockey player. Any hockey player.
When the new general manager of the Chicago Rebels tasks Tara Becker with faking it with one of his players to help clean up the naughty jock's act, she's all over it. She'll make that misbehaving hunk of muscle look good and get her dream guy into the bargain.
Only the path from fake to real is riddled with thorns . . .
New Rebels GM Hale Fitzpatrick thinks ditzy blonde and wannabe WAG Tara is the perfect solution to his PR problem - until she isn't. Soon Fitz realizes that maybe he doesn't have control of the strings after all . . . especially when he starts to fall for his pretty little puppet.
A fake relationship hockey romance - with a twist!
When the new general manager of the Chicago Rebels tasks Tara Becker with faking it with one of his players to help clean up the naughty jock's act, she's all over it. She'll make that misbehaving hunk of muscle look good and get her dream guy into the bargain.
Only the path from fake to real is riddled with thorns . . .
New Rebels GM Hale Fitzpatrick thinks ditzy blonde and wannabe WAG Tara is the perfect solution to his PR problem - until she isn't. Soon Fitz realizes that maybe he doesn't have control of the strings after all . . . especially when he starts to fall for his pretty little puppet.
A fake relationship hockey romance - with a twist!
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2022
120 people are currently reading
3749 people want to read
About the author
Kate Meader
54 books3,367 followersKate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.
Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.
The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)
The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)
The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.
For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com
Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.
The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)
The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)
The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.
For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
June 21, 2022
"You have a lifetime of me all to yourself."
"Not enough," he said as his lips found hers. "Never enough."
This was one of the easiest 5-star ratings I’ve given so far this year. Hale and Tara’s story captivated me from the start, and it was one of those amazingly satisfying happily ever afters. Kate Meader always manages to spin her tale in a way that teleports you into the book and makes you feel like you’re part of the story – and this was no exception.
"No guy would look at her and think: I hope to hold hands with you in our rocking chairs."
My heart absolutely broke for Tara. She’s so much more than what she shows the world, but she needs to put on a mask for others. So she pretends to be a golddigger, an airhead, someone who cares only about money and has no heart. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The way she thinks about herself, her insecurities and self-doubt, her need to belong very much hit home for me, and I could absolutely relate to her.
"Don’t do this to me, General. Don’t make me fall for you."
How can I describe Hale without using the word ‘perfect’? I can’t. OK, he seems conceited, arrogant, and needs to come off his high horse, but that’s also a mask he’s putting on. He’s such a wonderful guy, so considerate, so kind, and so attentive. The combo of sweet, hot, sexy, and swoony will do you in. I would have fallen for him for sure. Well, to be fair, I sort of did.
"When had she made the switch from ‘you irritate the fuck out of me’ to ‘please fuck the irritation out of me’?"
First impressions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Tara annoyed me a bit. She’s looking to get married to a hunky hockey player who can provide for her while also being easy on the eyes. That seems shallow, right? What you don’t see is that she has a reason for that, and all her life she’s been told she’s just a pretty face. She believes it too, and it will take someone special to show her how deserving of real happiness she truly is.
Cue Hale. The new GM, older, wiser, experienced. It’s unlikely these two would get together, but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Loved the tension, the longing, the looks – and one very hot airplane bathroom scene.
"Look at me like that forever. Like I would hang the moon for you. Because I just fucking might."
Tara is hired to help rehabilitate one of the player’s reputation, as his fake girlfriend. That should be easy enough, but that means spending more time around the team’s GM. The guy who knows what her favorite drink is, and how she takes her coffee. The guy who sees her as a bimbo, like everyone else does, until he takes the time to scratch beneath the surface to see the real her. He’s the only one who does.
"Remind me of the prize again?"
"This old heart of mine."
"It might be too valuable."
"Ain’t worth a damn without the woman who owns it."
The more they get to know each other, the better they fit, and the deeper they fall. However, they both feel undeserving. Surely, he’s not right for her, and she’s not right for him. Right? She’s not suitable because he deserves more, he’s not enough because she could have so much better. Real happiness is staring them in the face and I wanted to push them together so much.
For me, it was the little things. How they open up to each other, the moments they share, how clueless they are. It was so satisfying, and so infuriating at the same time.
"I knew you were the one I wanted, the one I dreamed of and hoped for, before I even met you."
What is ‘suitable’? What do you ‘deserve’? Are you less ‘deserving’ of happiness because you may not be ‘right’ for someone? By the way, what makes you ‘right’ anyway?
Honestly – who cares? Tara and Hale show us that the only thing that matters is love. When there’s love between two people, the real kind, they’ll always be right for each other. They’ll always be suitable and deserving. And even if it takes a bit to get there, it will all fall into place eventually.
Jock Wanted? GM Wanted. No jock ever stood a chance against Hale.
Awesome book, absolutely loved it!
"Not enough," he said as his lips found hers. "Never enough."
This was one of the easiest 5-star ratings I’ve given so far this year. Hale and Tara’s story captivated me from the start, and it was one of those amazingly satisfying happily ever afters. Kate Meader always manages to spin her tale in a way that teleports you into the book and makes you feel like you’re part of the story – and this was no exception.
"No guy would look at her and think: I hope to hold hands with you in our rocking chairs."
My heart absolutely broke for Tara. She’s so much more than what she shows the world, but she needs to put on a mask for others. So she pretends to be a golddigger, an airhead, someone who cares only about money and has no heart. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The way she thinks about herself, her insecurities and self-doubt, her need to belong very much hit home for me, and I could absolutely relate to her.
"Don’t do this to me, General. Don’t make me fall for you."
How can I describe Hale without using the word ‘perfect’? I can’t. OK, he seems conceited, arrogant, and needs to come off his high horse, but that’s also a mask he’s putting on. He’s such a wonderful guy, so considerate, so kind, and so attentive. The combo of sweet, hot, sexy, and swoony will do you in. I would have fallen for him for sure. Well, to be fair, I sort of did.
"When had she made the switch from ‘you irritate the fuck out of me’ to ‘please fuck the irritation out of me’?"
First impressions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Tara annoyed me a bit. She’s looking to get married to a hunky hockey player who can provide for her while also being easy on the eyes. That seems shallow, right? What you don’t see is that she has a reason for that, and all her life she’s been told she’s just a pretty face. She believes it too, and it will take someone special to show her how deserving of real happiness she truly is.
Cue Hale. The new GM, older, wiser, experienced. It’s unlikely these two would get together, but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Loved the tension, the longing, the looks – and one very hot airplane bathroom scene.
"Look at me like that forever. Like I would hang the moon for you. Because I just fucking might."
Tara is hired to help rehabilitate one of the player’s reputation, as his fake girlfriend. That should be easy enough, but that means spending more time around the team’s GM. The guy who knows what her favorite drink is, and how she takes her coffee. The guy who sees her as a bimbo, like everyone else does, until he takes the time to scratch beneath the surface to see the real her. He’s the only one who does.
"Remind me of the prize again?"
"This old heart of mine."
"It might be too valuable."
"Ain’t worth a damn without the woman who owns it."
The more they get to know each other, the better they fit, and the deeper they fall. However, they both feel undeserving. Surely, he’s not right for her, and she’s not right for him. Right? She’s not suitable because he deserves more, he’s not enough because she could have so much better. Real happiness is staring them in the face and I wanted to push them together so much.
For me, it was the little things. How they open up to each other, the moments they share, how clueless they are. It was so satisfying, and so infuriating at the same time.
"I knew you were the one I wanted, the one I dreamed of and hoped for, before I even met you."
What is ‘suitable’? What do you ‘deserve’? Are you less ‘deserving’ of happiness because you may not be ‘right’ for someone? By the way, what makes you ‘right’ anyway?
Honestly – who cares? Tara and Hale show us that the only thing that matters is love. When there’s love between two people, the real kind, they’ll always be right for each other. They’ll always be suitable and deserving. And even if it takes a bit to get there, it will all fall into place eventually.
Jock Wanted? GM Wanted. No jock ever stood a chance against Hale.
Awesome book, absolutely loved it!
June 8, 2022
The chemistry between Hale and Tara is fire. There were moments where I felt my whole body lit up with it, especially as Hale's protective instincts were triggered and he went all-in for Tara. I love a man brought to his knees by his feelings for a woman and Hale was a completely swoonworthy hero.
I struggle with romances where one of the characters has one foot out the door for almost the entire story. While I felt like Tara's character was written in a way that made her reluctance understandable, it still kept me from really sinking into the romance in the way that I wanted to. I felt like her constant pushing away was a little repetitive, and it also meant that the moments where I felt the connection and felt my whole body responding to their chemistry - were short lived and almost immediately snuffed out.
