Kate Meader can write hockey and she knocked this one right out of the park! I absolutely loved it!
I am over the moon happy she's back in the hockey arena and even happier to see the Chase sisters again along with a few of the Rebels players!
In this book we meet new rookie player Levi Hunt, a once up and coming hockey great who instead enlisted in the Army and is now an ex Special Forces soldier. Jordan Cooke is a sports journalist with a wildly successful jockey podcast, trying to get her career a boost into pro sports and lands a job covering hockey's newest enigma, Levi Hunt.
She gets hired to by a local sports network because Levi and her late husband were SF team members and best friends. Jordan knows Levi never liked her and knows she's got her work cut out for her trying to get this much coveted interview with Levi. Especially after that blazing kiss the two shared the evening they buried her husband! Blame the tequila!
Levi is absolutely not interested in talking about any part of his past. His focus is on playing, he feels he's playing catch up, despite his early years on the ice, nothing prepared him for playing again. Nor did anything prepare him from seeing Jordan again. When Jordan is given the highly prized job of interviewing Levi and then the decision to embed her with the team by Harper, the story takes off at warp speed. Levi of course slamming the brakes on every chance he gets by shutting her out. The new players were a real treat and I can't wait to read more about them! They do a great job adding in to some good laughs and keeping Jordan laughing, inviting her to guys only things much to Levi's chagrin. The backstory between Jordan and Levi was a wow moment and Levi's own life as well, he has reasons he likes his past in the past. His present he likes private and he has his reasons for keeping Jordan at arms length. When someone lets slip something Levi does in his off time Jordan follows him one day. He's not thrilled. Jordan inserts herself right into the midst of things and it seems no one is immune to this sparkling young woman's laughter and infectious smile. Even Levi.
These two have wicked chemistry and the steam is cold shower worthy! Keeping things private between them, although the guys on the team seem to have a better bead on the two of them than they do. Jordan also sees for herself again that becoming a woman sportscaster is seriously flawed and the subplot of what she experiences is relevant to these times and well done by Kate. She has some thoughts on writing an article on that as well. She talks with Levi about it, yet doesn't let on what she's been experiencing. Things go smoothly along for the two until they don't after not only Jordan, Harper and the team are publicly undermined by a rival male sportscaster. Harper's response is brilliant and a new game is in play. Levi however is all sixes and sevens, his head anatomically relocated. Just ask Cookie the dog.
Read this book! I love hockey and Kate Meader is the absolute best storyteller ever and the woman knows her hockey and their players. Bring on book #2!

arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review

Kate Meader has become an author that I can count on when it comes to writing any kind of romance. I really enjoyed Irresistible You and Hooked on You, so I was happy to get back to a sports romance from her. Levi and Jordan were a great start to the next generation of the Chicago Rebels novels.

Jordan was a very likable character. She was a strong and determined woman when it came to her career. It was a career that she had put aside while married to her late husband. He died while at war 5 years ago, and it took her time to finally get back to doing something she loved. I liked how she took her job seriously and didn't let Levi's bad attitude defer her from getting the story she felt she deserved. I also appreciated that did what she could to write a good article while trying to respect the privacy that Levi was asking her for.

The side plot that included her trying to shed some light on how women are treated in sports was also interesting. It was also a nice way to get some scenes with the Chase sisters and see where they are in their lives now.

I think Jordan was exactly what Levi needed. He was pretty hard on himself and didn't think he deserved the kind of happiness that Jordan brought him. It was nice to see Jordan be the support and encouragement that he needed to get passed certain things that happened in his life while growing up. He probably needed to step it up a bit when it came to reciprocating the support and trust that Jordan was showing him, but I think he got it right in the end though.

I'm looking forward to more books from this new generation of Chicago Rebels!

This book was okay. It didn't blow my mind but I really enjoyed the read and may read Kate Meader's work in the future.

Jordan Cooke has her chance at the big time…well as a substitute for the sports reporter on medical leave, but still a chance. Levi Hunt, former Special Forces, has left the military and is trying to return to his hockey career with the Chicago Rebels. He is taken aback, during the after-game interviews, when the female reporter is Jordan Cooke whom he has not seen in five years. He and Jordan have a history based on his friendship with Josh, Jordan’s husband, who was killed in Afghanistan. Levi was best man at their wedding and last saw Jordan at Josh’s funeral. He knows that the Rebels want him to do interviews as the fans seems obsessed with his military and now hockey career, but there is only so much that he is willing to discuss. Levi has always been attracted to Jordan and slowly begins to share himself with her as their attraction to each other deepens. A second chance at romance and witty dialog make this an enjoyable story. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Good Guy is the first book of the Rookie Rebels, a spin-off series of Kate Meader's Chicago Rebels, and I am hooked.

