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I never thought I’d see her again.

We shared one hot night together back in college before our paths took us in different directions.

But now, the most brilliant and beautiful woman I’ve ever met is back in my life. And the chemistry I remember? It’s more combustible than ever.

Except…our fling is forbidden and must exist only in secret. Her rules, not mine.

I can’t be her forever. I’m not that guy, and even she knows it.

But I can’t stay away from her either. I’m determined to claim not just her body but her heart, even if that’s the one thing she’s vowed not to give me.

303 pages, ebook

First published March 29, 2021

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About the author

Kendall Ryan

120 books17.1k followers
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 3 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.


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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
Profile Image for Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf).
330 reviews133 followers
August 12, 2021
"'I made the wrong choice.'"
This sentence sums it up for me. One night, a few years ago, dictated the lives of two people. Any changes, however small, made to that night would change everything. But maybe you really need to go through the bad times to appreciate the good ones.

"The way he kissed knocked me over—it was like drowning, gasping for air, but not wanting to surface."
I have a thing for grumpy heroes, the silent type, the ones who say millions of words with their eyes or their nods, but are not very vocal otherwise. Add to this a caring heart, a body to die for, and a lot of protective instincts, and you have Holt. Yep, he's good, I'm telling you.

"Being with Eden is like coming home after a long day of work."
I didn't quite connect to Eden, and I didn't fully like her until I was halfway through the book. She's tough, and I like that, and she doesn't back down - I love that about my heroines. But the whole thing since the start felt off, as if she knew she was making the wrong choice and went through with it anyway.
As if she knew all along Alex was not the man for her. That she had left the one behind that night.

"We’re like two halves of a whole, finally together again."
So Eden and Holt spent the night together once, while in college. He was definitely interested, but she was set on Alex Braun, the jock. And so she left in the morning, leaving Holt a note, and had a relationship with Alex for a while. Until it crumbled. And now her grandfather's died and left her a hockey team, which leads to many disgruntled individuals and a few protests (because, you know, a woman and a hockey team? yeah, right!) and she needs a new security team.
And Holt comes rushing back into her life. Seamlessly, easily, and for real this time.

"Because a man like Holt only comes around once in a lifetime. Twice, if you’re lucky like me. And now that I’ve found him, I’m never letting him go."
I loved them together, their little moments while their relationship was growing. I loved their first real date, and I loved that it took them a while to get there and that it wasn't rushed.
This book is a 4.5 for me simply because I needed more from them. I know this is the first book in a series, and I loved all the guys we got to meet, but I felt like their relationship needed some more attention.

"By some miracle, we found each other in this crazy world a second time. And I can’t say for sure, but something tells me we would find each other over and over again, in this lifetime or the next."
These two were meant to be together, and meant to find their way back to each other, despite the years and miles between them.

Looking forward to the next books!
Profile Image for Christy.
3,757 reviews32k followers
June 22, 2022
3.25 stars

I’m always here for a sports romance, but this one was a sports romance with a bit of a twist. It’s a bit of a second chance romance with the owner of a hockey team and her head of security. And one of the star players on her team is her ex-boyfriend… I liked the premise of this one and Eden and Holt both were good characters, but I never felt any true connection between them. Also, the end was a bit cheesy. A decent read, but not my favorite from this author.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.25 stars
Narrators: Jason Clarke & Vanessa Edwin
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 6h 50m

Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,335 reviews1,396 followers
March 31, 2021
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

4C1A755B-A68F-40AB-9255-C3FC7D1E3F30

Eden Wynn is a Boston heiress whose life is currently a disaster. Everything changes when she's not only dealing with a very public break up, but also the loss of her beloved grandfather. She's suddenly under a lot of pressure when she inherits his hockey empire. He owned a professional hockey team in Boston. Now she's the brand new owner of the Titans, and has some big shoes to fill. Never one to back down from a challenge failing isn't an option. She has something to prove and people counting on her. She's determined to show her critics are wrong, and make her grandfather proud, but things get even more complicated when her new head of security walks in, and it's someone she shares a history with. That one hot night she spent with Holt Rossi is still burned in her memory. She's never forgotten his touch or the way he made her feel. He was always the brooding loner with a bad boy vibe. He's still just as sexy and a temptation that she fears is going to be impossible to resist.