That said, I love these Rookie Rebels and while this particular type of story isn't my favorite - I still really enjoyed Tara and Hale's love story. It's well-written and totally engaging and my heart did not escape untouched. I also really enjoyed catching up with some past couples (and getting some clues into what may be coming down the road). The bromance, as ever, did not disappoint - gah, I just love these lovable lunks so much and cannot wait for the next one! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars
I struggle with romances where one of the characters has one foot out the door for almost the entire story. While I felt like Tara's character was written in a way that made her reluctance understandable, it still kept me from really sinking into the romance in the way that I wanted to. I felt like her constant pushing away was a little repetitive, and it also meant that the moments where I felt the connection and felt my whole body responding to their chemistry - were short lived and almost immediately snuffed out.
That said, I love these Rookie Rebels and while this particular type of story isn't my favorite - I still really enjoyed Tara and Hale's love story. It's well-written and totally engaging and my heart did not escape untouched. I also really enjoyed catching up with some past couples (and getting some clues into what may be coming down the road). The bromance, as ever, did not disappoint - gah, I just love these lovable lunks so much and cannot wait for the next one! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars
June 14, 2022
Jock Wanted was just absolute perfection.
I was really looking forward to this book. We’ve known Tara for a long while in the Rebels books as a bonafide Wag wannabe who came across as a bit of a gold digger. I was so curious to see how Kate would spin the story and how I would feel seeing it all play out.
I’m not sure I could have loved it anymore! Tara had so much more to show us, and whilst her motives may have been questionable to some, it helped me get a much deeper understanding of who she was and I couldn’t help but like her.
Hale, oh well, he just had me melting all over the place. The broody GM who was so deliciously grumpy and didn’t realise just why. He had everything I love in a hero, grumpy alpha male possessive vibes and a heart of gold. Honestly I couldn’t not root for him.
The tension in this book was fantastic. The set up made it so much more tense because Tara had a job to do fake dating her jock, and her own goals to secure. I couldn’t wait to see it play out!
Another major thing I love with all good sports romance is the inclusion of the team mates, both past and present and that was all here! I love the little check ins we have into the vet rebels lives and the locker room chats. It honestly feels like hanging out with friends, and I get so attached to each of these guys once I read their book that I love checking back in and seeing how they are doing.. and what role they’ll have to play in fixing our next hero!
The man in the suit, pulling the strings, ended up having his heart strings unravelled by the ultimate show doll he didn’t see coming.
Already impatiently waiting for my next fix!
I was really looking forward to this book. We’ve known Tara for a long while in the Rebels books as a bonafide Wag wannabe who came across as a bit of a gold digger. I was so curious to see how Kate would spin the story and how I would feel seeing it all play out.
I’m not sure I could have loved it anymore! Tara had so much more to show us, and whilst her motives may have been questionable to some, it helped me get a much deeper understanding of who she was and I couldn’t help but like her.
Hale, oh well, he just had me melting all over the place. The broody GM who was so deliciously grumpy and didn’t realise just why. He had everything I love in a hero, grumpy alpha male possessive vibes and a heart of gold. Honestly I couldn’t not root for him.
The tension in this book was fantastic. The set up made it so much more tense because Tara had a job to do fake dating her jock, and her own goals to secure. I couldn’t wait to see it play out!
Another major thing I love with all good sports romance is the inclusion of the team mates, both past and present and that was all here! I love the little check ins we have into the vet rebels lives and the locker room chats. It honestly feels like hanging out with friends, and I get so attached to each of these guys once I read their book that I love checking back in and seeing how they are doing.. and what role they’ll have to play in fixing our next hero!
The man in the suit, pulling the strings, ended up having his heart strings unravelled by the ultimate show doll he didn’t see coming.
Already impatiently waiting for my next fix!
October 2, 2022
Tara defies the status quo on romance heroine’s and I LOVE it!
I’m excited about it and I feel refreshed!
She’s complex and you don’t see it at first if you aren’t paying attention… and I love her!
She portrays herself as a woman set on marrying a wealthy hockey player and people assume she’s a “gold digger”
It’s much more complex than that. SO much more.
She’s so upbeat and pushes to be positive, I found her to be so inspiring and also a heart wrenching character.
Hale is judgmental AF….at first and quickly he proves to be quite caring and smart.
He’s incredibly sexy and quick witted. He’s lovable and yummy.
I LOVE that the author goes to real places with the main characters and to ugly and realistic places with secondary characters who are judgmental and some are really crappy. It is SO realistic in those ways.
It’s a complicated, emotional and entertaining romance.
I think the major themes that make it a great read are usually left out of romantic fiction.
I found it refreshing and inspiring that Tara was explored slowly, because I know she’s judged like real women (people) often are.
Hale(Fitz) He’s sort of the lucky MOFO, no one is going to hurt his reputation or career because of his actions of the heart or quite frankly his horniness and behavior. However, he cares, he’s aware and very kind.
I really loved the characters and story.
I’m legitimately confused because so many people are (in my opinion) missing the point.
I’ve read others reviews and I’m not in agreement.
Which is ok, opposing opinions is important, and understandable…but I do find puzzling factors in this case.
I generally try not to read other reviews previous to my own. I did unfortunately, and I’m completely confounded…
I think some people will misunderstand the characters, especially Tara. She’s not typical of a romance heroine and that can cause mixed emotions for people. I hope people give her and her beautiful story a chance. It’s really worth it in my opinion.
It’s a story with a quirky and kind hearted heroine (who has a very understandable reason to be cynical) who meets a hero who ends up recognizing her inner beauty. He also sees her outer quirks and likes them.
I’d never read this author before, I’ll definitely recommend this book to my friends.
I’ll be looking for more from this author, I think this was fun romance with (in my opinion) a not so subtle message that resonated with me.
I don’t mean that in a way that’s condescending, I just really feel like after reading others reviews… so many people didn’t see and feel what I did. And I think it’s obtuse of them. I think it’s a raw and lovely look at romance and life.
I’m excited about it and I feel refreshed!
She’s complex and you don’t see it at first if you aren’t paying attention… and I love her!
She portrays herself as a woman set on marrying a wealthy hockey player and people assume she’s a “gold digger”
It’s much more complex than that. SO much more.
She’s so upbeat and pushes to be positive, I found her to be so inspiring and also a heart wrenching character.
Hale is judgmental AF….at first and quickly he proves to be quite caring and smart.
He’s incredibly sexy and quick witted. He’s lovable and yummy.
I LOVE that the author goes to real places with the main characters and to ugly and realistic places with secondary characters who are judgmental and some are really crappy. It is SO realistic in those ways.
It’s a complicated, emotional and entertaining romance.
I think the major themes that make it a great read are usually left out of romantic fiction.
I found it refreshing and inspiring that Tara was explored slowly, because I know she’s judged like real women (people) often are.
Hale(Fitz) He’s sort of the lucky MOFO, no one is going to hurt his reputation or career because of his actions of the heart or quite frankly his horniness and behavior. However, he cares, he’s aware and very kind.
I really loved the characters and story.
I’m legitimately confused because so many people are (in my opinion) missing the point.
I’ve read others reviews and I’m not in agreement.
Which is ok, opposing opinions is important, and understandable…but I do find puzzling factors in this case.
I generally try not to read other reviews previous to my own. I did unfortunately, and I’m completely confounded…
I think some people will misunderstand the characters, especially Tara. She’s not typical of a romance heroine and that can cause mixed emotions for people. I hope people give her and her beautiful story a chance. It’s really worth it in my opinion.
It’s a story with a quirky and kind hearted heroine (who has a very understandable reason to be cynical) who meets a hero who ends up recognizing her inner beauty. He also sees her outer quirks and likes them.
I’d never read this author before, I’ll definitely recommend this book to my friends.
I’ll be looking for more from this author, I think this was fun romance with (in my opinion) a not so subtle message that resonated with me.
I don’t mean that in a way that’s condescending, I just really feel like after reading others reviews… so many people didn’t see and feel what I did. And I think it’s obtuse of them. I think it’s a raw and lovely look at romance and life.
June 20, 2022
Kudos to the author for turning around the heroine, Tara (selfish gold digger from the previous book), into a plucky, selfless heroine that we could all root for. I loved her---and never thought I'd say that. And Hale, the new GM of the Rebels? Putting him together with Tara was genius. Older than Tara by about 14? years....he was just what Tara needed. An older, ( not to mention HOT) experienced guy who would always have her back. I loved watching their love story unfold, even when it took them awhile to realize that they were perfect for each other beyond the physical.
Fans of sports/hockey romance , this series is for you. Not a bad book in the bunch and I think this one may be my favorite! Tara and Hale, you both deserved your HEA. Absolutely loved this pairing (and what a sweet epilogue too!)
5 stars
Fans of sports/hockey romance , this series is for you. Not a bad book in the bunch and I think this one may be my favorite! Tara and Hale, you both deserved your HEA. Absolutely loved this pairing (and what a sweet epilogue too!)
5 stars
June 16, 2022
It was so easy to fall for this age-gap/opposites attract/secret relationship/workplace romance between an older MMC ready to settle and a deceivingly sunshin-ey FMC who's made it very clear her life goals are to land a jock.
There's more than meets the eyes to this entire cast and setting though, Tara wiggled herself inside the Rookie Rebels close circle with moxie and charm, landing the ultimate con: fake date a hockey player as part of PR stunt to keep him on tracks. Getting her closer than ever to her endgame of landing a NHL husband.
