USA TODAY bestselling author Kate Meader brings her signature “steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue” (RT Book Reviews) to this novella in the Chicago Rebels series, following the general manager of the Rebels as he scores with one of his players off the ice. Dante Moretti has just landed his dream job: GM of the Chicago Rebels. And screw the haters who think there should … the haters who think there should be an asterisk next to his name because he’s the first out and proud managing executive in pro hockey. He’s earned the right to be here and nothing will topple him off that perch–especially not an incredibly inconvenient attraction to his star defenseman, Cade “Alamo” Burnett. Cade has always been careful to keep his own desires on the down low, but his hot Italian boss proves to be a temptation he can’t resist. Sure, they both have so much to lose, but no one will ever know…
As Dante and Cade’s taboo affair heats up off the ice and their relationship gets more and more intense, they’ll have to decide: is love worth risking their careers? Or is this romance destined to be forever benched?
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If you’re a fan of MM this is a top read! Sexy, well-written and passionate!
For my first mm book I definitely enjoyed it!!! It was a great story that captured my interest!! That epilogue was so sweet too!!!
Beautiful. Romantic. Emotional.
Those are the three words to sum up sophisticated, openly gay NHL general manager Dante and good-ole boy, star hockey defenseman Cade’s romance. In my opinion, Kate Meader is one of the most underrated contemporary romance authors currently. Her mad romance chops were apparent in this novella. Honestly, in a few hundred pages Meader addresses multiple large relationship hurdles Dante and Cade have to overcome before they can live their HEA including: a large age gap, disproportionate experience levels, boss and employee, and most importantly, out and closeted. Meader artfully navigates these tough issues while crafting a beautiful and concise love story. I stand in awe of her mastery. All of these hurdles aren’t cleared cleanly by our intrepid heroes, but the attraction and respect Dante and Cade have for each other is always apparent.
Side Note: Every time Dante traced Cade’s cheekbone I melted more than a little bit. I don’t get to say this about many books but this novel is the perfect mix of sexy-times steamy and heart-aching romance.
Many people were excited to get Dante’s story because of his role in previous books and he didn’t disappoint… but Cade stole the show for me. He was an endearing mix of earnest determination and cocky sports god. His devotion and appreciation for everything Dante (including his flaws) made him irresistible.
This book fits into a few categories that might detract readers (m/m and hockey romance). If you have never dipped your toe in the m/m romance pool, Meader is a great place to start. Her first m/m novella Melting Point was one of the first I read and it was a wonderful introduction. Hockey is a backdrop that adds to the complications of coming out as a professional athlete but is by no means the primary focus on the story. Don’t those points keep you from this sigh-worthy romance.
I call books like this hug-your-Kindle reads because I am so delighted at the end of the story I just need to stare into space and hug my Kindle for a while. Highly recommend.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
“He was head over skates for this guy.”
I happened upon the Chicago Rebels series by accident, but now I’m so attached to it you couldn’t pry me off with a crowbar. The novelty of having three sisters owning a hockey team was very intriguing. And of course, trying to resist the #HockeyHotties was a lost cause, which is better than a lost game, right?
When Dante was introduced to the team as the new general manager, Cade, (aka Alamo) found himself in an uncomfortable position. The instant attraction took him by surprise and he struggled to keep it to himself. Not that it should be a surprise, he had a poster of Dante hanging in his childhood bedroom. He’d been a pro himself before an injury forced him to detour to management.
Dante had to keep reminding himself that the players were off limits. “The first unwritten rule of management was “don’t bang a player.” But he was really struggling to resist the #TexasTemptation that made no secret of the fact that he wanted him. Not only was Cade off-limits, he was still in the closet. What a scandal it would create if they were to become involved and the media found out. It could ruin both of their careers.
Even though he hadn’t come out, the youngest Chase sister knew his secret, apparently, he’d given himself away because, “They’d both been checking out the bartender.” They ended up becoming friends and she designated herself as a matchmaker. He never planned to tell her that he’d finally met his match, and it was #Dday. Of all the men out there, he had to fall for his boss. The Italian #HottieInASuit was forbidden, and sooo tempting.
As things heat up off the ice and behind closed doors they realize that as much as they enjoy being together, they can’t go public. Their relationship was doomed before it even got started. They have both landed their dream jobs with the Chicago Rebels and neither want to risk losing them.
