A hockey player trying to make amends to his daughters finds himself attracted to the one woman he could get addicted to in this sweet and sexy romance. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Hooked on You by Kate Meader, along with my impressions of this fun and flirty read, then discover even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this fourth installment in the Chicago Rebels series make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!
The steamy Chicago Rebels series returns with this racy and sassy tale of embittered hearts, second chances, and going for the goal—on and off the ice.
Violet Vasquez never met her biological father, so learning he left his beloved hockey franchise—the Chicago Rebels—to her is, well, unexpected. Flat broke and close to homeless, Violet is determined to make the most of this sudden opportunity. Except dear old dad set conditions that require she takes part in actually running the team with the half-sisters she barely knows. Working with these two strangers and overseeing a band of hockey-playing lugs is not on her agenda…until she lays eyes on the Rebels captain and knows she has to have him.
Bren St. James has been labeled a lot of things: the Puck Prince, Lord of the Ice, Hell’s Highlander…but it’s the latest tag that’s making headlines: washed-up alcoholic has-been. This season, getting his life back on track and winning the Cup are his only goals. With no time for relationships—except the fractured ones he needs to rebuild with his beautiful daughters—he’s finding it increasingly hard to ignore sexy, all-up-in-his-beard Violet Vasquez. And when he finds himself in need of a nanny just as the playoffs are starting, he’s faced with a temptation he could so easily get hooked on.
For two lost souls, there’s more on the line than just making the best of a bad situation… there might also be a shot at the biggest prize of all: love.
EXCERPT:
Heading toward the kitchen, he heard music: Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” the part where its bass progression builds to that famous outro. A flurry, as his Scottish granny would call it, trickled down his spine, a sign of something momentous on the horizon.
Such as Violet Vasquez’s ass in tiny denim shorts.
That grade A rear stuck out of the fridge while she bent over, its perfect curve of butt cheek playing peek-a-boo through frayed hems. His eyes followed the shorts’ seam along the cleft of her ass until it disappeared to that mouthwatering spot between her thighs. Ker-ist. The inviting accessibility of it hardened his cock in his jeans.
Sixteen months without sex. That’s all it was. He was hard up, and his hard-on was making everything so fucking hard.
“Hey, Harpsichord, not sure you bought enough cheddar cheese. And that was sarcasm, by the way.” Violet laughed at her joke, her voice a musical echo inside the fridge.
Backing up, she turned and frowned on seeing him ogling her so blatantly, as if her ass making him wild was his problem.
He couldn’t help his grouchy reaction. “What the hell are you doing here?”
She stuck out her tongue. “Ingrate.He curved his gaze around her, a lump forming in his throat at the sight of a full-to-the-freezer fridge.
“I—” He rubbed his mouth, feeling too warm and cock-dumb. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
Reaching up, she tightened the topknot that barely contained her lush waves of dark hair, which was now streaked with ribbons of pink instead of purple like the last time he’d seen her. She usually wore it down, unrestrained, a rebellious mass he longed to plow his fingers through.
His eyes were drawn behind her to one of the open cupboards and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Double Black, whose label he’d recognize from a hundred paces. First order of business: dump all the booze. There was an entire cabinet of liquor in the den, a bar in the living room, bottles stashed anywhere and everywhere because he could never risk going without.
While he was trying to recall where else he might have hidden one of his “friends,” Violet walked over to the kitchen island, hit the screen on her phone to stop the music, and leaned her hip against the side. The stance drew his attention to her thighs, which were covered in a riotous garden of colorful blooms. Beautifully shaped, those thighs tapered to perfect, smooth golden calves and red Converses. Bren knew little about fashion, but he had enough wherewithal to recognize that Violet’s style was definitely unique. Up top she wore a loose-fitting sweater, which couldn’t help slipping off her body, revealing a wafer-thin blue bra strap bisecting one lovely mocha-skinned shoulder.
Christ, sobriety had turned him into a poet—and a horn dog.
“Your girls with you, Scottie?”
“Aye, upstairs.” Where the bedrooms are. With beds. With my bed.
The rapidity of his dirty thoughts seemed to have a direct correlation with how fast Violet’s sweater slipped off her shoulder to reveal more skin, as if what was on display wasn’t enough. He wanted to rip that sweater off with his teeth and lick his way down her lush body.
Instead of that he tried something even more dumb. Speaking. “So, you’re here. Helping Harper out.”
