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Chicago Rebels #1

Irresistible You

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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…

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2017

398 people are currently reading
4093 people want to read

About the author

Kate Meader

55 books3,407 followers
Kate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.

Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.

The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)

The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)

The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)

The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)

The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)

The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)

... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.

For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com

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Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,073 reviews25.3k followers
August 26, 2017
RATING 4.5 STARS

Irresistible You is book one in the brand new series, Chicago Rebels, by Kate Meader. So, I might have learned something new about myself while reading this book. That I have a thing for hot Cajun men with huge hearts.



Remy DuPre is otherwise known as Jinx, because he’s known as one of the unluckiest players in the NHL. All he’s ever wanted was to win the Stanley Cup. But it has always evaded him. Remy is getting older, his body just can’t take the abuse anymore. So this is supposed to be his last year. And so far, it’s been a stellar one with his current team. Until he got traded that is. And not just traded to any team. Traded to the Chicago Rebels. They are one of the very worst teams in the league. His dream of winning that cup just flew right out of the window.

hockey player

Harper Chase was raised to eat, sleep and dream hockey. Now her father has passed on. All Harper ever wanted when he was alive was a chance to show him that she could run the team, that she was every bit as tough as he was. But now he’s gone and he made sure to mess up her life, even from the grave. He split the team three ways, between she and her two half sisters, sisters she barely knows. If they can’t get the team to the top three in the playoffs, they lose everything.

The Stanley Cup. ^-^

Remy was the Chicago Rebels last hope, Harper’s last hope. He was at the peak of his game. And Remy had a way about him. He could bring the team together, something they haven’t been able to do thus far. Remy, though, is furious Harper ruined the best year of his life, the best chance he’s had to win the cup. If Harper wants him to help this team to mend, to bring them together, there is something he wants in return.

From the first time they met, there was something there between them, an electricity, a clashing of the wills and of the hearts. They both fight it. Harper is the team owner and Remy one of the players. It’s a conflict of interest, and so many other things. But they can’t resist the pull for long.

“Of all the people for her libido to toggle on for, why did it have to be Remy DuPre?”

Harper has ghosts, though, painful ghosts, that have forced her to build a huge wall around her heart to protect herself. Not to mention she is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She and her sisters own a hockey team, a man’s world. Everyone is watching every move they make. She has to be tough and that means not falling for one of the players.

Remy, oh my Remy. Just wait until you meet this man. He is from New Orleans where all his family still lives. And this man has a huge family. On the ice Remy is unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with. But off the ice, he’s all gentleman. His momma raised him right. If a woman walks in, a man stands. He cooks for her, he woos her. This man had me swooning all over the place. He puts new meaning to the word swoon. And the chemistry between these two! It was explosive, it was beautiful, it was hot!

“I speak and you think of sex?”
“You exist and I think of sex.”


ice hockey player

I have only read one or two books by Kate Meader so I have to admit that it took me a bit to adjust to her writing style. But Remy Dupre pulled me in and there was nothing I could do about it. These two had obstacles, circumstances that held them back. But when they fell, they fell hard. Together they were better, stronger. They just had to figure that out and let each other in. One of them figured this out a little faster than the other. But watching them fall was a beautiful sight. I can’t wait for the next book in this series, So Over You, which will be Harper’s sister Isobel’s story.

“Every day, I skate for my teammates,
I skate for my family,
And I skate for myself.
But, mostly, I skate for her.”


Profile Image for Melissa.
647 reviews29.3k followers
August 17, 2017
Having received a few less than subtle nudges from a good friend—combined with my craving for something fun—I decided it was time to give Kate Meader a chance. Despite the daunting pile of books I have to review and the many that have been sitting and collecting dust on my bookshelf for way longer than I’d care to admit, it’s still my mood that dictates my reading selections the most. Contemporary romance has become my go-to genre when I need a break from the dark and depraved and I find myself with an appetite for something sweet—think a palate cleanser of sorts.

Right off the bat, Harper was a woman to admire—determined, strong-willed and unafraid of chasing her biggest dream. It’s always been taking over ownership of her father’s professional hockey team at the top of that list. What she didn’t expect was that it would take her father’s death for that dream to be realized or that she would have to share the role with her two estranged half-sisters. Left with no choice but to make drastic changes in an effort to improve the team’s standing, she makes a trade for Remy DuPre, aka ‘Jinx’.

A gorgeous girl needs a gorgeous guy, right? Cue Remy, the hardbodied Cajun with a little bit of a bad boy edge. Do I have your attention yet? Seriously though, Remy doesn’t make the best first impression. In fact, he comes off as somewhat of douche, kind of disrespectful to Harper’s authority, but I guess he had a valid reason for it. He planned on finishing his career in Boston on a winning team, not schlepping to Chicago to join the roster of one the worst teams in the league. It doesn’t take long to see there’s more to him than meets the eye though. Under the persona, he’s actually a true gentleman and a family man, not a guy interested in surrounding himself with puck bunnies.

What makes a book like this successful is chemistry. There has to be undeniable chemistry or it just won’t work. Well, rest assured Remy and Harper have it in spades. They share some really great scenes; there's an underlying intensity from the go, some unabashedly sweet moments shared between the two and then there’s those that made me blush. I’m surprised that can even happen anymore, considering some of the books I’ve read, but it did. Maybe it had something to do with reading it on an airplane—sort of like keeping a dirty little secret.

The one thing that stopped this from being a new favorite was the lack of tension and buildup. I like it thick. Remy went from “she’s not my type” to dishing out the pet name “minou” pretty quickly. It was hard for me to pinpoint exactly what happened to spark that change in him. The author focused more on Harper’s side of the equation and her wishy-washy decision making. Granted, Harper had to deal with all of the haters just waiting for her to fall on her face, so why hand them a scandal as big as her dating one of her employees, right?

Being this is the first in a new series, the author took the time to establish relationships with a lot of the secondary characters and from what I can tell, the upcoming books will follow-suit with this one—strong women at the helm and the hockey gods that can’t seem to resist them.

*Thank you to Gallery/Pocket Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,323 reviews13.7k followers
August 10, 2017
And then she was in his arms, the way it wasn’t supposed to be, but the only way that made sense. Greedy lips met in a torrent of hunger as they melted into each other, her mouth on his so amazing he could die. His hands strayed to her ass and bound her close to make sure she was real and could never, ever leave.


*Flails happily*
It's official. I'm totally and completely head over heals for this brand new series from Kate Meader. Hook, line, and sinker, people. HOOK. LINE. AND SINKER. Or should I should I say hockey stick? Because this had everything that first made me fall in love with Meader's writing. Endearing and vivid characters, sizzling steam, addicting plot, and hot hockey players as the icing on the top.

Irresistible You introduces us to the Chase sisters. After their philandering, famous ex hockey player turned team owner dies, they find themselves having to come together to turn around a failing hockey team. At the head of it all is Harper Chase, brand new acting GM of the Chicago Rebels. It's hard enough to gain respect as a female in the sport, but now she has to bring this team around. Her first stop? Bring the team's recent trade to heel.

Remy “Jinx” DuPre knows he's looking at his final year in the sport that he loves. He's too old to be taking the hits he's been taking and he wants to go down on top. Unfortunately his recent trade to the Chicago Rebels is pretty much ensuring he won't get there. The team is nowhere close to playoffs and the team's GM is a stuffy, stick up her butt female that he wants nothing to do with. Too bad the sexual chemistry between them is impossible to ignore.
He’d never met a woman who needed to be fucked as badly as Harper Chase. Who needed to be kissed thoroughly, eaten out professionally, and screwed so deep she couldn’t walk until playoff season. All that would happen; he just hadn’t reckoned on how his own limits would be tested.


What begins as snarky barbs and insults, turns into an unlikely friendship that soon turns into something so much more.

Can I just tell you how much I loved the Cajun stud that is Remy? Because this man!!! This. Man. He brought all of the swoons. All of them. I loved him beyond words. He was pure perfection. And Harper was such an amazing heroine. The more layers you peel away from her, the more you understand why she is the way she is and just grow to like her even more. Both characters were so multi-layered and full of depth, I couldn't get enough of them.

In the midst of the budding romance, there's a slew of secondary characters introduced that I can't wait to find out more about; especially Harper's two sisters.

Irresistible You was everything I've come to expect from this author and more! It was a page turner from beginning to end, full of laugh out loud moments and enough steam to set your e-readers on fire!
Listen, Harper, I understand your concerns. You have to present a certain image to the world. All eyes are on the Rebels and you, of all Cliff’s daughters, are the face of the team business. I get that. I totally respect that. But that doesn’t change the fact I want to throw you over this desk and fuck you until you scream my name, forget your own, and come so many times you practically pass out.”


ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth.
797 reviews922 followers
August 14, 2017
✮✮✮ 4 STARS ✮✮✮

Review @ Vanilla & Spice Books





You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. - Wayne Gretzky



Remy DuPre, Boston's star center and the Cajun they call Jinx because he is the unluckiest guy in the NHL, isn't happy. He has been traded and his new team screws with his last chance of winning the coveted Stanley Cup. The Rebels are the league's second worst hockey team and their new owner, Harper Chase, is now interrupting his farewell bash, busting his balls and dragging him by his ears to his new home Chicago.

Harper's sole focus is to prove to herself and the world that her late father was wrong saying that a woman should never lead a hockey team. Of course, that she has to share responsibility with her two estranged sisters doesn't improve her mood. Add to that her decision to get Remy DuPre on her team might prove to have not been a good one - he doesn't live up to her expectations and she knows he does it on purpose - and she feels immense pressure in this world that is ruled by testosterone. Harper strikes a deal with the Cajun: He plays his heart out until the trading deadline comes up, then she'll let him go to whatever team he wishes to follow his goal to win the cup before he retires.

Remy and Harper got off on the wrong foot but from the start there is an undeniable sizzling attraction neither of them welcomes. But as it is with undeniable chemistry at some point something has to give and Harper enters a relationship she isn't entirely comfortable with. She is under scrutiny in this male dominated sport - she will be judged and if it becomes public knowledge that the owner of The Rebels fraternizes with a player she would lose the little ground she gained in with the acquisition of Remy DuPre.




Harper is a complicated character. Her daddy issues make you feel for her on one hand. She has a lot to prove, is determined and stubbornly focused on proving her dad wrong who didn't show her a lot of kindness and respect.

She had never been a prize before, only the consolation.


She is so starved for love and Remy is the perfect partner for her. He is affectionate and sweet and has no problem to show his feelings. It kills her that her pride stands between her and her love and this is where I got a leeeeettle bit annoyed with her. It just took a little too long for Harper to come around. She always thought she needed to do it on her own, there only was either-or and she never fought for Remy. Still, she was a strong and likable heroine and I admired her for her bite. When she found her courage and took the leap I was happy that she appreciated Remy for the wonderful, big-hearted man that he was.

"I’ve never met anyone who needs to be held and loved as much as you do, Harper. Well, it so happens that you’ve got a man here with strong arms made to keep you safe. With so much love inside him that it’s just busting to get out. It’s all for you, minou. No one else I’d rather give it to.” - Remy



If you want to meet a swoon-worthy, dreamy, charming and super-hot hero, pick this book up now. Remy is pretty much my most favorite Kate Meader-hero. He has the typical Southern charm, is very laid back but you still know he cares, shows his polite respect for women by standing when they enter a room, without fail. I loved his family and how he adored them. He was a beautiful character. I adored that he had no problems showing and voicing his feelings, he empowered Harper and made her feel special. Remy is a sensual and sweet man, smart enough to know when to push and when to let it go.

When your happiness was someone else’s happiness, then that was love.




The main character's banter is typical for Kate Meader - hilarious, smart and highly entertaining. The side characters, and I mean all of them, sneaked into my heart and settled there firmly. Harper's sisters are wonderful and I loved seeing their relationship improve and becoming closer. Remy's influence on the team's morale was also beautiful to see. He really made a difference and I particularly liked Bren St. James, who will be paired with one of Harper's sisters and I can't wait to get my hands on that book! They both promise to have an interesting back story as well as Harper's other sister.

With every new book Kate Meader reinforces her position as one of my favorite authors. Her combination of flawless writing, lovable characters, entertaining banter and sexy chemistry totally do it for me. Grab this if you love sport romances - I promise you'll have a good time!


Irresistible You is the first installment in The Rebels series and can be read as a standalone.







Profile Image for Jen .
814 reviews624 followers
August 30, 2017
3.5 Jinx Stars

 

"I need you to know that in another universe, this would be a done deal, and the only thing stopping me from making you mine is that in this universe, my current employment situation stops me from making good on all the dirty things I’m dying to do to you. You understand?”

 

Outside appearances would lead most folks to believe Harper Chase has lead a pretty sweet life. She learned the ins and outs of hockey at the hands of her father, an ex-player turned coach turned owner, and after his untimely death, is now running the team her father loved so much. What most people don’t realize is that even though she’s spent the better part of her life trying to please him, Harper’s father never trusted she could do the job of a professional hockey GM and he had no problem letting her know it. Now deceased and being the bastard he was, Harper’s father felt it right to throw in a pesky little clause in his will to go along with Harper managing his team: work together with her two astrainged sisters to get the losing team back on track and win the Stanley Cup or the team will be sold to outside investors.

 

Veteran Hockey player Remy “Jinx” Dupre has played for his share of teams but never managed to win the elusive Stanley Cup. On the verge of retirement, the only thing Remy wants is on last shot at bringing home the trophy. All of that goes down the drain when he’s traded to the losing Chicago Rebels. Harper Chase wants him on her team? Fine, he’ll ride out his time in Chicago and help her turn things around if she’ll agree to trade him mid-season to a team with a shot at the cup.

 

Now, if only the white hot attraction between Remy and Harper didn’t threaten to blow the entire arraignment sky high. Harper’s had bad luck with hockey players in the past and Harper’s not what Remy’s looking for. At all. So why can’t the two seem to keep their hands off of each other?

 

“I can’t give more than what you see. I can’t give more than a few hours. So Remy DuPre , would you rather have one night exploring this thing between us or a whole lifetime never knowing what it was like to feel so good?”




Kate Meader has another wonderful book on her hands with Irresistable You. Harper and Remy were both likeable characters and at times, I just felt like taking Harper aside and giving her a hug. I think it would be incredibly difficult to live your life in the spotlight with the public constantly judging you but never really knowing you. All she wants to do is turn the team she loves around but that’s a tall order considering what she has to work with. 

This book does an excellent job of setting up the rest of the series, especially the relationship between the three sisters who, for all intents and purposes, are virtual strangers. I'm looking forward to them becoming closer in future books.

As far as romances go, unfortunately I wasn't really feeling it between Harper and Remy. I liked them individually but honestly, I'm not sure why the two were together (or hooking up occasionally on the sly). Maybe I just wasn't feeling the chemistry, but the relationship was the weak link in this book for me.