Holt Rossi owns a private security firm and is thrilled to land a new contract with the Boston Titans. The only catch is he will be guarding his old college crush. Eden is the one woman he could never forget, and when they lock eyes again after six years she still takes his breath away. She's absolutely stunning, but he has to pretend he's not affected and keep things professional. That's easier said than done when he can't stay away. One taste and he only craves more. She's the one that got away, and he's determined to finally make her his!

ACB03C63-8C48-4DFD-9AC6-36D2A687659A

-He's just so handsome. And protective of me. That combination is dangerous and really does something to a girl.

-One kiss. That's all it takes for me to throw every doubt, every rule I've set for myself, out the window.

-Beneath his rough-and-tumble exterior, Holt Rossi is a gentle giant, and I would follow him just about anywhere.

08439077-E2FB-4789-8417-F5D5F86EA346

The Rebel (Looking to Score #1) by Kendall Ryan is a sexy forbidden sports romance about friendship, chemistry, destiny, and undeniable connections. This fabulous second chance love story is the first in the authors new hockey series. This kind, beautiful man will completely steal your heart! I'm super intrigued by these athletes, and can't wait for more!

708800B6-901E-4A2B-8B1A-C8DCD774F259_zpsqkbfrd0n

***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/39oUeTd
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,059 reviews568 followers
March 24, 2021
I LOVED reading The Rebel by Kendall Ryan.
I adore contemporary romance for books like this. It’s romantic with just the right amount of heat, fun, angst and swoony moments. It also has the perfect amount of drama without being overdramatic. Eden and Holt’s story is a page turner.
Did I mention that the hero is so protective and that I have heart eyes whenever that happens?

Kendall Ryan’s Looking to Score series is off to a wonderful start.
Profile Image for Syndi.
2,838 reviews623 followers
December 25, 2022
The Rebel is very swoony. I usually do not like NA sport romance that is too cheesy. To my surprise, Miss Ryan adding swoony aspect to the story which is good.

However I do not like the chemistry. I also want to see more character development. I feel the character is flat. Even Holt feels confused with his own feeling.

Overall still entertaining read.

3 stars
Profile Image for M.
624 reviews152 followers
April 11, 2021
3.5 stars

The Rebel is a sweet, low angst, second chance at love. I enjoyed Holt and Eden's story.

Holt rescued her from making a huge mistake. One crazy college night turned into the best one night stand for at least one of them. For one it was thought of as a mistake.

Years pass, Eden is recently split from her douche boyfriend and has taken over her Grandfather's professional hockey team. Unfortunately, said ex is also a star on the team.
She has huge shoes to fill and needs to prove herself more so being in a "man's world".
Threats had been made regarding her and running the team so a bodyguard is hired to help keep her safe and she can't believe who it is.

It's the one man who changed her world... at least for one night.
He can't stop remembering their one night together. More so now that she is near him again.
He let her get away once, will he allow that to happen again?

Looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,827 reviews1,103 followers
March 20, 2021
3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Contemporary Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 0/5
Sexual Level: OK-GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: No
Male: Sexy and Protective
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc. 3263
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: No


STORY:
This for me was a likable story. I enjoyed both characters, especially Holt. Although, I like the story and I thought it was a sweet second chance romance; it didn’t blow me away.

I liked that the story took us from that particular moment from their college years, bringing us to 6 years later. Holt for me was everything. He struggles to play it cool while still pining for Eden. He never thought he was good enough as he isn’t from money. Eden remembers Holt and tries to keep her distance at first while dealing with the stress of becoming the youngest person to own a sports team, but she finally gives in to Holt. I would say this was a sports adjacent romance. It’s not hardcore sports romance as Holt isn’t a player.


CHEMISTRY:
Holt’s and Eden’s physical chemistry is likable. I would have liked a little more at certain scenes, however, I was still satisfied.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS
It was interesting getting to see some team players. I see the next book in the series will be Alex and Aspen. Alex is Eden’s ex, and I wasn’t a fan so let’s see and Aspen, Eden’s assistant. Aspen didn’t have a major role, so I know little about her.


Overall, a likable and sweet second chance at romance book and looking forward to seeing where this series goes.