Levi Hunt is such a sexy book boyfriend. A Special Forces veteran and now a rookie for the Rebels? Hot. And it doesn't stop there! He's the strong, silent type with a heart of gold.

Jordan Cooke is an excellent counterpart for Levi. She's bright, optimistic and amusingly quirky.

I loved the history these two shared. It was very bittersweet, but I'm glad they got their chance.
Speaking of their chance, the interactions, sexy and otherwise, between Levi and Jordan were excellent (and at times, downright steamy).

I also really enjoyed the other Rebels and secondary characters. Now I want to go back and read the Chicago Rebels series, and I'm REALLY hoping Theo's and/or Elle's book is next.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

Hollis’ 2 star review

So maybe I read this too soon after wrapping the original series, maybe I should’ve given that space.. and maybe I should round up my review of HOOKED ON YOU. Because GOOD GUY? Wasn’t great for me.

I think this story’s biggest downfall is it’s just trying to unpack a lot of things. Grief, death of a spouse, a rough upbringing, a desire to give back, sexism in the workplace, misogyny in general, internet culture, conflict of interest relationship, a sorta-but-not-really second chance romance if we consider ‘almost’ a second chance.. all that and cameos, and repercussions, from as far back as book one in the Chicago Rebels series, plus all the life updates for the couples from the original books. Phew. That was a lot to just sum up, never mind read about, whilst still enjoying the Cinderella story of this team of hockey misfits and a slowburn romance we’re somehow supposed to believe in.

I didn’t love Levi but he’s an all-around paragon of virtue and low self-worth so you can’t hate him. I didn’t love Jordan even though she’s a tough, hard working, woman in a male-dominated industry, who is focusing on a career previously set aside by marrying young and supporting her now dead husband — though, to expand, I didn’t love the reporter dynamic because even though we’re told she’s not got a malicious bone in her body.. she did some shady things, sat on a lot of information, and used not-quite-above-board tactics to get what she wanted.. all of which are couched in nicey-nice and conflicted feelings but.. nonetheless.. yeah, this dynamic was the extra bit that didn’t work for me — and to poop on her feels like pooping on women as a whole. I didn’t feel much chemistry, didn’t love the romance, the only bit I liked about them together was some of the brutal, forthcoming, honesty that defined most of their interactions.

What saved this book from being a total wash is the ever fun cast of side characters and hockey personalities that sprinkle the pages and the background. I’m not sure how I feel about what I assume is to be the next couple but I guess we’ll see.

This low rating, and disappointment, aside I would still recommend this author and these hockey books (and I might even investigate her firefighter ones as this is the second book she’s had cameos, and dropped some not-so-subtle backstory, about couples and people from those other works). They are fun and sexy and relevant and often quite funny. This is definitely the biggest outlier for this reader. So, take this review with a grain of extra salty salt — as always.

** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

This is the first book in a new series by Kate Meader. This story features Jordan, a widow, who is a sports journalist. She has been finally been given her big break. The story she has to do is about Levi who was her husband’s best friend. Levi is a Green Beret who has left the service and is now playing in the NHL. I loved the chemistry between Levi and Jordan. Their story had so much depth and feeling in it. This is a great start to this new series and I am really looking forward to reading the next one. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

As a huge fan of the Chicago Rebels series, I was very excited to see the "spin-off" series starting with this book. It did not disappoint! You do not need to read the previous series in order to enjoy the characters and writing in Good Guy, but I it is a great series if you want the complete background.

In this book, Jordan is a female sports reporter focused on reporting in the male-dominated field of hockey. Levi is a former Green Beret now trying for a shot in the NHL that he forfeited when he enlisted. Jordan and Levi have a connection to Levi through her deceased Green Beret husband. That connection helps secure a job trying to get an exclusive story about the hero/rookie. He is less than cooperative, and things become complicated as they spend time together for the story and begin falling in love.

The development of these new characters, and the interactions with the revisited characters, help to make the reader become invested in the story and anxious for a happy ending. The backstory of Jordan and Levi, and Levi's childhood and military experiences that are revealed throughout Jordan's research of him, add new and different elements from many other romance novels. There is much more to this book than just the romance and steam (though there is a healthy dose of both of those) which gives the story great depth.

I highly recommend Good Guy. The Chicago Rebels and the Hot in Chicago series both have characters who are part of this story, but this book can be thoroughly enjoyed as a stand alone. Overall, another fantastic read from Kate Meader!