I love a good sports themed romance. Though this didn't exactly knock my socks off, I can't wait to see what's next for this promising series.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Christie«SHBBblogger».
988 reviews1,305 followers
August 16, 2017



Title: Irresistible You
Series: Chicago Rebels
Author: Kate Meader
Release date: August 14, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA

It was one thing to give her his heart, but Remy DuPre was giving her everything.

After reading the introduction to the series In Skates Trouble , I was all fired up to read Remy's story. The previous book was just an appetizer in comparison to this full course of skillful characterization and sharp wit. Meader managed to fully flesh out an entirely new set of characters, create a swoon worthy, forbidden (ish) romance, and tantalize us with the prospect of Harper's sisters' future stories. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but once I started reading I couldn't get enough.

Winning her father's affection and trust in her abilities was an uphill climb that Harper never managed to conquer. She spent her entire life trying to prove herself to him, to be valued. And now that he's passed away, even in death, Clifford managed to give her the big middle finger one last time. As excited as she is to be at the helm of his failing hockey franchise, she has new, seemingly insurmountable challenges to overcome. If she thought earning her dad's faith in her ability to run the team was impossible, it was nothing compared to the sexist league ready to draw blood from the get go.

Luckily, she's one tough lady, with a will of steel. Filled with determination and drive, to prove every last one of them wrong. Whatever the cost. Firing the team GM was immediately scorned, but she didn't let that bother her. If he couldn't get the job done, then she would do it herself. And Remy DuPre, her new veteran player's blatant disrespect was next on her list to be addressed. After meeting in Boston and reaming him out, let's just say that a bad first impression was made by all. Resentment, pride, and anger started their relationship off as adversaries.

Remy was bitter. A player with pure talent and star quality, but always cheated out of the ultimate prize: the championship trophy. Now in the sunset of his career, and his last shot at his dream, he's traded to a team at the bottom of the barrel. To top that off, his new boss is as about as uptight and unreasonable as they come. So why is it that he can't seem to keep his eyes off of her? She wasn't his usual type at all: hard as nails, his boss, guarded heart, his boss, and her lack of desire for a family. Plus she's his boss. End of. But her spirit and fire laid waste to every one of his mental protests.

In a weak moment, they both succumbed to the desire that was boiling under the surface. With one scalding hot kiss, it spilled over and consumed them. And there was no looking back.

Harper Chase’s mouth could tempt a man to forget everything that was good for him.

Pandora's box had been opened, and his resistance fizzled out fast. He was soon determined to pursue these feelings that he was confronted with. Remy was just everything. He's what I would describe as a wicked gentleman. Southern to the core, a family man, and one sensual and sexy guy. He opens doors, defends the honor of those he loves, and knows the meaning of respect. A bit of a player in the past, but now he'd like nothing more than retiring in one last blaze of glory and finding a partner to start a family with.

As Remy peels away Harper's tough exterior, he discovers the world of damage she's hiding that extends much further than her trust and abandonment issues. Her ex left a deep wound that has never really healed. This was a big contribution to her inability to open up to him and let him inside her heart. On one hand, I completely understood where she was coming from with her impenetrable defenses. A relationship with Remy would risk what little ground she'd managed to gain with her career, and her goals for the future. On the other hand, I have to admit I was starting to get impatient with her stubbornness. She was bound and determined to push him away and unwilling to take a leap of faith.

He cut her words off with a kiss. A take-no-prisoners, you-are-mine kiss that she’d hold inside her heart as long as she lived . He’d already burrowed his way into each bleeding fissure. Now every kiss was salt, every word a piece of grit.

The plus side to her resistance was seeing him pursue her full force. He wasn't the type to sit idle and take no for an answer, and I loved that about him. He saw the fragile parts of her and took the care with her that she needed. By the end, he had put her at the top of his priorities and proven without a doubt that she came first in his life. He was truly a force to be reckoned with.

I enjoyed this couple so much overall. They had heat, a delicious amount of humor, and a mildly angsty romance due to their secret relationship. I also loved seeing Harper's bond with her sisters find a foundation and start to grow. We learned a lot about their family history and the reason for their distance with each other. I'm without a doubt fascinated with the fate of the team, and the sisters' budding relationship. So Over You comes out in December and I'll be ready and eager to read all about Isobel and Vadim.

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Profile Image for Claire.
2,325 reviews739 followers
August 14, 2017
3.5 - "I guess we got off on the wrong foot..." Stars!

Kate Meader kicked off the Chicago Rebels series really well with the novella; In Skate’s Trouble, and I was eager to see Harper Chase, the first of the Chase sisters to have her story told in Irresistible You.



If you have read any of Kate’s previous books you will know that her characters give good snark and banter, and as much can be said for Harper and Remy, and I really liked them together as a couple. As you would expect for a man in the twilight of his career, being traded to the worst team in the league is not really where he wants to be playing his last season, as such he and Harper don’t get off to the best of starts.

"You’re a rebel now, and you play by my rules."

But behind the initial distaste and dislike, is a healthy dose of lust and attraction as well, and although neither of them are initially willing to act on it, it doesn’t take long for the lusty looks and dirty thoughts to morph into something else.

Of all the people for her libido to toggle on for, why did it have to be Remy DuPre...

Quite simply, because he was an absolute Southern Darlin’, and boy did he know how to take care of his woman, in every way.

"I’m not interested in bimbo trophies looking for a good time. My tastes run to women, real women who have a little more life experience than suffering through a hang nail."

The other dynamic in this book is the building of relationships between Harper, and her two sisters Isobel and Violet, all with the same father, none of them have really had a lot to do with each other, while he was alive, but in death his will ensures that they have to spend time together, whether they like it or not, and I liked that what started out as prickly and stilted, gradually started to grow into something more... Sisterly as the book developed and they got to know each other more.

"We’ve got ourselves a veritable United nations of Badass here."

And from that knowledge I am interested to see what stories Kate gives them, especially with the men that she has teamed them up with. I predict fireworks, fucking, snark and sparring a-plenty to come! Not too long to wait with Isobel’s book So Over You, due for release before the end of the year.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,023 reviews804 followers
August 14, 2017
4.5 Irresistible Stars!

What an awesome start to a new series! I love a story about girl power. To see a series where women in a position of power of a male dominated sport, is a huge draw for me. The author did such a good job of creating a strong heroine in Harper and pairing her with a sexy Cajun that is powerful in his own right and made it work. I loved everything about this couple. The resistance was expected of the theme of this story and never felt overdone. Remy, his Cajun accent and sexy endearments were a real treat to experience. This had great side characters that will have you looking forward to their own books. I highly recommend this book! ARC provided by NetGalley.

Safety spoilers
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,956 followers
August 30, 2017
rating-hearts-41.jpg (1943×479)

I have read several of Kate Meader's books, which I really enjoyed so I figured I would give this new series a try. I am glad to say that I am not dissapointed. This could also be because it's a book about hockey...and sports themed books are a weakness of mine...especially hockey and baseball :P

It's hard to go wrong with HOT hockeyplayers running around with their sticks :P

f79c7a177812162ff5e936e022280370--hockey-mom-ice-hockey.jpg (500×660)

Harper and het two (estranged) sisters have inherited a (losing) hockey team,  the Chicago Rebels, to be precise. There are some stipulations though. The team has to win, or they will lose said team. This means that Harper and the half-sisters she doesn't really know, have to work together to turn the team around.

Harper is not about to give up though...she wants to make it work. She wants to prove herself.

