Violet has not had it easy in life from a father that financially supported her, but she never met, to triumphing over the scariest times of her life due to a medical condition but rather than letting it get her down she is feisty and upbeat. When she finds out she inherited 1/3 with her two half-sisters she figures it is only for one year, but she never expected to find a home and family.

Bren is the team captain, divorced father and recovering alcoholic. He has his hands full and now with all the travelling due to the playoffs he needs a nanny. Violet gets along with his girls and his girls love Violet, so it should be the perfect solution. but he just needs to avoid the attraction he feels for her whenever she is near.

The chemistry between them is off the charts, their banter humorous and the way they fit together as a family perfection. I have loved getting to know all the Chase sisters and this book is no exception. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

This is the fourth and final book in this series. This one is about Violet Vasquez and Bren St. James. Violet never knew her father but when he dies she finds out he left her a part of the family business, a hockey team. Bren is the team captain of the hockey team. They both have issues of their own and are attempting to work on them without the complication of relationships. But when Bren needs someone to help him with his kids, Violet steps up. And now they both have to face that their attraction to each other isn't going to go away. And face what it may mean to their lives and issues in the long run.

This book was great! Yes, they both have issues that they are working through but these characters are so strong that you know that it will happen! Violet went through something horrible and terrifying but she has come through the other side and still has her spunk and snark, and I loved her! Bren knows what he needs to change in his life and once he realized that what exactly he needs to do to fix things with his kids he truly steps up and does it. And they are perfect for each! They hold each other up when needed and just stand beside the other to show support. Great read and a great end to this series!

Read the series!

Violet Vasquez is all about “The Year of the V” after her diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer when she finds out that her father that she never knew much about had given her and her two sisters a professional hockey team, the Chicago Rebels.

Bren St. James, the captain of the Chicago Rebels is trying to get his life together after a stint in rehab when his ex-wife has a meltdown and he gets custody of his two daughters. Violet and her sisters help out but when he has problems getting a nanny Violet moves in during the times he’s traveling for the team. Violet is a very much free spirit and Bren is very controlled and bossy but when Violet finally breaks through his reserve, it’s all worth it.

The entire Chicago Rebel series is a hockey series worth reading especially if you love hockey or sport in general.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Bren St. James had stolen my attention since his surly demeanor on “Irresistible You” - there must be a story behind all those attitudes. As the series progress, I was just so impatient for his turn to take the spotlight. It’s a bittersweet fact that finally - FINALLY - his time came, but with it also the conclusion to the “Chicago Rebels” series. Bren certainly closed the series with a bang and I mean in more ways than one (considering his predecessors got some of the torrid and on-the-forbidden-side of love affairs). The thorn on his side was the youngest Chase sister, Violet Vasquez. Frankly, it took me a long time to actually warm up to her characters. However, as wont in the kind of picture she portrayed to others, there was more to Violet than the happy, easy going, party girl persona. It’s fascinating to see (read) how the two went head to head from day one (of the series).

If you haven’t read the previous books, worry not - it can be read as a standalone. Still, I would recommend all the books in this series to be read in chronological order to grasp the overall development of how far this underdog Hockey team and their management had gone through, personally and professionally. Of course, there were bits thrown here as background story; so either way it’d work for reader.

Parallel with the previous entries, “Hooked On You” is told alternately from Bren’s and Violet’s POVs in third person. After knew next to nothing about the both of them - Bren and Violet, in their own way, were private people who kept their cards close to their chests - gaining insight of where they came from and what made them ticked were enlightening. I couldn’t help but felt for them, even when they were basically being judgy towards each other. I loved how they were not perfect, that they learned from their mistakes (or trying to), not always being led by their nether regions and bang whenever, wherever (well, at least not as OFTEN ;-) ) but consider options and circumstances before making decisions.

More than romance between two star-crossed lovers finding their way to be together (and hooyaa HOW they tried; hard, tense and sweaty... if you know what I mean) “Hooked On You” also touched on family love, not only of blood but the chosen ones. It might sound cliche but somehow, the author made it worked in deft and entertaining way. You can count on the riot these bunch of people from the Rebels organization made, if not with their banters, the (rare) heart to heart moment, or the passionate embraces. Oh, and there’s even cameo from some of my favourite people from “Hot in Chicago” series!

