Undone By You Kate Meader is the third book in the Chicago Rebels contemporary romance series surrounding a hockey team, three sisters and the team they love. Undone By You shares the story of Dante Moretti, GM of the Chicago Rebels and his romance with star defenseman, Cade “Alamo” Burnett. Hot, sweet and relevant Meader shares a delightful romance with depth and heart.

Dante Moretti is an out gay man. That is generally hard enough but he's the GM of a a pro hockey team, specifically, the Chicago Rebels. So he's not about to make his life any harder by going after any of his players. Especially not Cade "Alamo" Burnett, a young player who's not even out. But then he sees Cade at a gay bar. And then Cade makes the moves on him. Soon, they're in a steamy relationship. But Dante just can't believe that love might be part of the equation. Maybe Cade can.

This is supposedly the third book in the series but, at just over a hundred pages, I thought this was a novella, not a whole book. And that was part of my problem with it. I was really hoping that the "#3" meant that Dante and Cade were going to have a fuller story. This was fine but not what I was hoping for.

Three and a half stars
This book comes out March 5th
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

<em>Undone by You</em> is the third book in the <a href="http://bookbinge.com/reviews/series/chicago-rebels/">Chicago Rebels</a> series by Kate Meader and it's another good one. This book follows the new General Manager for the Chicago Rebels, Dante Moretti as he falls for the fan favorite defenseman, Cade "Alamo" Burnett.

Dante is the first out of the closet GM in the NHL and he's fought tooth and nail to get where he is now. He's the general manager for a team in rebuilding mode and he's got a lot of work in front of him. He doesn't need the distraction of one of his players but Cade isn't on board with ignoring the possibilities between them.

Cade is tired of hiding who he truly is. He's tired of hiding it from his family, from the NHL, from everyone. He wants to live his truth and he wants Dante. Trying to get Dante to see things the way that he sees them is turning out to be a lot harder than he thought. Cade knows what he wants and he knows that Dante wants it too but Dante is trying to be professional, too bad Cade feels anything but professional.

I really enjoyed the dynamics between Dante and Cade. Dante is a bit older than Cade and he's been through everything that Cade has yet to go through. He knows exactly how Cade feels about coming out to his father and the public so being there for Cade is a given but Dante has a lot to lose if his relationship with one of his players gets out so a relationship with Cade is complicated.

Kate Meader did a great job with Dante and Cade's story. I don't read very many MM stories but I have enjoyed the ones that I have read and I thought Dante and Cade's story was a good one. I liked that Dante was older and more experienced but I also liked that Cade was comfortable in his own skin and knew his own mind. When Dante went to Cade's father and went to bat for Cade, I sat up and had the biggest smile on my face because yes....that's how you go to bat for your man. That's how you have your man's back.

The romance between Dante and Cade was super steamy and hot damn, their chemistry was off the charts good. I was super glad that Dante had Cade and Cade had Dante. They belonged together and Meader did a great job of showing us readers that. I'm really enjoying the heck out of this series and this book was a great addition to that. I'm so thristy for Violet and Bren's book.

Like this thirsty...

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Kudos to Kate Meader on another fabulous hockey book. I really liked it!

This is very short, which may be why I didn't feel much of a connection with either character. For me this was the weakest of the series by far. It wasn't bad, but it kinda felt like filler, something dashed off quickly just to have a new book out.

Hockey hotties? Check!
M/M? Check!
May to December romance? Check!

I have read all of the Chicago Rebels books so far, but Undone By You was my favourite by far (to date anyway!)

Dante and Cade's story was everything I could have wanted for Dante after meeting him in the earlier books.

It was fun, flirty and sexy, with plenty of banter between Dante and Cade, and also a lot of heartbreak and hurt.

I loved being taken along Cade's journey, as both a hockey star and as a gay man in a manly-man sport, still full of homophobia and bigotry.

I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down.

Can't wait to see what Ms Meader brings us next.