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Harper acquires Remy from another team in the hopes that he will help turn the team around. Remy himself however isn't too happy with the transfer. The only way he will help her (and the team) out, is if she agrees to trade him back to a better team, in a few months. Since Harper agrees, because...well what else can she do.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts right from the beginning....and it won't  be denied for long. Harper has a rule about getting involved with the players and Remy is supposed to leave eventually....also she is technically his boss. But the heart (and body) wants what it wants and fighting their attraction is pointless.

 i want you GIF

I really enjoyed this one. It was funny and swoon-worthy and HOT. Remy was really awesome... I love me some Cajun men :P. I had some issues with Harper sometimes seeming a bit cold...but I also got why she was the way she was. This book can be shelved under so many different themes... opposites attract, forbidden love, sports, friends to lovers..

All in all these two were really great together and, ..did I mention.. HOT ??

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The supporting characters were great and I can't wait to read more about them in the next books.

netgalley netgalley2



My reviews are posted on Dirty Books Obsession

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Profile Image for Kate Meader.
Author 55 books3,407 followers
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May 17, 2017
Hey, lovely readers!

I'm so excited to tell you all about IRRESISTIBLE YOU, the first book in my new hockey series, the Chicago Rebels. 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. First up is the oldest, Harper, who expected to rule outright and is none too pleased at having to share with the sisters she hardly knows. This ice queen needs a good melting--and who better than Remy DuPre, a laid-back Cajun center who knows how to burn things up both on and off the ice?

*** Special pre-order price of $1.99! ***

Learn more about the Chicago Rebels series on my website! And if you can't wait until August, check out the prequel novella, IN SKATES TROUBLE, available now.
Profile Image for Dali.
2,092 reviews593 followers
February 17, 2022
ON SALE FOR #99CENTS http://amzn.to/2Alj31F (12/1/2017)
I'll always have a great time reading Kate Meader. Irresistible You was no exception. It was super fun, deliciously swoony and sexy, a little bit angsty and a lot heartfelt.

After a lifetime of trying to prove herself to her father and miserably failing in his eyes, it seems as though even in death her father is trying to frustrate her. Harper Chase has now co-inherited his nose-diving hockey team together with her two alienated half-sisters. But nothing will stop her for achieving her lifelong dream of heading a successful NHL franchise, not the fact that she’s a woman in a man’s world, not the fact that she barely knows her sisters who aren’t one hundred percent on board and certainly not her recently acquired, too gorgeous for his own good and way off-limits player who doesn’t want to be on her team.

Thought of as the unluckiest player in the NHL, Remy DuPre, still had a chance to finish his pro-hockey career proudly lifting the Stanley Cup until he was traded to the losing Chicago Rebels. He’ll use every weapon in his arsenal, including charm and manipulation, to get what he wants. But trying to break through the walls of his stubborn boss in sexy heels is turning out to be more stimulating and fun than he originally anticipated. Can they find a way for both of them to win?
"You feel that, Harper?... I think we're havin' a thing."
They were. Oh, God they were. "Why are you still here again?"
His mouth curved. "Lady, I got the distinct feelin' these next few months are gonna be fun."

The atmosphere intensifies as soon as these two lock eyes with one another and all the fun begins. The push and pull between Remy and Harper is delightfully addicting as both have dominant personalities, both are set in what they want and both will do just about anything to achieve their goals. I rooted for them wholeheartedly. Inevitably, their seemingly different career paths push them apart, but it’s really Harper who needs to work through her issues to see what Remy already knew, that their heart and souls are a perfect match and they can work through everything else together.
"I speak and you think of sexy?"
"You exist and I think of sex."


There are many other things about this Irresistible book to enjoy like Remy’s loveable family and his adorable penchant for doing read-a-longs with his nieces no matter the book—Pride and Prejudice—, the building relationship between Harper’s sisters who all unequivocally have daddy issues—I expect this relationship to continue developing throughout the series—, the return of Addison and Ford from In Skates Trouble, and the incredible Gretzky… the farting dog.
"... you need to be spoiled every now and then to remind you that you deserve the best."
"... You're the one to spoil me?"
"I'm the man for the job."

Every job, he wanted to say. He'd feed her mind, her body, and show her the meaning of worship.

But what pulls you in and keeps you turning page after page is the reluctant yet undeniable attraction between Remy and Harper. Remy’s magnetism and blatant virility alone is enough to leap from every page, but when all that yummy sexy, swoony, alpha maleness is single-mindedly directed towards Harper, I just about melted along with my eReader.
"He was in. Inside her head, inside her body, and inching closer to that heart she kept wrapped in barbed wire and pinned with a No Trespassing sign. He intended to trespass. He would invade those border and plant his f*cking flag."

Irresistible You kick off book in the Chicago Rebels series by Kate Meader. It is a standalone, hockey full of deliciously swoony, sexy, and sweet moments. Told from both points of view, with a happy ending.

Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2wpZ1OZ

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts taken are from that copy. *

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Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,841 reviews463 followers
August 10, 2017
I just love Kate Meader! Another winner! 4.5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kate Meader has become a must-read author for me. I have enjoyed every one of her stories and this one is another great example.

When we read a synopsis that the story is going to be about hockey, I get some immediate assumptions running through my mind. Slutty guy jocks and a chick who tames one. But this one is so very different. While there is nothing wrong with a slutty guy jock.... I am sometimes looking for more substance. Here is that substance.

Solid character development. Very interesting and multi layered characters. A twist with the new team owners being female. Loads of hot guys that are not the typical jocks. Plenty of passion and steamy sex. Great set up for future stories.

The story was in-depth, interesting, damn hot and juicy. A great read all around! I will be waiting for more in this series!

*copy received for review consideration
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,126 followers
April 6, 2018
An ending can make it all better...

How do you rate a book that you thought was just OK throughout most of it but loved the ending?

Well, this little ducky is pretty easy to please. If I'm left with a big goofy smile at the end, you've pretty much sold me.

I think, in this case, I just wanted the heroine and hero to WAKE THE HELL UP...and accept that love is better than a hockey puck.

I think that's the endgame in the book world, well, the romance book world. We're supposed to push aside career goals, life ambitions and deep desires and sacrifice it all for love. Don't get me wrong, that is exactly what I'm looking for in my romance reads, but in reality, not so much.

The main reason for the "OK" was that it was a pretty textbook read. Nothing really new here and I felt that the conflict was drawn out a lot longer than it needed to be. The fact that the catalyst was provided from the outside, made it even more frustrating. I'm not a big fan of the main characters only sharing their secrets because they have to instead of because they want to.

To me, the foundation for a strong relationship is learning to trust the person you're growing close to. Harper's biggest failing is allowing others opinions to guide her judgement and relationships. If she'd allowed her sisters and Remy to help her, a lot of her problems would have been solved.

I guess, the main problem for me is that I couldn't relate to Harper. I'm pretty much an open book, what you see is what you get, kind of person. If I'm struggling with something, you'll know about it. If you want to share my load, join me, I'm generous like that.

Anyways, Irresistible You left me with a smile. Love was the endgame and the conflict was the gameplay. I'm definitely interested in going on in the series...soon...ish.

Should maybe have been a 3 star but I bumped it up. You know...because of goofy smiles and all. Oh, and Remy had some pretty awesome moves and could cook up a storm...HOT!!



Profile Image for Geri Reads.
1,232 reviews2,136 followers
August 19, 2017
4.5 stars

Why?

Why did it take me this long to read a Kate Meader book?

I seriously would like to know because this book is my jam. And if her books are all like this -- you know, well-plotted with well written complex characters -- then I see a binge in my future and another author added to my automatic one-click list.

Irresistible You reminds me of all the good things I loved about Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Chicago Stars series, especially the first book, It Had to be You. It follows more or less a similar premise: Harper Chase inherited a hockey team from her father with a few wrenches thrown in.