Undone By You was an eye-opening story that made me realize how difficult it is to find love, and even harder to claim it when it’s forbidden. My heart went out to Dante and Cade as they struggled with their feelings for each other and the desire for more, knowing that they couldn’t have it. Especially after seeing how good they are together. The author always does a beautiful job of getting me riled up and then pulling at my heartstrings. I feel a connection with the Rebels family and it only gets stronger with each book that’s added. Their numbers are growing, but there’s still a sister that has a story to tell and a franchise that is hanging in the balance. Will the team win, or will all be lost? I can’t wait to find out! The line forms here…
I love the Chicago Rebels series. This book is awesome both main characters are hot hockey hunks. Dante is a retired player who is the new general manager of the Rebels and Cade is their young star defenseman. Dante has been “out” for years but Cade isn’t he doesn’t want to disappoint his dad. I enjoyed the storyline of their love story, the angst over being a gay hockey player, but my favorite is the team support. Lots of steam, some witty humor, and so much love.
Dante and Cade are setting Chicago ablaze with their incendiary passion. Cade may be a young closeted NHL player but the moment Dante Moretti strolls into the Rebels locker room and is announced as their new GM, he is instantly stricken with the burning desire to give this man whatever his heart desires. There are plenty of reasons for them to avoid one another, but nothing can combat the aching and yearning that is present no matter where they are. Dante is wiser, older, out, and has a lot to lose – but being with Cade feels like nothing else. From the very first moment he was hooked, but he knows he can’t let himself get to attached…right? Cade has a long journey ahead of him, one Dante knows all too well, but risking everything to be there for him while he takes it will take a leap of faith and love.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
I am so glad we got a book for Dante. I loved him in the other books and wanted more from him. He came out while in the NHL, rose to the ranks of GM, and earned his reputation the hard way. He has everything he wants career wise but nothing in his personal life.
Cade has had a think for Dante from even before he was in the league. There is an age gap between these two but for Cade that doesn’t matter. Cade hasn’t come out yet so to get Dante to notice him he goes to a gay club and “runs into” Dante there.
From the beginning these two have an instant chemistry and a connection you can just feel. There are things that get in their way and things to over come. Kate handles it all well, just like she did in her Hot In Chicago series book Melting Point. This is my favorite book so far in the Chicago Rebels series. I loved it!
I loved Cade and Dante! For sure, they were fantastically sizzling in the sex department, but holy smokes, compelling emotions had me sucked in from the start! From fear and uncertainty to unapologetic acceptance and support, their story had my heart sighing with so many feels!
I loved this so much! Undone by You was an easy story for me to get lost in, there were so many great moments between Cade and Dante, I just read and absorbed it all, totally enjoying every detail. It was so sweet, heartfelt, and emotional. A fantastic read!
(While this one can stand on its own, it does run parallel to So Over You, which adds a little extra fun for returning readers. The few references to the previous book make more sense if you’ve read it, but I don’t think that they will matter much to newbies or impact their reading pleasure.)
I couldn’t be happier with the story-line Meader gave these two! Cade is a big ball of awesome fun but it’s obvious there is more to him than what he wants people to see. And I have been so curious about Dante since he first showed up – all suave and debonair. They may seem like an unlikely pair but the tension between them hints at something more.
Dante has worked hard to get where he is in the NHL – the first openly gay GM of a professional hockey team. Running into one of his star players in a gay club, and being propositioned by said player, is definitely not good for his professional goals … regardless of how unbelievably sexy he finds Cade. Unfortunately there’s something about him that Dante just can’t ignore.
Cade is this appealing mix of brash confidence and uncertainty. He’s young and seems to have the world at his feet, but he’s hiding a pretty big secret. So far he’s been successful at keeping his love-life private but an instantaneous and overwhelming attraction to his new GM complicates things immensely. He may not have thought he was ready to make some tough decisions but life seems to have other plans.
Meader does such a fantastic job of balancing Dante’s gay yogi with growth moments. While he is older and has had more time being publicly gay, it doesn’t mean that he has the answer for everything. Instead, there’s this fantastic give and take between the two as Cade faces life choices (and they are big ones!) which has Dante evaluating his past and his future.
