Irresistible You

Starred review from July 3, 2017
Meader (Flirting with Fire) pairs up a reckless hockey player and a tough team owner in this heart-stealing opener to the Chicago Rebels sports contemporary series. Harper Chase has always counted on taking over the Rebels, the bottom-of-the-league team owned by her father, Stanley Cup–winning hockey player Clifford Chase. But when Cliff dies of a massive heart attack, Harper is shocked to learn that his will specifies that Harper must run the team with her half-sisters, Isobel and Violet. Hockey player Remy DuPre, a Southern boy with weaknesses for gumbo and women, isn’t thrilled about being traded to the Rebels, so he makes a deal with Harper: he’ll give the Rebels his all for several months, after which she’ll allow him to move to a more successful team. At first Remy only sees Harper as a ball-buster, but he soon discovers that her strong facade hides a multitude of hurts. As Remy and Harper fall for each other, they ignore the inevitable question: what happens when Remy transfers? Meader’s strength is creating characters who live, breathe, and jump off the page; Remy and Harper shine, and the supporting cast of characters, including Harper’s half-sisters, is very strong. The mix of sexual tension and emotional decisions will lead Meader’s series launch to many a keeper shelf. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency.