A Rebel's Promise

Alaskan Rebels #2

by Sara Blackard

A pararescueman home from the military. A dog musher stepping into her dad’s legacy. Thrust together after years apart, can they trust each other and escape disaster? Gunnar Rebel left the military to find healing, but adjusting to his new life proves harder than he expected. His desire to help others ignited a desire to become a rescuer for the elite special forces. To qualify for the most arduous division in the military, he cut all ties with everyone but his family back home. Everyone … including Julie Sparks, the woman who still holds his heart. Now that he’s home, he wants to settle down and forget that his reasons for leaving Julie behind don’t make sense anymore. Julie Sparks is determined to honor her father’s death with an arduous trek to the North Pole. She also wouldn’t mind proving that she’s not only worthy of filling his fur-lined boots, but will climb to new heights in them. It’s more than just a matter of pride, not with the sponsors waiting to pull their funding if she fails. Establishing she’s worthy of support might prove harder than she expected when her ex, Gunnar Rebel, is brought in to help lead the expedition and shatters her focus. When an accident on the trail turns life-threatening, will Gunnar and Julie put aside their hurt and broken promises of the past, or will their lack of trust prove fatal? If you like heart-pounding action, toe-curling romance that keeps it clean, and a family of captivating characters, you’ll love Sara Blackard’s riveting romantic Alaskan adventure series.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Sara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.

Reviews

[Laura Bowman]

I’m running out of ways to describe Sara Blackards books. I just finished A Rebel’s Promise and as always, she delivers. You will get lots of suspense with a little romance that will keep you hooked.

Gunnar Rebel returns home after fifteen years in the military as a pararescueman. When he left he decided he need to sever ties with his longtime girlfriend, Julie Sparks, to keep his focus. Julie was devastated when he left and faced some rough times while he was gone.

Julie and Gunnar are having to work together on an Alaskan trek with a travel celebrity to the North Pole. They face dangers, bears, storms and accidents all the while dealing with unresolved issues. Will they all make it alive? Will Gunnar and Julie be able to work together?

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Alice]

This was a great adventure. Not one I would want to take but a really eye-opening experience.
Dog-sledding from Barrow, Alaska to the North Pole???
The description in this book is really good. I felt like I was there.
Really good story about trust and forgiveness.

[Jean]

This is book three in The Alaskan Rebels Series and it is Gunner and Julie's story and omg what an emotional read. Gunner had spent many year's in The Air Force as a Pararescueman but now retired he lives in a remote cabin switch his dog's so that he can do some healing but when Gunner was asked to take part in The North Pole Expedition he jumped at the chance not realising that he will be thrown in to his past and the mistakes that he has made. Julie's father has died and now she needs to keep everything going with the help of her cousin Saylor who had been there for her through some of the most difficult times and situations in her life but now she hoped that she could honour her father by pulling off The North Pole Expedition. Gunner and Julie have a long history that ended so badly but now year's later and they meet again in the same place only miles apart which is just what Gunner deserves after what he did to Julie only now they find out that they are on the same team on The North Pole run. Omg I absolutely cried while reading Gunner and Julie's story and everything that they have been through and even though the chemistry and connection between them is still just as strong they have a long way to go to be able to heal and they are so perfect for each other that you find yourself hoping that they might get a second chance of being together and having a happy ending. There is danger, action, intrigue, hope, second chances and some very emotional and difficult situations that has you on the edge of your seat wondering what would happen next and I couldn't put this book down as it was so addictive. Sara Blackard is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and on the edge of their seats and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and I can't wait to read more books in the future.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Bernadette Rowley]

I've been waiting for this book, catching glimpses of Gunner through the other stories in the series. I really related to this tortured hero who has PTSD after a career in the forces. Of course, like all the Rebels, he is great at what he does but not perfect. Gunner shuns crowds and attention which I could totally relate to. Julie is also damaged after battling cancer. They are forced back together after being separated fifteen years before when they left their love behind to enable Gunner to devote his life to the forces.
The premise if exciting - a trek to the north pole in awful conditions - via sleds and dog teams. I enjoyed the inside look at how this was accomplished and the danger present daily. You never knew what was waiting for the intrepid adventurers, leaving me on tenterhooks for much of the book.
The ending is sweet with a satisfying epilogue. I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Demi]

Gunnar and Julie have not seen one another in seven years. Seven years is not enough time to erase their history together.. When Gunnar returns and they find themselves at odds yet working toward a common goal. Truths come to light and forgiveness is key. This book is full of action and adventure and love. Really fun clean romance read! Fantastic couple!

