Although in general I am not a fan of gay romance stories, I must admit to liking this one, Dante and Cade are good together, and it is tastefully written. Would recommend this book and author.

This felt rushed. It probably could have been longer as it appears the others in the series were full length. It made the romance feel rushed. It is like most sports romances so if this is your thing you will enjoy this.

Undone by You is a fast, fun and hot novella set between books 2 and 3 in Kate, Meader's Chicago Rebels contemporary hockey romance series that focuses on GM Dante Moretti and star defenseman, Cade Burnett. A refreshing m/m romance that doesn't shy away from hot sex scenes or tender exchanges as the relationship grows between the two men. I was hooked on this series before and this installment made me even more of a fan. A highly enjoyable read for romance readers who are into hockey and great love stories.

This is part of series and I haven't read any of the other books. That being said, I think this one stood alone just fine.
I am always up for sexy men in suits and sexy hockey players and sexy hockey players who get it on with sexy guys in a suit.
The chemistry between the two MCs was palpable from the very beginning. I do think Dante's hesitation to be with Cade was a bit much considering the relationships between the previous book's MCs and Cade's supposed relationship with one of the team owners. However, I do understand the difference between what an owner can do versus an employee...do as I say and not as I do. So, I guess I do get it but I wish it weren't such a major factor.
They were a little awkward at times, which I think helped flesh them out as characters. They often both seemed so perfect in their own way that seeing them struggle just to talk or figure things out made them feel more real.
But, Cade's dad was a little unexpected and his interactions with Dante even more so, but the ending was fitting for their personalities and the way the story had been developing. I do plan to check out the rest of this series.

I had two problems that really stand out for me
1. And this is strictly a personal preference - Making someone's decision on whether to come out or not as a deciding factor on the relationship feels like emotional manipulation and I always have a hard time with it.
2. Dante makes so many unilateral decisions because he feels he knows better or is valuing his career over Cade. Then Cade just forgives all of Dante's transgressions.

Those things together always just make me feel meh about a story.

‘Vivere senza rimpianti’

’Live life with no regrets.’

That’s what Chicago Rebels GM, Dante Moretti, chose to do 9 years ago, when he came out to his family and to the entire National Hockey League, owning his sexuality and regaining his sense of self despite losing his family who didn’t agree with his life choices. But despite the freedom that came with no longer hiding his true self, there’s a loneliness that comes along with being in the public eye as well as lines that can’t be crossed for ethical reasons, no matter how attracted Dante is to a certain defenseman.

In the ‘testosterone-soaked NHL,’ being outed as a gay man is something that one of the Rebels’ star players, Cade Burnett, is weary about, not only because he would be the first publicly gay hockey player, but also because he fears what this revelation would do to his relationship with his father; Cade believes his father has been hurt enough with the loss of Cade’s mother, so he doesn’t want to do anything to send his dad spiraling even further. But it’s a pretty daunting task to conceal a significant part of himself, especially when Dante Moretti enters his life, the man who Cade has idolized since he was a teenager, so when Cade takes a chance to be with the man he craves, it’s not long before they’re crossing boundaries that could have severe repercussions on their careers as well as their hearts.

Boy oh boy when Cade and Dante finally give into their sexual attraction and desire for one another do they steam up the pages of Undone By You, and Kate Meader illustrates just how perfect their bodies mold together, connecting in ways that easily surpass great sex, heading into a territory that Dante is not prepared for, which leads him to make quite a few mistakes before he realizes that despite the fallout that may occur due to his personal relationship with Cade, his feelings and his body can’t get for the man who wants to be Dante’s everything.

Dante and Cade definitely face some pretty severe obstacles when it comes to engaging in anything beyond secret, sexual liaisons, but in every scene they’re together, Kate Meader proves that living life with no regrets is about taking risks…is about showing no fear…is about being fully present in all facets of life, which definitely includes love and happiness.