I love this series. I really do. I was so excited when I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I saved it as a reward after a tough day and I liked it. I just did not love it the way I expected to. I think it all felt a little rushed and underdeveloped for me which surprised me because there seemed like there was so much that could have been explored in this story line.. The ending was too tidy and convenient. But a book I am not head over heels for in this series is still better than your average book.

Kate Meader is my go to author if I want a fun and sexy read and she didn't disappoint with this read. I have been a huge fan of the Chicago Rebels series and was excited to hear that Dante and Cade were getting their own book. This book is aM/M romance about Cade who is still in the closet but has feeling for us older boss Dante. I can't wait until Voilet's story comes out.
Thanks Netgalley and Gallery, Threshold, and Pocket books for an advanced copy to review!

Wowee! What a hot book. This book is a little different than I'm used to reading. But I have it a try because I love everything else the author writes. I'm so glad I did. It was hot, sexy, and charming. Much like the guys in this book ;) I loved it.

I had a really hard time with this one. I have been such a huge fan of this series and couldn't wait to read this one. But I just couldn't get past 60%. I felt that whole book was a bit short and by 60% that I wasn't really invested in them. I just didn't really feel a connection with them like I did the other two couples. I am still excited for the last one in the series and I think that maybe this might have just been a case of it's not the book but me.

"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...

4.5*

That epilogue should be called an epiclogue. It was a letter to Cade's 11 y.o. self from his 23 y.o. self and it was super cute.

Anyways, if you haven't read the first 2 books, then you probably won't want to jump in on this one. Especially you MM only lovers. It's a continuous series and the rest is MF, you'll be pretty lost. For those of you that have read the beginning of the series, you won't be disappointed.

"Dante had every intention of turning this room into a Make a Dirty Wish Foundation"

Cade is so sweet and Dante, holy shit, Dante. And suits. And canoles. And ugly label wine. And dirty wish lists! Gah!

"No suit today?"
"I don't sleep in it, you know?"
"What do you sleep in?"
"Tonight? You."

These guys also broke my heart. I was a mess towards the end there, with Cade's coming out and Dante's coming to the rescue. What he did for Cade (unbeknownst to Cade) was the sweetest thing anyone could ever do.

Let's talk about Violet. She's one fierce beard!! I sooo cannot wait for this little Puerto Rican spitfires book. She's my favorite sister so far. Her and "Nessie" (Bren) are going to be glorious!!

Undone By You is the third full-length book in the Chicago Rebels series (there is prequel novella). You can read it as standalone but I do recommend reading the previous books since they kickass but the hockey lines up with the books. Undone By You starts off around the same time the second book started. It’s fun to see what was going on with these guys while Isobel and her man were starting their own relationship. Ok, anyway...

Dante was shocked to see one of his players in the exclusive gay club in downtown Chicago. Especially the one he had been avoiding since he became the New GM for the Chicago Rebels. He was attracted to Cade, the Texan cowboy who was also known as Alamo. He already had a target on his back being the first openly gay NHL GM, he didn’t need people talking about him checking out his players. He couldn’t go there. But, it looks like Cade had other plans for them. He might have been shocked to see Cade in the club but he was at heart attack level when the man came on to him.

Cade was good at hiding. He didn’t do relationships. He did one time hook-ups. He was twenty-three and not ready to come out as the first gay NHL player. So he hid. Only, he couldn’t hide anymore from Dante. He knew he was cute. He knew that from the posters hanging on his teenage self’s wall but seeing him in person? Fucking hot. In a suit? Nope. He couldn’t stay away, if he tried. He wanted him. Badly. He knew the risks. He only wanted one weekend with the man. Except...after one taste, he wanted more. Much more.

Dante and Cade’s relationship is complicated. Mainly because they couldn’t have a real one. It could only be about making each other feel good. That and talking about the coming out process. If that was what Cade wanted to do at some point during his career. They can have their hot nights but had to be cooled down when on the ice and in the office. Will they find a way to be together? Do they even want that? It’s not just about their sexual desires, it’s about their careers.