[Patience]

I am the first to admit that second chance romances are not my favorite. I always feel that authors take more than half the book giving snippets about the past, and then they are rushing to get to the resolution and HEA. Julie and Gunnar's second chance romance was so much better! Although Sara Blackard did not reveal the past all at once, she wove the future/present into the story so well that I was not left feeling frustrated that I didn't know what happened.

The journey of how Julie was able to find strength in herself and God was a wonderful reminder of the work it takes to overcome the challenges in life, and to turn to the Lord for help with those challenges. Gunnar was trying to do everything right, but even heroes stumble. However, when Gunnar finally discovered the truth, he did not let it fester or try to blame others; he confessed his mistakes to Julie, enabling them to move forward with a new and better relationship.

Like all of Sara's books, the element of suspense and adventure was wound throughout Julie and Gunnar's emotional journey. Trying to anticipate all that can happen while dogsledding to the North Pole is not a job for the weak. Each step was rife with new challenges, making us anticipate turning each page for the next adventure.

Overall, Julie and Gunnar's story is one of my favorite second chance romances!

[Faith]

How can I find the words to describe this book without sounding "gushy?" It is fabulous! I have read the other books in this series and they were great, but I'd have to give this one top pick. Living in Alaska has given the author insights into the beauty, adventure and potential danger of living there which flow over into her books, especially this one. She weaves it all to together to create a page turner. Julie and Gunnar, Saylor, Sunny and all the other characters are realistic, interesting and lovable. They start out to set a record time of travel to the North Pole, but do not expect the kind of struggle it will turn out to be. Julie and Gunnar face many issues on a personal level as well as the incidents on their trail to reach their goal. There isn't a dull moment in the book and I highly recommend it. As always with Ms. Blackard there is no inappropriate language or content.

I requested this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Tessa]

2.5 star's rounded up

Judging by the reviews, this is a me thing, but I was not a fan. The h forgave the hero way too easily for his "betrayal." Then throw in almost dying multiple times, and I'm out.

[Cyndi]

Oh my goodness I wish I could give this book more than a 5 star rating! This is an absolutely amazing adventure with so many things that happen it will have you holding your breath! If you are like me and know very little about mushing , you will enjoy this book as much as I did!! And the love story is so, gosh I don't even know a word to describe it, beautiful! Awesome! Second chance doesn't even begin to describe it! I can hardly wait for the next book in this series as I really hope we get to hear more about Julie and Gunnar! And of course we already know the next book is going to be exciting! But I can't tell you why, lol. Just grab hold of any book in this series and you will want to read them all! , even though they are all stand alone you will want to get to know all the members of the Rebel family! I received a free download of this book from the publisher but that didn't influence my review. My review is totally my own honest opinion of this book.

[Melissa Cox]

I want to start by saying that Romance is not a genre that I tend to read. Although, I have enjoyed some in the past, it is not the type of book that I usually gravitate towards.

Gunner Rebel is a tough cookie. He served for 15 years as a para rescue man in the Airforce and is now training to take part in a grueling dogsledding expedition to the North Pole. He is ready for the experience until he runs into Julie Sparks, the one who got away. With a past like theirs, it’s a situation that he is not expecting.

Julie is a cancer survivor who in her darkest days reached out to the only man she ever loved, but got nothing but silence in return. Although, they made a pact to make no further contact, she was disappointed when he never made an effort to be there for her when she needed him the most. Now she finds herself being forced together when she least expects it.

As I said, romance is not my thing. However, I found myself very invested in this relationship. I felt the heat and tension between the two. I was rooting for them and at times, I found myself irritated with one or the other for the way they were behaving.

