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. … 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.more
Meader is an avid scorer when it comes to temptation, but this time around she has a surprise ace up her sleeve. A DILF. In the world of fast track sports and heartbreaking choices, nobody’s perfect. There’s heartache in every life. Bren and Violet have seen enough disappointment. This time their shooting for the stars. No matter the obstacle, the hard won reward is so worth it. Hooked on You is like an icy rink. There’s some rough terrain ahead, but once in the zone, there’s nothing but smooth sailing.
I have long been a fan of this hockey series, and I was sad to tell them good-bye. I am so glad the last book was about the most colorful and passionate couple of the series, Violet and Bren (or Nessie as Violet likes to call him).
The book opens with the very first time Bren and Violet meet. I knew it would be good, and it was. Now, months later, Violet and Bren are still fighting their unresolved sexual chemistry. He acts likes he can’t stand her, and she enjoys annoying the heck out of him. Bren finds himself in a precarious situation. He and the team are in contention for the Cup, and his two daughters are now living with him. However, he is need of a sitter when he travels, and he no choice but to turn to Violet in his time of need. He has to do whatever is needed to keep custody of his girls, so falling for their nanny is out of the question. Violet is becoming the hardest temptation to resist.
One thing I love about is a series is you just get a glimpse of characters who will eventually get to tell their stories. Meader did a phenomenal job of showing us just enough of Bren and Violet throughout the books to know their story would be GOOD, and she exceeded all my expectations. I had no idea what extraordinary people Bren and Violet were until I got to know them.
Bren has a reputation…”the Puck Prince and Hell’s Highlander.” Now, he has one he never wanted as a “washed-up alcoholic has-been.” He is trying so hard to do better. That quality is what makes him most attractive. Granted, who can resist a hot Scotsman, but that isn’t what defines him. He really does have a heart underneath his surliness, but it has been broken. He has committed the past months trying to make amends to his daughters and his team. He is afraid if he lets Violet in she could destroy that. She is life and passion, and she brings light into everyone around her. He fears that he will lose control if he gives into temptation. He melted my heart anytime he was around his daughters, and I fell even harder when he began opening his heart to Violet. Talk about swooning….
Violet was the character that stood out throughout the series. Don’t get me wrong, I loved all the other characters, but she colored every scene she was in. Little did people know that underneath was that little girl who was abandoned and shunned by her father and the woman who feared that the big “C” was coming back to cut her life short. Until you really got to know her, you would never guess she carried those doubts with her. As confident as she appeared with Bren, constantly getting under his skin, she knew he had the power to completely break her. She was not only in love with him but also with his girls. She was wonderful with them, just letting them be themselves and not something their mother could use. Violet was the epitome of strength and perseverance.
As you can imagine, there is angst between her and Bren. There had to be. Both are lost souls, but each of them were also strong. They would have to each give up important pieces of themselves and trust that the other would take care of each other’s hearts. The sexual tension was definitely off the charts, but Meader also made sure their emotions and feelings never got lost in the lust.
Not only was this a magical romance, it was also a journey of self-discovery. Bren had to discover who he was as an individual without the numbing effects of alcohol. Violet had to figure out where she fit into her sisters’ lives and trust the relationship she was forming with them. Most of the series was about three women who had to deal with the issues they each had with their father and build a family despite all of his mistakes. Great series with lots of heart!!!! I will miss them. Each sister found a place in my heart, and I’m so glad they each found their HEA with their men and with each other!
I have been waiting for Violet and Bren’s story forreeeevvvvveerr – well, not that long really, but it has felt like decades since I have been chomping at the bit for it.
I didn’t think anything could have been better than Cade and Dante’s story in this series, however Hooked On You has given it a run for its money.
This story is sweet, sexy, emotional and a little broody – and I love it. There has been attraction between this unlikely couple for a long time, and they have been circling each other, not willing to act on said attraction. You could feel the UST build up between them, and you just know things are going to be hot AF if they ever get together.