I really enjoyed Dante and Cade’s story. Because it’s a novella, things between the two heroes move quite quickly, limiting the time that readers have to stew about Dante’s mixed signals and Cade’s fears of coming out and/or losing what he’s just begun with Dante. I love how Violet has Cade’s back and the relationship that they’ve formed despite the owner/employee dynamics that exist. It’s clear just how ‘head over skates’ Dante and Cade are for each other; the issue is if Dante can get past his position as GM, using his heart instead of his head to put an end to his lonely existence and finally find a man who isn’t afraid to be with him in all ways that can lead to a lifetime together.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

Dante Moretti thought coming out was the hardest thing he’d ever done. Turns out what’s harder is taming his attraction to Chicago Rebel’s player Cade Burnett. At the new General Manager for the Rebels and being openly gay, the last thing he needs is a scandal.
Cade Burnett is about as “in the closet” as you can get. While he’s admired Dante Moretti from afar for years he’s not sure if he’s ready to let the rest of the world know who he really is.
I don’t or haven’t ready many m/m romances and I was really eager to read this one. Unfortunately if feel short for me. I like the story line, I liked the characters but I just felt like things were rushed. I don’t think this should have been a “2.5” in a series. I think these two deserved a full novel to tell their story. I would like to have seen more in the way of Dante’s background; even Cade I felt like we just didn’t get enough of him to really “know” him. Now this could be because I didn’t realize initially that this is a part of a series (hence the 2.5) and maybe these characters were discussed a bit more in the first two books so I’m going to have to go back a read those books. There were so many times in this book where things happened that didn’t get the amount of attention I think it deserved. Like the first time they had sex. There were some revelations that came out of that experience that I think could have been explored a little more. Based on the relationship between Cade and Violet, one of the team owners, and Cade’s relationship with a character named Bren…this was a “set-up” book for Violet and Bren. I’m curious to read about those two but I really would have preferred more story for Dante and Cade.

4.5 Stars

If Dante Moretti can no longer be a professional hockey player, being the general manager of the Chicago Rebels hockey team is still the job of his dreams. Dante is the first out manager and while he would certainly prefer that he’s known for more than that, Dante was ready to live life out of the closet. He works hard and nothing will deter him. Well, except defenseman Cade Burnett, because when he’s in the same room with the man he has a difficult time looking away. Since Dante is Cade’s boss, he does everything he can to avoid Cade outside of a professional nature. That doesn’t help him so much when Cade comes looking for him.

Cade has kept his sexuality locked down tight. At 23, he wants to play hockey and doesn’t need an extra target on his back while he’s out on the ice. But Dante calls to him like no other man and if he can just get a taste of the hot Italian, they can surely keep it just between themselves. Right?

This book is written exactly the way I like to read. The author has a great voice that carries over into Cade who brings his own version of banging banter and is wildly entertaining. Cade and Dante also sizzle on page with serious smoking hot chemistry from word one.

Undone by You is the third book in Meader’s Chicago Rebels series. It is the first m/m of the series and from what I could see, the first m/m the author has written. The series revolves around three sisters who inherited a hockey team from their father and Cade sums it up with his description of the series as, Three women and a gay guy walk into an NHL franchise. I have not read the other books in the series and while Dante and Cade were most likely introduced in the earlier books, I had no issues following along. Which was amazing because this book rocked and Cade had a lot to do with that.

While there is not too much on ice time here, there is still a hockey atmosphere that fits the story which, from my experience, isn’t always easy to achieve. There is never a doubt who these guys are and what it is at stake for them.

This is a longer novella and the early part sets up the outrageous chemistry between the men. Cade knows what and who he wants and goes after it. Dante wants Cade desperately, but he’s his boss and he really tries to keep it professional, but an evening with Cade where they say they will just talk just isn’t happening between these two. One evening turns into a month as the men are not only compatible in the bedroom, but everywhere.

There was a certain formula here that was expected as Cade is afraid to come out, Dante pushes him away, and a storyline involving the homophobic parent. Cade wants more, well he wants everything with Dante, and when the conflict comes together, the book started to stall for me a bit. This is a shorter book and a lot was trying to be accomplished and it got too much for the number of pages. The final result for me was that the relationship between the men was rushed toward the end and felt unfinished and there is certainly room for a sequel with them.