Her plan gets somehow derailed by the General Manager of the team, Hale, who pretty much dislikes her on principle, suffice to say he does not approve of her gold digging dreams although he seems to approve of her in... other ways and absolutely hates himself for it. ^^
The antagonism between them is glorious and the resulting chemistry a pure delight on page. Great banter, sizzling lovemaking scenes, endearing supporting cast and a lovely epilogue.
Bonus for the stern hero dropping g's and bringing some southern charm vernacular.
There's more than meets the eyes to this entire cast and setting though, Tara wiggled herself inside the Rookie Rebels close circle with moxie and charm, landing the ultimate con: fake date a hockey player as part of PR stunt to keep him on tracks. Getting her closer than ever to her endgame of landing a NHL husband.
Her plan gets somehow derailed by the General Manager of the team, Hale, who pretty much dislikes her on principle, suffice to say he does not approve of her gold digging dreams although he seems to approve of her in... other ways and absolutely hates himself for it. ^^
The antagonism between them is glorious and the resulting chemistry a pure delight on page. Great banter, sizzling lovemaking scenes, endearing supporting cast and a lovely epilogue.
Bonus for the stern hero dropping g's and bringing some southern charm vernacular.
September 26, 2022
I had to DNF this book because the FMC was wholly unlikeable, the writing was terrible, particularly relative to Meader’s other books, and this became a cringefest.
My notes provide specific examples
My notes provide specific examples
September 26, 2022
Oh boohoo, poor Tara!
It was always going to be a tough sell for vapid ditzy Tara, but ok. Her backstory was not enough for her to have a book or HEA. Hale deserved so much better than this fucked in the head nightmare girl. Hey, Tara, get a fucking job, you vapid piece of shit.
It was always going to be a tough sell for vapid ditzy Tara, but ok. Her backstory was not enough for her to have a book or HEA. Hale deserved so much better than this fucked in the head nightmare girl. Hey, Tara, get a fucking job, you vapid piece of shit.
March 16, 2024
So much potential... wasted. Jock Wanted was going to be a certain 5-star read but then the author had to go and fuck shit up. And in the last 10 percent too. I was too close to rage crying at the shittiness but my strong will held them back and as Ariana says "save your tears for another day".
Back to the review, Jock Wanted is about poor poor Tara who has it so hard because she has gorgeous blonde hair that always has the perfect blowout, the worlds greatest pair of tits that even straight women can't resist, and legs for days. She wants to marry a rich hockey player so she can get that bag (respect). She needs money because of her heavily disabled sister who needs a good care facility which costs a lotta money. Tara therefore takes on the job of fake dating a troublesome hockey player who's reputation is ruined due to all the whoring he's done. This should be the perfect opportunity to bag a player but instead she goes and falls in love with his sexy and older hockey coach who's hung like a horse.
Most of my issues with this book happened at the end and there were just so many problems. I honestly don't have the will to explain them all so I'll just be writing the in points.
– Tara not going to therapy because she had waaaay too many self esteem issues.
– Tara not asking her friends for money or help at all. Like i get that you don't want to take advantage of your friends but like they have so much money that they won't even notice if some of it goes to help her sister. And it's not like she was using it on herself anyway, it was for her sister who she, out of the kindsness of her heart, wanted to ensure had a good life.
– Tara being so close friends with Mia because that was so weird. Like I get that they can be on good therms and whatever but like why did her closest friends have to be someone that is marrying her ex. Tara even planned the engagement party and it was just too much.
– All the side characters because i couldn't remember who half of them were and i also didn't care.
– Lastly why the fuck did Hale propose at a wedding????? Yeah I know that he had permission but who the hell does that, like that's wrong on so many levels. Just do it another day like ew no.
I actually also have a critique about the authors writing because why did the smut scenes suck ass. They were so short and there was nothing leading up to them. It's not like I need 10 chapters of smut but still 3 pages is cutting it a bit short. Every time they fucked it felt like they came as soon as they had begun, so in my head, Hale is a minute man. Kate Meader should really work on the smut because I was really close to just skipping it because of how bad it was written.
Hale was the man of my dreams. Tara did not deserve him in any way and I wish I could snatch him up from somewhere and make him mine. He should have run as soon as she began making a dating app profile for him because girl WTF. I get that you like him and want to move on but that does not mean you got to help him find a new girl. That was honestly just too weird.
I was so ready to give this 5 stars and I even recommended it to my friends, but this shit awful book fell to 2.1 stars which I generously rounded up to 3 stars.
Back to the review, Jock Wanted is about poor poor Tara who has it so hard because she has gorgeous blonde hair that always has the perfect blowout, the worlds greatest pair of tits that even straight women can't resist, and legs for days. She wants to marry a rich hockey player so she can get that bag (respect). She needs money because of her heavily disabled sister who needs a good care facility which costs a lotta money. Tara therefore takes on the job of fake dating a troublesome hockey player who's reputation is ruined due to all the whoring he's done. This should be the perfect opportunity to bag a player but instead she goes and falls in love with his sexy and older hockey coach who's hung like a horse.
Most of my issues with this book happened at the end and there were just so many problems. I honestly don't have the will to explain them all so I'll just be writing the in points.
– Tara not going to therapy because she had waaaay too many self esteem issues.
– Tara not asking her friends for money or help at all. Like i get that you don't want to take advantage of your friends but like they have so much money that they won't even notice if some of it goes to help her sister. And it's not like she was using it on herself anyway, it was for her sister who she, out of the kindsness of her heart, wanted to ensure had a good life.
– Tara being so close friends with Mia because that was so weird. Like I get that they can be on good therms and whatever but like why did her closest friends have to be someone that is marrying her ex. Tara even planned the engagement party and it was just too much.
– All the side characters because i couldn't remember who half of them were and i also didn't care.
– Lastly why the fuck did Hale propose at a wedding????? Yeah I know that he had permission but who the hell does that, like that's wrong on so many levels. Just do it another day like ew no.
I actually also have a critique about the authors writing because why did the smut scenes suck ass. They were so short and there was nothing leading up to them. It's not like I need 10 chapters of smut but still 3 pages is cutting it a bit short. Every time they fucked it felt like they came as soon as they had begun, so in my head, Hale is a minute man. Kate Meader should really work on the smut because I was really close to just skipping it because of how bad it was written.
Hale was the man of my dreams. Tara did not deserve him in any way and I wish I could snatch him up from somewhere and make him mine. He should have run as soon as she began making a dating app profile for him because girl WTF. I get that you like him and want to move on but that does not mean you got to help him find a new girl. That was honestly just too weird.
I was so ready to give this 5 stars and I even recommended it to my friends, but this shit awful book fell to 2.1 stars which I generously rounded up to 3 stars.
May 21, 2022
I am an avid reader of this author’s books so was eagerly anticipating this story especially with the older male romantic character. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting engrossed.
Maybe because the tale was overloaded with secondary characters? Yes, this was set in the Chicago Rebels hockey world and Hale was the new general manager so team mates were bound to make an appearance, but everyone and their dog (literally) had a cameo! I had a hard time keeping track – and I have even read all the previous books.
I also didn’t feel any spark between Tara and Hale. Most of their interactions seemed to be second guessing the other’s feelings and expectations. While I cheered Tara’s emotional growth (it must be so difficult to get past being told that you are dumb but pretty your entire childhood) and I appreciated Hale being a more established character in both age and maturity, the two characters as a couple didn’t seem to mesh for me.
This was disappointing since I have greatly enjoyed other books by this author.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
Maybe because the tale was overloaded with secondary characters? Yes, this was set in the Chicago Rebels hockey world and Hale was the new general manager so team mates were bound to make an appearance, but everyone and their dog (literally) had a cameo! I had a hard time keeping track – and I have even read all the previous books.
I also didn’t feel any spark between Tara and Hale. Most of their interactions seemed to be second guessing the other’s feelings and expectations. While I cheered Tara’s emotional growth (it must be so difficult to get past being told that you are dumb but pretty your entire childhood) and I appreciated Hale being a more established character in both age and maturity, the two characters as a couple didn’t seem to mesh for me.
This was disappointing since I have greatly enjoyed other books by this author.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
June 12, 2022
Jock Wanted is book 6 of the Rookie Rebels series by Kate Meader. It is a standalone sports romance with interconnected characters from previous books in the series, told from both points of view with a happy ending.
Tropes:
✔️Fake relationship with a forbidden twist
✔️Age gap
✔️Sports/hockey romance
By the numbers review:
★ Character Dev: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 5
Tara Becker needs a hot, rich hockey player husband. One of the Rookie Rebels needs to clean up his act. Which makes them a match made in PR heaven. The only problem is that Tara is attracted to the Rebel’s new GM. And while Hale Fitzpatrick claims to not have time for relationships, he’s enjoying getting to know all of Tara’s well-hidden layers. But will the realize they’re perfect for each other before it’s too late?