My heart ached for both our lovelies as the story progressed. They both have a lot of baggage they bring along with them, and I just wanted to hug them both.
I like to think that Violet and I would be great friends.
It am sad to see this series come to an end, as it has become a favourite.
I can’t wait to see what Ms Meader bring us next.
My heart is so ridiculously happy. I loved Violet and Bren’s story, they’re the perfect match of opposites attract and I couldn’t get enough of their heartfelt, sexy ride!
I always think that Kate can’t come out with another great series, and then she goes and proves me wrong. I love Chicago so it’s like an extra bonus for me that her books are set there.
“Violet’s attention was a fresh slice of hell, because in a way it was. She reminded him of everything he couldn’t have. She reminded him of the man he used to be.”
Bren is moody but loveable, and Violet is sassy and fun. These two together have a lot of chemistry from the moment they meet. They are both a bit loss and looking for their place in this world after something came and flipped it upside down. Their romance is slow burn but it’s oh so good. This book may have less hotness than the other books but it packs a punch with the swoon factor.
“With her he felt renewed. Changed. Worthy. With her he felt like the man he was meant to be.”
The Rebels all make an appearance which I appreciate. The back and forth between the guys were some of my favorite things about this book. I can’t wait to find out if Kate comes out with another amazing series set in one of my favorite towns. Her books are light-hearted, fun, and full of emotion. I love them.
This was a tough read. It took me a while to get into the right head space to read about Violet and Bren. Even then, I couldn’t let myself get too immersed in the book. The experiences Violet went through hit just a little too close to home. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book. Violet is a free spirit, which was enjoyable after reading her more serious sisters’ books. Bren is a recovering alcoholic who is trying to put his family back together and find a nanny for his two daughters. Violet, despite being a surprise heir of Bren’s hockey team, ends up becoming his nanny. I really enjoyed the interactions between Violet and his daughters. Also, the build-up to Violet and Bren’s relationship spans the earlier books and Lord knows I love a slow, multi-book burn for secondary characters. It’s always so satisfying when they finally get their own book and give in to that burn. While I think Harper and Remy’s book was my favorite of the series, this was an excellent conclusion. And I loved the cameo appearances of some of Kate Meader’s characters from other series!
Loved, loved, loved! This entire series has been fantastic and his book was a great way to wrap it up. Violet is such an amazing character. She’s a bit of a free spirit and maybe just a bit lost. She hasn’t always had it easy but happiness just seems to flow from her. Bren St. James has his own demons. Ones he fights every day but he’s determined to live a better life and play the best hockey he’s capable of playing. He’s wildly attracted to Violet but a relationship is out of the question right now. When he has a chance to have his daughters with him Violet is the one who comes to his rescue. These two are just so perfect together and their relationship is a nice slow build. This is a must read. I highly recommend it.
There’s so many things to say about this book, GAH!!!
How Bren and Violet exposed their deepest vulnerabilities with each other. It was a big moment of trust for two people who carried some hefty emotional scars of their own. Also, Violet’s relationship with Bren’s daughters. It reflected her understanding of single parenthood and the emotional impact it had on kids from personal experience and it said a lot about her character. It was something I found I really respected about her.
Letting Violet care for his daughters his greatest treasures-also reflected Bren’s growth. Bren owned up to his addictions in a very unapologetic way and his journey from the brink reflected the damage he caused and how he was striving to pull himself out of the muck he found himself in. It made me like him all the more when he didn’t shy away from his weaknesses and instead used them to make better choices.
Now this is a Meader book so it goes without saying the attraction between these two was positively combustible! Over the course of the series the sarcastic quips and digs between Bren and Violet showcased the stomach curling tension and sizzling sexy chemistry that finally culminated in this book. Seriously sexy and off the charts smoking hot!
(Bren and Violet are almost as hot as Cade and Dante.. however, the guys definitely won in the heat department!)