I would highly suggest you look to this one for a book with great writing, characters with insane chemistry, and dialogue that made this book a winner for me.

A M/M romance in the world of Professional Hockey will bring you to your knees. It's an emotionally satisfying romance of one man's journey to tell the world that he's not changing for anyone. Another man will discover that love is rare and when you find it, grasp it and hold on for the ride.

For fans of Hot In Chicago, there is something sweet for you too!

Dante and Cade FTW!

Though I was a bit bummed that this story, like Gage and Brady's ( Melting Point ) was a novella instead of a full-length novel--here, the ending feels rather rushed--still, this novella was one heck of a read. The GM/player and out/closeted aspects of their relationship, not to mention the age difference between the two of them (12 years) ratchets up the tension nicely throughout. Meanwhile their excellent chemistry--and the teasers we get for Violet's story--really keeps you turning the pages.

Some favorite quotes:

"Listen without judgement. Nod wisely. Gay Yoda, I am." (Dante)

"Leave the orgasm, take the cannoli?" (Violet)

"Are you okay?"

"I still feel like my blood is on fire. It was simmering down until you showed up, and now all I can think of is how much I want you to kiss me again and never, ever stop."

So, not really okay. (Dante, Cade)

So, so good, rushed HEA aside. Between the Violet/Bren hints and the epilogue's refusal to tell us how the season ends (so mean!) I for one am more anxious than ever for the next series book...

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Undone By You is book #2.5 in the Chicago Rebels series by Kate Meader. Wow, I don’t know where to begin with this book. It’s about so much for than two people falling for each other. It’s about acceptance, love, family, commitment.

Cade “Alamo” Burnett is a defender for the Chicago Rebels, a professional hockey team. The Rebels had been in a slump for years but this year, with their three new owners, they are slowly rising in the ranks. Cade was raised in Texas by a father who believed that Texas was football, beer and pretty southern girls. Only that’s not Cade at all. Cade is gay. He’s known he was all his life. But he keeps it a secret. Only one person knows the truth and that’s his best friend, Violet. He can’t bear to inflict the truth on his Dad knowing the pain it will cause him. And of course there’s the hockey culture. How would they react? So, he keeps his true self a secret. Then one day the new general manager walked in and Cade couldn’t breathe. Standing in front of the team was the object of every one of Cade’s teenage fantasies, Dante Moretti.

Dante has gone from being a player to now a member of management. It’s his dream come true so he can’t let anything ruin that. That includes letting anyone know that he is crushing on one of the players, the players that he is in charge of. And when he finds out that the same player is also gay, it doesn’t take long for these two to find their way to each other.

First of all, I loved Dante and Cade. And let me tell you, this book is ice cubes on your neck hot! But it’s also about finding the strength to let the world know who you really are. It’s about the team members you surround yourself with every day who have your back. It’s about accepting someone, no matter what. I love this team. I read the first book in this series but somehow missed book two. I definitely need to go back and read that one. I am just in love, though, with this little book. And book three will be out soon, Hooked On You, which is Violet’s story. This is a fantastic series. I hope you’ll give it a try!

Guess who release another addicting hockey romance book? Yep, you are correct, it is Kate Meader. She just has the fantastic talent in creating fantastic hockey romance that you want more. And you get it this week. Undone by You release this week and you just going to love it.
Undone by You will bring the GM Dante Moretti and Cade ¨Alamo¨ Burnett together unexpected but wonderful. GM Dante Moretti worked very hard for his career that he is finally getting his dream job. And he gets a big surprise when he meets Cade ¨Alamo¨ Burnett. Cade ¨Alamo¨ Burnett is sexy Texas hockey player but he is hiding a big secret. He is gay. It´s hard for him to open the door except when he finally meets the sexy Italian GM Dante Moretti for the Chicago Rebels that he wants to open the door.
Their meeting may be rocky at first but Cade is willing to make it work. I definitely give him credit. He knows what he wants and he wants Dante. He definitely makes a plan in which Dante would know that Cade is gay but he only has the hots for him. It was definitely shocking for Dante but he is also relieved because he is attractive to Cade too.
Dating between them may be troubling for them since they both work at the same company and they are considered as boss and employee but that does not matter to them. They definitely cannot avoid what they are feeling for each other that they are going to explore more. But as sooner as later, they will need to face reality. It may be unpleasant at first but love is always worth it.
Undone by You will bring you to your knees and make you wish you have Dante or Cade in your life. Five Stars.