Tara is one of the most loveable heroines I’ve read this year. She’s strong, resilient with a beautiful heart, always putting other’s needs before hers with a smile. And then there’s the fact that she believes she doesn’t deserve happiness despite being beautiful inside and out. How could I not want her to find her HEA?
Hale had only exchanged a few words with Tara when the fake relationship with his player was set up, so he only knew surface level Tara, but there was something about her that made him want to know more. As they get to know each other, reveal bits and pieces of one another while also exploring their sizzling chemistry, the more I fell along with them.
I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. It was everything from incredible lead characters, to loveable meddling (yet well meaning) side characters including adorable nieces, cats and dogs, to an interesting plot twist. I can’t wait to see who’s next in this series!
Kate Meader fans will love this addition to her catalogue. Sports romance enthusiasts should absolutely check it out, but if you’re a bit gun shy about new authors Kate currently (June, 2022) has Instacrush (book 2 of this series) for FREE!
Pre-Order Jock Wanted Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3xHNCfa
Get Instacrush -> https://amzn.to/3QaeUlH
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
Tropes:
✔️Fake relationship with a forbidden twist
✔️Age gap
✔️Sports/hockey romance
By the numbers review:
★ Character Dev: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 5
Tara Becker needs a hot, rich hockey player husband. One of the Rookie Rebels needs to clean up his act. Which makes them a match made in PR heaven. The only problem is that Tara is attracted to the Rebel’s new GM. And while Hale Fitzpatrick claims to not have time for relationships, he’s enjoying getting to know all of Tara’s well-hidden layers. But will the realize they’re perfect for each other before it’s too late?
Tara is one of the most loveable heroines I’ve read this year. She’s strong, resilient with a beautiful heart, always putting other’s needs before hers with a smile. And then there’s the fact that she believes she doesn’t deserve happiness despite being beautiful inside and out. How could I not want her to find her HEA?
Hale had only exchanged a few words with Tara when the fake relationship with his player was set up, so he only knew surface level Tara, but there was something about her that made him want to know more. As they get to know each other, reveal bits and pieces of one another while also exploring their sizzling chemistry, the more I fell along with them.
I really enjoyed this story from start to finish. It was everything from incredible lead characters, to loveable meddling (yet well meaning) side characters including adorable nieces, cats and dogs, to an interesting plot twist. I can’t wait to see who’s next in this series!
Kate Meader fans will love this addition to her catalogue. Sports romance enthusiasts should absolutely check it out, but if you’re a bit gun shy about new authors Kate currently (June, 2022) has Instacrush (book 2 of this series) for FREE!
Pre-Order Jock Wanted Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3xHNCfa
Get Instacrush -> https://amzn.to/3QaeUlH
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
June 12, 2022
If you love hockey romances look no further than Jock Wanted (Rookie Rebels #6 ) in fact I highly recommend every book in this series.
When the new general manager of the Chicago rebels needs help with sorting out one of his players reputation he turns to Tara Becker to fake date the jock and help him clean up his act. Problem is Tara has other plans, she has an ulterior motive to not only making the jock look good but hopefully getting the security of marring a hockey player…..
Rebels general manager Hale Fitzpatrick thinks he had found the perfect solution to his problem until the dizzy blonde who everyone loves gets under his skin and that’s when the fun and games begin
This fake relationship is a wonderful addition to the series and it will appeal to all sports romance lovers. I loved the characters, the banter and can’t wait to see where Ms Meader takes us next.
When the new general manager of the Chicago rebels needs help with sorting out one of his players reputation he turns to Tara Becker to fake date the jock and help him clean up his act. Problem is Tara has other plans, she has an ulterior motive to not only making the jock look good but hopefully getting the security of marring a hockey player…..
Rebels general manager Hale Fitzpatrick thinks he had found the perfect solution to his problem until the dizzy blonde who everyone loves gets under his skin and that’s when the fun and games begin
This fake relationship is a wonderful addition to the series and it will appeal to all sports romance lovers. I loved the characters, the banter and can’t wait to see where Ms Meader takes us next.
June 15, 2022
New Favorite?! I think so!
Tara has made no secret of her desire to become a WAG. Hale, the new GM, isn’t sure he understands why everyone seems to not only accept but like the possible gold digger….until he gets to know her!
Tara’s back story is so moving and made me love her even more that I already did! And Hale is the perfect partner for her, challenging and yet accepting.
And their “let’s get this out of our system” approach was pure🔥
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
Tara has made no secret of her desire to become a WAG. Hale, the new GM, isn’t sure he understands why everyone seems to not only accept but like the possible gold digger….until he gets to know her!
Tara’s back story is so moving and made me love her even more that I already did! And Hale is the perfect partner for her, challenging and yet accepting.
And their “let’s get this out of our system” approach was pure🔥
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
June 12, 2022
Age gap AND hockey romance? Sign me up!
Okay, not exactly a hockey romance, as neither of the main characters is a hockey player. But Hale is Chicago Rebels’ new GM. And, of course, Tara is fake-dating one of the players. Totally counts as a hockey romance. There’s even a bit of action on the ice–seen through Tara’s keen eyes mostly–and a lot out too, like some behind the scene negociations or the PR stunts. I love me some diving into a hockey team’s bowels… figuratively.
We’ve known Tara for a while in the series, but even that didn’t help much with liking her. I mean, she’s a good friend to lots of the characters, but her not-so-secret goal of marrying a hockey player didn’t make her exactly likeable. And I have to admit that even knowing her motives–because they are at the center of this book–didn’t completely clean her off.
It resulted in many adorable scenes though. And yes, in those scenes, she seemed to be someone else entirely. I actually had trouble reconciling how she acted in public with how she was in those scenes, and how she acted around Hale. She was a very complex character, and though I didn’t like her, I didn’t hate her either. I had conflicted emotions about her.
Not so much about Hale. He was the total package: handsome, sexy, smart, and a real romantic. The perfect book boyfriend. It just takes time for Tara to realize it. It doesn’t help that he’s a lot older than her, and they come from opposite sides of the tracks. They’re completely different, thus barely compatible. At least that what they think in the beginning. The author spends the whole book showing us that they’re mistaken.
And that’s what I enjoyed the most. The little things, the little moments, that showed how their relationship changed and deepened. It was both cute and sexy. Tara and Hale had amazing chemistry. The absolute best? The domesticity of it all, be it them together in Hale’s kitchen, or interacting with young children or animals. They’re a couple before they even acknowledge the possibility of being one. I loved that.
That, and the family theme. The book shows how family can be a burden, a blessing, or something in the middle through the main characters’ families as well as that of the side characters–Reid and his brother’s rivalry, Cade and Dante with their little girl, Harper and Remy’s gaggle of toddlers… In a way, they’re all here to show Tara and Hale what they could have. Absolutely delightful.
As usual with the author, the writing is top notch, witty and funny. Another great addition to the series.
Quickie
- Series: Rookie Rebels #6 (but can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #fake relationship #age gap
- Triggers: parental neglect, severe disability
- Main couple: Tara Becker & Hale Fitzpatrick
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Hale was so swoony!!!
- – still not sure how much I like Tara
Okay, not exactly a hockey romance, as neither of the main characters is a hockey player. But Hale is Chicago Rebels’ new GM. And, of course, Tara is fake-dating one of the players. Totally counts as a hockey romance. There’s even a bit of action on the ice–seen through Tara’s keen eyes mostly–and a lot out too, like some behind the scene negociations or the PR stunts. I love me some diving into a hockey team’s bowels… figuratively.
We’ve known Tara for a while in the series, but even that didn’t help much with liking her. I mean, she’s a good friend to lots of the characters, but her not-so-secret goal of marrying a hockey player didn’t make her exactly likeable. And I have to admit that even knowing her motives–because they are at the center of this book–didn’t completely clean her off.
It resulted in many adorable scenes though. And yes, in those scenes, she seemed to be someone else entirely. I actually had trouble reconciling how she acted in public with how she was in those scenes, and how she acted around Hale. She was a very complex character, and though I didn’t like her, I didn’t hate her either. I had conflicted emotions about her.
Not so much about Hale. He was the total package: handsome, sexy, smart, and a real romantic. The perfect book boyfriend. It just takes time for Tara to realize it. It doesn’t help that he’s a lot older than her, and they come from opposite sides of the tracks. They’re completely different, thus barely compatible. At least that what they think in the beginning. The author spends the whole book showing us that they’re mistaken.
And that’s what I enjoyed the most. The little things, the little moments, that showed how their relationship changed and deepened. It was both cute and sexy. Tara and Hale had amazing chemistry. The absolute best? The domesticity of it all, be it them together in Hale’s kitchen, or interacting with young children or animals. They’re a couple before they even acknowledge the possibility of being one. I loved that.
That, and the family theme. The book shows how family can be a burden, a blessing, or something in the middle through the main characters’ families as well as that of the side characters–Reid and his brother’s rivalry, Cade and Dante with their little girl, Harper and Remy’s gaggle of toddlers… In a way, they’re all here to show Tara and Hale what they could have. Absolutely delightful.