3.5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed all of Kate Meader’s Chicago Rebels series and this is a new series in the same team, so I’m not sure why this is a different series name, but I was down with more from this context. If you too have enjoyed the Chicago Rebels, you will enjoy the familiarity of the management, characters and team.

GOOD GUY was about the oldest rookie in hockey. Levi was out of the special forces (Green Berets) and back to hockey which was his plan before he enlisted out of college. Now in his early 30s, everyone had their eye on him, especially Jordan, a reporter tasked with getting the inside scoop. Jordan and Levi’s previous connection was a barrier and facilitator.

These two were like chalk and cheese, grumps and bubbles. It was definitely interested and there was tangible chemistry which I enjoyed. These two had banter and there was honesty.

“I can’t really help that I have resting scowl face, Jordan. I’m not the most expressive guy.”

In actual fact, I thought he put his heart out there, but I found Jordan hard at times. Jordan had her reasons and there was a whole mysogynistic storyline that took on a life of its own towards the end. Points scored for that element of the story.

All that said, this start to the series didn’t wow me. I think I struggled with Jordan as a character and Levi was truly a good guy and perhaps they weren’t the fit I envisaged together. I found the hump in the road a bit predictable as was the solving of the problem.

I know I’m not done with this team and I have an inkling of who might be the next Rookie Rebel. I think Elle might be in a future storyline too as there’s lots of mystery there. This was an enjoyable read, even if I wanted a bit more.

Thanks to the author and netgalley for the early review copy.

I received an e-arc of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was very enjoyable. I found it at turns both emotional and funny, and it definitely kept me interested in the storyline. I look forward to reading more in this series and in fact plan to buy more from this author.

Good guy is a fabulous begining to the Chicago Rebels spin off series Rookie Rebels. You will first off love that you get a little of all your favorites in this one. In Good Guy you get Special Forces veteran Levi. He is on his way back up in his hockey career. He may be older then most Rookies but he is a force to be reconned with. I love Levi and his heart to keep pushing himself to get better and to show the younger guys how it is done. He will make you smile and giggle at times too. Oh and fan yourself. His connection with Jordan is so hot. You can feel the pull between them and the fight that they take to not give in. Jordan is trying to put her journalism career first. She is sweet and knows her hockey. You will love watching Jordan and Levi fall together. I love Good Guy and I can't wait for more Rookie Rebels.

Love this book!

Good Guy is the first book in Kate Meader’s new series series Rookie Rebels a spin off of her Chicago Rebels series. As a fan of the Chicago Rebels series it was fun to see the characters interact with Jordan and Levi but the book can be read well as a stand alone. I found Jordan and Levi’s relationship very interesting and it was fascinating to learn more and more about Levi as the story unfolds. I really liked the people Jordan and Levi were and loved following them in their sometimes bumpy path to their HEA. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

3.5☆

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Rookie Rebels
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Jordan and Levi have a history!

Levi Hunt spent many years with the US Army serving in Special Forces AKA Green Berets when he decides to leave the service and to play professional hockey nine years after playing in college. Levi was signed by an affiliate of the Chicago Rebels and when they were hit by injuries, he was called up by the team. Levi knew that his story of joining the military out of college and serving was great PR, but he couldn’t talk about most of it.

Reporter Jordan Cooke wanted to report on the NHL so when the opportunity to fill in covering the Rebels she was ready. Jordan was tasked by her editor to cover Levi’s story because she knew him personally, she wasn’t so sure because Levi had been the best man at her wedding and her husband’s best friend and teammate in the Army before he was killed on a mission leaving her a widow.

Levi is used to keeping to himself and not saying much which does lead to problems between him and Jordan, but Kate Meader wraps the book up with a great ending. The best part for me is catching up with team members covered in The Chicago Rebels Series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Levi was a wonderful character, so interesting and likeable. The story was good but perhaps odd to have a 30yo rookie. There was a great cast of characters. There were quite a few characters from past books which I enjoyed.

It’s just that there is so much else going on and that made it hard to focus on their relationship and it felt a bit hard work to read.

*ARC kindly provided by author, publisher and NetGalley*

I have always been a total sucker for hockey romances (a little ironic since I'm from Ireland and we don't even have the sport here) but here we are. Any time I see a hockey romance I feel obligated to purchase it. Having already read Meader's Chicago Rebels series before I was excited to get my hands on 'Good Guy', especially since the blurb was so intriguing to me. The hero, Levi, having previously been in the green berets was an interesting premise for a sports novel as generally rookies are all young men eager to start their careers. Army and sports don't tend to overlap in romance so I was excited to see how this was done in 'Good Guy'.

The characters in this were both great, I especially loved the heroine, Jordan. She was smart and confident, focused on her career, particularly difficult in the male-dominated field of sports journalism. Since she lost her husband she has tried to put her career to the forefront of her life.

