Monday, June 30, 2014

Review: Return of the Rebel by Jennifer Faye

Title: Return of the Rebel
Author: Jennifer Faye
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Harlequin (July 1, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:
The guy from the wrong side of the tracks.

Being promoted should be a dream come true, only it means working closely with Cleo's childhood crush, Jax Monroe. Jax may no longer be the rebel she remembers, but he still gets her heart racing like no other. 

Jax cares too much about Cleo to let her get too close—but keeping his distance is proving impossible! As Jax reveals the extent of what he's been through, will Cleo show him that some things are too precious to put off until tomorrow?








I really enjoyed the first book I read by Faye which was why when asked to review this one I didn't hesitate. 

Let me tell you, I may have liked her first book, but I loved this one. This was such a good read and believe it or not I have been in a book slump when it comes to romances, which is ridiculous and unheard of for me but I was and this pulled me right out of it. In fact, I read this in a single sitting.

I love these type of romances, where the characters already knew each other, grew up together and were friends. The friends to lovers trope is one I will never get tired of and Faye managed to put a spin on this that kept it exciting and romantic and just plain fun. 

I loved the witty banter, the heart felt talks, and of course the sexual tension. There is always just enough hint of what will happen later on to keep you interested without telling too much as to make you blush or feel uncomfortable.

I always love how fleshed out her characters are and how you instantly fall in love with them.

I was a fan before of Faye's work but I am a fan for life now.





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by an outside source. I was not compensated for this review.*

31 comments:

  1. The friends to lovers is my second favorite trope so you already had my attention when you mentioned that. BUT throw in witty banter and I am sold. I haven't read a really good romance book for a while so I might be in a bit of a slump too :/ I hope this will work for me the way it worked for you!

    Great review, Ali!! :)

    Rashika @ The Social Potato

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    1. Yay! I hope you give this a try, it really was fantastic!

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  2. This sounds like it was the perfect book to fix your romance reading slump, and who can resist a friends to lovers trope! :)

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    1. It really was and I agree, they are my favorite.

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  3. Well this sounds like a complete winner to me Ali! The friends to lovers trope is one of my favorites too, and I so enjoy witty banter and lots of sexual tension. Seems like the perfect summer romance read!

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  4. LOL, random but every time you said Faye I keep thinking Social Potato Faye. I like the enemies turned loves trope than friends to lovers but I do enjoy this as well. The relationship development is just believable because they've known each other for so long! This sounds a great summer read, I have not read a HR in forever and I think it's about time I try out new authors from them. I will definitely check this out kindlemom, great review!

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    1. Yay! Happy to hear that! You won't regret giving this one a try. :)

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  5. Hi Kindlemom, I LOVE Harlequin series and this one is being added as we speak :)

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  6. Oh gosh, ive been reading contemporary romances lately I'm getting a toothache! I'm glad this got you out of your slump, must br really good

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  7. Hugs, Ali, thanks so much for your sweet comments. This sounds like a nice, sweet pick me up read. I always adore friends to lovers romances so I know I would like this one.

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  8. I haven't heard of this one but I love the sound of it. I like stories when characters already know each other and I like to see how that relationship develops. Great review :)

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  9. I don't usually pick up books like this, they have to be highly recommended before I do so. So I'm glad to hear you really enjoyed this!

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    1. I do highly recommend her Candace if you are looking for a good romance. ;)

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  10. Yay for getting out of that slump. Yes, the friends to lovers trope never gets old. This sounds so good, especially since you loved it more than the first.

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    1. I know, I never thought I would get out of it.

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  11. Oh this just screams summer romance and I love that you liked her second read even more then your first. I have just moved into more intense reads for July, but will add this to my wishlist!

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  12. Sounds like the perfect beach read! The cover illustrates everything that's great about summer.

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  13. Books like this are absolutely perfect for the summer! Anytime of year really. I find that in the summer I am reading books outside of my norm. Like more romantic or light hearted ones. Ill pick up a scary zombie book or dystopian anyday, but the summer brings out the romance lover in me. some erotic too..lolz

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  14. My husband and I were friends first, so I have a soft spot for these types of stories, too! Sounds like a fun summer read. :)


    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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    1. It really was and same here, I think that is also why I like them so much. :)

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  15. i agree, friends to lovers can be so cute :D

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    1. It is so good to see you Lily, I have missed you!!

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  16. I feel the same way, Ali. Romances in this trope are timeless in my book. :)

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