As usual with the author, the writing is top notch, witty and funny. Another great addition to the series.
Quickie
- Series: Rookie Rebels #6 (but can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #hockey romance #fake relationship #age gap
- Triggers: parental neglect, severe disability
- Main couple: Tara Becker & Hale Fitzpatrick
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + Hale was so swoony!!!
- – still not sure how much I like Tara
May 29, 2022
I knew I would love this story because Kate Meader wrote it, and I was thankful to receive an ARC. I didn’t expect it to hit me as hard as Gunnar and Sadie’s story, so I was surprised when this one hit me right in the feels. Although I shouldn't have been. Now, it didn’t make me cry like Gunnar and Sadie, but Tara was a remarkably sympathetic and relatable character, and her story did bring tears to my eyes. And Hale astonished me with the depths of his feelings and his openness to admitting them, even to his friends.
Most of us have suffered at the least the occasional bout of self-doubt and unworthiness, but Tara takes it to a new level. Part of the reason she comes across as she does, a gold-digger looking for a jock who’s “young, dumb, and hung,” is because she thinks her only assets are her looks and her ability to make men feel good about themselves. It’s not necessarily what she wants for her life, but she has her reasons for thinking this is the only path for her. And she more than makes up for it with her generosity and cheerfulness. She’s one of those people who brings sunshine with her every time she enters a room.
Hale Fitzpatrick is the new GM of the Rebels hockey team and not on Tara’s radar. Not only does he judge her and her goals (a rich, famous, athlete husband), but the more she gets to know him, the more she also becomes convinced that she’s not worthy of someone like him. And although he’s extraordinarily attracted to her, he doesn’t seriously consider her as a long-term partner. Clearly, the two of them are about to discover some unexpected things about themselves, and each other.
Tara shows some exceptional wisdom, which bely her dumb blonde persona. At one point, she tells Hale, “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.” And this observation was along the lines of something I’ve always thought myself. Receiving texts from O’Malley, the man she’s being paid to pretend-date, she thinks, “The texts were along the lines of ‘Where R U?’ and ‘UOK?’ (It actually took more energy not to let the words autofill, but whatever.)”
Tara feels an uncontrollable attraction to Hale, and for that reason, she feels uncomfortable around him. While talking to him, she told herself to stop talking, but instead she “babble(d) like there was a sale on words in the word store.” During another uncomfortable conversation, during which she found herself unable to stop talking, this happened: “‘Trains entering tunnels are all about sex,’ she continued because apparently she needed to finish this very important TED talk.”
This here made me laugh out loud: “When had she made the switch from ‘you irritate the f— out of me’ to ‘please f— the irritation out of me?’” And when Tara tries to resist Hale’s charms, but especially his thoughtfulness and kindness because they endanger her heart, he does something over-the-top, remembering something she told him about her childhood, and the narrator says, “The hits, they kept on coming.”
The story is told from alternating POVs so Hale has some observations of his own. I loved the alliteration in this: “The taste of her still lingered on his lips. The scent of her was lodged in his lungs.” As he begins to realize his feelings for Tara are more than anything he planned, “Time slowed as he moved inside her, every tiny nudge bringing him closer to a place he’d never visited.”
And then there were the observations about players on the Rebels team. Of course, every time Hale sees Tara with Dex O’Malley, he sees red. At one team party, he thinks, “O’Malley was standing and talking to Tara, who must have arrived in the last couple of minutes. Though standing was more like “looming” and “talking” was closer to leering.” And because all of the players from previous books make an appearance in this one, Theo Kershaw is acknowledged as he enters a conversation already taking place. “Kershaw appeared out of nowhere as if he was waiting to be summoned to the perfect entry point.”
Bottom line. I love Kate Meader and I’m forever impressed by her ability to create characters who wiggle their way into my heart and make me feel for them. Her writing is clever, witty (without being outrageous), and poignant. Any time I have the opportunity to read one of her books, I’m there. I suggest you read her books also.
Most of us have suffered at the least the occasional bout of self-doubt and unworthiness, but Tara takes it to a new level. Part of the reason she comes across as she does, a gold-digger looking for a jock who’s “young, dumb, and hung,” is because she thinks her only assets are her looks and her ability to make men feel good about themselves. It’s not necessarily what she wants for her life, but she has her reasons for thinking this is the only path for her. And she more than makes up for it with her generosity and cheerfulness. She’s one of those people who brings sunshine with her every time she enters a room.
Hale Fitzpatrick is the new GM of the Rebels hockey team and not on Tara’s radar. Not only does he judge her and her goals (a rich, famous, athlete husband), but the more she gets to know him, the more she also becomes convinced that she’s not worthy of someone like him. And although he’s extraordinarily attracted to her, he doesn’t seriously consider her as a long-term partner. Clearly, the two of them are about to discover some unexpected things about themselves, and each other.
Tara shows some exceptional wisdom, which bely her dumb blonde persona. At one point, she tells Hale, “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.” And this observation was along the lines of something I’ve always thought myself. Receiving texts from O’Malley, the man she’s being paid to pretend-date, she thinks, “The texts were along the lines of ‘Where R U?’ and ‘UOK?’ (It actually took more energy not to let the words autofill, but whatever.)”
Tara feels an uncontrollable attraction to Hale, and for that reason, she feels uncomfortable around him. While talking to him, she told herself to stop talking, but instead she “babble(d) like there was a sale on words in the word store.” During another uncomfortable conversation, during which she found herself unable to stop talking, this happened: “‘Trains entering tunnels are all about sex,’ she continued because apparently she needed to finish this very important TED talk.”
This here made me laugh out loud: “When had she made the switch from ‘you irritate the f— out of me’ to ‘please f— the irritation out of me?’” And when Tara tries to resist Hale’s charms, but especially his thoughtfulness and kindness because they endanger her heart, he does something over-the-top, remembering something she told him about her childhood, and the narrator says, “The hits, they kept on coming.”
The story is told from alternating POVs so Hale has some observations of his own. I loved the alliteration in this: “The taste of her still lingered on his lips. The scent of her was lodged in his lungs.” As he begins to realize his feelings for Tara are more than anything he planned, “Time slowed as he moved inside her, every tiny nudge bringing him closer to a place he’d never visited.”
And then there were the observations about players on the Rebels team. Of course, every time Hale sees Tara with Dex O’Malley, he sees red. At one team party, he thinks, “O’Malley was standing and talking to Tara, who must have arrived in the last couple of minutes. Though standing was more like “looming” and “talking” was closer to leering.” And because all of the players from previous books make an appearance in this one, Theo Kershaw is acknowledged as he enters a conversation already taking place. “Kershaw appeared out of nowhere as if he was waiting to be summoned to the perfect entry point.”
Bottom line. I love Kate Meader and I’m forever impressed by her ability to create characters who wiggle their way into my heart and make me feel for them. Her writing is clever, witty (without being outrageous), and poignant. Any time I have the opportunity to read one of her books, I’m there. I suggest you read her books also.
June 16, 2022
I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure about this book because the heroine hasn’t been a favorite in past books, but Jock Wanted ended up being an entertaining story.
Tara who formerly dated a Rebel’s player has made it known she wants to marry a hockey player, she wants the security and she wants the clout that comes with it. However, there is way more to Tara than meets the eye and as her layers are pulled back in this book it becomes obvious that underneath her superficial shell is someone with a caring and loving heart.
Needing money for a good reason, Tara agrees despite Hale, the new GM’s protests, to be in a “fake relationship” with the Rebel’s latest PR nightmare. Tara and Hale have had a bit of a contentious relationship, but every time they are in each other’s company sparks fly. It doesn’t sit well with Hale that Tara is “dating” Dex. My biggest issue was I felt their relationship between Tara and Hale was based on the physical and I wanted to see the emotional and cerebral develop more. I did appreciate that Tara opened up to Hale about what was going on in her life but I needed more time with them being a couple to truly feel that their relationship has what it takes to go the long haul.
That said, I loved seeing the original Rebel’s players and their relationship with the new GM, Hale, and in their elements with their wives, kids, and animals.
Jock Wanted was well written as are all of Ms. Meader’s books and it contained some interesting twists making it a page turner. I love this world and while Jock Wanted wasn’t my favorite, I did enjoy it and am looking forward to what comes next in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Tara who formerly dated a Rebel’s player has made it known she wants to marry a hockey player, she wants the security and she wants the clout that comes with it. However, there is way more to Tara than meets the eye and as her layers are pulled back in this book it becomes obvious that underneath her superficial shell is someone with a caring and loving heart.
Needing money for a good reason, Tara agrees despite Hale, the new GM’s protests, to be in a “fake relationship” with the Rebel’s latest PR nightmare. Tara and Hale have had a bit of a contentious relationship, but every time they are in each other’s company sparks fly. It doesn’t sit well with Hale that Tara is “dating” Dex. My biggest issue was I felt their relationship between Tara and Hale was based on the physical and I wanted to see the emotional and cerebral develop more. I did appreciate that Tara opened up to Hale about what was going on in her life but I needed more time with them being a couple to truly feel that their relationship has what it takes to go the long haul.