***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for em.
366 reviews1,156 followers
Want to read
June 3, 2021
Angsty bodyguard romance? mama wants you
49 reviews
March 30, 2021
Straight up, I didn’t really care for Eden immediately and that doesn’t bode well for liking the book. She is dead set to get together with Alex, but she ends up having a brief sexual encounter with Holt one night. She runs out on him and never talks to him again during college. She then goes on to date and live with Alex for six years until he wants out of the relationship. So, we now pick up the story where Eden inherits the hockey team, Alex is one of her players, and Holt is head of security. Eden sees Holt again and realizes that brief encounter six years ago meant more than she originally thought it did. They date, there is a minor bit of influence on them causing some issues, they overcome it, and then have a happy ending.

After that brief synopsis, now let me tell you what I thought about this book. It was blah, not very interesting at all. Eden was written as immature back in college and weird how she was set on getting Alex. Holt was too nice and just sort of there, which didn’t change in six years. They meet up and we are supposed to believe Eden always regretted leaving Holt and that the encounter really meant something to her, but I don’t buy that. Seriously, this book was a bit boring.

I normally don’t have such negative things to say about this author’s books, but this one is an exception. I don’t recommend it, but I do encourage you to read her other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for agustina ♡.
186 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2021
sweet but if you like your romance with a lot of plot, this ain't that. just your basic second chance romance with no much else going on.
April 6, 2021
4.5 🌟

Wow!! What an AMAZING read. I truly enjoyed reading from the perspectives of both characters in The Rebel, Eden and Holt.

Eden, just coming off of a breakup from her college boyfriend, has inherited a hockey team from her grandfather. I loved watching her continue to be herself, but strive to become a boss in an arena that is completely a boys club. With Holt, OMGGGGGGG, he’s literally one of the best book boyfriends I’ve ever read 😍!! He’s sweet, super attractive (duh!), charming and an overthinker (which is something I completely relate to 😂)!! He’s basically been in love with Eden ever since he met her (I won’t spoil that for you). This is not the type of story that has a whole lot of angst, but I truly enjoyed watching two grown people...well, act like two GROWN people lol!! Overall, I highly recommend reading this book and I CANNOT WAIT for Aspen and Alex’s story!!

Side Notes: kind of a second chance romance, no cheating, descriptive sex scenes, bodyguard romance, woman boss/ceo, rich girl/poor boy (although he’s not that poor lol).
Profile Image for Lauren ♡.
187 reviews28 followers
June 24, 2021
2 'NOT-TERRIBLE-BUT DEFINITELY-FORGETTABLE' STARS ⋆

The plot itself had A LOT of potential but suffered from a case of superficiality. That being said, the potential was there. . . just not executed well, which ultimately made this book not necessarily terrible but not memorable in the slightest.

Any who ~ ~ ~

═════════════════ •°• :⚠️: •°•═════════════════
Warning my review contains spoilers so read as you may!
═════════════════ •°• :⚠️: •°•═════════════════


𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 ℙ𝕝𝕠𝕥

Eden and Holt shared one night together during college. Eden leaves Holt's room at the frat house in a haste the next morning and leaves him a note that said that 'their hook up it was mistake.' In that short time, she jumps into the play boy on campus arms - Alex Braun. Her actions leaves Holt confused and thinking he was not good enough for her. Fast forward six years, Eden and Alex broke up and Eden is the new owner of the NHL team, Boston Titans. Being the new owner of the hockey comes with huge blow back though such as angry fans and her now ex being a new player for the team. External security has been hired for Eden as precaution to combat protest and angry fans at the arena. The security company happens to be Holt's company. Being in close proximity again, stirs up old feelings for Eden and Holt, which ends with them hooking up again & seeing if they can be together for the long haul this time.

𝕄𝕒𝕚𝕟 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤

🍷 Eden Wynn

main heroine (h), owner of the Boston Titans hockey team, recently out of a long term relationship

Damsel in distress heroine: The author tried to portray Eden as a strong independent heroine but it was not shown well to us readers as there was multiple occasions that Holt had to rescue/make Eden feel better due to external circumstances.

Eden's relationship with her parents: It was mentioned several times that Eden has had her fair share of family drama. Her father had an affair while being governor and her mother was never super involved in her life. The plot had potential but fell flat. A scene between Eden and her mother was added randomly ~85% into the story and was a rather brief encounter and felt like forced drama added to the story. Lastly, there was ZERO interaction between her and her father which also bummed me out considering he dragged their name through hell and back in the media. Bottom line, the plot never got the development it deserved and the relationship was a telling >>> showing.


