Blurb:

Years ago, I broke her heart, but fate has given me a second chance. I am here to claim my wife—and I will fight dirty to make her mine.

LAUREN

I might be late to the game of life, but things are finally starting to go my way. I’ve just started my own sports talent agency, stepped on the first rung of the property ladder, and landed myself a normal boyfriend who’s about to propose. (I found the ring!)

Unfortunately, I have a slight problem—as in a husband who is surplus to requirements. Somehow, I got married without even realizing it to the guy who broke my heart years ago. Now he’s back in my life, making demands and turning my world upside down. Except I’m no longer that starry-eyed girl in love with the Russian hockey star. These days I’m a ball buster who fights like hell for my clients, and the last thing I need is Alexei Nazarov ruining everything for which I’ve worked so hard. 

But when he makes me an offer I can’t refuse, I wonder if I’ve struck a bargain with the devil who knows my heart better than anyone …  

ALEXEI

Years ago, I met a hockey playing spitfire and fell ass over skates for her. But my life was in disarray, and I had to let her go. When a chance comes to reconnect with her, I grab it with both hands. 

There are obstacles. A boyfriend (unworthy), her disdain for me (admittedly, hot), and the fact I hurt her deeply (my biggest regret). It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Known for fighting dirty on the ice, I am not opposed to fighting dirty off it to get what I want. 

And I want Lauren Yates …

Buy Link: https://geni.us/secret-husband

*****

Review:

So I have mixed feelings about this one. I really liked Alexei. He is very supportive, so intent on winning back his wife, and a very good son. But for someone who supposedly loved Lauren for over a decade he …. tried to win her back with a single Instagram DM? The man put in 0 effort, and was living a pretty full romantic life, before he was handed a second chance in Vegas.

He does take advantage of that chance though because he goes ALL in to show her how much he cares. I liked Lauren too and I can definitely appreciate her hesitation. The man broke her heart big time and she already has some trust issues thanks to her dad. But there is definitely still a pull between them, she just has to be willing to give him a chance.

The bit with the boyfriend was somewhat obvious but also kind of a curve. It was apparent early on that he was enjoying the access to the players thanks to their relationship but he seemed more just goofy fanboy than anything. He was a terrible boyfriend and Lauren was only with him to check some boxes so no loss. I just kinda wish we’d gone a less predictable path, although it was important for her journey.

There’s a decent amount of angst with Secret Husband as Alexei fights to win back his wife and Lauren has to figure out if she can trust her heart to him again. There’s also a good deal of spice and, thanks to the closeness of the group surrounding the Rebels, Meader manages to give it a small town feel even though they are based out of Chicago. It’s a big, noisy found family type situation with all the love, gossip, and humor you could ask for.

*****

Author Info:

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines – and heroes – who can match their men quip for quip..

Connect with Kate Meader:

https://www.katemeader.com/links