Cade and Dante might think that they can play with fire and not get burned but we know better 🙂 Instead, the more time they spend together and the deeper their feelings grow, the more complications they’ll have to overcome. Steamy and sweet, with fabulous characters and heartfelt emotions, Undone By You beautifully highlights that just because you don’t want your heart to get involved doesn’t mean that it won’t.
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary Jo –
Who needs sleep when you have this gem sitting on your Kindle? I’ve been looking forward to this book since I finished the last one.
If there is one thing Ms. Meader can do, it’s write hot and steamy love stories and this one is no exception. However, it’s not the only thing she can do. She takes the reader on a journey, be it the beginning a new relationship, taking on a job where there’s bound to be conflict, and the ultimate, how do you tell your parent that you’re gay?
I think the reveal could have been shown in greater depth, but the emotions portrayed by all involved were genuine and accurate. The way that Cade’s father not only listened to Dante but talked to him about Cade, is something that went along way to re-establishing the bond between two.
Everyone’s life is a journey, and a lot of those steps are into the unknown, uncharted waters. However, with family beside you, the journey is a lot smoother. Family is not only what you are born into, it’s those you surround yourself with.
Avid Reader –
M/M Sports romance
Triggers: Mental Health issues
Cade is a great defenseman who loves hockey. He also knows that his secret needs to be kept in order to maintain his family life. When Cade’s mom found out that he was gay, she didn’t handle it well. Ever since, he’s had a great relationship with his father and he doesn’t want to change that. He and his dad are all they have left.
Dante is the only openly gay GM in the hockey league and he’s worked through a lot to get where he is. While he’s attracted to Cade, he also knows that the illusion of impropriety can make or break a career. He doesn’t want to jeopardize where he is. Dante’s parents are less than welcoming of his gay status, however, his siblings are okay with it.
When Cade and Dante start their affair, neither is really wanting forever. However, as you watch their relationship and attraction grow, you know that someone’s feelings are going to get involved. Cade realizes that he can have everything he’s ever wanted, but he first needs to come clean with his dad. Dante realizes that despite his position in the franchise, he too can have more than what he’s hoped for.
The family dynamic on the team, between Dante and Cade, and between Cade and his dad are all woven together beautifully. I really liked how everyone communicated and stood up for each other. This book was full of emotion, conflict, and a resolution that wasn’t too unbelievable.
Ruthie –
This is the third book in the series – and the third I have awarded five stars – they really are just that good! I highly recommend that you read them in order. This one is set (in my mind) at the same time as the second book, as we get the reveal of that book in this one too. There are also more hints as to what book four will bring us, although we know many facets of Violet’s life, so it will be extra special seeing how she also finds peace and love in her life.
Much has been made of the three sisters who inherit a NHL team when their father dies, and their choice of an openly gay GM gives them even more notoriety. This book deals with his romance… with a player. Given that two of the sisters also fall in love with members of the team, it is hardly surprising, but the plot is beautifully developed.
Dante, the GM and an ex-NHL player himself, is described as an extremely desirable man, so it is no real surprise to find that closeted Cade has been in lust with him since he was a teenager. That Cade finds the nerve to make a move is the start of a relationship that is utterly enchanting, incredibly hot, and inevitably messy and complicated. Ms. Meader leads us through the unfolding story in such a way that it is very difficult to not just keep turning the pages.
I highly recommend this series to you, especially if you enjoy sports romances, but really if you just enjoy a well written story! Thank you, Ms. Meader, and I do hope that you are busy writing Violet’s story, as I cannot wait!
Sarah –
This is such a fabulous series! This time around, the focus is on the Rebels’ sexy general manager and the player who catches his attention. This is a steamy, sexy read. Dante is wonderful fantasy material and Cade’s laid-back Texas charm plays wonderfully against Dante’s stern professionalism.
Closeted hockey players are becoming a slightly tired m/m trope but the banter and chemistry between Dante and Cade make this feel fresh and fun. The hockey action is as exciting as always. In this story, time is running out for the team to make the playoffs and the tension is high. The Chase sisters are all present in this book and Cade’s relationship with Violet means that we finally get to see more of her and get to understand her a little bit better.