The biggest issue I had here was how the MC dealt with certain threat from the past. After having the lead character told themselves something was up and they would be ready for it, the turnabout they did was kinda frustrating. Likewise the ease with which they solve the problem. Like, hello, all those heartaches for... nothing?? Seriously!

That saying, this book is still my favourite of the series. “Hooked On You” got the balance of fun, sizzling, and heartwarming. Bren’s clash with Violet had been simmering for a while and I love, love how the author brought about the collision between the two hotheaded characters.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Hooked On You by Kate Meader was such a good read.
The storyline was entertaining, the characters were likable, engaging and my interest was captured from the first page until the end.

I loved Violet and Bren, they made me laugh and swoon and their story touched my heart.
These two had painful pasts and with each others love and support they were able to find peace and acceptance. They truly belonged together.

Hooked On You is a wonderful addition to the Chicago Rebels series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them all!

Kate Meader thank you for writing and sharing your wonderful characters with us <3

*Hooked On You is now LIVE!.*
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Gu7dSY
Nook: https://bit.ly/2pZj7NG
iBooks: https://apple.co/2ioetsT
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2AJCv9t

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

Without a doubt, Kate Meader is one of my favorite authors. Whether she is heating things up in the kitchen, on the ice, or fanning the flames of romance in her firefighter series, I’m always excited to see she has a new release. Finally getting my hands on Hooked on You had me jumping for joy, my fellow romance book loving friends, but at the same time rather sad since this is the final book of this great series.

Book 1, Irresistible You, was a tough act to follow, folks. Remy was really beyond words with his smoking good looks, strong sense of family, and Cajun appeal as the featured leading man. He was paired perfectly with Harper, the sassy, main boss lady/co-owner of the NHL hockey team he unhappily was traded to.

Vadim, So Over You, book 2’s womanizing, egotistical hero, had to win me over, but eventually he did so in a very big way. After a huge reveal, we find Isobel, the heroine, still owns his heart and soul in that second chance romance.

Bren, Hooked on You’s romantic male lead, certainly had me respecting him for how far he has pulled himself back from the brink of despair/self-destruction due to his alcoholism and sincere determination to be the best father he can be. This handsome, brooding Scott has more on his plate and mind than most of his other team members combined. Dealing with an uncaring, manipulative ex-wife, two kids, and putting his life back together had him making big promises to himself he refuses to break or even bend. My hat’s off to him for wanting to be a better man.

Violet, the heroine, is the younger, tattooed, flirtatious temptation Bren’s been trying to keep his thoughts, lips, hands, and heart away from every since first laying eyes on her. Though I did like the energy she brought to this tale, her lack of direction after previously dealing with a serious health crisis made me somewhat dismayed with her character. I wanted to see her take life by the horns instead of standing around in a holding pattern waiting for inspiration to strike. Though, in arguing with myself, I concede one could easily conclude she simply had earned a well deserved rest from reality. Her attraction and chemistry with Bren certainly did feel genuine. At the same time, I must confess their relationship occasionally came across somewhat like a naughty affair between an older man and the babysitter.

Overall all, I did enjoy their romantic tale with it’s sweet HEA. I’m thinking, however, it really could have used a huge, unforgettable, grand gesture at the end that would have sealed the deal in a very big way for this unlikely couple. The ending felt a little too non-climatic and conveniently wrapped up. Maybe it’s because I’m a huge fan of a groveling hero doing whatever it takes to go after/keep his girl, which leads me to my second point. I’m disappointed Bren didn’t always fight to keep his lady love. Despite Violet declaring she wouldn’t back down either, ultimately, at one point she did just that.

I’m happy to say this handsome Scot does get the lovely lass he’s been verra interested in for some time. It certainly seemed opposites attracted in this last romantic read of The Chicago Rebels. I can’t wait to see what romantic road Ms. Meader will lead us down next in her yet to be revealed, future series.

Title: Hooked on You, Series: Chicago Rebels (Book 4), Author: Kate Meader, Pages: 384, stand-alone but part of a series, divorced/single dad/hockey player hero who is a recovering alcoholic with two kids, younger heroine not sure what to do with her life, very steamy scenes, ex-wife drama, no love triangle, no cheating, both been celibate awhile.