The premise is familiar but the conflict and its characters are fresh and engaging. A few pages in and I was already invested.

Harper Chase along with her half-sisters inherited the Chicago Rebels hockey team. An ailing organization known for being inconsistent and a joke in the league. But Harper has a solid plan: acquire an over-the-hill-albeit-still-competitive-center Remy DuPre AKA the unluckiest player in the NHL.

Remy was not pleased about the transfer. It's his last year to finally win the Cup and he's not going to win it with a team that's at the near bottom of the NHL ranking. This puts him in immediate conflict with the gorgeous team owner.

And what I delicious conflict it was. Harper and Remy's adversarial relationship got me hot and bothered throughout the book. Each of their interactions drip with sexual tension.

Harper is such a fantastic heroine. She's been dealt a real blow with her father setting her up for failure. But she's a fighter and she's not about to take shit from anybody, including Remy.

I love their chemistry and their banter. As their relationship progressed, Harper started to get out of her shell and where Remy showed the kind of guy he truly is: protective and loyal. Someone who would go out of his way to take care of those close to him including his teammates. I love his character.

Another thing that I liked about this book was Harper's half sisters: Isobel and Violet. I liked that the author didn't make it easy for them to get along. They all have their issues and they're suspicious of each other. And rightly so. All thanks to their father Clifford Chase. He's already deceased at the start of the book but his presence and his cruelty were felt throughout the book.

I would've easily given this 5 stars if not for the slightly rushed ending. But that's a small nitpick. There's an epilogue at the end but it doesn't tell us anything about whether or not the Rebels made it to the finals. That said I feel like we're going to get the answer to that in the next installment which I'm looking forward to.

ARC provided by Pocket Star in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Zoe.
2,385 reviews337 followers
August 15, 2017
Provocative, passionate, and red-hot!

Irresistible You is a lighthearted, hockey romance featuring the delicious Cajun, Remy who finds himself traded to a losing team just as he's thinking about retirement, and the ballsy, competent Harper who finally has the career she's always wanted but with some unexpected strings attached.

The writing is effortless. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are fun, intriguing, and downright swoon-worthy. And the plot is an engaging mix of genuine emotion, sexy banter, palpable attraction, smouldering chemistry, hockey, food, and of course some sizzling romance.

What a fantastic way to start a new series. Irresistible You is a smart, seductive story with great character development, and a smoking hot cover that will undeniably leave you wanting more.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,107 reviews1,528 followers
August 24, 2017
Irresistible You is a standalone and is the first book in the Chicago Rebels series. This is my first Kate Meader book. Sports romance isn’t my favorite romance genre, but I like Hockey reads the best. Irresistible You is similar to the Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series and Sawyer Bennett’s Cold Fury Hockey series, both series I enjoyed reading.

Kate Meader’s writing style is very meaty and very descriptive. I tend to enjoy more informal, faster pace and more dialogued based books. It’s not a writing style that I jive with at first, but eventually it warmed to me.

Harper’s dad dies and leaves the Chicago Rebels hockey team to her and her sisters, her half-sisters. Ouch right? I found this a cute storyline and I hope each sister gets her own book and maybe they each hook-up with a hockey player.

Harper is the organized one. She’s been training for this moment and although she’s disappointed she doesn’t outright own the team, she’s ready to prove to her father she can manage the team. It’s just that not everyone can be managed.

It was difficult for me to relate to Harper. I wanted to like her at first because of her personality, but I felt like at first impression I couldn’t get a grasp of who she was. Yes, she was disappointed but I wanted a little more emotion. I’m glad that Remy came into play because I felt like he brought out most of her qualities.

Remy was another character that was hard for me to relate to as well. He’s one of the older players, but a good one. He’s tired of being on a losing team and wants to win a Stanley cup. I found Remy selfish at first, but as I got to know him, I found his personality better. He had his moments but he eventually redeemed himself. I love his nickname for her “minou”.

As individuals it was a little hard to like Harper and Remy, but as they interacted together and brought out more emotions I enjoyed the book more. I liked the slight tension and it added something to the book. Irresistible you has a lot of character development and steam. You definitely get an idea to how the characters are feeling.

There is a lot of character interaction between Harper and Remy and not as many secondary character interaction as I thought I would find in a series (to make build-up for the next books). This is not a compliant, just something I noticed. Okay, I would say I wanted more Harper and sister interaction, only because I have a sister and I can relate.

Overall, Irresistible You is a decent sports romance. If you are a fan of chick-lit books with a hockey theme, then I think you will enjoy this one a lot.

AMAZON - http://amzn.to/2vf1sXb

An Arc was provided

Reviewed as an ...
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews132 followers
August 4, 2017
This Rebel uses guerrilla tactics.

The opening gambit of this hockey romance novel is filled with irony when team owner Harper Chase tells her new, wayward center that he is a Rebel now and he has to play by her rules. Lucky for us the twist to that statement just gains speed like a puck slapped across the ice.

Harper Chase has been sitting it out on the bench, paying her dues in countless ways to her chauvinistic father, and with his untimely death she finally has a chance to run the family hockey franchise her way. The first thing she wants to do is get a living legend to lead her team back from the brink of obscurity, so in the way of queens confident in their monarchy, she buys him - or at least his contract. Though not happy to be wearing the Rebel jersey in what was supposed to be his Stanley Cup year, Remy is a rebel to the core, and he decides to make Princess Harper pay for his crushed hopes. Too bad her voice alone is enough to get him hot and bothered.

Immediately author Kate Meader sets up a reluctant - and irresistible - attraction between the at-odds leads. The one-liners that illustrate this dynamic are irrepressible. And because it is irresistible I will share with you one of those fabulous lines that will put Remy and Harper in perspective: "I don't take orders, Harper. I barely take suggestions." But I will contain myself and not gush about the fleeting and witty observations that burble out of the narrative. Just take it from me, those little bits totally make this novel worth reading.

The other great thing in this book are the descriptions. The graceful brute. The cooking Cajun. The sexy red stilettos. An ailing crooner. An adorable dog with flatulence. And I could go on and on.

The beating heart of this story is Temptation, with a capital "T". Nothing good can come of a romance between a team owner and an employee with a chip on his shoulder. There is some personal history, too, that builds walls. But these two just can't ignore the magnetic pull. Early in the book there is this one scene where Remy is floored from across the room at the sexy appearance of Harper not wearing her workday bun and pencil skirt, and he is virtually drooling at a bare shoulder. Before the evening is over he maneuvers her into a secluded corner, laying his lips on that spot on her collarbone that has tantalized him all night. It is a sublime episode that underscores the compulsions that rock these two usually controlled people.

Another great thing about this book is that conversations didn't go the way I expected. I would leave a page as discombobulated as the romantic leads, thrown for a loop I didn't anticipate. And yet it all made perfect sense. Stupid me, pulled in by romantic stereotypes. There really isn't much about Remy or Harper that should be classified as stereotypes, because I just had too much respect for them. And they had too much respect for each other. And they enjoyed each other. Even their pillow talk was filled with affection and humor.

The theme that played second string in this hockey story was the relationship among the sisters. They were universally plagued by Bad Dad and artificially conned into joint team management - and each sis was such an individual. I expect their connection will unfold more in subsequent books in the series, but I wanted more to be mined from that particular situation.

But don't let that one, tiny little nit-pick dissuade you. In order to convince you to pick up this highly entertaining sports romance novel, I will quote Kate Meader, who in turn quotes Wayne Gretzky: "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take."

4.5 rounded to 5 stars.

Book source: ARC via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
August 14, 2017
4.5 stars

Special release week price of $1.99. First in series!