“I’m here to fill your fridge.” She winked. “If ya know what I mean.”
She leaned over on the island, her curves flowing with her. The sweater gaped now, giving him an entirely different vista to lust over. The dark shadow between her breasts made his mouth water.
Stop. Please fucking stop.
“Yeah, well, I’m sure you’re busy.” Annoyance at his reaction to her made him testier than usual.
“Nessie, Harper needed help and I offered my services. Calm down, I’m not here to corrupt you.”
A strangled sound emerged from his throat. Dressed like that, she could corrupt the pope.
Her eyes widened, something like surprise—and desire?—in them. But, as it had been a long time since he’s seen a woman’s eyes flare that way, he dismissed it as impossible. Violet wasn’t attracted to him. Not really. She just liked to tease him, like she did the entire team.
He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, frustration loosening his tongue. “You live to test me. Nothin’ but trouble.”
Unfortunately, he had a major thing for trouble.
No. He had a major thing for Violet.
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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
It’s a stressful time for the Chicago Rebels hockey team as they head into the playoffs. It’s a time to prove themselves as a team, and for a few of them it’s time to prove something to themselves. Throughout the previous books in this series the three young women unexpectedly brought together to run this team have been slowly growing closer. Despite their differences they’re becoming a family, a family that’s become ours through this delightful series of books.
Violet Vasquez never knew her father. She was the product of a one-night stand, her mother’s plan for a better future. Though her mother saw her birth as a means to an end, Violet always knew her mother loved her. When it came to her birth father though, his indifference hurt her and left her doubting herself. She’s always felt lacking and though she owns a third of the Rebels she still feels like the odd man out and is just counting down the days until she can sell off her share of the team. Until the playoffs conclude though she finds herself on an emotional roller coaster ride as the caretaker to two girls who are dealing with their own changes as well as the cocky Scotsman trying to make amends on and off the ice. Violet’s the free spirited one, full of surprising wisdom she passes on to her newfound sisters when they need it most. She’s a bit of a wild child too, telling it like it is through witty and laugh out loud banter. She appears carefree but has had her own drama after battling cancer and is now determined to live life to the fullest. She’s always been drawn to Bren, flirted endlessly while offering herself on a platter to him. It’s a merry chase these two have been on, an endless foreplay that had me cheering once he finally gave in to her tempting personality. Violet’s a feisty heroine, brash, but a bit insecure in finding her place in the world. Helping raise Bren’s daughters brings her a sense of fulfillment though, gives her wholehearted acceptance and a family of her own choosing.
Bren St. James almost lost it all when he lost himself in his alcoholism. He lost his wife, his daughters, and almost lost his hockey team. If it weren’t for Harper, who insisted he go to rehab, he would be left with nothing. Now on the road to recovery he’s determined to make his girls proud as well as bring the championship home to the Rebels. Bren just wants to make amends, give his girls the kind of home they deserve, and keep them safe from the machinations of his ex-wife. It’s a lot of pressure for a newly-recovering alcoholic and it had me wanting to hug him at every turn for all the weight he’s carrying on his emotional and engaging journey. Bren’s a truly sexy beast who’s drawn to Violet but worries that she’ll become his next addiction. With her planning to leave he’s scared of giving his heart to her, worried about the close bond his daughters are forming with her, but it’s clear that he can no longer fight their attraction to each other. Bren at first seems gruff but with his daughters he wears his heart on his sleeve. He oozes sex appeal, is talented at dirty talk, but is sweet and sensitive in dealing with his daughters and helping Violet cope with another health scare. I fell wholeheartedly for the sexy Scotsman as this story progressed and readers definitely will too.
Though this story started out a bit slowly it’s ultimately a delightful end to the exhilarating and sensual Chicago Rebels hockey series as three young women are brought together to save a struggling hockey team. The three women share a father but couldn’t be more different and with each installment readers have gotten to know these women. They’ve become a family, supporting each other as they each find their HEA. Violet’s been a fun-loving part of this series, flirty with bold dialogue. She appears a bit flighty too but when it comes to Bren’s daughters she proves herself a solid support. Being with Bren empowers Violet, gives her a place to call home and a real purpose. I loved their crackling connection, their no-holds barred banter. They scorched up the pages while making me laugh out loud. Bren’s a delicious hero with a heart of gold. He loves his daughters, they’re his whole world, and their scenes together were heartwarming. Being with Bren forced him into putting his heart on the line and it had me rooting for him every step of the way as he deserved every happiness. Surrounding this immensely appealing main couple are a cast of equally likable secondary characters. Bren’s daughters are wise beyond their years and the softer side they bring out in Bren had me smiling. The friendship between Violet and Cade was also entertaining and I enjoyed getting an update on his relationship with Dante and the continuing issue of homosexuality in sports. It was heartwarming to see these three sisters grow closer, find their HEAs, and their connection was a powerful basis for this series that will entertain readers.