I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for Bren and Violet story and it did not disappoint!! There’s so much I enjoyed about this story. The easy camaraderie between the team, unfailing support between the sisters, an awesome supporting cast, an all around great romance…I even learned a little bit about hockey! All of it kept me spellbound way past my bedtime! Highly recommend this series!
May I first just express my deep sadness that Hooked on You marks the end of this fantastic Chicago Rebels series? I’m seriously so sad. Like, I want to flip this book back to the first page and allow myself to soak it in – languish in these lovely words – rather than devour it with a sort of crazed gusto like the obsessive addict I actually am. I freaking loved this series and this one might be my favorite of them all.
There is a special place in my heart for surly heroes and Bren St. James excels at that sort of smoldering grump of which I can never get enough. Toss in the broken/wounded single dad thing and I was a goner before I even started. I adored him. Even better? I adored the way the fiery and vivacious Violet Vasquez tamed his demons and put that soft underbelly on display for us all to swoon over. This couple, man. I could not get enough of them. They were sparky and sexy and they made my heart ache for them. They were so much fun to read, while also plucking at my heartstrings and eking out a few tears along the way.
On top of the nearly perfect romantic storyline (and chemistry that was, oof, on fire y’all), Ms. Meader nailed the bromance between the hockey brotherhood as well as the heartwarming sisterhood between the Chase sisters. The whole series wrapped up so beautifully, causing more tears and lots of high beam smiles. This series was my first foray into Ms. Meader’s work and I am completely hooked. From the completely compelling storytelling to the deft way she weaves these tales full of emotion, heat, and humor – this is the exact sort of one-click catnip I crave and I will always be back for more.
Hooked On You may be book 3 in the Chicago Rebels but I am reading this series all about face and it’s still one of the best hockey series i have read, it’s made no difference to the enjoyment I got from this book and I have yet to read book 2 and yes I’m sad this is the final book what a great book to finish on and I’m sure I will be reading and re reading.
Bren and Violet’s attraction for each other has been building up slowly but it’s about to explode right in the middle of the playoffs can they survive the pressure, their pasts and meddling sisters.
Hooked on You took over my weekend I needed to find out how Bren and Violet’s story ended, I needed to make sure the broody half Scot half Canadian single dad finally got together with the sassy strong minded Violet because if anyone deserved a HEA these two did. Violet was only meant to be with the Chicago Rebels for one season to satisfy her fathers stipulation in his will that the 3 estranged sisters would run the franchise for a season, Bren wasn’t looking for a relationship but he needed a reliable sitter for his daughters what he didn’t expect was for him and his daughters to fall for the sitter………
This book has it all, love, passion, witty banter and 2 adorable little girls and let’s be honest ladies what not to love about a broody hot single father who always puts his kids first, add in a beautiful sole who hides behind a wall and you get the perfect love story. If you love Hockey romances this series should be a atomic one click. Loved the characters, loved the story and love this author writing
Violet doesn’t know where she fits. She finds herself sharing ownership of a hockey after her absentee father dies. She is the bastard daughter that wasn’t accepted into his world. To gain any money from this inheritance, she has to stay and work with her half-sisters for a year. What she doesn’t expect to find is Bren, the sexy Scotsman that can tear it up on the ice. Bren is rebuilding his life after hitting rock bottom. When his ex-wife implodes, he is excited to have his daughters return and live with him but they hockey team is in the playoffs. Needing a nanny, Violet suddenly becomes the only available option. Vibrant, vivacious, valiant Violet. With her pink hair and tattoos, she is a breath of fresh air to those she meets. Is there a way for these two souls that feel unworthy to find a path to happiness? This is a fun and sexy ride from the moment she calls him Nessie. Add the challenges of dealing with pre-teen girls and you have the makings of all the drama a man can handle. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Okay, you caught me. I know I say that the current couple in the book is my new favorite of a series, but I’m dead serious right now. Violet and Bren, are hands down, my favs in the Chicago Rebels series. They’re perfectly imperfect for each other. I am completely Hooked On You Violet and Bren.