Book .5 - In Skates Trouble (Addison & Ford)
Book 1 - Irresistible You (Harper & Remy)
Book 2 - So Over You (Isobel & Vadim)
Book 3 - Undone by You (Cade & Dante)
Book 4 - Hooked on You (Violet and Bren)

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No type of compensation was given to this reviewer. There is no relationship or affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Ohmygosh, this series! I feel like I probably say this after every book, but this time I really mean it--Hooked On You is my favorite of the series--Violet and Bren (and Cat, Franky, and Gretzky) FTW!

For four books now, we've watched the Violet and Bren dance, their chemistry practically oozing off of the page, the will-they-or-won't-they aspect of it all well neigh making us crazy. Or maybe that was just me. (It wasn't just me, surely?) I am happy to report--it did not disappoint! As much fun as it was to watch her snarky torture of him, seeing the two of them together was worlds better.

And when Bren puts on his daddy hat? Watch. Out. OMG, the image of him in his apron, helping his girls make apple pie...I may never recover.

(Ovary. Explosion.)

Anyway...

Everything's not all about Vi and Bren, here, though--there's also a whole lot of quality time for the Chase sisters (awkward sister bonding nights continue!) and plenty of catching up with the previous series couples...and oh, yeah--we finally get to see the end of the Rebels' season :) Basically, everything that this entire series has been building up to culminates in one final book of awesomeness.

Plus, Violet finally gets all the family she could ever have wanted--and then some. Plus she figures out what she wants to do with her life...no more bartending or tattoo shop working (not that there's anything wrong with those jobs; they're just not what she was searching for.) Bren gets his life back, sans the crushing guilt he's been carrying around...and did I mention that I freaking love these two together? Because I do...

Hooked On You could be read as a standalone if you must, but trust me when I say that this series is worth starting at the beginning for. You'll grow to love the Chase women and all the men in their lives and won't want to miss a single second of their stories :)

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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.

So dang good! Sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book had so much emotion tied to it. It makes us realize that not everyone is as they seem on the outside. We all have hurt and emotion of some sort tied up inside. And sometimes that makes us act a certain way. Maybe people don’t understand us or we try and push them away… That is Bren and Violet.

The author did a wonderful job on this story. She brought together two people that seem to be complete opposite‘s and tied them together in a way that grew their bond and showcases their love. Deep passion, plenty of spark and steamy connections, and a love of family makes this book unforgettable.

Hooked On You is a entrancing read with a lot of complexity to it but yet, when you get down to brass tacks, it’s all about love. A language we all speak and understand.

I am sad this series is ending. Do you have to read them in order? Not really (you might want to tho). But you do want to read them all to understand the story and to get to know the hot men of the Chicago Rebels. I cannot wait to see what is next from this author. Always an experience not to be missed!

Perfect timing for this hockey series! Playoffs baby! Personally, I'm a Sharks fan but the Rebels men are hot with tattoos, accents and big....hearts. Bren, washed up drunk and recently divorced, has too many demons in his life. Everyday is a struggle. Violet is a riot with cheesy jokes, colorful streaks in her hair and more tattoos than Bren's teammates. The banter is fun and easy while his daughters steal the scene. Never thought I'd enjoy hearing about slugs, but it was fun learning. Entire series was wonderful and it was great to catch up with the Chase sisters. My copy was given through Netgalley, review written voluntarily.

I really enjoyed Violet's story. Her struggles with finding her place with her sisters and feeling valuable was relatable at times. She was a tough shell to break, but I enjoyed Bren's efforts and persistency. He was a great hero. I also enjoyed how sweet and fun he was with his girls. The epilogue was a nice wrap to the series, even though it left me sad that I won't get to see more of these two in the future.

I honestly think Violet has been one of my favorite characters from the very beginning of the Chicago Rebels series.
Ms Meader did a fantastic job of peeling back the layers that protected Violet to let us know the real woman inside. Getting to know her better made me root for her even more!
Bren has been present in the previous books as well, but more in the background. His emotional evolution was rewarding to see.
These two complimented each other well, especially once their defenses were down and I loved seeing it sweeter side of them both.
Hooked on you is Violet and Bren’s story, but it also highlights the fact that family comes in many forms and brings the Rebels story to a strong conclusion.
While this is technically a standalone, there is so much backstory in the previous books that it really makes sense to read them in order.
I’m sad to see the Rebels go, but am looking forward to what is next for Ms. Meader.