🍷 Holt Rossi

main hero (H), owns a security company, broody, self-reliant, determined to be a part of Eden's life

Holt's love life post college: Not much is known about Holt's past in general and his past relationship is no exception this. He stated that he was with few girls in between college and seeing Eden again. His past "relationships" were reduced to a one liner in the book and I felt that his past should of been explored in a convo with Eden since he had asked about Eden's relationship with Alex a few times.

Holt's relationship with his mother Holt's mom is currently in recovery and her abuse of pills has always been a hard topic for him. There was A LOT OF POTENTIAL here with this plot line such as a chance to explore his family dynamic, how her relapse affected him, and how she would of been around Eden. Instead, it was reduced to a telling than showing situation. It was mentioned in inner monologue that Holt's mom was going to meet Eden soon and Holt and his mom were working on their relationship. Once again, this left Holt being a one-dimensional character... the only depth added to him in this story was how he runs a security company.


- THE RELATIONSHIP -



Must I say more?

These two acted like their brief night together was a once in a life time experience & forever altered them. Maybe I am cynical but like it was a one night stand with some good conversation not this forever love. In present day, there was some cute date scenes, which I can say ✨ I DID LIKE ✨ but I did not really feel this "intense" connection that the author was trying to show for the readers. A lot of the relationship was spent with Eden and Holt having inner monologue on how to label their relationship and discussing what if scenarios (e.g., what if he/she doesn't feel the same). Overall, their relationship lacked that connection and depth.

══════════════════════════════════
FINAL VERDICT ON BOOK
══════════════════════════════════

Expectations
- ✨ hoping for the best - somewhat low

The Reality
- ✨ 'this book lacks serious character development'


This was my second read by Kendall Ryan and I overall feel her books are not for me. This series may be for you, if you like a quick light read with more focus on sexual tension & sex > plot & respective character development.

↬ Would I recommend this book? No.

↬ Will I finish this series? Highly unlikely
Profile Image for Meredith Wilson.
383 reviews36 followers
March 30, 2021
The Rebel is the first installment in the new Looking to Score hockey romance series by author Kendall Ryan. This was such a quick, fun and sexy read with the perfect amount of angst and emotion to keep me hooked the whole way through. Told in dual perspectives, get ready to meet Eden Wynn, hockey team owner, and Holt Rossi, head of security.

Eden and Holt shared one steamy night together in college before going there separate ways. Fast forward six years and their paths cross once again. Holt is hired as head of security for the hockey team that Eden has newly acquired from her grandfather who recently passed. There's a whole slew of people who aren't too happy that a young single woman is now the head of their favorite team. Threats and protests have been made, so it's Holt's job to keep her safe.

Neither of them have ever forgotten that memorable night that they shared. But Eden's focus is on the team and trying to live up to her grandfather's name. They soon discover though that the chemistry between them burns just as bright as ever. They try hard to fight the feelings they have, but despite their best efforts, they slowly give in. I really loved this pairing and was so happy to see them get a second chance at romance.

Ryan has once again delivered a story jam packed with feels, passion and a heart-racing romance. This is the kind of romance that makes you feel good while reading it and leaves your heart full at the end. I fell completely head over heels for this book and these characters. If you're a sports romance fan or into second chance romances, this one's for you. Five stars for Eden, Holt and The Rebel!

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Profile Image for Elisa ♡.
630 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2021
second chance bodyguard romance.

they had a one-night stand years ago and know they work together.
this was cute, if you want an easy read to get you in the mood for reading this is for you.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
3,886 reviews441 followers
March 30, 2021
GAWD, I really loved this story!!

I never thought I’d see her again. >> That’s the only line I needed from the synopsis to jump into this story. That phrase says more than just the words that make it up. It says someone wants a second chance or just a chance. It says someone longs for something. It screams emotion and it just does it for me! I love the choice Kendall made for the start of this new series. It’s not about the sport itself so much as it is about the new owner. I got a kick out of the parallel of new owner and new series. Okay, that’s my geek showing so I’ll just put that away now LOL

I don’t want to give you many details about the who/what/where of it all, so I’ll talk about how the story made me feel. If you follow my reviews in any capacity, that’s my go-to way of reviewing because telling you the story before you read it is ridiculous. I was happy. I was never frustrated or annoyed with anything happening in the story. I loved the strength in Holt and Eden both and it made their story more touching for me. My heart was bursting for these two because Eden was the one that got away and I mean is there anything more romantic than that?! It’s a great story you guys. You should go do the thing 👇👇👇 for sure :)

Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/39baQ11
Amazon Intl. ➜ https://geni.us/TheRebel
Apple ➜ http://apple.co/3iPLLMo
Nook ➜ http://bit.ly/3r0K29Z
Kobo ➜ http://bit.ly/2LTLrQK
Google Play ➜ http://bit.ly/3cjnHAj
Audible ➜  http://adbl.co/3aVF1sD
Profile Image for Jenny Lovez Bookz.
420 reviews80 followers
November 15, 2022
3.5 STARS...This was an easy, enjoyable read. It was low angst with little drama. The conflict towards the end wasn't much of a conflict and Alex was kind of a pointless character. He was such a non factor in this, I thought he would've play more of a role. It was surprising that Eden lasted that many years with the guy. Holt was such a sweet guy, I almost wished he would've made Eden grovel a bit after ghosting him the first time. Recommend this if you're looking for something quick and easy
Profile Image for Sue Czarnomski.
741 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2021
I had a lot of issues with this book. For starters, the first 25% is the novella pre-quel, One Night with the Rebel. ???????? If I read the pre-quel as a separate book, why is repeated in this book?

I was not a fan of Holt and Eden as a couple. He was a very weak character. He pined 6-years+ for a girl who told him that their night together was a mistake AND she went after a douchey hockey player who she watched getting a BJ the night before?! How could anyone root for them as a couple? He was her second choice. I couldn't get past that and get behind them as a couple

With that said, there was really no plot to this story. No angst. No big climactic moment in the book. It was 2 people who hadnt seen each other in years getting together. Scene.

This one missed the net.
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,241 reviews177 followers
March 17, 2021
This was one of my MOST ANTICIPATED reads and it did not disappoint. Holt and Eden deliver on the romance and the heat in this second chance love story.

Six years ago she had one night with him. She made the wrong choice the morning she fled. Now she’s going to get a second chance to make it right. This is a sweet, good guy romance and Holt is the perfect mix of loving and protective.

Eden wanted the bad boy and she got him. Years later she realized that she made the wrong choice when he walked away without a backward glance. Now she's starting over and she's just become the owner of a professional hockey team. Lots of big changes. She's been assigned a new security detail and in walks Holt, the man she ran from because he brought too many feels.

Holt never forgot that night. He couldn't escape Eden either because of her high profile relationship. Now he runs his own security firm and Eden is his newest client. He let her get away once, but this time he's ready to fight to keep her.

This was a fun and mostly light-hearted romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Holt and Eden were great characters. Each was battling their own past, but it wasn't going to keep them from a bright future together. You'll get some drama but in the end it's worth it. The author introduced us to a bunch of great guys that I hope we get to see in future books.

If you read the prequel, One Night With The Rebel, those first six chapters are the same first six in the full length novel. However, I read from page one because I loved the prequel and it never hurts to refresh the memory. You just can't get enough of Holt and Eden.
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,362 reviews445 followers
March 29, 2021
I liked this as a series starter, but not so much as a standalone romance. We meet a bunch of new characters - intriguing hockey players, friends, and co-workers - all of whom should make for interesting future reads. I just think that this particular love story got lost in the shuffle, and I ended up liking some of the other characters better. The first 25% or so is what used to be the prequel novella, One Night with the Rebel, which I had already read and found disappointing. I was really looking forward to more time spent developing Holt and Eden's relationship in the present, but the focus just wasn't on them until the back half. And Eden doesn't treat Holt (a kind, supportive guy) all that well. So it certainly wasn't bad and I'm excited to check out more of the series, but I can't say that Holt and Eden's love story really won me over.

The story follows Holt and Eden, two people who went to college together. Holt had a crush on Eden at the time, but the broody loner never considered himself to be good enough for her - she comes from a very wealthy family, and she's intelligent, sexy, and sweet. Eden was always more focused on Alex, the golden boy and hockey star. So even though Holt and Eden shared one night together, Eden quickly returned her interest to Alex. Six years later, and it's become clear that her decision might not have been the best one. Alex broke Eden's heart, Holt has only gotten better with age, and now Eden has to see both guys every day at work. Acting on her attraction to Holt would be nothing but complicated, but Eden can't seem to stay away.