That said, I loved seeing the original Rebel’s players and their relationship with the new GM, Hale, and in their elements with their wives, kids, and animals.
Jock Wanted was well written as are all of Ms. Meader’s books and it contained some interesting twists making it a page turner. I love this world and while Jock Wanted wasn’t my favorite, I did enjoy it and am looking forward to what comes next in this series.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
June 22, 2022
I have been with this series from the beginning and I enjoy the ongoing 'verse Ms. Meader has built with this hockey team. This is taking the stereotypical golddigger trope and giving her some depth and personally I really liked that twist - there's enough of the usual "oh I don't know I'm smoking hot" heroines in Romancelandia as is. Tara has always been told her value is in her looks and her attitudes make sense. I like the ongoing support of the earlier couples and the tease for future story. What surprised me, after all of this, is that the love scenes didn't do it for me. I know Ms. Meader can bring the heat but I didn't get invested in this as much as I'd hoped I would. Didn't hate it, but the lack of chemistry (there's some just not enough) brought it down a little. Oh well, I'm sure I'll read the next in the series because I do love it even if this particular book didn't quite gel for me.
June 15, 2022
What a fantastic read, we loved this one, we laughed throughout the entire story. We loved the characters, they were a lot of fun, engaging and funny and loveable ones too!
Tara was a riot, OMG! We loved her sass her out going personality and her antic's especially her antics and the way she got under Fitz's skin just priceless.
A great read all around that we thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover.
Tara was a riot, OMG! We loved her sass her out going personality and her antic's especially her antics and the way she got under Fitz's skin just priceless.
A great read all around that we thoroughly enjoyed from cover to cover.
June 15, 2022
I was so excited for this book and I was not disappointed.
I knew Tara had more to her than a wanna be WAG, since Mia kept her in the fold so to speak and she wouldn’t do that unless she saw something special in her. I loved how Tara’s character unfolded and you learned what was driving her decisions. I loved everything about Hale, his maturity, his protectivenesses and of course his love of family. I love reading about older characters as I find them more relatable sometimes and in this book the age gap is perfect because Hale is nothing that Tara ever thought she would want or deserve. Another spectacular book in the Rookie Rebels series.
I knew Tara had more to her than a wanna be WAG, since Mia kept her in the fold so to speak and she wouldn’t do that unless she saw something special in her. I loved how Tara’s character unfolded and you learned what was driving her decisions. I loved everything about Hale, his maturity, his protectivenesses and of course his love of family. I love reading about older characters as I find them more relatable sometimes and in this book the age gap is perfect because Hale is nothing that Tara ever thought she would want or deserve. Another spectacular book in the Rookie Rebels series.
May 27, 2022
4.5 stars
Rtc
Rtc
May 8, 2023
DNF
3rd Person POV
immature
3rd Person POV
immature
June 14, 2022
3.25 - 3.5 stars. This was an okay book for me. Jock Wanted is Tara and Hale's story. Tara is a friend of the other Wags of the Rebel's pro hockey team. She briefly dated a player in the past and has made no secret of the fact that she wanted to date and marry a player. She is often around the team's get togethers too. Hale is the new GM of the team. When one of the players has a bad reputation, the team decides to hire Tara to pretend to be his girlfriend to keep him from getting into trouble with the press. But Hale and Tara are the ones that have a connection, only they have to keep it under wraps. Their relationship develops into love and they have to navigate themselves through this situation to come out together stronger in the end.
This story was not bad, but it wasn't my favorite in this series. I found it a little too long and too slow in parts. Hale and Tara were extremely lacking in chemistry. I did think the story was a bit too complicated, convoluted and overly angsty for my taste. The fact that Tara pretended to be an air head and a gold digger, even though she felt like she had reason to do it, really did not sit well with me. It was very overly harped on throughout the story. But I did like Tara and felt bad for her. I liked her and Hale together by the end, despite their lack of chemistry. I was entertained by the story by the end, as well, but it was not my favorite.
Overall, this was not my favorite book in the series, but still worth reading. Tara and Hale were a different and interesting couple. I was glad that they got their HEA together. I look forward to more from this series and from Ms. Meader in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This story was not bad, but it wasn't my favorite in this series. I found it a little too long and too slow in parts. Hale and Tara were extremely lacking in chemistry. I did think the story was a bit too complicated, convoluted and overly angsty for my taste. The fact that Tara pretended to be an air head and a gold digger, even though she felt like she had reason to do it, really did not sit well with me. It was very overly harped on throughout the story. But I did like Tara and felt bad for her. I liked her and Hale together by the end, despite their lack of chemistry. I was entertained by the story by the end, as well, but it was not my favorite.
Overall, this was not my favorite book in the series, but still worth reading. Tara and Hale were a different and interesting couple. I was glad that they got their HEA together. I look forward to more from this series and from Ms. Meader in the future.
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 11, 2025
"Remind me of the prize again?"
"This old heart of mine."
"It might be too valuable."
"Ain’t worth a damn without the woman who owns it."
Jock Wanted by Kate Meader is a book that totally hit the sweet spot for me! It was funny, sexy, heartwarming, and just a little bit messy (in the best possible way). I wasn’t expecting to get so emotionally invested, but here I am, still thinking about Hale and Tara like they’re real people living rent-free in my head.
The story kicks off with Tara Becker, who everyone seems to think is this shallow, money-chasing bombshell. But she’s way more than that. Yes, she looks like the kind of girl who wants to snag a rich jock and live the trophy wife dream—but her reasons? Surprisingly real and kind of heartbreaking. She’s not out there gold-digging for the heck of it—she’s trying to secure a better future, especially since she has a disabled sister she cares deeply about. That alone made me feel for her big time. She's basically wearing this flashy armor to hide how vulnerable and insecure she really is.
Then comes Hale Fitzpatrick—swoon alert! He’s the new GM of the Chicago Rebels, and honestly, he’s giving off major grumpy/sunshine vibes, with Tara being the sunshine, obviously. He ropes her into a fake relationship with one of the team's players to clean up the guy’s image, but things don’t exactly go according to plan (because hello, fake dating never stays fake for long). The twist? It’s not the player she ends up falling for—it’s the big, brooding GM himself. And let me just say: their chemistry is fire. Like, “read-that-scene-twice” fire. That airplane bathroom moment? Yeah. IYKYK.
Their dynamic is full of fun banter, slow-burn tension, and just the right amount of emotional baggage. I loved that Hale wasn’t your typical alpha jerk. He’s guarded, sure, but once his walls start coming down, you see this genuinely caring, soft-on-the-inside guy who really sees Tara for who she is. And honestly? That’s hot. Give me a man who looks past the glitter and sees the girl, every time.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was the way it handled Tara’s character arc. She starts off kind of putting on a show, all glam and sass, but slowly, we see her vulnerability and her fear of not being enough. Her growth felt super real, and I was rooting for her so hard. Yeah, sometimes she’d pull away or hesitate too much, and that back-and-forth did drag a bit here and there—but it was also totally in line with her character. She’s scared to want more because she’s never been given the space to believe she deserves it. And that just makes her eventual leap into love even more satisfying.
Also, shoutout to the secondary characters—absolute scene-stealers. The Rookie Rebels world feels like one big chaotic, lovable family. Whether it’s teammates, exes, or just random side characters, everyone adds something, and it gives the book such a warm, lived-in vibe. I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, but now I definitely want to. I already feel attached to these people.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read was the occasional repetition—Tara’s “I want him but I can’t have him” internal monologue did start to feel a bit much after a while. Still, the emotional payoff at the end (plus that sweet epilogue!) made it all worth it.
Overall, Jock Wanted is a super enjoyable ride—funny, flirty, and packed with real feels. It’s the kind of sports romance that has heart, heat, and characters who actually grow. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves fake dating tropes, sassy heroines with hidden depth, and grumpy heroes with soft centers. Kate Meader knows exactly what she’s doing, and I’m 100% on board for more of it.
Now excuse me while I go hunt down the rest of the Rookie Rebels books. I’ve clearly been missing out.
June 11, 2022
JOCK WANTED is the sixth instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult ROOKIE REBELS erotic, hockey romance series. This is forty-two year old, Chicago Rebels GM Hale ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick, and twenty-eight year old, social influencer/hair stylist Tara Becker’s story line. JOCK WANTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. 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 (Hale and Tara) JOCK WANTED follows in the wake of a PR nightmare for the Chicago Rebels. Newly acquired player Dex O’Malley’s public persona is a nightmare, and GM Hale Fitzpatrick is desperate to clean up his player’s image. With the recommendation of a ‘fake girlfriend’ for Dex, Fitz and PR manager Sophie set their sights on ‘all around bubbly girl and WAG wannabe’ Tara Becker, the woman who would steal our hero’s heart. Tara Becker is desperate to find a husband, and everyone thinks Tara is a bimbo and a gold digger but only Tara knows the truth behind her current situation. When contracted to be the pretend girlfriend of embattled Dex O’Malley, Tara jumps at the chance but never expected to fall in love with someone else. What ensues is the fake relationship between Dex and Tara, as Tara and Hale cross a line from which they can never go back.