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

Sweet, romantic, and satisfying!

Hooked on You is a fervent, bittersweet tale that brings together the broody, guilt-ridden Bren, and the feisty, fun-loving Violet as they both discover that some things are worth fighting for and together they can overcome any baggage from their pasts.

The prose is emotive and smooth. The characters are hesitant, dependable, and affable. And the plot is an alluring mix of compassion, patience, attraction, friendship, addiction, parenthood, familial drama, hockey, combustible chemistry and unconditional love.

Hooked on You is the fourth and final novel in the Chicago Rebels series. It's a little rueful to say goodbye to the characters we've come to love but is nevertheless a lovely way to catch up on the whole gang and finally give Violet and Bren the happy-ever-after ending we've imagined for them from the very start.

I was really hoping this series wouldn't end. Maybe we could have more sisters popping up or some cousins? I'm finally glad to see Violet get her man. And what a man he is! Grumpy Scottish accent is my new thing. I really liked this book and series and would highly recommend it. Or any Kate Meador book, really.


Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I was so happy to get an ARC for this one. I was turned down for the novella "Undone By You" ( I borrowed that one through Overdrive).
I loved Violet and Bren's story.
Violet is very assertive on the outside & vulnerable on the inside. She never met her dad Clifford. She's the youngest of the 3 sisters. Her mom had a one night stand- who was never in a relationship with Clifford.
As explained in the very beginning of book 1 (Harper's book), Daddy Clifford was a serial cheater.
Violet, Harper and Isobel are closer in this book. They are so different in personalities and in the lives they've lead so far. Violet does still feel a little like the outsider. She has yet to find a role in the Rebels' organization.
All of the other Rebels Hockey team and supporting characters are back.
The Rebels are in a do or dye Stanley Cup series finals.
Meanwhile, Bren and Violet are starting their romance. They try to keep it secret, but no one is fooled.
There are several hot scenes. Bren has custody of his 2 young daughters, Franky and Catriona. They're adolescent so Bren and Violet are discrete with the girls around.
Bren's ex-wife is out of the picture for a majority of the book. A looming custody battle is hanging over Bren.
Bren is the captain of the Rebels and a recovering alcoholic. He sure has a lot on his plate!
Violet is great with Bren's daughters. She helps take care of them while Bren and the team are competing in the play offs.
Violet and Bren have opposite personalities-but I think that they seemed very compatible. They both thought there'd be a shelf life. Bren realizes first that he has stronger feelings but is worried about his ex gathering ammunition for the custody battle.
There was a late in the book conflict and resolution that had me thrown-especially Violet's reaction.
Bren, well my opinion of him grew over the entire book.
As I mentioned the others were great supporting characters. Harper is a great leader. She had 1/3 of the team but served as the CEO in every way. Harper was such a great supporter of Bren. I got to catch up and read more about the other couples: Harper/Remy; Isobel/Vadim, and Dante/Cade. There's a cameo by a couple for the Hot in Chicago series. I loved that!
The last couple of scenes seemed a little corny/cheesy,but did provide more sweet romance.
I really loved this book. 4.5 stars. I do think that Isobel & Vadim's was my favorite. More romantic. I loved the taking naps/cuddling scenes. Those were such ahhh moments for me.

I just fell in love with Bren in Hooked On You. That brooding Scot had so many uphill battles starting with dealing with his alcoholism. When he realized what was truly important in his life...his daughters he does whatever is necessary to fix himself so he could be there for them. Along the way, he was gifted with the Vibrant Violet who simply swept his feet out from under him. She has had her own battles to face, but she is sassy, smart and adores his daughters. They both bring out the best in each other and find the strength to move on from their past, together!

Hooked On You by Kate Meader is the third and final book in the Chicago Rebels series featuring three estranged sisters who own a Chicago hockey team. To keep it, they must work together and have a winning season. Along the way, they find family, friendship, and love.  In Hooked On You, sassy, flirtatious and unapologetic Violet Vasquez goes head to head with team captain, Bren St. James.

Since Irresistible You, the first in the Chicago Rebels series, I've been waiting for Violet and Bren's story. A free spirit and a brooding Scot? That has my name written all over it.