This author's books are always light, steamy, quick reads, and this was another one. There are plenty of sexy moments, and it does stay low angst overall, even with the forbidden nature of their relationship. I wish that Holt and Eden's history was a little less problematic for me, because it was a definite turnoff and I struggled with Eden a lot. It felt like she used Holt frequently, and didn't always take his feelings into consideration. Their relationship felt very rushed, and certain elements were glossed over in a big way - even more than what you'd expect from such a short book. The author just had a lot to accomplish in this one introductory story, so a few things could've been developed better. I'm curious about Alex, and I haven't decided whether I think he's the good kind of jerk or not - we'll see. I do love the potential in some of the other characters, so this is successful in getting me interested in more. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this second chance sports romance.
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,272 reviews1,373 followers
June 1, 2022
I liked the second chance romance part between team owner Eden and head of security Holt (both previously had a one night stand in college).
But the reason they got together again (Eden getting threats from fans on hockey blogs because she was a woman who inherited the team after her grandfather died) was kind of ridiculous. So the team hires Holt's company as added security for Eden and a relationship sparks between them. But they have to keep it on the down low because what if the fans or media finds out? Who cares, I ask! Its not like she's dating a player on her team (which by the way, she was before a messy breakup and now her cheating ex plays for her team...)

My point being...I thought it was a bit unbelievable that fans would care who the team owner was dating and why the team owner would even care about what a few trolls on the internet said about her. But I guess that's the only way the author could think of to get Holt and Eden back together🤷
4 stars
Profile Image for Amy | Foxy Blogs.
1,370 reviews963 followers
June 21, 2022
THREE POINT FIVE STARS

The Rebel started out strong for me. It starts with them in college and as the story moves into life after college, it begins to flatten out for me. I did like it but not as much as I did when they were college.

THE REBEL
● Eden & Holt
● both - late 20's
● inherits a hockey team / bodyguard (owns a private security firm)
● second chance romance: 1st meet in college
● Holt is hired to add extra team security
● sports romance
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Jason Clarke & Vanessa Edwin
Length: 6H 50M
Profile Image for Black Ink Riot.
136 reviews23 followers
April 9, 2021
I’ve read several Kendall Ryan books now and with the exception of one, they all feel so hollow and unsatisfying. I never was able to put my finger on why until this book, but I finally figured it out.

All the characters Ryan creates are so interesting and yet, never live up to their narrative potential because each and every book just drops you into their world with the action already happening with little to no back story beyond a few lines. So there you are as the reader, following these unknown characters on their journey, but you don’t really feel anything vicariously because you have no idea who these people are and why what is happening matters or means to them. She barely explains where the story is set, who the characters are, what they look like, how they know each other, and on. You know - the basics of character development and world building in storytelling. It’s all about plot.

In this book - it starts with a chick named Eden who we have no idea who she is, going to college somewhere, at a party chasing some unknown dude she kissed once and wants to again.

But Eden sees this dude get a bj and is upset, but this random guy Holt comforts her, tells her this guy is a manwhore and she shouldn’t waste her time. At this point Eden is acting like she barely knows Holt while he says now and later that he’s had a crush on her and has know her for years. So it’s confusing from the start who these two even are to each other. Regardless, they then proceed to have an amazing night talking and hooking up. But then Eden inexplicitly slinks away, leaves him a note that it’s a mistake.

And then BAM cut to 5 years later and Eden was just breaking up with the manwhore who she saw get a bj at a party? WUT? HOW? WHY?

You already don’t like this dumb broad and when the next few chapters of her inner monologuing don’t offer any further understanding of who this girl is, what her motivations were, or why the reader should care about her, it made me realize that every single book I’ve read by Ryan follows this same pattern.

This will be my last book by her, because life’s too short to read books about characters that offer nothing to connect with and no reason to care about them

Profile Image for Melissa  ❤️ bookaddict_fanatic .
944 reviews70 followers
March 27, 2021
This is the first book in the new hockey series Looking To Score and the storyline definitely took me by surprise with the hockey owner/personal security.

