This is a great sports romance I definitely took my time reading this but it was such a sweet read and very good for a hockey romance I absolutely love the family element included within this story and I’m very much excited for this series as I also got invested in all the other characters while I read this, I’d definitely recommend this book to sports romance lovers and this is one I’d love to have on my shelf!

Loved this story - It's a perfect addition to the series and should be recommended to all fans of Elle Kennedy!

The pacing was perfect and the twists were gripping.

I WANT MORE

This was cute! My first Kate Meader book and I’ll be back for more 🥰 nothing I love more than a single dad. I wish the smutty scenes were a bit longer! Some pacing issues but I’ll read the next in the series for sure

This was my first book of Kate Meader's and I was pleasantly surprised and have every intention of making my way through the books that precede this story. I love me a good age-gap. We find out early in the book that our Sweet Thing Adeline is a bit of a fan of Lars Nyquist. And by fan, I mean she's had a crush on his Finnish bottom for a while. Not to worry friends, she's a grown woman and it was just a school girl crush. (This is hammered into our story for about 60% of the book). Another surprise, it wasn't.

She leaves out stage left and Lars embeds himself in her family unit (he was invited, obviously, this isn't that kind of story). His best, good, buddy Theo (Adeline's father) brings him into the fold while she's off enjoying her gap year in Europe. She returns and Lars finds out he's a father.

She's shoehorned in as his Nanny and obviously, they keep it professional. End of story... JK, their relationship devolves from employer/employee faster than Duckman is on the ice. (read the story, you'll get the reference). This story is very fluffy and the conflict is minor. Things do happen, but nothing too traumatic. Lars is mostly a gentleman and Adeline is old for her age. She definitely doesn't act like the youth everyone portends her to be. They are truly a sweet couple and I have no qualms with their 13 year age gap. Adeline has the best great-grandma who brings some sage advice and comic relief. If anyone annoyed me, it was her mom. I mean, really she didn't do anything terribly wrong, but she definitely made things more difficult with her attempt to advise them.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. The story is fluffy and sweet. It has minimal triggers. There's an annoying little shit of a guy on the hockey team, but he barely steps out of line. It's like a softer version of A Favor for a Favor. I find that Helena's story are a bit grittier, but we don't always want grit. This book didn't bring out the tears, so in good conscience I can't give it 5 stars.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.92
Spice: 🌶️

For full transparency, I was provided an ARC from NetGalley

Sweet Thing is an emotionally rich, heartwarming romance that took me completely by surprise—in the best possible way. At the heart of the story, Lars is a professional hockey player whose life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he’s a father. Suddenly thrown into a world of diapers and sleepless nights, he has to grow up fast—not just as a parent, but as a person.

What really makes this book shine is the relationship that blossoms between him and his new nanny, Addy: the 22-year-old daughter of Theo a good friend and his teammate. What starts off as a practical arrangement soon becomes something much deeper.

Kate does a great job balancing heartfelt moments with playful banter, and I loved watching both characters evolve—especially seeing the tough, career-focused athlete soften as he falls in love not only with his child but with the woman helping him raise her. The emotional depth felt real, and the pacing of the romance was just right—nothing rushed, nothing forced.

If you’re into stories about unexpected parenthood, strong heroines, and hockey players who fall hard, Sweet Thing is a must-read. It’s sexy, sincere, and leaves you smiling long after you finish the last page.

Thank you Kate and Victoria for the Arc Copy!

This was quite lovely. The characters were super cute and lovable, with realistic imperfections and problems. No huge dramatism throughout the plot and Mabel’s addition to the plot (I mean, she was more or less the whole reason for the plot) was super cute.

I’ve given this 4 stars because it was a super easy read and I actually wished it was a little bit longer and more hashed out but for what it was, it deserved 4 stars!

This novel lacked the heart needed to ground its more provocative elements. Despite taking a break partway through in hopes of returning with fresh eyes, the story remained disappointingly flat. The characters felt shallow and underdeveloped, with little internal growth or genuine chemistry to hold interest.

The most troubling aspect of the book lies in its romantic setup. The 13-year age gap between the main characters is framed as “taboo” by the characters themselves and overtly sexualized, rather than explored with nuance or care. The MMC frequently compares the FMCs traits (her smile, humor, even her eyes) to those of her parents, which only intensifies the discomfort. Although their relationship doesn't begin until she’s of age, his presence in her life beforehand adds a disturbing undertone of grooming that the story never fully addresses.

Given that most NHL players are in their 20s, aging the MMC down could have preserved the emotional stakes without leaning into unsettling territory. The author could have then chosen to make the MMC a mentor of the FMC’s father instead of a best friend, maintaining the drama and implications of the relationship between the FMC and MMC.