I’ve loved this series from the start and I’m so glad that the author chose to include an m/m story. And while Cade and Dante are crazy hot together, I think I might have enjoyed their friendship and emotional connection even more than the sex. This is a shorter story than others in the series, but both of these men are wonderfully complicated, and I loved every moment of their book.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Undone by You (Chicago Rebels #3) by Kate Meader to read and review.
Oh my holy hell! I can’t get enough of Kate Meader’s Chicago Rebels series!
Undone By You is the sweet and sexy novella featuring…CADE and DANTE!
Being completely honest I tend to shy away from MM novels only because I don’t find them relateable to my life. With that being said I think that’s all about to change and it started with this novel.
I am completely blown away by this novel. We not only get a glimpse into the sexiness of Dante and Cade but also the struggle they go through with having to keep their relationship a secret.
The intensity of this novel is overwhelming
Dante is the new GM for the Chicago Rebels. He also happens to be openly gay whereas Cade who is the star defenseman for the Chicago Rebels is gay but is not out in the open. These two face a lot of obstacles in this novel.
I’m pretty sure Kate Meader could write anything and I’d find it intriguing. I love the way she tells a story as if it were real life. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more releases from Kate Meader in the future!
I am so in love with the Chicago Rebels series!! While reading So Over You, I was dying for Dante’s story. So buttoned up, so mysterious, I needed to know more about him!
Dante is the recently hired, openly gay general manager for the Chicago Rebels. Working for three women who are breaking barriers in every way possible and trying to turn this team around to be winners leaves no time for relationships. Cade has always kept his orientation under wraps but when Dante joins the Rebels, he’s ready to take some risks so that he pursue his idol.
This book was funny, hot, and had a dose of angst. I loved the camaraderie of the team anyhow they completely rally around their own no matter what the circumstance. I am so excited for the next book in this series!!
4.25 stars– UNDONE BY YOU is the third instalment in Kate Meader’s contemporary, adult CHICAGO REBELS erotic, romance series focusing on three estranged sisters-Harper Chase, Isobel Chase and Violet Vasquez- who recently inherited the struggling NHL hockey franchise the Chicago Rebels. This is Rebels’ new GM thirty-five year old Dante Moretti, and twenty-thre year old defenseman Cade ‘Alama’ Burnett. UNDONE BY YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Some of the events of UNDONE BY YOU run parallel to, and cross over with the events of book two IRRESISTIBLE YOU.
NOTE: UNDONE BY YOU is a M/M story line with sexually graphic M/M situations, language and text that may not be suitable for some readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Dante and Cade) UNDONE BY YOU follows the forbidden relationship between Chicago Rebels GM Dante Moretti, and team defenseman Cade Burnett. Cade Burnett is a closeted, gay professional hockey player who for personal reasons back home is unable to come clean to the people he loves, but meeting his hockey idol, former player and now Rebels GM Dante Moretti, the first openly gay GM in professional hockey, has Cade throwing caution to the wind when he approaches his ‘boss’ at an upscale gay club. What ensues is the building romance but secret relationship between Dante and Cade, and the potential fall-out when Cade comes out of the closet, only to be pushed aside by the man that he loves.
Dante Moretti knows what it is like to lose everything. Coming out cost him his family, his friends, and some of the people he loved. Cade Burnett knows that to come out while still actively playing with the Chicago Rebels may harm his career, but most especially may destroy his relationship with his father, back home. What he never expected was that his coming out would destroy his relationship with the man that he loved.
The relationship between Dante and Cade is one of mutual attraction but Dante doesn’t want Cade to come out unless he is ready to accept everything that goes along with coming out as a professional hockey player. Their secret relationship is threatened by Dante’s inability to accept Cade’s decision-a decision that should have made their relationship easier to accept. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
UNDONE BY YOU is a quick read; an emotional, sexy and fun story line; a forbidden romance between boss and employee; a sexual awakening for one man whose entire life remained hidden from the people he loved. The premise is entertaining and fast paced; the characters are colorful, dynamic and charismatic; the romance is seductive and provocative.
Five chest-aching/lump-in-my-throat stars.
So, that was gut-wrenching in the best possible way. I was curled up in a ball crying for Cade and Dante and how awesome they both are. I don’t read a lot of MM romances outside of a menage relationship and only by a couple of authors I trust. Kate Meader is one of them and that trust is upheld with Undone By You.