Mon dieu….give me a minute while I turn down the air conditioning because this book is H-O-T! As a huge fan of Kate Meader’s work, I was excited about this new series after the novella, In Skates Trouble, but Irresistible You blew me away. An aging Cajun hockey player in search of The Cup and with the know how to pull a team together, and a smart, savvy, team owner trying to prove to her players, her co-owners who are also her half-sisters, the league, the press, and the world that she has the moxy and the smarts to succeed and her team to win find that no matter how hard they try they can’t deny the attraction and growing feelings between them. With so much on the line professionally and personally, these two struggle to find the perfect balance in their lives.

One thing I’ve always loved about Ms. Meader is she writes strong, female characters and Harper Chase defines strong. Thrown over by her father at age 6 for his new family, taking care of her mother who never recovered from his betrayal until her death from cancer, working in the Chicago Rebel’s organization under her father, surviving an abusive ex, and realizing that even in his death, her father wants nothing more than to see her fail, Harper is determined to show him and everyone else she will not give up or back down. I loved her competence in running the team, the way she took care of her players, the bond she was trying to build with her sisters, and her unwavering devotion to making her team they best they could be even if that means making deals she doesn’t always like. I also appreciated that she respected her new center Remy DuPre and knew he could bring stability and cohesiveness to the team, but she also wasn’t going to let him walk all over her.

As much as I love strong, female characters I equally love “good guy” heroes and Remy DuPre is the very best kind of man. There is no doubt he’s a tad arrogant and has enjoyed everything being a professional hockey player affords him, but he loves his family fiercely, he loves that he gets to play hockey for a living, and once his career is over he plans to settle down with a “femme” and raise a family because he doesn’t want his wife to have to raise their children on her own, he wants to be there one hundred percent of the time and give his children the same childhood he had with his parents. Remy is smooth and sweet and when he lapses into his Cajun French, I guarantee panties drop everywhere. Most of all, his respect of Harper and the way he begins to understand every little thing about her and that her integrity is all she has.

From their first meeting, the pull between them was evident and only grows as this book goes on and while it starts out as attraction and lust, it grows to so much more as they discover they genuinely like and admire one another. There was so much going on in this book with the team, with Harper’s sisters, and life in general but never once did I feel the romance and relationship between Remy and Harper got lost in the story.

I enjoyed every fun, sexy, charming, and entertaining moment of Irresistible You and this promises to be another fantastic series from author Kate Meader.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Lacey (laceybooklovers).
2,144 reviews12k followers
August 18, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

I can always count on Kate Meader to deliver fun and sexy contemporary romances, and she has yet to disappoint me. This time, she’s moved from hot firefighters to gorgeous hockey players in the Chicago Rebels series. You have no idea how excited I was when I heard she’d be writing hockey romances – it’s been a while since I’ve read a good sports romance, so Irresistible You came at the perfect time! I ended up loving this book so much. A Cajun hockey player who whispers sweet nothings in French? A female owner of a hockey team? Can you see how I couldn’t help but love this fabulous read?

The Chicago Rebels series centers around three estranged sisters who’ve come together after the death of their father and the inheritance of his hockey team. The series kicks off with the oldest sister who has been preparing to lead the Rebels practically her whole life. But even though Harper Chase is prepared to take charge and show this male-dominated industry who’s boss, she’s not prepared for the newest member of the Chicago Rebels to set her insides on fire and make her want more in life in addition to the team.

Remy DuPre is known as the jinxed hockey player who is always so close to winning the cup, but has yet to succeed. This year is his final year, so to say he’s aggravated that he’s been traded into a sinking ship that is the Chicago Rebels team would be an understatement. To ensure he’s got a chance at the Stanley Cup, he make a deal with his irresistible new team owner – he’ll shape up the Rebels if he’s traded onto a better team that has a real chance at the cup.

Harper and Remy have an undeniable chemistry that is so passionate and sexy. I loved how these two were around each other. A little angry, a lot lusty, and very curious to see how their tension translates in bed. Harper is resistant to starting anything with her hockey player because of the backlash she’d face as a female owner, but Remy is irresistible in his determination to prove to her that what they have is worth fighting for. Will he succeed in charming his way into his team’s beautiful, ambitious owner?

Irresistible You is seriously a fantastic hockey romance. The characters are charming and lovable (Remy is to die for), the romance is as sexy as it is sweet, and did I mention that it’s hockey!? All of this combined made this book an amazing start to a series I have no doubt I’ll come to love even more with each book. Right now I can’t wait to read the next one!

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/2sbLdVx
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2rvBzAS

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Profile Image for h o l l i s.
2,747 reviews2,310 followers
October 3, 2017
She had never met a bigger bunch of divas than hockey players.

Okay, so I didn't have super high expectations for IRRESISTIBLE YOU. I figured it would make a nice little palate cleanser in the form of sexy (maybe funny) hockey sports romance. Basically my favourite kind of low-angst high-fun contemporary. But then Meader made it, like, smart. And gave her characters self-aware, self-deprecating, self-sufficient personalities. And still managed to scorch my fingers from the steam and make me giggle from the banter. I know, say, whaaaat?

The only certainties were death, taxes, and that you could be traded at the drop of a hat.

The world in the Chicago Rebels series has a great premise. This particular book is focused on Harper but the story we learn along the way is this : with the death of her father, he has bequeathed her the ownership of the Chicago Rebels hockey team. With a few caveats. The first being they have to make the playoffs within the first year or it'll be sold off (an impossible goal considering they are a consistently ranked second-worst team in the league) and she has to share ownership with her two half-sisters.. none of whom get along.. and meet certain requirements along the way. Basically, very early on, we learn that the Chase patriarch was a giant douchenozzle.

Sure, he could be working [on starting a family] during his player days, but damned if he was going to miss a minute of his kids growing up. Neither did he want to inflict his moods on the people he loved the most, and hockey players were moody fuckers at the best of times. No woman should have to put up with his shit every time he came home after skating within kissing distance of the Cup and failing yet again.

With the media all over Harper for the poor taste in being born a woman, balancing get-to-know-you-better interactions with sisters who share part of her DNA, building up a struggling almost dead-in-the-water team, the last thing she needs is resistance from a good ol' Cajun boy centerman. With one foot out the door and into retirement and known in the league as Jinx for his long career of being traded only for his previous team to win the Cup, Remy has no interest in playing nice with Harper when all he wanted for his final year was to make it to the finals. Saying that the owner and her new acquisition butt heads would be a kindness. But naturally all that head-butting shifts gears into sparks, forbidden desire, and, boom.

"If you deny me this, I'll think you're only interested in my body."
"I am only interested in your body."
"Jesus, couldn't you try fake-liking my personality for a bit? I'm a professional athlete with a fragile ego that needs constant positive reinforcement."

On the surface this story, a taboo love story between an employer and an employee, even in the sports genre, isn't all that unique. Sure, it makes it spicy and often that's all we expect of it. But Meader brings emotional depth to balance out the heat. She gives us a gentleman with old world charm and old fashioned values who still wants to do delightfully pervy things to his lady. She gives us a tough as nails business woman who has been knocked down, neglected, but still puts on a brave front, confronts her fears, and reaches for her goals.. all while still being stubborn enough to be cowardly, too, and that's okay. She fleshes out her secondary characters enough to make us feel like we already know them without taking away from the leads and still leaves us clamouring to find out more. She's set up a great premise of a female-lead and female-owned franchise and despite most of these romances being written by women, this was the first one I'd say almost felt.. female gaze-y. I don't know how else to describe it.