No one knows the truth about Tara Becker’s life, a life she has kept hidden from everyone she loves but Tara has reached a point of desperation, and the offer to earn money pretending to be someone she is not, is the perfect if not heart breaking solution to her problems. Hale Fitzpatrick’s attraction to Tara is immediate but her reputation as a wannabe hockey WAG (wife and girlfriend) pushes all of our hero’s buttons. Falling for Tara was easy, walking away would be the hardest part.
The relationship between Tara and Hale is one of immediate attraction but Hale struggles with the rumors and gossip about our story line heroine. Tara suspects that she would have never crossed Hale’s radar had it not been for her fake-relationship with Dex, a relationship that is about to become more real than anyone could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several players, management , wives and girlfriends, as well as Tara’s sister Chloe.
JOCK WANTED is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love; a heart breaking tale of secrets and lies, hope and forever. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is consuming and provocative; the characters are animated and entertaining.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Hale and Tara) JOCK WANTED follows in the wake of a PR nightmare for the Chicago Rebels. Newly acquired player Dex O’Malley’s public persona is a nightmare, and GM Hale Fitzpatrick is desperate to clean up his player’s image. With the recommendation of a ‘fake girlfriend’ for Dex, Fitz and PR manager Sophie set their sights on ‘all around bubbly girl and WAG wannabe’ Tara Becker, the woman who would steal our hero’s heart. Tara Becker is desperate to find a husband, and everyone thinks Tara is a bimbo and a gold digger but only Tara knows the truth behind her current situation. When contracted to be the pretend girlfriend of embattled Dex O’Malley, Tara jumps at the chance but never expected to fall in love with someone else. What ensues is the fake relationship between Dex and Tara, as Tara and Hale cross a line from which they can never go back.
No one knows the truth about Tara Becker’s life, a life she has kept hidden from everyone she loves but Tara has reached a point of desperation, and the offer to earn money pretending to be someone she is not, is the perfect if not heart breaking solution to her problems. Hale Fitzpatrick’s attraction to Tara is immediate but her reputation as a wannabe hockey WAG (wife and girlfriend) pushes all of our hero’s buttons. Falling for Tara was easy, walking away would be the hardest part.
The relationship between Tara and Hale is one of immediate attraction but Hale struggles with the rumors and gossip about our story line heroine. Tara suspects that she would have never crossed Hale’s radar had it not been for her fake-relationship with Dex, a relationship that is about to become more real than anyone could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several players, management , wives and girlfriends, as well as Tara’s sister Chloe.
JOCK WANTED is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love; a heart breaking tale of secrets and lies, hope and forever. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is consuming and provocative; the characters are animated and entertaining.
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 11, 2022
JOCK WANTED is the sixth instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult ROOKIE REBELS erotic, hockey romance series. This is forty-two year old, Chicago Rebels GM Hale ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick, and twenty-eight year old, social influencer/hair stylist Tara Becker’s story line. JOCK WANTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. 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 (Hale and Tara) JOCK WANTED follows in the wake of a PR nightmare for the Chicago Rebels. Newly acquired player Dex O’Malley’s public persona is a nightmare, and GM Hale Fitzpatrick is desperate to clean up his player’s image. With the recommendation of a ‘fake girlfriend’ for Dex, Fitz and PR manager Sophie set their sights on ‘all around bubbly girl and WAG wannabe’ Tara Becker, the woman who would steal our hero’s heart. Tara Becker is desperate to find a husband, and everyone thinks Tara is a bimbo and a gold digger but only Tara knows the truth behind her current situation. When contracted to be the pretend girlfriend of embattled Dex O’Malley, Tara jumps at the chance but never expected to fall in love with someone else. What ensues is the fake relationship between Dex and Tara, as Tara and Hale cross a line from which they can never go back.
No one knows the truth about Tara Becker’s life, a life she has kept hidden from everyone she loves but Tara has reached a point of desperation, and the offer to earn money pretending to be someone she is not, is the perfect if not heart breaking solution to her problems. Hale Fitzpatrick’s attraction to Tara is immediate but her reputation as a wannabe hockey WAG (wife and girlfriend) pushes all of our hero’s buttons. Falling for Tara was easy, walking away would be the hardest part.
The relationship between Tara and Hale is one of immediate attraction but Hale struggles with the rumors and gossip about our story line heroine. Tara suspects that she would have never crossed Hale’s radar had it not been for her fake-relationship with Dex, a relationship that is about to become more real than anyone could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several players, management , wives and girlfriends, as well as Tara’s sister Chloe.
JOCK WANTED is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love; a heart breaking tale of secrets and lies, hope and forever. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is consuming and provocative; the characters are animated and entertaining.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual third person perspectives (Hale and Tara) JOCK WANTED follows in the wake of a PR nightmare for the Chicago Rebels. Newly acquired player Dex O’Malley’s public persona is a nightmare, and GM Hale Fitzpatrick is desperate to clean up his player’s image. With the recommendation of a ‘fake girlfriend’ for Dex, Fitz and PR manager Sophie set their sights on ‘all around bubbly girl and WAG wannabe’ Tara Becker, the woman who would steal our hero’s heart. Tara Becker is desperate to find a husband, and everyone thinks Tara is a bimbo and a gold digger but only Tara knows the truth behind her current situation. When contracted to be the pretend girlfriend of embattled Dex O’Malley, Tara jumps at the chance but never expected to fall in love with someone else. What ensues is the fake relationship between Dex and Tara, as Tara and Hale cross a line from which they can never go back.
No one knows the truth about Tara Becker’s life, a life she has kept hidden from everyone she loves but Tara has reached a point of desperation, and the offer to earn money pretending to be someone she is not, is the perfect if not heart breaking solution to her problems. Hale Fitzpatrick’s attraction to Tara is immediate but her reputation as a wannabe hockey WAG (wife and girlfriend) pushes all of our hero’s buttons. Falling for Tara was easy, walking away would be the hardest part.
The relationship between Tara and Hale is one of immediate attraction but Hale struggles with the rumors and gossip about our story line heroine. Tara suspects that she would have never crossed Hale’s radar had it not been for her fake-relationship with Dex, a relationship that is about to become more real than anyone could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including several players, management , wives and girlfriends, as well as Tara’s sister Chloe.
JOCK WANTED is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love; a heart breaking tale of secrets and lies, hope and forever. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is consuming and provocative; the characters are animated and entertaining.
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 15, 2022
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
This was a refreshing take on the "fake relationship to clean up a bad boy image" trope, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Hale Fitzpatrick is the new general manager for Chicago Rebels, and on top of his list is rehabilitating one of his player's public image. A fake relationship with someone who can go toe-to-toe with the bad boy but create a wholesome image of themselves as a couple is the key, and he has found the perfect match in hockey-wife-wannabe Tara Becker.
But there is more to Tara Becker than the flighty puck bunny persona that she advertises, and Hale finds himself more intrigued with the blonde than he should be. Can he keep his growing attraction at bay to see his PR project through?
I love the twist on this fake relationship romance. The matchmaker falling for one of his potential matches? Yes please. I thought it was great for Kate Meader to kick off the read with instant chemistry between Hale and Tara but to start it from a growing friendship with a steamy sizzle. The journey to ignite that sizzle into a full-blown spicy fire was a great ride; readers are teased with some false starts and mile-high moments to prep us for the ultimate pay-off. And the wait was absolutely worth it.
I love the main characters. Hale was the perfect book Mentos. He gives off a hard vibe with his broodiness and curt demeanor, but is actually an overprotective cinnamon roll with a soft spot for animals. Tara is not what she advertises, either. She is hockey-smart, reads people well, and loves so hard. Life has dealt her a rough hand, but she has made the most out of it. We eventually find out why she wants to be a hockey WAG and it is not what we -- and the other characters -- assume at all.
The only obstacle from making this a full five-star read is that I felt that the characters were too wishy-washy towards the end, which seemed slightly out-of-character. It corrected itself quickly to become a HEA, but that disrupted the flow of the read for me.
This is the sixth book in the Rookie Rebels series, but as someone who jumped right into this book first, it reads well as a standalone. Kate Meader does a great job of providing context for different characters from previous books without overwhelming new readers, either.
If you are into sports romance or just enjoy a good fake relationship trope, this will be a fun new twist for you.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kate Meader and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
This was a refreshing take on the "fake relationship to clean up a bad boy image" trope, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Hale Fitzpatrick is the new general manager for Chicago Rebels, and on top of his list is rehabilitating one of his player's public image. A fake relationship with someone who can go toe-to-toe with the bad boy but create a wholesome image of themselves as a couple is the key, and he has found the perfect match in hockey-wife-wannabe Tara Becker.