Though I was a bit bummed that this story, like Gage and Brady's ( Melting Point ) was a novella instead of a full-length novel--here, the ending feels rather rushed--still, this novella was one heck of a read. The GM/player and out/closeted aspects of their relationship, not to mention the age difference between the two of them (12 years) ratchets up the tension nicely throughout. Meanwhile their excellent chemistry--and the teasers we get for Violet's story--really keeps you turning the pages.

Some favorite quotes:

"Listen without judgement. Nod wisely. Gay Yoda, I am." (Dante)

"Leave the orgasm, take the cannoli?" (Violet)

"Are you okay?"

"I still feel like my blood is on fire. It was simmering down until you showed up, and now all I can think of is how much I want you to kiss me again and never, ever stop."

So, not really okay. (Dante, Cade)

So, so good, rushed HEA aside. Between the Violet/Bren hints and the epilogue's refusal to tell us how the season ends (so mean!) I for one am more anxious than ever for the next series book...

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

M/M romance is not my usual genre and is usually not something I indulge myself with, but being that it’s Kate Meader’s book, and a part of a series I follow, what the heck. I love her work.

In this installment, Meader writes the “coming out” of one of the players in the team. There’s a lot at stake as he would be the first hockey player to ever come out. Along with his trials is his relationship with Dante, the GM of the team. Obviously, the employer/employee relationship is already an issue, to begin with, but their chemistry cannot be ignored that keeping it a secret will be a hard task.

I’m bummed that Cade didn’t come out sooner as he has been sure of his sexuality for some time,, but I love that he was now more confident and well established in his career that he was ready for it. It helped that he had Dante on his side. I thought they were a good match. The drama wasn’t over the top and each of them took who they are at face value whether they were out of the closet or not. I’m going to admit, out of all the M/m romance I have read, Dante and Cade take top place in hotness. The chemistry between them and the love scenes were hot, hot, hot.

Welp! This is awkward. It always is when almost everyone of your friends loved the book and you didn't.


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Undone by You is the third book off of Kate Meader's Chicago Rebels series. I was looking forward to this book ever since we got a hint of Dante and Cade's relationship in So Over You. I enjoyed that book and the first book as well so I was expecting to love this book. And I loved Kate Meader. Her writing style and author voice is something that I thoroughly enjoyed in the past.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy Undone By You that much. This book lacked the emotional heft that's usually present in Meader's previous works. There are times when the story goes there but maybe because of the length, it immediately moves on to the next story beat without giving it a chance to simmer.

Another complaint I have is the character development or the lack of it. Again, there are some of it but the book moves so fast, it doesn't really register. One example is how Dante is supposed to be Italian so every single cliched Italian things are in this book because of course, nothing shows how Italian the characters are than cannoli and smattering your speech with tesoro. This worked for me in the previous book and I didn't mind it as much but here it's so obvious and feels more like a substitute for some real character development.

While this book was steamy and hot (Kate Meader always excels in this), the romance itself felt rushed and underdeveloped. It didn't really had time to breathe in a way. I didn't feel invested in it. And I wish we got that coming out scene. I normally look for it in my m/m book but Cade being in the closet and his relationship with his dad was part of his character arc. So it was disappointing when we only heard about it through Violet which was disappointing. I did like that scene with Bren though so I guess there is that.

