Lars Nyquist’s life is turned upside down when a one night stand turns up and bundles 7 month old Mabel in his arms then runs off. Without an ounce of knowledge on how to deal with this, Lars turns to his best friend and hockey team mate Theo Kershaw and his wife for help. What he doesn’t expect is the Kershaw’s eldest daughter, 22 year old Adeline to move in and become not only his nanny but his everything. The feelings are reciprocated by Adeline but how will the pair navigate the news when their decision to be together means causing problems with Adeline’s family and the whole hockey team.

This was a cute read, Lars, Adeline and Mabel are the sweetest trio and I really liked the relationships Lars builds with them both, even in the sudden circumstances he found himself in as a father and roommate to his new nanny. There is a huge forbidden aspect to Lars and Adeline with her being his teammate and captains daughter and I thought it was written well how they ended up giving in to their feelings.

I got a little confused at times with the amount of side characters and eventually had to just focus on the main characters and pick up the side characters as and when they appeared. The next book has been set up well and I think it is going to be an interesting series with the found family aspect and how they are all intertwined.

This is a sports romance in that Lars plays hockey but there is very minimal actual discussion surrounding the hockey aspect and is very much focussed on Lars and Adeline’s relationship so don’t go in expecting a lot of hockey play. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes surprise baby and single dad x nanny tropes.

This is my first book by Kate Meader. I struggled in the beginning with an info dump of other characters. I now know that these characters were in a previous series, so I think it would be helpful to have read that series first. I did get the characters straight as I read more. I ended up enjoying this book. I think both the FMC and MMC had a lot of growth throughout the book. This book had single dad/nanny/age gap/dad’s best friend tropes. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC. 3.75 stars

While this book wasn’t my personal favorite, it was still a super solid book! I think that my rating is more due to it not being exactly my type of book and not because of any fault in the author or the story. It was my first hockey romance and I am definitely not opposed to reading more after this book. I loved all of the characters—Adeline trying not to upset and disrupt the peace and people in her family felt really real and I loved getting to see Lars’ relationship with all of the Kershaw’s, but especially Theo and Elle—and the main relationship was absolutely adorable. If you love a good hockey romance with a healthy dose of single dad-ing and an adorable child, I highly recommend this book!

Super sweet story. Loved the the main characters and I was so engaged with storyline development. It was a slow build to a raging fire and then just as you catch your breath there are a few twists that leave you a bit breathless. The dialogue is snappy and there some very funny lines. ( especially during a certain fight scene). Always fun to catch up with the rest of the team.

The Sweet Thing by Kate Meader is a great read that pulled me in right from the start. The characters are charming, the chemistry is off the charts, and the story has the perfect blend of heat, heart, and humor. Meader does a fantastic job building tension and emotion, and the romantic moments feel both swoon-worthy and genuine.

While a couple of parts were a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. If you’re a fan of well-written romance with strong characters and just the right amount of spice, this one’s for you.

Would definitely recommend to all romance lovers looking for their next cozy escape!

This book gave me alllll the feels! I really enjoyed reading the dual perspectives and seeing the character growth from both Lars and Adeline!

The one thing that let this down for me was the third act break up - I hardly ever like that trope 😂

However, there’s something about a single dad nanny trope this just hits every time. Especially when the child is a BABY and the dad is learning everything from bottles to nappies and everything else!

Tropes:
• sports romance
• single dad
• nanny
• forced proximity
• forbidden
• age gap
• dads best friend / team mate

I will definitely be looking to read more from this author. This book was so easy to read and connect to the characters.

4.5 ⭐️

Cute book. Part of a series, but a good stand alone. I haven’t read any of the others in the series and had no problems with the characters or keeping track of the story lines. Cute story. Fun and a quick read. Read the book in one sitting - I have no will power to transport myself to another world. Would like to read the other books in the series.

This was the first book I have encountered by Kate Meader, and I was able to read an advanced reader copy through my partnership with Net Galley. This was the perfect vacation day read, the quintessential contemporary romance, reminiscent of Tessa Bailey’s books. Initially I was a little hesitant as I do not believe I have read a book with such a large age gap (13 years) and I found myself judging immediately. After reminding myself that my partner is in fact 13 years older than me I was able to continue with the first book of this new series, laughing at my hypocrisy! I chose the book because I needed a good, light, fun book, and it did not disappoint there. The characters were extremely fallible, there was the right amount of tension, and it followed the trope, so I was not surprised by the ending (life is stressful enough as it is). The sex scenes are a bit over the top, but no judgement there, I knew what I was getting into. So for a quick, low stakes read with fallible characters looking for a bit of romance, and a side of sports, this is a fun one.
#sweetthing
#netgalley

Sweet Thing by Kate Meader was such a fun, swoony read that delivered exactly what I was hoping for — and then some. The characters absolutely stole the show for me. The chemistry between the two leads was off the charts — from the very beginning, you could feel the tension building, and it just kept getting better.