But there is more to Tara Becker than the flighty puck bunny persona that she advertises, and Hale finds himself more intrigued with the blonde than he should be. Can he keep his growing attraction at bay to see his PR project through?
I love the twist on this fake relationship romance. The matchmaker falling for one of his potential matches? Yes please. I thought it was great for Kate Meader to kick off the read with instant chemistry between Hale and Tara but to start it from a growing friendship with a steamy sizzle. The journey to ignite that sizzle into a full-blown spicy fire was a great ride; readers are teased with some false starts and mile-high moments to prep us for the ultimate pay-off. And the wait was absolutely worth it.
I love the main characters. Hale was the perfect book Mentos. He gives off a hard vibe with his broodiness and curt demeanor, but is actually an overprotective cinnamon roll with a soft spot for animals. Tara is not what she advertises, either. She is hockey-smart, reads people well, and loves so hard. Life has dealt her a rough hand, but she has made the most out of it. We eventually find out why she wants to be a hockey WAG and it is not what we -- and the other characters -- assume at all.
The only obstacle from making this a full five-star read is that I felt that the characters were too wishy-washy towards the end, which seemed slightly out-of-character. It corrected itself quickly to become a HEA, but that disrupted the flow of the read for me.
This is the sixth book in the Rookie Rebels series, but as someone who jumped right into this book first, it reads well as a standalone. Kate Meader does a great job of providing context for different characters from previous books without overwhelming new readers, either.
If you are into sports romance or just enjoy a good fake relationship trope, this will be a fun new twist for you.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kate Meader and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **
June 15, 2022
As a fan of sports-fueled romances I found myself drawn to this story from the very start. While the sports aspects of this tale get put on the back burner, readers still get glimpses of excitement on and off the ice. In a story of a fake relationship that slowly becomes all too real, readers will find surprising depth too as the main couple gets to know each other while showing their true selves.
It's a quick read with a main couple who aren't who they first appear. With each turn of the page readers get to see the true characters behind the facade they show the world, and I found myself becoming more and more invested in their lives. Through this series Tara has shown herself to be a bit ditzy, very superficial, and determined to marry for looks and money. She's a woman who's popular and is friends with many. Even though it's revealed why she's determined to live a life of superficiality, I still had moments of not liking her, though I understood her. She's always been told she's nothing more than a pretty face, but in scenes with Hale she shows a smart and caring person. There's surprising depth to this heroine, beyond her looks and playful demeanor, and I enjoyed the heroine that emerged in Hale's presence.
Hale too early on showed the world a facade. He was a bit arrogant, a bit conceited, and grumpy at times. As the story progressed though readers discovered an older hero, a wiser one, who ends up being totally drool-worthy and the perfect book boyfriend. He ends up charming Tara by interacting with who she is behind the curtain, endearing himself to readers in a slow-burn connection full of sexual tension.
On a whole this was an entertaining read, a romance that took familiar tropes and turned them around. The main couple were a sizzling pair with scenes that crackled while warming my heart. It was a satisfying addition to the series and a delightful summer read that I recommend!
It's a quick read with a main couple who aren't who they first appear. With each turn of the page readers get to see the true characters behind the facade they show the world, and I found myself becoming more and more invested in their lives. Through this series Tara has shown herself to be a bit ditzy, very superficial, and determined to marry for looks and money. She's a woman who's popular and is friends with many. Even though it's revealed why she's determined to live a life of superficiality, I still had moments of not liking her, though I understood her. She's always been told she's nothing more than a pretty face, but in scenes with Hale she shows a smart and caring person. There's surprising depth to this heroine, beyond her looks and playful demeanor, and I enjoyed the heroine that emerged in Hale's presence.
Hale too early on showed the world a facade. He was a bit arrogant, a bit conceited, and grumpy at times. As the story progressed though readers discovered an older hero, a wiser one, who ends up being totally drool-worthy and the perfect book boyfriend. He ends up charming Tara by interacting with who she is behind the curtain, endearing himself to readers in a slow-burn connection full of sexual tension.
On a whole this was an entertaining read, a romance that took familiar tropes and turned them around. The main couple were a sizzling pair with scenes that crackled while warming my heart. It was a satisfying addition to the series and a delightful summer read that I recommend!
June 14, 2022
Tara is a wannabe WAG who really wants to land a hockey player, which did make me reluctant at first since I'm an obsessive sports fan, and that type of stuff makes me nuts. Luckily for me, things aren't always what they seem, and Tara had some walls up that didn't allow for the majority of people she comes across to see who she really is or what she's dealing with. Hale is the new GM of the Chicago Rebels, and he has a player who isn't doing the team any favor & is a PR nightmare so he decides to have Tara play the "fake" significant other to clean that player's image up. Unfortunately for him, they have some serious chemistry which won't be denied so they end up doing things on the downlow, & it adds another complication to the already complicated situation. I'm not going to lie, I had a big problem with many of the things said about Tara which took away from the real budding romance since my head was ready to explode from rage (yes my go to emotion is rage LOL). I know she had a rep , however it was a distraction but that's just me. Anyway, Kate Meader has an easy writing style that I really love so while this story was a bit dicey for me, it doesn't change the fact that I can't wait for more & HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 13, 2022
A Fake Relationship Romance like non other. I was so in love with this story. Reading the first 2 chapters I wasn’t sure where this was going, and I did hesitate for about 5 seconds but once I realized how things were not always as they seemed I was 100% all in!
This story of Hale and Tara is so much more than meets the eyes. They are such flawed characters. It takes a very special and amazing author to take such flawed and divisive characters and show tremendous growth and have you as their #1 champion by the end of the book.
I love a hockey romance. I love the team dynamic and the build in community you got from these types of Romances. I worry sometimes when a story is labeled hockey but at least one of the characters I not a player. Hale in this story is the General Manager. But this books has a ton of the team dynamic. And event though Hale is retired you absolutely get the teammate support aspect with the retired players.
I will be raving about Jock Wanted for the foreseeable future. Add this to your TBR! This is a must read!
For my Full review check out the Buzzing about Romance Quick Shot of Romance Releasing 6/16
This story of Hale and Tara is so much more than meets the eyes. They are such flawed characters. It takes a very special and amazing author to take such flawed and divisive characters and show tremendous growth and have you as their #1 champion by the end of the book.
I love a hockey romance. I love the team dynamic and the build in community you got from these types of Romances. I worry sometimes when a story is labeled hockey but at least one of the characters I not a player. Hale in this story is the General Manager. But this books has a ton of the team dynamic. And event though Hale is retired you absolutely get the teammate support aspect with the retired players.
I will be raving about Jock Wanted for the foreseeable future. Add this to your TBR! This is a must read!
For my Full review check out the Buzzing about Romance Quick Shot of Romance Releasing 6/16
June 8, 2022
*** ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
I couldn’t put it down. This story just hit right in the feels.
Tara intrigued me from the beginning.
I could feel that she had more to share, making people fall in love with her and so much more! Definitely making my heart crack a little!
When Tara is hired by the new GM to solve a PR problem, little did they both know that it would turn out that way. Hale Fitzpatrick was in over his head when he had this idea. The firecracker Tara entered his life and turned everything upside down.
I enjoyed this slow burn romance with a fake relationship background. All the things I loved in romance were reunited and written by Kate Meader, well it was a blast!
The exploration and development of the relationship between the main characters as individuals and as a couple totally captivated me.
More totally enthralled and entertained.
The back and forth, the banter and the chemistry… oh my. They frustrated me as much as I was rooting for them. Watching the magic happening when it was definitely not a win firsthand.
I appreciated how the author gave greater depth to the characters. Readers can relate to what’s happening in their lives to some extent.
This team was endearing and I enjoyed watching another couple falling in love.
Tara and Hale were explosive, sweet and adorable together. A great mix of cute and hot.
Sparks flew, the chemistry was there and I couldn’t imagine another match for Tara. All the freaking swoon for Hale!
I couldn’t put it down. This story just hit right in the feels.
Tara intrigued me from the beginning.
I could feel that she had more to share, making people fall in love with her and so much more! Definitely making my heart crack a little!
When Tara is hired by the new GM to solve a PR problem, little did they both know that it would turn out that way. Hale Fitzpatrick was in over his head when he had this idea. The firecracker Tara entered his life and turned everything upside down.
I enjoyed this slow burn romance with a fake relationship background. All the things I loved in romance were reunited and written by Kate Meader, well it was a blast!
The exploration and development of the relationship between the main characters as individuals and as a couple totally captivated me.
More totally enthralled and entertained.
The back and forth, the banter and the chemistry… oh my. They frustrated me as much as I was rooting for them. Watching the magic happening when it was definitely not a win firsthand.
I appreciated how the author gave greater depth to the characters. Readers can relate to what’s happening in their lives to some extent.
This team was endearing and I enjoyed watching another couple falling in love.
Tara and Hale were explosive, sweet and adorable together. A great mix of cute and hot.
Sparks flew, the chemistry was there and I couldn’t imagine another match for Tara. All the freaking swoon for Hale!
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