Despite my less than glowing review for this book, I'm still looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Violet and Bren's relationship has been built up since book one, and I gotta tell you that my expectations are high. I just hope it won't bite me in the ass like I did this one.

I am loving this series by Kate Meader. I was delighted to find out that this third book in the series was about Cade and Dante, two characters I've grown very fond of over the past two books. I don't usually go gaga over novellas. I often find them to be unsatisfying, but Kate Meader knocked it off the park.

Dante and Cade could not be more different from each other, but boy did they make a great pair. I loved the chemistry between the two, and watching them open up to each other and become close was a highlight for me. I craved even more scenes between them by the time the book ended - that was how much I couldn't get enough of the two. They seemed like the complete opposites of each other when it came to personalities, but they fit beautifully together. Dante was the buttoned-up, openly gay, and grumpy GM of the Chicago Rebels and Cade was in-the-closet, fun-loving hockey player for the Chicago Rebels. You would think these two would have nothing in common, but they somehow bond, and a beautiful relationship develops. I loved them so much and loved watching the love blossom between the two. Not too mention, the chemistry between the two was on fire. Kate Meader really did a fantastic job at not only fleshing out their characters but also developing the romance between the two. I also thought Cade's coming out was handled with a lot of care. I loved how loving and supportive his teammates were of him. I also loved Cade's relationship with Violet. And I can't wait to read her book! The girl is a riot and I love her. I can already tell her story with Bran is going to be a lot of fun.

If you are new to this series, then I urge you to give these books a try! Kate Meader is 100% winning with these books!

I like reading to pick up a book and not have any idea what it’s about before I start. From the cover you might be able to guess a little something about it, but for me that can be fun sometimes. Undone By You was a good surprise for me. This love story between a younger man and the man he has become his boss. So many things in their way and yet this story was so touchingly sweet at times. Love is love and I really enjoyed this story

Kate Meader has the right idea about writing a novella. All the elements of a full book are present in this small explosive package of words.

In Undone by You, she takes us back into the hockey element that is the Chicago Rebels' environment, were relationships between players and bosses are not necessarily unheard of. So far, two of Chase's sisters Harper and Isobel, have found their true love. Now, is the GM's chance at his own happiness.

Dante Moretti is the Chicago Rebels new GM. He used to be a professional hockey player until he was injured. He loves the game and he has fought hard for his current position. Things have not been easy for him as he's openly gay although he keeps his personal life under wraps. Yet, his attraction to one of the players of his own team is threatening his peace. Not only is Cade younger than him but also Dante is his boss, making it all kinds of unprofessional.

Cade "Alamo" Burnett is the player everyone loves. He's funny, charming and very supportive of his team. He's also still in the closet. There are reasons why he has not gone public including fearing his dad's reaction as well not wanting to make his life in the rink worse by getting purposedly hurt by the opposite teams for liking guys.

At the end of the day nothing matters except that Dante wants Cade and Cade wants Dante. As you can see this is going to be an explosive combo.

I truly enjoyed this novella! From the first page, I was pulled into their story and I was rooting for their happy ending. Yes, there were things that annoyed me. For example, Dante calling all the shots while Cade was risking so much more. Anyway, I still love both guys. Cade was sweet and his relationship with Violet made him so much sweeter to me. Also, his love and respect for his dad were there for everyone to see. Of course, having the Chase's sisters and your team backing you up was all kinds of wonderful too.

I hope Nessie and Vi have an awesome book too.

4.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket Star via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sexy, emotional, and absolutely perfect! The first MM romance I've read from the uber talented Kate Meader and it was a HUGE winner!!

Dante is the GM of the Chicago Rebels hockey team. He's also ridiculously good looking, mostly grumpy and openly gay. When he runs into one of his star defenseman in a gay club, he's stunned. When the man he thought to be straight as an arrow and having a fling with one of the Chase sisters clearly propositions him, he's equally shocked and tempted. Cade is super sexy, easy going, funny, and super off limits. But as determined as Dante is to resist Cade, Cade is just as determined to seduce him. Thus begins the most delicious game of cat and mouse and back and forth.