The slow burn in this book was perfectly paced. It made me wait (and wait!) but in the best possible way — every glance, every almost-moment just added to the anticipation and made the eventual payoff so much sweeter.

I also really enjoyed the tropes — single dad and nanny, plus a delicious age gap? Yes, please! Kate Meader played with them in such a smart, satisfying way, giving the story both heart and heat. It was also quick-paced, which made it super easy to fly through without ever feeling rushed or shallow.

All in all, Sweet Thing hit the spot — great characters, great tension, and a romance that kept me fully hooked from start to finish. I’ll definitely be picking up more from this author!

Hockey players, age gap and the perfect amount of spice to plot? This one had it all.
I absolutely loved this story.
Lars- I was swooning for this man. He gets thrown into this life changing event and manages it in the best way he can. The way he grows through out the story and the depth of his character had me obsessed. I was loving his relationship with Mabel and their bond. He struggles with trauma from his dad and self worth and the way Adeline and those around him are supportive it was so sweet.
Adeline- She is such a strong FMC. Seeing how much she grows after such a horrific incident really blew me away. The way she steps up for those she loves and the bond she shared with Mabel , she truly was the glue to her family. Her bond with her family and team, the way they all come together for each other was super special and had me all in my feels.

I loved the character growth in this one, and the way the spice was just the right amount. This book definitely had me feeling all the emotions.

“Owner of the thickest thighs in the league”??? Say less.

This book had everything! surprise single dad, hot hockey player, age gap, and nanny romance with just the right amount of chaos and charm.

Lars just found out he’s a dad and basically panics (as expected). Enter Adeline, who’s been in love with him forever and also happens to be the daughter of his teammate… oh, and she needs a job. BAM. She’s the nanny. He’s the d-a-d. The tension? Delicious. The setup? A romcom fever dream.

I adored watching Lars go from “what do I do with this baby??” to “I’ll protect this child with my life.” And don’t even get me started on Adeline being flustered every time Lars existed.

Also, I don’t care how unserious it sounds the mention of “thickest thighs in the league” took me out in the best way. 😂

Highly recommend if you love:
🏒 Single dad tropes
🍼 Forced proximity
👀 A little spice, a lot of heart
📦 And a man who gets emotionally wrecked by a baby swing

Would totally read again when I need something fun but with feels.

This was my first book by Kate Meader, and while the setup was promising—single dad, hockey player, and a nanny with a complicated past—the story didn’t fully land for me. The forbidden romance and age gap had potential, and there were some sweet, heartfelt moments, especially seeing Lars try to figure out fatherhood and watching Addy learn to trust again.

However, I struggled with a few things. The beginning felt a bit chaotic with the number of side characters, especially from Addy's large family. While some of them played important roles later, it was tough to keep track, and at times, the story felt scattered and hard to follow.

Lars' journey as a single dad was one of the stronger aspects, and his early connection with Addy's family was nice to see. But the chemistry between Lars and Addy took a while to develop, and even then, it didn’t feel fully convincing. There were moments that felt cheesy or awkward, and I found myself pulled out of the story by some of the vocabulary choices and dialogue.

Overall, while the book didn’t quite work for me, I did finish it and found myself curious about other characters introduced, especially Summer and Hatch. I’d consider picking up their story in the future. I’d give this one around 2.5 stars—some nice elements, but lacking the depth and spark I was hoping for.

ARC received from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op — thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this.

Let me star by saying thank you to the author and publisher for this book!


For me I think the premise of this story is really promising, but I think there was just something missing for me, I found everything a bit predictable. I did love that characters and the relationship they all had and that the author said exactly who the players were and the partners but I did loose track a bit . I would read other books by this author all being said

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this new hockey romance!

I LOVED this book. I ate it up honestly, i read it in about 12 hours. It's a steamy, single dad x nanny, age gap, forbidden love romance and i am obsessed!