Violet Vasquez never knew her father. She was the product of a one-night stand, her mother’s plan for a better future. Though her mother saw her birth as a means to an end, Violet always knew her mother loved her. When it came to her birth father though, his indifference hurt her and left her doubting herself. She’s always felt lacking and though she owns a third of the Rebels she still feels like the odd man out and is just counting down the days until she can sell off her share of the team. Until the playoffs conclude though she finds herself on an emotional roller coaster ride as the caretaker to two girls who are dealing with their own changes as well as the cocky Scotsman trying to make amends on and off the ice. Violet’s the free spirited one, full of surprising wisdom she passes on to her newfound sisters when they need it most. She’s a bit of a wild child too, telling it like it is through witty and laugh out loud banter. She appears carefree but has had her own drama after battling cancer and is now determined to live life to the fullest. She’s always been drawn to Bren, flirted endlessly while offering herself on a platter to him. It’s a merry chase these two have been on, an endless foreplay that had me cheering once he finally gave in to her tempting personality. Violet’s a feisty heroine, brash, but a bit insecure in finding her place in the world. Helping raise Bren’s daughters brings her a sense of fulfillment though, gives her wholehearted acceptance and a family of her own choosing.
Bren St. James almost lost it all when he lost himself in his alcoholism. He lost his wife, his daughters, and almost lost his hockey team. If it weren’t for Harper, who insisted he go to rehab, he would be left with nothing. Now on the road to recovery he’s determined to make his girls proud as well as bring the championship home to the Rebels. Bren just wants to make amends, give his girls the kind of home they deserve, and keep them safe from the machinations of his ex-wife. It’s a lot of pressure for a newly-recovering alcoholic and it had me wanting to hug him at every turn for all the weight he’s carrying on his emotional and engaging journey. Bren’s a truly sexy beast who’s drawn to Violet but worries that she’ll become his next addiction. With her planning to leave he’s scared of giving his heart to her, worried about the close bond his daughters are forming with her, but it’s clear that he can no longer fight their attraction to each other. Bren at first seems gruff but with his daughters he wears his heart on his sleeve. He oozes sex appeal, is talented at dirty talk, but is sweet and sensitive in dealing with his daughters and helping Violet cope with another health scare. I fell wholeheartedly for the sexy Scotsman as this story progressed and readers definitely will too.
Though this story started out a bit slowly it’s ultimately a delightful end to the exhilarating and sensual Chicago Rebels hockey series as three young women are brought together to save a struggling hockey team. The three women share a father but couldn’t be more different and with each installment readers have gotten to know these women. They’ve become a family, supporting each other as they each find their HEA. Violet’s been a fun-loving part of this series, flirty with bold dialogue. She appears a bit flighty too but when it comes to Bren’s daughters she proves herself a solid support. Being with Bren empowers Violet, gives her a place to call home and a real purpose. I loved their crackling connection, their no-holds barred banter. They scorched up the pages while making me laugh out loud. Bren’s a delicious hero with a heart of gold. He loves his daughters, they’re his whole world, and their scenes together were heartwarming. Being with Bren forced him into putting his heart on the line and it had me rooting for him every step of the way as he deserved every happiness. Surrounding this immensely appealing main couple are a cast of equally likable secondary characters. Bren’s daughters are wise beyond their years and the softer side they bring out in Bren had me smiling. The friendship between Violet and Cade was also entertaining and I enjoyed getting an update on his relationship with Dante and the continuing issue of homosexuality in sports. It was heartwarming to see these three sisters grow closer, find their HEAs, and their connection was a powerful basis for this series that will entertain readers.
My rating for this is a B+
*I got this book from NetGalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE CHICAGO REBELS SERIES...
IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Book 1)
Hot in Chicago series author Kate Meader returns with her all new, scorching Chicago Rebels hockey series. Three estranged sisters inherit their late father’s failing hockey franchise and are forced to confront a man’s world, their family’s demons, and the battle-hardened ice warriors skating into their hearts.
Hot in Chicago series author Kate Meader returns with her all new, scorching Chicago Rebels hockey series. Three estranged sisters inherit their late father’s failing hockey franchise and are forced to confront a man’s world, their family’s demons, and the battle-hardened ice warriors skating into their hearts.
Harper Chase has just become the most powerful woman in the NHL after the death of her father Clifford Chase, maverick owner of the Chicago Rebels. But the team is a hot mess—underfunded, overweight, and close to tapping out of the league. Hell-bent on turning the luckless franchise around, Harper won’t let anything stand in her way. Not her gender, not her sisters, and especially not a veteran player with an attitude problem, a chip on his shoulder, and a smoldering gaze designed to melt her ice-compacted defenses.
Veteran center Remy “Jinx” DuPre is on the downside of a career that’s seen him win big sponsorships, fans’ hearts, and more than a few notches on his stick. Only one goal has eluded him: the Stanley Cup. Sure, he’s been labeled as the unluckiest guy in the league, but with his recent streak of good play, he knows this is his year. So why the hell is he being shunted off to a failing hockey franchise run by a ball-buster in heels? And is she seriously expecting him to lead her band of misfit losers to a coveted spot in the playoffs?
He’d have a better chance of leading Harper on a merry skate to his bed…
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Three estranged sisters struggle to sustain their late father’s failing hockey franchise in Kate Meader’s sizzling Chicago Rebels series. In this second entry, middle sister Isobel is at a crossroads in her personal and professional lives. But both are about to get a significant boost with the addition of a domineering Russian powerhouse to the Rebels...
Isobel Chase knows hockey. She played NCAA, won Olympic silver, and made it thirty-seven minutes into the new National Women’s Hockey League before an injury sidelined her dreams. Those who can’t, coach, and a position as a skating consultant to her late father’s hockey franchise, the Chicago Rebels, seems like a perfect fit. Until she’s assigned her first job: the man who skated into her heart as a teen and relieved her of her pesky virginity. These days, left-winger Vadim Petrov is known as the Czar of Pleasure, a magnet for puck bunnies and the tabloids alike. But back then... let’s just say his inability to sink the puck left Isobel frustratingly scoreless.
Vadim has a first name that means “ruler,” and it doesn’t stop at his birth certificate. He dominates on the ice, the practice rink, and in the backseat of a limo. But a knee injury has produced a bad year, and bad years in the NHL don’t go unrewarded. His penance? To be traded to a troubled team where his personal coach is Isobel Chase, the woman who drove him wild years ago when they were hormonal teens. But apparently the feeling was not entirely mutual.
That Vadim might have failed to give Isobel the pleasure that was her right is intolerable, and he plans to make it up to her—one bone-melting orgasm at a time. After all, no player can perfect his game without a helluva lot of practice...
That Vadim might have failed to give Isobel the pleasure that was her right is intolerable, and he plans to make it up to her—one bone-melting orgasm at a time. After all, no player can perfect his game without a helluva lot of practice...
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UNDONE BY YOU (Book 3)
USA TODAY bestselling author Kate Meader brings her signature “steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue” (RT Book Reviews) to this novella in the Chicago Rebels series, following the general manager of the Rebels as he scores with one of his players off the ice.
USA TODAY bestselling author Kate Meader brings her signature “steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue” (RT Book Reviews) to this novella in the Chicago Rebels series, following the general manager of the Rebels as he scores with one of his players off the ice.
Dante Moretti has just landed his dream job: GM of the Chicago Rebels. And screw the haters who think there should be an asterisk next to his name because he’s the first out managing executive in pro hockey. He’s earned the right to be here and nothing will topple him off that perch—especially not an incredibly inconvenient attraction to his star defenseman, Cade “Alamo” Burnett. Cade has always been careful to keep his own desires on the down low, but his hot Italian boss proves to be a temptation he can’t resist. Sure, they both have so much to lose, but no one will ever know...
As Dante and Cade’s taboo affair heats up off the ice and their relationship gets more and more intense, they’ll have to decide: is love worth risking their careers? Or is this romance destined to be forever benched?
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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 or a fire hose, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with alpha heroes and strong heroines who can match their men quip for quip.
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