Violet is still reeling from her crazy year, living the “Year of the V” and all that—which now includes helping run the family business, the Chicago Rebels hockey franchise, navigating her role with the team and with her two sisters, oh and then there’s her massive attraction to Bren St. James. Mr. Untouchable. Mr. Missed His Chance.
Bren’s just trying to make it through the day—sometimes minute by minute. He’s getting his life back together after almost losing it all. With his girls now back in his life, he needs a nanny STAT. Enter the most unlikely of nanny’s: Violet. His girls love her. She loves his girls. But she’s a siren calling to him from the rocks. She’s temptation unlike any other temptation he’s ever come across—and that’s saying something. Will he be able to ignore her siren’s song, or will he give in?
Mm hmm. Good luck with that avoidance, Violet and Bren. They’re like circling sharks on a piece of raw meat—and it’s an amazing sight. I loved their snarky, sexy banter. Their desire for each other shining so bright, but keeping all that attraction simmering only leads to a huge boil over. And damn, did it boil over. *fans self* I loved how they both put the girls first. Bren as dad . . . watch out ovaries! Oh and Bren on the ice . . . watch out ovaries.
But I would be remiss to not share the love I have for the Chase sisters. I’ve loved every minute spent with Harper, Isobel, and Violet. Loved seeing them grow as a family, and grow their circle of friends who become family. I really hate to see this series end because I just love these characters so much. I want more. A lot more. Sigh.
HOOKED ON YOU is the third and final full-length instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult THE CHICAGO REBELS erotic, romance, hockey series focusing on the men and women of the professional hockey team the Chicago Rebels. This is team co-owner Violet Vasquez, and team captain Bren St. James’s story line. HOOKED ON YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion. For fans of Kate Meader there is a slight cross-over with the author’s Hot in Chicago series with the cameo appearance of Alexandra and Eli Cooper (Playing with Fire #2).
SOME BACKGROUND: Upon their father’s death, estranged sisters Harper Chase, Isobel Chase and Violet Vasquez inherited the ownership of the struggling NHL hockey franchise-the Chicago Rebels. With only months remaining in the current season, the sisters are tasked with turning the team into a play-off bound franchise or risk loosing everything, including their father’s legacy, one piece at a time.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Violet and Bren) HOOKED ON YOU follows the building relationship between The Chicago Rebels co-owner Violet Vasquez, and team captain Bren St. James. Months earlier Violet hit on the stranger in a bar not realizing the stranger was the Chicago Rebels troubled captain, and essentially her new employee. With the death of her absentee father, Violet inherited one-third of the mantle of ownership of professional hockey’s struggling Chicago Rebels, and subsequently, along with two half-sisters she knew little about. But when troubled team captain Bren St. James found himself in desperate need of childcare for his two young daughters, Violet reluctantly stepped in knowing Bren didn’t feel the same way about her as she did about the handsome Scot. What ensues is the building relationship between Bren and Violet, and the potential fall-out as Bren’s past comes looking for a second chance forcing Violet to step aside to protect her heart and Bren’s future with his beloved daughters.
Bren St. James’ personal life had spiralled out of control but close to a year of sobriety finds our hero looking towards the future with the children he loves, and the woman that calls to his heart. Violet Vasquez had no plans to stick around past the current hockey season; falling in love was never on the agenda, but having her heart broken meant moving on was more of necessity than previously planned.
All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Bren’s daughters, nine year old Franky, and eleven year old Cat, as well as Violet’s mother, whose own history with Violet’s father was nothing more than a one-night stand.
HOOKED ON YOU is a story of family and friendship; struggling against the demons from the past; romance and love. The premise is entertaining, encouraging and captivating; the romance is hot, erotic and intense; the characters are broken, colorful and real. HOOKED ON YOU is a sassy, sexy and heart-warming story; an energetic conclusion to an addicting series.