Levi Hunt is the oldest rookie in the league having first served in the army before deciding to resume his hockey career. He was also a friend of Jordan's late husband. This put a major block for Jordan and Levi in their relationship as both are dealing with grief, and guilt for falling in love.

I really enjoyed this novel, perhaps not as much as some of Meader's previous work but it was still a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves hockey romance as much as I do.

I can't wait to see what comes next for the 'Rookie Rebels' series and these characters. 3.75/5 stars.

I really enjoy this authors books, and The Good Guy is no exception. Levi is an ex Green Beret, who turned down a free ride into the NHL to go into military service when he was younger, has seen a lot of tragedy forcing him to grow up, which includes watching his best friend, Josh, losing his life during battle. His best friends widow, Jordan, has been the woman of his dreams since before Josh and Jordan got together, but that’s a secret he’s kept for years. Now that Levi is out of the military and following his dream with playing professional Hockey, he ends up face to face with Jordan, and it’s not going to be easy with her since she’s been assigned to write a profile article for one of the newspapers she now is reporting for. I found these two to be a very complicated couple given their history, but at the same time they were both pretty funny. Very entertaining story, loved Joe and Cookie, and enjoyed the fact that Levi volunteered at the local homeless shelter. Coby was a major jerk, and loved Harper in the end. Theo was hysterical, and I can totally see Elle and him being front and center in the next installment, or at least I hope so! Easy fun read, well worth the time.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book

I really enjoyed this start to a new series that's a spinoff of the <i>Chicago Rebels</i> series. The Chicago Rebels are a bit of an unconventional hockey team, given that they're owned by three women and someone in the upper management (sorry, I don't remember the titles) is openly gay. So it's no surprise that the Rebels have pulled an unconventional player from the minor leagues. Levi Hunt is a former Green Beret and hasn't played hockey since his college days really. This makes him quite the hot commodity and every press organization wants a piece of him. Enter Jordan, a reporter and also the widow of Levi's partner (Josh) in the Green Berets. Jordan is convinced that Levi hates her and is not convinced her connection to him is actually going to be helpful. Of course, Levi has actually been in love with her since he first saw her--the same night she and Josh met.

What I Liked: I loved the fact that this book looked at homelessness and that it was important to Levi to give both time and money. I liked that Jordan was so driven and serious about her career. I liked that the book examined the problematic ways women reporters are treated in sports journalism. I love Elle, a side character we're introduced to, and Theo, one of the hockey players, and I'm really excited for what I hope is the sequel to this one.

What I Didn't Like: I hate that Levi said/implied he was in love with Jordan the entire time he'd known her because he didn't know her?? I'm not a believer of love at first sight though. I wasn't super sold on the way everything with Jordan's career worked itself out AND I actually wish there had been more hockey...

Overall, I'm excited about the start of this series! I also realized I missed a couple of her releases so I need to go back and read those because I'm intrigued.

Love this author and her work. Her sport romances are so good and this one was no exception. I loved every minute of this book. I'm so glad she started a new series. Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I was sad when Kate Meader's Chicago Rebels series ended, but I'm content now that we have the new Rookie Rebels series!

Levi Hunt is the oldest rookie in the NHL. The reason is because he chose to join the Green Berets years ago instead of heading right into the NHL. Now that he's finished his service, he's ready to get back on the ice, but he's got to catch back up since he's been out of the game for so long.

Jordan Cooke is a journalist and has just gotten her big break when she get the assignment of one of her colleagues that is out recovering from a heart attack. What Jordan learns is that her getting the assignment had something to do with the fact that she has had past interaction with the subject of the story she'll be covering. Jordan's husband, who died in combat several years before, was a on the same Green Beret team as Levi. Her boss feels like this connection, while very small from Jordan's point of view, will give her more of an in.

As Jordan and Levi begin to work together on the piece she needs to write, it's anything but easy. Jordan thinks Levi hates her, which couldn't be further from the truth and Levi doesn't want his life and past explored and written about. He's private and wants to keep it that way. With all the time the two of them are spending together, it's impossible to deny the attraction, or the fact that they had kissed years ago and both of them still think about it. Will they be able to keep their distance so no lines are crossed or is their attraction to real and too much to deny?

I really liked the premise of this story. Both of these characters are getting a second chance at life and they both want to make the most of it. Levi is a great guy, does a lot for those in need, but wants nothing in return for it and least of all accolades. The other characters in the book add a lot as well. Levi's teammates are great and Jordan's friends add to the story as well.

I'd recommend picking this one up and I'm looking forward to more from this series!