Overall...it’s a wonderful addition to the series! One I was waiting for. I just knew these two would get their own book and it was everything I was expecting and more. I have only read this series by Kate so I am not sure if this is her first M/M or not but either way...her writing in this genre was awesome! I loved the characters. Their story. The season. The love.

Quotes:

Cade looked over his shoulder, a cheeky grin teasing his lips. “Get a good look, boss?”
“Shut up.”

“Leave the orgasm, take the cannoli?”

“Innocence left the building a long time ago, borchia.”

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!

Oh, I'm most completely undone by Undone By You!

I don’t even know where to start with how much I enjoyed Dante and Alamo’s story. It was smart, sexy, fun, sweet and thoughtful. Their connection was amazing—like lightning in a bottle perfection, but there was so much authenticity in Dante’s truth about coming out and how he wanted things to be better for Alamo.

Sigh. I need to read it again. I need to savor their romance some more. Excellent, amazing addition to this fantastic series!

So many emotions going on while reading Dante and Cade’s story. Wow, their story of resistance, holding back, shying away, letting go, personal and professional family is so beautifully written. I cried and laughed a lot. If you have not read this series, please take a chance. A fantastic addition to the Chicago Rebels.

Review will be posted on One Way Or An Author on March 12!

I think this was an awesome addition to Kate Meader’s series that surrounded an NHL team: the Chicago Rebels. I was a big fan of the first book, IRRESISTIBLE YOU, but not of the second book, SO OVER YOU. I’m glad to report that this newest addition is a hit for me! UNDONE BY YOU follows the burgeoning romance of Dante, the general manager of the Chicago Rebels, and Cade, their defenseman. There’s lots of scorching chemistry, lust/love-filled looks, and character development that will make your heart soar.

The premise of this series is that the owner of the Chicago Rebels, a super toxic man, dies and splits ownership of his team to his three daughters. This story revolves around the new general manager that the daughters hire, Dante, who essentially becomes a part of the family. It explores the traditional roles of men in the NHL, and the hypermasculine vibes that the field is surrounded with. Dante is the first openly out manager in the NHL, but he’ll soon find his match with - surprise, surprise - someone from his own team.

“Three women and a gay guy walk into an NHL franchise…”

I think this book did a great job in exploring what a man is “supposed to be” and what he “isn’t supposed to be” - that is, negating the strict confines of what society thinks men should act as. This is seen through Cade’s struggle with coming out. Cade is young and passionate and lively. Despite that, he struggles with coming out and instead hides behind the veneer of homosexuality by advertising women surrounding him. This has to do with a past family event and just the fact that he repressed it while growing up because of conservative families. I thought Cade’s decision to come out - for himself, not for other people - was nicely written, and realistic.

“‘Everyone’s mileage will vary. Maybe you’ll go your whole career and keep it to yourself. Maybe you’ll have an epiphany one day and realize out is that you need. On you will know what’s best for you, your career, and your mental health. I’m here to talk, to listen, to be your shoulder.’”

Dante is older than Cade (12 year difference, ahh!), and he thinks that he’s jaded compared to Cade. But Cade has been a fan of Dante since he was a teen and Dante still played hockey (the cutest). The book starts with Cade chasing after Dante for a no-strings-attached relationship that turns into something more. The chemistry between the two was as hot as it was cute (like cooking homemade ravioli for a loved one? Yes please!). My only complaint with the romance was that I wish we saw more progression, although that was hard considering this is a novella. We start the book with Cade and Dante already attracted to each other, so this attraction developing into love was rather predictable. It’s also quick and sudden, which made it a bit superficial for me. Nevertheless, Meader does a great job in conveying their love through the characters’ actions.

“‘You’re so… oh man, you’re even better than I hoped.’ He yanked Dante on top of him and rolled him onto his side so they faced each other. ‘This chest. These muscles. All this hair!’ And then he rubbed his cheek against Dante’s pec like a fucking kitten.”

