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Book CoverVeena’s review of Irresistible You (Chicago Rebels, Book 1) by Kate Meader
Contemporary Romance published by Pocket Star 14 Aug 17  

Once upon a time, long ago, in a galaxy far away, I told fellow Duckie Sandy that I envied her for her overflowing pile of advance reader copies. Fast forward to today and I realize that one can really have too much of a good thing as I juggle with an overflowing pile of books approaching publication dates that need to be read and reviewed.  Then a shining nugget like this absolutely enchanting story comes along and makes my day.  The story flows well, invoking a wild range of emotions and gorgeous three-dimensional characters that sweep you along for a wonderful ride.

Poor rich girl Harper has tried to be the perfect daughter. She’s spent her entire life dedicated to the Chicago Rebels, trying to make her father proud and prove that women can carve out a niche for themselves in the world of professional hockey.  Her father’s will is a foul blow when he dashes all her hopes by giving her a year to prove herself and tying her success to a joint venture with two sisters, one of whom she has a love-hate relationship with and the other who’s been a well-kept secret by her father. Hardly the recipe for success, especially when the team is bottom of the league and struggling.

Harper is determined to prove herself and her first step is in recruiting reluctant center Remy Dupree from Boston. Remy has been playing a long time, with the Stanley Cup always eluding him. This is his year, and he is not happy to see his chance at the Cup sinking with the trade to Chicago. So he strikes a deal with Harper – he’ll play his heart out and bring the team together, but she’s got to trade him in time for the playoffs to a top team that’s got a chance at the Cup.

Then begins a courtship that will get all women’s red blood cells perking up, as Remy drops French phrases and calls Harper “Minou” in his sexy French way and woos Harper with offerings of food.  Soon the clothes are coming off and they’re playing the video hockey version of “strip” competition.  There are so many moments in the story that stand out, the ceramics and wine class when Harper makes her “mug tree,” the night when the sisters play the truth game, Thanksgiving with Remy, and the night when Harper signs the paperwork to trade Remy to the team of his choice.  The range of emotions from tears to joy and laughter just makes this an unforgettable story.

Ms. Meader has just joined my ranks of auto-buy authors.  I can’t wait to read Isabel’s story, which is previewed at the end of this one.  It sounds like there will be lots of sparks to be had in that book.

Grade: A

Summary:

Hot in Chicago series author Kate Meader returns with her all new, scorching Chicago Rebels hockey series, featuring her signature “steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue” (Romantic Times). 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 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…

No excerpt available.