I do enjoy a good second chance romance but I was not Eden's biggest fan especially after the first encounter between her and Holt. Holt stole my heart from the very beginning and each chapter had me rooting for him more and more. The relationship between these two was filled with angst, tension and so much sexual chemistry I thought my tablet would combust! Holt was so darn swoon-worthy and by the end of this book I wanted this man to have everything he dreamed of.....Eden! This is one love story that will have you invested from the first chapter to the last!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,331 reviews52 followers
March 21, 2021
Eden and Holt had a moment in college but then Eden walked away. She pursued someone that she believed was the right path. Six years later, she is now the owner of a hockey team and the relationship she had ended abruptly. To make matters more stressful, her ex-boyfriend is now a player on the team so she is his boss. Taking on this job means added security and to her surprise, Holt walks in to do the job. Holt has worked hard to build a life for himself. His one night with Eden has stayed with him but he doesn’t see himself as someone she would want a relationship with. When he gets the job to protect her, is there a second chance for them to find love? I enjoyed this couple as they both navigate the careers that they want while figuring out what is important to have in their personal lives. They have a natural connection and find a confidant in each other which both are in need of as their passion ignites. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Amy .
2,693 reviews
March 30, 2021
The Rebel kicks off a brand new series from author Kendall Ryan and it follows the story of Holt and Eden. When we first meet up with Holt and Eden, they’re in college and spend an unforgettable night together. Unfortunately for them, life had other plans and it will be 6 years before the two of them are reunited.

The Rebel is a fast-paced second chance romance. The characters are real and easy to connect with. I loved the idea of this story, Eden trying to run a failing hockey team and Holt being the knight in shining armor security guard. Seriously, it was the best set-up. I loved how easy things were between Holt and Eden. Despite their time apart, the chemistry between them burned hotter than ever and was impossible to ignore. Holt entered Eden’s life at just the right moment. Sure he was broody at times and didn’t think he was right for Eden. But, Holt was exactly what the doctor ordered…

The Rebel is a fun and sexy read. It’s one that you can easily devour in just a few short hours. I thought this book was refreshing and entertaining. It was written with a lot of emotion and had little to no drama. If I had to make one complaint, it would be that I felt some parts were a little rushed. There were a few instances where certain subjects were touched on, yet glossed over at the same time. I found those moments lacking and they left me wanting more.

Overall, I think this series is off to a good start. I did have some issues with this story, but still found it to be an enjoyable read. I had a fun time getting swept up in Eden and Holt’s story and look forward to seeing where this series will go next.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for TheGuideToRomanceNovels.
1,152 reviews330 followers
March 19, 2021
project_20210224_1325556-01
First time in actually a very long time I was not into the heroine or the story by Kendall, I guess not every book can be for EVERYone! My full review on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
Profile Image for Zoe.
1,787 reviews159 followers
March 28, 2021
Playful, lighthearted, and sassy!

The Rebel is a spirited, sexy, second-chance romance featuring the handsome Holt Rossi whose latest assignment has him providing security for the new owner of the Boston Titans hockey team and the one woman he’s never quite forgotten, Eden Wynn.

The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are devoted, lonely, and sweet. And the plot is an alluring tale filled with longing, desire, angst, trust, friendship, tension, love, and hockey.

Overall, The Rebel is a tender, charming, steamy start to the new Looking to Score series by Ryan, and as always, I can’t wait to read what happens to this new cast of characters next.

Thank you to Kendall Ryan for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shelley.
2,229 reviews26 followers
March 29, 2021
Second Chance Romance😍

Eden and Holt have a brief history from their college days. Going their separate ways, now six years later and Eden is the new owner of a professional Hockey team and Holt is her new Head of Security😁

This story was fabulous as it gives us a glimpse into Eden and Holt’s “history” from six years previous, but also shows two people from opposite sides of the tracks who finally feel like they can be themselves with the other❣️

A great story and start to this series and I’m looking forward to the next one🤩 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,628 reviews141 followers
March 25, 2021
The Rebel is book one in the new Looking to Score series by Kendall Ryan! I love it when one of my favorite authors starts a new series and it's hockey! Kendall gives good hockey romance! This is the perfect way to start the series. The new female owner of the team and her new security detail. The best part? They knew each other six years ago and even spent one night together. So it's a second chance hockey-ish romance! Eden and Holt spent one fantastic night talking and kissing and much more. Then she was gone the next day. Now it's six years later and all the chemistry they had is still there and they don’t know what to do about it. She's the owner and he works for her, they can't get involved. Right? Wrong! They start out slow, but their feelings are just too strong. It's like they were fated to meet again and again. It's just meant to be. But what happens when the world finds out? Will the team be supportive or turn on them? I loved Holt and Eden! Holt is sexy and open with his feelings. Eden is independent and good at her job. They have more in common than they thought and they realize they are better together than apart! Overall, I laughed, teared up, got hot and bothered and can't wait to get to know all the new characters more!
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