Dante is hesitant to get involved with a closeted hockey player. He's had his heart broken in the past and he's not looking to put it all on the line again. He's put in blood, sweet and tears into his career, as well. It takes a lot for an openly gay man in the league to get the respect he deserves and Dante earned it the hard way. How can he put all of that at risk for a man that threatens everything, including his sanity. A relationship with a player is frowned upon. The fact that no one knows Cade is gay doesn't help matters.

Cade was absolute perfection. He knows what he wants and he goes after it with a singleminded intent. He doesn't shy away from a challenge and he's not afraid to push all of Dante's buttons. I loved his easy going nature. I especially loved the way these two alpha males balanced each other out with their completely different personalities.

Full of witty banter, incredible chemistry, and endearing characters, Undone By You totally owned my heart. I loved the connection between Dante and Cade. I loved the slow burn of their developing relationship. I especially loved the way that Cade handled his coming out and Dante and the rest of the team supported him. I loved all the interactions with the secondary characters. I just seriously loved this book and this story.

Sports romance + 2 hot men in love + Kate Meader’s writing = Angy in cloud 9
I’m so in love with Cade and Dante and everything about this book. I’m becoming so picky about books lately, but I couldn’t find a flaw in Undone By You. The story was great, it has a perfect mix of tropes that I really enjoy: MM, sports, age difference, and boss / employee romance; the characters were well constructed and so very much loveable, and not only the main ones but also the secondary ones, which leads to my next point; the introduction of the next book’s characters: Violet and Bren, well, I already knew them from the previous books but they had very important roles in this novella; and drama, so much drama around Cade and Dante’s relationship that had me stick to this novella wanting to know how they would fix everything.

In little words, Undone By You was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Cade is a successful 23 years old Texan hockey player, the defenseman of The Chicago Rebels, has a great relationship with his teammates, has a wonderful best friend in Violet, one of the owners of the team, and has a very close relationship with his father. Cade looks very content on the outside but he’s hiding a part of himself: He is gay.

Dante is 35 years old former hockey player, now the GM of The Chicago Rebels. Despite he is now a successful, confident and everybody knows and accepts his sexual orientation, he’s had to walk through fire to be where he is. He was rejected by his parents, by some of his closest friends and attacked by the media but he didn't give up. He needed to stop hiding that part of himself that made him whole and he worked so hard to be respected and accepted and achieve everything he wanted for his life.

And then, Cade and Dante meet and suddenly everything changed. When Cade was all reserved and protective of his sexual orientation, he pursues Dante very insistently. And when Dante always kept his work relationship strictly professional, he falls into Cade’s charms. They have a hot—very, very hot—and awesome and beautiful secret relationship, but they have to face some obstacles on the road, and in the end, they have an amazing HEA.

Now, you all need to read this series, but especially this novella. It really is amazing. And I’ll wait for Hooked On You, I’m sure I’ll love Violet and Bren’s book.

PS: Thank you, Kate, because I had a writer’s block with my fanfic—that’s also MM sports romance—and this book inspired me!!

PS2: I need more of Dante and Cade!! <3

This story was beautiful.. both men where so tough but so loving.

Cade “Alamo” Burnett on the outside appeared to be a ladies man and everyone's best friend. While he has had help from his best friend to make everyone believe he is in love with the ladies... he can't help but want Dante Moretti...

Dante Moretti suffered big time when he came out to all of his fans and can't help but not want to be the guy that causes Cade to step out in front of the world and tell his true feelings.

Will Cade and Dante find their happily ever after? Read and find out!

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book

I was unsure how I would feel about a m/m romance novel but after loving every book in this series I knew I had to give this one a chance and boy am I happy that I did. This book was beautiful, I loved how Cade put himself out there... how he risked it all...risked his heart and said hey I really like you and I am willing to fight for this...and while it was not an easy journey it sure was a great one to read, that made me forget that it was a m/m romance and remember that it is simply romance.

Great job Kate, thank you for daring to make a romance that was every thing but cookie cutter!