The first in Meader's Chicago Rebels series was funny, smart, sexy, and felt fresh. I would definitely recommend.

3.75 "oh you know I'm roundin' up" stars
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,417 followers
August 23, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

612191bd82a05ab14287e896c74d9f


First she had us ringing the alarm with her Hot In Chicago Series and now Kate Meader has readers in a frenzy with her latest winning hockey series, Chicago Rebels that is simply irresistible!!!!!

#IRYou

In this first installment, Irresistible You, Meader introduces readers to the Chase sisters. Harper, Isobel, and Violet are three estranged half-sisters who have inherited their father’s struggling NHL team. It is up to Harper as the oldest to make the Rebels have a winning season. With a lot on her plate, the pressure is on Harper as the media and public will scrutinize her ability to lead the team in the right direction.

2f3b209137909cbca789e377f35cbd She was risking everything: her professional reputation, her ethical boundaries, that tough-girl mask she wore so well. And Remy loved unlocking her . Loved how every lick through her sweet, sweet minou had her panting his name and straining for more. ”

Remy DuPre is considered one of the unluckiest guy in the NHL since his career was about to take an upturn but he was then traded to the second worst team in the league. It is there when Harper approaches Remy and makes him a deal. She wants him to turn the Rebel’s season around and in exchange she will grant his wish to be traded. As Remy works hard to motivate the Rebels, he soon find himself attracted to Harper. What happens when he does indeed fall for Harper? Will their romance be a distraction or a winning one?

Irresistible You is a sexy winning romance!!! Kate Meader did a fantastic job introducing charismatic characters that will find a way to win your hearts. So if you are looking for an addicting romance that is full of heat, banter, and swoonworthy moments then this book is for you!!!

 photo MICHELLE1_zps3515xymk.jpg Kate Meader

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Profile Image for Irene.
1,910 reviews129 followers
August 15, 2017
4.5 stars

Another wonderful read by Kate Meader, I loved Irresistible You!

The writing is well done, the storyline entertaining all throughout the book, I loved all the characters and the role they played in making this such a great read.

Harper and Remy were wonderful characters who made me laugh, they made me swoon and they made me fall in love with them. They had amazing chemistry and watching them get their happily ever after left me full of happy feels.

description

Irresistible You is a wonderful addition to the Chicago Rebels series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all.
Looking forward to Isobel and Vadim's book next in So Over You due to be released December 4th, 2017.

*Purchase Links*
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ktKuiM
Nook: http://bit.ly/2ktBFkU
iBooks: http://apple.co/2k4aYXk
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2jy3E2D
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2k0sZW5

*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
August 30, 2017
Seriously sexy…

And funny. And has all the feels. Yeah, saying I enjoyed this story is a complete understatement! This is the first in this new hockey series and it is off to an emotional start with Harper and Remy entering a mine field…

“…she stood before him like a pissed-off toothpick.”

Harper and Remy had two very different goals which means they were off to a horrible start from the first time they meet. When neither wants to give up their position, the negotiations, and the fun, begins! Both live and breathe hockey but an owner and player mixing it up is not a good idea. Ever. Never. Life, thank goodness, had other ideas and their embattled relationship soon turned to something else with all the fireworks they could handle (and more)!

“But annoyingly, her lizard brain insisted on elbowing its way to the fore and screaming, “Me want Cajun!”

Harper is cool and business-like (mostly) as she navigates the male-dominated field she is determined to succeed in. Remy is equally determined to keep his eye on the Cup, the ultimate prize, so will not stray from that path (mostly). The sexual tension between them, and the emotional baggage they both carry, means each conversation and scene is laced with electricity. They made me laugh, they made me worry and, above all, they made me care about what was happening to them. And was going to happen. I was lost in their world and was reluctant to leave it when it was all over.

Thank goodness there are more players, more sisters, and a lot more hockey to be played! And hopefully we’ll get some more glimpses of these two… ~Diane, 5 stars
Profile Image for Jo.
957 reviews242 followers
December 17, 2022

I absolutely love this author’s scorching and emotion packed romances. I fell in love with her writing while reading and loving her Fire Fighters series her new sports romance series is proving to be another winner.

No man should look like that and be blessed with that panty-dropper voice. God’s quotas were definitely off with this guy.

I love strong heroines and I absolutely adored Harper. All her life she tried to prove herself worthy in her father’s eyes and always falling short. And now that he’s dead and she and her estranged sisters are the new owners of the Chicago Rebels, she’s determined to prove her worth by saving their losing hockey franchise. I loved how hard she worked to prove she was good at what she did and that she could save the team and I also loved her vulnerable side that she hid from everyone. It was fun seeing Remy try to break down those walls.

“I think you need to be fed and fussed over just as much as you need to be fucked. And you need to be spoiled every now and then to remind you that you deserve the best.”

Just as for Harper, it was difficult for me not to fall in love with the gorgeous Cajun with his sexy French talk, who’s a god on ice and also in the kitchen (damn but he cooked mouth-watering food). Although I will admit his attitude in the beginning towards Harper pissed me off and it was upsetting how he thought of Harper as not his usual type and how she wasn’t like the woman he pictured he would marry someday. But it was wonderful how attentive he was with her, how he kept wanting to make sure she wasn’t going hungry by making sure she had enough food, how he couldn’t stop thinking about her, wanting her and how the more he spent time with her, the more he realised just how perfect she was for him. Also I LOVED his nickname for her, how sweet and sexy it was and also kinda dirty;-)

“I’ve never met anyone who needs to be held and loved as much as you do, Harper. Well, it so happens that you’ve got a man here with strong arms made to keep you safe. With so much love inside him that it’s just busting to get out. It’s all for you, minou. No one else I’d rather give it to.”

I loved the bit of enemies to lovers vibe of this romance, how antagonistic their relationships started with Remy resenting Harper for trading him, forcing him away from his current team where he finally stood a chance at winning the elusive Stanley Cup and therefor making things harder for Harper who needed Remy’s experience and talent if she wanted to make their losing team reach the playoffs. I did think that Remy was a bit of an ass in the beginning, but I loved how Harper didn’t stand for his nonsense and gave as good as got. I also really enjoyed their combustible chemistry that was evident right from their first meeting. It took a while for both of them to realise that what they felt wasn’t just scorching lust and watching their feelings deepen as the story progressed and they got to know each other better was so amazing. And once Remy realised just how far he had fallen for Harper, his determination to break down her walls, to make her his and to protect her from all harm was fantastic. The sexy times were so HOT and I really ended up loving their romance.

I’m a big fan of sports romances so of course I really enjoy the setting of this series and having three strong women determined to be a success in an industry that is predominantly ruled by males is FANTASTIC. The feminist in me was cheering all the way and I can’t wait to see how far their team will go.

I really enjoyed the relationship development between the three estranged sisters. They are all feisty and stubborn and it was wonderful seeing them become more than just strangers forced to spend time together to save a losing team.

I also really like the other team players and Bren St. James, the captain who looks like Jason Mamoa and talks like Ewan McGregor is definitely one of my favorites. Damn I really want this sexy and broody Scot to get his own book. And I really hope his heroine is going to be Violet, the youngest sister.

This was another scorching winner from one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read the next one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all sports romance fans.

Profile Image for Sam I AMNreader.
1,652 reviews337 followers
April 10, 2018
Hmmm, let me be crisp on this review. There was really nothing to do about this book. It was well-written, the characters were all just enough, the book was just enough, I didn't get Remy for about 30% but once I did he was sweet, and the book could've easily wrapped at 63%. It's a case of a slightly over mediocre book, which I read at a slightly bad time. (See: whole post on book grouchy)

I have to be honest, I had some stuff going on today, was quite busy and when I sat down to read I had no earthly clue what CR I was reading initially. I actually thought I might be between books. It was about a second before the book opened I remembered. I just think that's probably not the best sign...