I was hooked from page 1! The book follows Adeline who has a crush on her dads friend and team player Lars - she thought going away to travel would make her little crush disapear but when she returns, she becomes his daughters nanny. It's forced proximity between the pair as she moves in to make it easier to look after his daughter. She soon realises her crush never went and is more into him than ever. It follows their journey navigating new feelings and the bumps that comes with it.
The book is easy to read, flowing and just a lot of fun! I would highly recommend! 4 ⭐️

Sweet Thing
I don’t know what it is, but if you write a book about an off-limits hockey romance, don’t ask me why but I am there.
Sweet thing starts with pro hockey star Lars getting a surprise baby handed to him - at a bar - by his one night stand (also, ahem MARRIED) from several months ago. His best friend & teammate/captain Theo just so happens to have an adult daughter that is currently sans career ….. making an uber-convenient nanny stand-in as Lars tries to figure out the whole “is he really this baby’s father” / parenting / custody thing.
Naturally this sets up for accidental nudity & overheard name moaning, which leads to feelings and sneaking around and then, obviously broken, bloody noses before the teammates are patching things up and we get a happily ever after.

Is it a formula? Yep. Is the probability of this sort of thing actually happening ridiculously low? Yep. Do I care? Nope! As long as it’s written well and I find myself caring about the characters, I will happily get lost in the story. I felt for them, I cringed, I got invested in their story, so all in all, it hit the right notes with me. 😃

I loved being back in the world with this hockey team and its players. I had a little thrill when a certain fight on the ice (from another book) was mentioned! That fight was wonderful.

This story centered around a playboy and the young woman who had a crush on him. Throw in a man trying to do the right thing, and surprise baby for him, and Adeline’s crush, and the reader has more than one trope to like m.

Kate Meador always crafts a good book for her readers!

4.5 ⭐️

honestly i adored this book. all the tropes that were in this book i eat it up every single time !!

i love how it started with adeline having a crush on lars for years but obviously he was too old to do anything about it + he’s your dads friend?!

then lars gets handed a BABY?? so adeline moves in with alts to be a ‘temporary’ nanny (obviously is not temporary)

i do hate a third act breakup so that’s why i didn’t give it 5 stars but THE FIGHT that theo & lars have over addy is crazy & i was obsessed with it

overal i definitely recommend this book & i had such a fun time reading it. will definitely be reading more of kate her books !!

ARC by NetGalley review

My first book by Kate Meader!

Single dad, hockey player X nanny - yes please!!

In the first few chapters I did feel a little lost with the amount of side characters that were introduced, mainly Adeline's huge family., but the roles they played throughout the book I loved.

I loved the relationship Lars had with Addy's family in the beginning and I enjoyed the forbidden romance element. It added to the excitement and "eek" moments when the truth unfolded . Reading about Lars' struggles with being a single dad in the beginning and his learning to be a dad was really sweet and his character growth in that element was so refreshing, raw and realistic.
Addy having been through some trauma and learning to open up and trust Lars was heart-warming and also realistic.

At the beginning of the book I didn't necessarily feel the chemistry between the FMC & MMC but it did grow on me throughout the book.

I'm excited to read the rest of the series, and would recommend this book for a fun, flirty easy read which touches on some honest and raw moments.

Thank you NetGalley & Kate Meader for the ARC.

🍬🔥 Book Review: Sweet Thing by Kate Meader 🔥🍬

A deliciously sexy, heartfelt romance that’s as sweet as candy and just as addictive! Kate Meader’s Sweet Thing blends sizzling chemistry with genuine emotion, making it impossible to put down.

What it’s about:
When veterinarian Tessa meets rugged firefighter Nash, sparks ignite instantly. Between saving lives and saving each other’s hearts, their connection grows deeper, proving that sometimes the sweetest things come when you least expect them.

Tropes You’ll Love:
🔥 Opposites attract
💞 Slow burn romance
👩‍⚕️ Heroine with a big heart
🚒 Firefighter hero
✨ Emotional depth & heat

If you love your romances with passion, tenderness, and just the right amount of spice, Sweet Thing is your next must-read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#SweetThing #KateMeader #SlowBurnRomance #FirefighterRomance #OppositesAttract #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #BookReview

This book was, fine?? It had some good parts, but overall very cheesy, and not well written. My biggest issue was my suspension of disbelief that a 52 year old would still be captain and playing on an NHL team.

I had a hard time feeling invested in Lars and Adeline, and the story generally felt a bit flat and disjointed for me.