I shouldn’t be able to relate, but I did. The story-telling is intimate. Kate grabs you from the first scene and involves you with Dante and Cade’s fall into love. I liked that Cade made the first move. I adored that they take care of each other. I ached for Dante’s estrangement from his family, that’s why I loved that he made sure it doesn’t happen to Cade. This story feels so real to me. As if it truly happened. As if I saw Dante come to San Antonio.
The sex scenes are hot as per usual with Kate’s books, but what really got me loving this novella is the genuine emotion between the main characters and the support from family, teammates, and friends. I enjoyed revisiting the scenes already mentioned in the previous books and the cameos of familiar characters, especially Violet and Bren.
Undone By You is considered a novella, but it is substantial and complete. I am both anticipating and dreading the end of this series. The Chicago Rebels have engaged and enthralled me. I’ll gladly recommend them to every romance reader.
Holy cow was this book HOT! The minute you meet Cade you just fall in love with him. He was always just the sweet, funny guy on the team but now you really get to meet him. Dante is the sexy manager of the hockey team that Cade plays on. Ethically Dante shouldn’t want Cade since he is his boss but the just can’t fight their attraction to each other. From the moment they met you could feel their attraction even though Dante didn’t want to feel it. When they finally stop fighting the attraction they are one smoking couple. If you have loved the other books in the Chicago Rebels series you will not be disappointed in this one.
I love this Chicago Rebels series and this latest Undone by You! The characters are awesome and I love that we get more of Violet in this book! It may be a quick read but it certainly is an impactful one. I just love the story line and love that Kate went with an
m/m especially in the testosterone laden world of the NHL. Dante is the new GM of the Rebels and also the first openly gay GM. He is 35 and knows what he does and does not want. Cade is 23 and a defenseman on the Rebels and also gay but he is not out. He wants Dante and so he goes after him. Dante is very hesitant for obvious reasons but there is just no denying their chemistry so they embark on a secret affair which while very hot and steamy is also sweet, tender and romantic.
Is this taboo relationship sustainable? Can Dante get past the boss/ employee dynamic? Will Cade come out? To his team? To his father knowing even how he will react? They have so much going against them but even more going for them and you can’t help but hope everything will work out for them. Love them as a couple!
I ended this one on a *sigh* a great big sigh! I had big feels for Dante when he first entered the arena in his perfect suit and was so stoic we just knew he was going to be something. Who knew it was going to be the happy-go-lucky Texan that was going to get under his skin. Cade has had a hero-worship thing going for Dante since he was a teenager and Dante was still a player and now he is his boss! The Rebels sure don’t do things the easy way and with the playoffs on the line and Cade still in the closet there are so many obstacles to climb. This was well written and so good! I am loving this series and cannot wait for Vi to get her story! Yes, you could read this as a standalone but really why, oh WHY would you want to. This is a spectacular series!
Kate Meader packs a whole lot of steamy M/M hotness on the pages of this book all while giving us one incredible story. These characters are fascinating and the issues they face are difficult. The journey Cade and Dante take is not one you want to miss!
Coming out as the first openly gay player in the NHL is hard. Not nearly as difficult as facing a father with the truth of who is he. Yet Cade Burnett knows if he hopes to win the love of a good man like Dante Moretti he has to be brave enough to do both. Is he willing to risk it all and if he does will Dante be brave enough to take that step with him?
I highly recommend this one.
Oh. My. Gosh. This book!
It was a bit of a slow starter for me and, honestly – M/M books are hit or miss for me these days. I wasn’t sure I was going to connect with it and it took me a little bit to warm up to it, despite the fact that I was desperate to know what was going on with Dante and Cade after the tease we got in So Over You. And then, out of seemingly nowhere this book had me – hook, line and sinker.
I loved these two together. They’re intense and fiery, dead sexy and unexpectedly tender. They frustrated me sometimes, but in the end I felt like their story was perfect for them. The characters showed so much growth and as their story unfolded my heart warmed in a way that I was completely not expecting. There were tears! And so many loopy happy smiles.
I am completely smitten with these Chicago Rebels. My heart has claimed every last one of them and even as I sit here completely blissed out on the ending of Undone By You, I am hungry for so much more of these wonderful characters and this amazing team. ~ 4.5 Stars