Oh, but maybe I'll review it. It was a boss-employee relationship but the woman is the boss, and the man is the pursuer, generally. Nothing about this tickled my fancy including the sweaty locker room scene with, in all likelihood, pads still on. Light references to puck bunnies.

I have a crush on the actual interesting character, Bren, in this book. I also find her sisters interesting.
Profile Image for FMABookReviews.
637 reviews399 followers
July 10, 2017


Funny, sexy and addictive, 'Irresistible You' is a great start to the Chicago Rebels series! The first book I've read by this author, I really enjoyed Kate Meader's voice and story-telling.

Remy (Jinx) DuPre is considered the unluckiest guy in the NHL. He's a star player who is down on his luck. He wants the Stanley Cup and this is his last year to get it. So when he's traded to a losing team, the Chicago Rebels, he's none too happy about it!

Harper Chase and her two sisters have just inherited the Chicago Rebels professional hockey team, with stipulations. If they can't turn this team around they will lose it! Now, Harper is tasked with getting acquainted and working with her two estranged sisters as well as finding a way to have a winning season. Harper hopes bringing Remy DuPre to the team will be the spark the Rebels need.

What neither planned on was the growing attraction to each other. She's not his type, and he's off-limits. But when they are together sparks fly. Harper is a strong female character. She knows what she wants and is smart enough to go after it. What she isn't so well in tuned with are her needs. But no worries, Remy is a good ole southern boy. He knows how to take care of his woman. And he intends to make Harper his!

'Irresistible You' had great characters and story development that set up the next books in the series perfectly. I cannot wait to read more about these sisters and hockey hunks!

**I received an Advanced Reader Copy. This did not influence my opinion of the book, nor my review.**

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Profile Image for Anna lost in stories *A*.
1,021 reviews189 followers
February 7, 2021
I loved this series and read basically the entirety of it in about a week and this was my favourite out of them all… mainly because of Remy… *sighs dreamily* he stole my heart completely :) I always liked reading about hockey players and the premise of this whole series sounded very interesting ;) aside from Remy, who was amazing, I also really liked Harper, which was a bit of a surprise cause she doesn't sound like the type of heroine I usually like, and yet here we are :) with great chemistry and amazing writing style this was a fantastic start to the series :)

XOXO

A
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,276 reviews518 followers
January 30, 2019
3.5* rounded up! Spoilers ahead and paging all yummy Cajun heroes 😁


Reading this reminded me of my teenage crush on cartoon Gambit because.......that accent!! Wooooooweee....

Right so Remy is a thirty five year old Cajun hockey player nicknamed jinx. He's never won a cup in all his many years of professional hockey and this year was to his his last chance until he was traded to the failure that is the Rebels.
Angry he makes a deal with the new owner to only play at his best if she agrees to trade him at the end of the season so he stood a better chance of winning a cup.
Harper and her sisters inherited joint ownership of the team after her dad died. She was all but promised the keys to the kingdom but her father instead left the team to her and her half sisters who she didn't have a good relationship with.

I adored Remy, he started off rocky because Harper walked in on him with a half naked woman at his going away party at the very beginning of the book and I feared he'd be a disgusting pig but nope he was a sexy, dependable sweetheart. His relationship with his family was just one of the many things to love about him. He pursued Harper and in the end was the one who declared his feelings but was rejected.

Harper I had a harder time with. She'd been with two men in the last three years after her ex, a hockey player,punched her. She, very understandably,had panic attacks and was hesitant to take a chance with Remy. She'd worked hard to prove herself in a male dominated world and with constant bashing from the media she didn't want to be caught in a relationship with a player/employee. She also had a shitton of daddy issues so I really tried to understand Harper. But with the awesomeness that was Remy, trying to show her how good they could have it I did get frustrated with Harper as she took her own cool time to get her act together. And then there was Kenneth, the team's lawyer who was her plus one to events. She spent holidays with his family and was going to continue even after her and Remy started having sex. Absolutely nothing happened between her and Kenneth which just made him even more irrelevant.

Nevertheless I'm counting this one as a win, especially as there actually wasn't OW drama( aside from the beginning and one over exuberant fangirl).....for a professional sports player???? Awesome!
Very cautiously on to the next
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,388 reviews330 followers
November 21, 2017
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When I signed up for the ARC for the second book in the series, I vaguely remembered that I had Irresistible You somewhere on my kindle, so after a bit of searching on my jam-packed kindle
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I found it, and promptly devoured this like the wickedly tasty treat that it is.
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Now ask me why I delayed in reading this? Yep, no damn good reason other than it got lost in the shuffle of my ginormous TBR, aka the Mountain. Dude, I want to slap myself this was so good.

All the elements were clicking. I loved the setup, the leads, the great dialogue, the Firsts were fantastic, the hockey scenes were well done, and the emotional beats resonated with me. I truly enjoyed it all.

I’m seriously struggling to see how you can top Remy, but I’m more than happy to see if it can happen. Harper’s got the right mix of strength and vulnerability and I empathized completely with her dilemma. Best of all, I completely understood why Remy fell for her because I definitely have a girlcrush on her right now.

It was a little rushed at the end, and considering the old boys network that hockey is, it certainly feels more like a fantasy than grounded in reality. I think pairings for the rest of the series are pretty clear, and it seems alot is going to happen during this season for the Rebels so this ends on more of a HFN solidly on its way to an HEA.

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The Bottom Line 4.5 stars

Loved it. All in all, I was pleased as punch to get to read this AND bonus, now I get to inhale the next book, So Over You. If you love hockey romances, I do not hesitate in recommending this.

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Profile Image for Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms.
2,807 reviews345 followers
August 20, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Irresistible You showed a different aspect of hockey-teams and trades, and while it's not the first one I've read with female owners, it was one of the best! Good hockey, strong romance, and great character development.

Review - (un)Conventional Bookviews
Story:
After their father's death, three half-sisters who didn't know each other well inherited ownership of the Chicago Rebels hockey club. Harper had been working with the franchise for years, and she wanted the team to succeed. Bonding with her sisters or the hot, new player she had acquired for the team was not part of the plan. Irresistible You played with my heartstrings, and I also enjoyed all the hockey talk. Strong female characters, and a male lead that made me drool sure made things very good!
Characters:
Harper Chase is the oldest sister, Isobel the middle sister, and Violet the youngest, all three grew up with their respective moms. Remy DuPres has to be one of the hottest fictional hockey players I have ever met! The rest of the hockey team in Irresistible You were side characters who were well fleshed out.
Writing style :
Third person, past tense, mostly from Harper's and Remy's perspective,  but with some insights to Isobel and Violet. The dialogues were snappy and let the characters' personalities shine.
Feels :
Quite a bit of sadness at first for Harper, she thought being tough and removed was the only way she would make it in this man-dominated world. There was hope, love, and loyalty as well, and I can't wait to read more about the Rebels.
Excerpt:


Fave Quotes - (un)Conventional Bookviews

Big, strong shoulders, as wide as an ox, topping back muscles she could swear she saw defined through the gray T-shirt drawn tight across his body. As for what was happening below those trim hips... Yet again, she was staring at DuPre's ass and imagining what that warm slab of marble would feel like beneath her greedy fingertips.

Even with all these God's-honest reasons not to think of Harper in that way, putting that No Trespassing sign on it guaranteed that was the one place his mind would go.
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