The MMC’s nickname for the FMC, “sweet thing,” feels antiquated and more objectifying than affectionate, highlighting the overall lack of emotional intimacy between the characters. What’s meant to be a steamy, forbidden love story ends up feeling hollow and inappropriate.

In the end, the book tries to balance drama and desire but falters under the weight of its own unexamined implications. It’s a story that might have worked with more depth, sensitivity, and character development, but as written, it misses the mark.

🍼ARC review🍼

Sweet thing by @katemeader
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Oh my sweetness ! Trademark ! I could not put this down. I finished it all in one day because it was just that good. Hot hockey player, unexpected single day falling for the nanny ! Yes, this was perfection. Now I want to read the story of Trademark from the beginning. Cannot wait for the next one 💥

3.5 ⭐

Sweet Thing follows NHL star Lars and Adeline, the daughter of his coach, in a heartwarming, emotionally charged romance with a touch of forbidden love and found family.

At 35, Lars’s world is turned upside down when a former fling drops a baby—Mabel—on his doorstep, revealing she’s his daughter. Completely unprepared for fatherhood, Lars is thrown into chaos. Enter Adeline, who’s had a longtime crush on Lars since her high school days. When she steps in as Mabel’s temporary nanny, old feelings start to resurface—and the close quarters make it impossible to ignore the intense spark between them.

Age Gap ✔
Single Dad ✔
Forbidden Love ✔
Found Family ✔

I really enjoyed this story. It was touching to see Lars and Adeline not only bond with baby Mabel, but also navigate their newfound connection. The romance was engaging, and the found family element gave the book real heart.

That said, I would have loved a deeper dive into their relationship—it did feel a little surface-level at times, and I’m not usually a fan of insta-love. Still, the story had a lot of charm and warmth, and I definitely plan to pick up more of Kate Meader’s books in the future!

I continue to enjoy Kate Meader's writing style, which is very easy to read. This is an age gap, dad's best friend/teammate romance featuring the daughter of a character from the original Chicago Rebels series and a current player. It's fun, but does include the stress of the FMC's parents discovering the relationship. I enjoyed being back in Kate Meader's world.

CW: some throwaway comments around body image and also a heteronormative view of a family unit.

Running Hott
By: Serena Bell

Does forever really exist?

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Oh my grandpa Hott is at it again! When two people are Seemingly so different is forever even a possibility? Why did Rhys’s grandpa need to force something so horrible? Truth he knew I’d never let the family down. Sneaky man! Then Rhys meets Eden and his past interactions as her ex’s lawyer makes everything more complicated. This book was amazing and so well thought out. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: A jilted bride. A jaded divorce lawyer. A full tank of gas. What could go wrong?

Rhys: As a cutthroat New York City divorce lawyer, it’s my job to end marriages. Lifetime commitment? It’s for the birds. I do everything in my power to avoid it…until my grandfather’s will says that to save our family’s land, I have to become a wedding planner.

Worse, my first client is Eden Becker. She’s the sunshine-y disaster whose ex-husband I represented a few years ago in their divorce. Eden’s first marriage was a nightmare, so why does she think another one is a good idea?

Turns out, I’m not wrong. Her jerkwad fiancé jilts her, and as her wedding planner, I’m also her getaway vehicle. Now we’re on the road together—and all my complicated feelings about this beautiful, naive optimist are in the car, too. Along with a wild attraction I’ve been fighting since we first faced off across a conference table.

If this road trip goes on too much longer, I’m going to do something I’ll regret forever.

Like fall in love.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know you’re 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

• Single Daddy ~ Nanny
• Best friend's daughter
• Age Gap
• 3.5/5 spice 🌶️

This was an easy 5 ⭐ for me. It had me hooked from the very beginning. It was funny, charming and at times vulnerable. I love me some hockey romance and this book did not disappoint. Lars and Adeline had great chemistry. Not only were they great but I enjoyed the side characters as well. It has me excited for what's to come for this universe, especially after that epilogue 🫢🫢

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

What a charm this is! Kate Meader sets up her new universe of hockey players, this next generation are the Chicago Players, children of the Chicago Rebels team. There's a lot of scene setting as Kate introduces the players from both series, before we really get to know Adeline and Lars. Adeline is a daughter of Theo and Ellie Kershaw (he is 'Superglutes' from Instacrush) and Theo steals the show whenever he is on page. Think of Sebastian St Vincent and Theo is a modern-day hockey equivalent.