Violet's character has been portrayed as a snarky, cute firecracker who showed surprising depth when her sisters needed help sorting out their own lives. But you wouldn't guess at the hurt about her father's indifference and the constant fear she has been living with since her cancer diagnosis. When Violet inherits a third of the Chicago Rebels her plan is to fulfill the conditions her father expressed in his will, then sell her share and get the hell out of Dodge...but she didn't anticipate the fierce attraction she feels for the team's captain Bren St. James, who gives her the sexiest scowls which turn her into a puddle of need. Too bad he doesn't feel the same way, right?

Violet's propensity to needle Bren, always having a comeback on her lips had me laugh out loud frequently. She lives in the now and is determined to make "the year of the V" all about herself, which is not to say that she's selfish but having a health scare like hers just makes you look at things differently.

If you've read the other books in this series you know that Bren has a drinking problem. If not for Harper he would have been kicked off the team. After rehab he's now determined to not only make sure that he deserves this second chance but also repair the relationship with his daughters who have come to live with him, at least for a limited time. Being on the road a lot he needs somebody to look after his kids and while he totally underestimates Violet in the beginning, thinking of her as flighty and superficial, he soon realizes how good she is with them. If only she weren't temptation personified. He is spread thin with all the things going on in his life and a relationship with this woman who lights up his very soul would be doomed at this point. But who said they can't just...play?

Sixteen months without sex. That’s all it was. He was hard up, and his hard-on was making everything so fucking hard.

Bren was actually less broody than I expected. Yes, he had a lot of issues but he had a surprisingly positive outlook on his life. Doing right by his girls and Violet came always first and I loved him for that. I adored the way he was with his daughters - there is nothing more beautiful than a father who shows his love for his kids.

While Bren was a natural skater, he was a born father.

A love that Violet never had. It was obvious why she always gave way when it came to Cat and Franky -  with her own daddy issues she understood that they would always come first in Bren's life. Violet is incredibly aware of her environment and the people close to her, very smart, witty, full of life and sparkle and a wisdom beyond her age.

One of the scenes I found most endearing  was their reenacting Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It had most of my favorite characters from all books in it and was sweet and funny.

Speaking of, we get to catch up with them all. Harper and Remy is his charming sweet Southern self, as per usual, Isobel and Vadim who doesn't let us forget how adorable and hilarious he is in arrogance. And of course Cade and Dante, who have stolen my heart and were featured in the novella Undone by You. I can't say how much I loved Vi's and Cade's friendship - and her relationship with Izy and Harper which is getting stronger and more substantial. All of Violet's friends and family wanted her to be happy and helped her getting there.

Their collective group dynamic was just wonderful...

“You hungry, Vasquez?”
“Starving. I think Remy might have brought something, though.”
“Uh-oh,” Cade muttered. “Dante also brought something. Ingredients for pasta puttanesca.”
All attention shot to the chefs, watching as the two men sized each other up, kitchen masters about to throw down. This could get ugly real fast.
“DuPre,” Dante said, all gravity.
“Moretti,” Remy replied, equally serious.

Both of the main characters are at a point in their life where they wait for it to re-boot and start again, finding their place after so many changes. It's a little like standing in the waiting line and things are moving slow and I have to admit that I kind of felt a little bit like that in the first half of the book. Don't get me wrong, I loved this story so so much and my admiration for both Vi and Bren knows no bounds but the first part felt a little on the slower side.

The relationship is a deliciously slow burn but Violet and Bren's chemistry certainly sizzles from the beginning and will have your reproductive organs melting down.

The conclusion of the Chicago Rebels series had me laughing out loud, giggling like a school girl and swooning because of all the hotness that is Bren, Remy, Vadim, Cade and Dante - I will miss them all so much. Kate Meader has become an author I can count on to deliver thoroughly entertaining stories with buckets of humor and a very pleasant writing style. If you haven't read her books yet, the Chicago Rebels can all be read as standalones...but I'm sure once you've read one story in this series you'll want to read them all.

"I wasn’t ready for you, Violet. I wasn’t fully formed. You need a man who will give you a 100 percent of his focus, who will treat you like the queen you are. It took me time to become that man. He stands before you.”

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.