I really enjoyed UNDONE BY YOU and read it in one sitting! It’s cute and quirky and perfect for contemporary romance readers. I actually suggest this whole series, as Meader’s writing is REALLY incredible and down-to-earth. Dante and Cade’s love story may be fast to progress, but the hints were definitely there in previous books. Their support, love, and selflessness towards each other was heartwarming to read about. I’m excited to see Violet’s story as well, because this girl is vibrating with energy and fun!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**

This is the third book in the Chicago Rebels series and Kate Meader does not disappoint! The storylines continue to be realistic and thoughtful, the characters are sexy and strong and the enjoyment level is at an all time high!

Dante Moretti has finally landed the job of his dreams, GM of a major hockey franchise, and it also makes him the first openly gay GM in the league. He has been shunned by his family and while he's making a name for himself, he also is wise enough to know that in the world of sport, people are fickle and he wants to do the best by everyone.

Cade "Alamo" Burnett is from Texas and has been hiding his true self from everyone for a long time. The closet gay defenseman not only is faced with his secret, but also with the fact that his long-time crush, Dante Moretti, is now working for the organization for which he plays. He's admired Moretti as a player for years, but now he admires him in other ways as well.

Will these two very different individuals be able to deny the chemistry that is obvious between them? Will their age difference or the fact that Dante is the GM and Cade is a player doom the relationship before it begins?

I enjoyed these characters immensely and pulled for this duo from their first meeting. It was clear that Dante just wanted to do the right thing, but he also wanted to follow his heart. I also hurt for Cade at times in the book and that showed how much I cared about how things turned out for him. Kudos to Kate Meader for this fantastic tale!

This book is hot! It was not what I was expecting at all but it was so hot! Dante and Cade are not at all what you expect and how they get together is so unexpected. You thought Dante was going to blow him off and take his home and forget where they were but man do things really get interesting for these two. I do like that Dante talks to Cade in Italian and calls him "his meatball" It was silly funny because you could never get away calling a woman that and still have crazy hot times between the sheet with her. The end of this book is really sweet and heartfelt, when he talks to his father and makes the announcement it is sweet. Not usually a book I would read but this one has fascinating characters and continues on with some of the players from the hockey team and owners from past books. It is good to see what some of them are up to and how things play out for the team.

I received this book on Netgalley for an honest review.
I just recently fell in love with MM romances. I can’t get enough of them lately. When i began reading this story I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I put it down a few times and picked it back up. The first couple chapters were confusing. I wasn’t sure who’s point of view it was in or who’s thoughts were written. I eventually figured it out. My favorite part is that Dante is Italian! As an Italian myself I really connected with him! I loved him and Cade as characters. I also loved how Cade’s teammates supported him when he didn’t think anyone would!
The story is about a general manger (hockey) and one of the hockey players. The obviously had awesome chemistry. But I didn’t like how there first time was. If Cade get that way about Dante since he was younger (even though he didn’t know it then) I think he should of talked to him about it being his first time with another man. But otherwise, they were cute. They cared for each other, they definitely wanted each other sexually and the author was able to really bring that alive. I going to rate it as a 3 Star because even though it was a good story there are some things that could of made the story better.

WOW! What an amazing novella. I expected this to be hot, having read Kate Meader's other M/M novella before but I had no clue how sweet and touching it would be as well. Undone By You is a story of how Cade, a professional hockey player, came to fall for his coach and in the process, he decides if the stress of staying in the closet is worth the pain it puts on himself and the man he is rapidly falling for. 

This novella had me hooked on the first chapter and I was unable to stop reading until I reached The End. Kate Meader's story-telling skills seem to only get better and better. My heart ached for Cade and Dante's struggle. I rooted for them and rejoiced for them. I absolutely loved Undone By You and personally recommend to both those reading it as part of the Chicago Rebels series and as a standalone. 
~miranda