Here though, Adeline is in her early twenties, she's been travelling, had a bad experience and now she's home and a bit lost. Meanwhile, her longtime crush, Lars Nyquist, finds himself with an unknown child from a one-night stand he had while Adeline was overseas. Lars had an abusive father and he has avoided the kinds of strong family connections that Adeline grew up with. When Adeline agrees to be the nanny, attraction explodes between her and Lars. There's plenty of obstacles for these two, which means sneaking around, but overall it's a warm and fuzzy low-angst hug of a romance, complete with found family.

This is a wonderful start for a new hockey series and I'm looking forward to the next of them. Thank you very much Kate Meader for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

The chapters in this book alternate between Lars, a pro hockey player trying to turn out better than his dad, and Adeline, the team captains daughter who’s returned from travelling as a grown up woman trying to hide her trauma. When a one night stands drops off a surprise baby to Lars after the Rebels win, he’s left struggling to maintain everything. Adeline offers to fulfil the role of “nanny” until a better alternative arrives. They both try to navigate their new normal while harbouring secret crushes on each other. All of the characters in this book were loveable, and their growth throughout was great to read. The slow-burning love story, the chemistry, the humour. This book had it all. With plenty of spice and some tense moments, this book is a wonderful romance read.

There’s just something about single dad romances that get me every time — and this one hit all the right emotional notes. Between the age gap, the found family dynamic, and the slow build of trust and love, I was completely invested.

From the moment the Kershaws brought Lars into their world with open arms, I had a feeling things were going to get complicated once the truth about him and Adeline came out. And I was right — but that only made the journey more rewarding. Watching Lars go from a lonely, rough past to finding a sense of belonging was honestly the heart of the story for me. I was rooting so hard for him to finally have the kind of family he never thought he could have.

Adeline was such a standout, too. She may be young and soft-spoken, but she never faded into the background. The author did such a great job making her feel real and layered — someone who quietly holds her own. Her dynamic with Lars was everything I hoped it would be.

And listen… do not miss the bonus epilogue. It wrapped things up in the most satisfying, emotional way. My heart was full, and I already can’t wait to dive into more books from this series.

This is such a sweet story! I absolutely adore Lars, Adeline, and baby Mabel. Being Lars’ nanny despite her long time crush on him was not even the slightest bit easy for Adeline. But when baby Mabel is dropped into his lap she wants to help. He is her dad’s teammate and best friend, and her family has become his family too. He is also more than a decade older than her, not that her heart even remotely cares about that.
The close proximity of moving in to care for Mabel destroys any chance Lars had of keeping his distance and not giving in to their firestorm of chemistry no matter the consequences. Adeline feels it too. I love them together so much! I also love how much she loves Mabel. And how he falls so seamlessly into being such a great dad.
Great story, wonderful characters, and a whole lot of love fills up the pages. The steam/spice level is perfect! I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the next!

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Thing by Kate Meader

I am obsessed with this book. Yes, it had a bit of a slow start, but once it got going? I was absolutely hooked. The love story between Adeline and Lars melted my heart, so soft, so swoony, so satisfying. And Mabel? She was the sweetest little scene-stealer! I adored her.


This book is basically a dream come true for trope lovers like me: surprise baby, single dad, forced proximity, dad’s best friend, and hockey romance all rolled into one perfect package. Watching Lars go from commitment-phobic bachelor to completely smitten dad and partner was actual magic. His growth felt so real, and the way Mabel was woven into the story never felt forced, she mattered just as much as the romance, and I loved that.


I already can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series. If you love heartfelt, trope-filled romances with just the right amount of spice and sweetness, run to pick this one up. You won’t regret it!
A great love story.
Trademark.

I really enjoyed this first book in the Chicago Rebels series. I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
#SweetThing #NetGalley

Sweet Thing by Kate Meader
4.5 stars round UP!

I freaking LOVED this!
Age Gap? Check.
Found Family? Check.
Single Dad? CHECK.
Hockey Romance? CHECK

The chemistry between Lars and Addy is chefs kiss. The Kershaw family is just fun and I want to be best friends with all of them.
Reading about Lars falling in love with Mabel makes my damn ovaries feel a certain type of way. I absolutely can not wait for the rest of the books in this series.
I am honestly really disappointed that this is the first Kate Meader book I have ever read, I can assure you that it will certainly NOT be the last. So so good.

Mabel is the star of the show 😍 love her! A forbidden, sports, age gap romance with a baby....what more could you want?
I loved the chemistry between Adeline and Lars. I loved how they pushed each other in different ways and forced each other to acknowlege insecurities while admitting mistakes of their own families did not have to continue with themselves. They both had so much emotional baggage and trauma. The character growth was really inspirational.