As part of a series that I have never read before, I wasn’t lost. I didn’t find myself wondering what I had missed in past books and I could easily read this as a stand alone. But I was left wanting more. I want to know more about the Rebel siblings.

I recommend this Indy author, this book and I will be looking for the others. I look forward to reading more stories by Sara Blackard.

[Becky Collins]

Oh my gosh I loved this 2nd book in the Alaskan Rebel’s series. Julie was on a team for mushing to the North Pole and she had a lot of experience because she had worked with her Dad and wanted to carry on his legacy. But lo and behold she runs into the man that broke her heart seven years Gunnar Rebel. Then you have Saylor who is Julie’s cousin making sure that Gunnar doesn’t hurt her again. Saylor is a smart mouthed but tough cookie and Gunnar wants to stay on her best side. I love her descriptive language “owl puke”, “moose nuggets”! Sunny is Gunnar’s little sister and you can’t help but love her! She is a typical little sister always popping in at the wrong time! But the author did a great job describing the terrain and obstacles to get there. The freezing weather, the ice breaking, and the injuries. Julie has a secret and can Gunnar overcome what happened?

I received this Arc for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Fore]

Julie Sparks is giving her best to fill her father’s musher shoes in the frozen landscape of Alaska. Gunner Rebel, a retired pararescueman, is now back home in Alaska and wanting to start over again.
When an accident injured two of the team members ready to join an expedition, Gunner and his sister were called in to take their places because of his medical and rescue skills. BUT – will he and Julie be able to put aside their former relationship and broken hearts long enough to make the trek to the North Pole?
This is an exciting tale of two people who learn to forgive and begin over again in order to make history. It is a clean romance with lots of frozen adventure thrown in. Thanks, Sara Blackyard, for another great read.
My advanced reader copy was provided by the author, and I am willingly writing this review to encourage new readers to give Sara’s work a try. You won’t regret it.

[Elaine]

This hard to put down romantic, Alaskan adventure was powerful and at times heart pounding!! (During the life threatening scenes never mind the romantic moments!!).

This story following Gunnar Rebel and Julie Sparks…the good times, the separation, the pain and how this adventure, which they didn’t expect to be on together, brings about forgiveness and healing with beautiful moments throughout.

Mushing is not for the faint hearted and what an amazing adventure in itself. Human and dogs in tandem working to conquer the wild Alaskan wilderness. Learnt so much about this sport!

Thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it - please read!

Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion.

[Jodi]

Outstanding! I have read every book Sara Blackard has ever written but this one is my favorite so far. Realistic, relatable characters with so much to overcome both in the frigid arctic environment and in their own hearts. Past mistakes and hurts make it seem like they could never overcome the obstacles, but love and forgiveness will always win out.
This is a MUST READ.

[Amber]

A promise made and broken.
An expedition brings two people together whose hearts have always been melded together, while their lives were many miles apart. Both lonely.
Here they meet again, yet there's still distance because of a broken promise.
Good book.

[Allyson Anthony]

Gunnar and his youngest sister Sunny have been training to be back up mushers for a trek to the North Pole. Due to an accident with two of the teams, they join the trek. To Gunnar's surprise, he finds out that his ex Julie will be on the trek. So is she. After 15 years apart, will they get back together?
This story contains adventure, dog sledding, and second chances as well as the trek to the North Pole amidst Alaska's weather and the potential risks.

[Cilla]

I loved the glimpse of what it is like to live in Alaska (from someone who actually lives there!) and the very real dangers of travelling to the North Pole, even with modern technology, weekly rendezvous with a great support team and pretty much unlimited funds behind the trip. I loved the characters, and the interactions between Gunnar and Julie were intriguing, especially as you got to see bits of their past. However there is nothing like genuine danger and being forced to rely on each other to survive, to force communication and dealing with their past hurts!
I received an ARC but this is a book I'd want to buy. Looking forward to the next one by this author.

[Kathy M.]

I am on my second read of “A Rebel’s Promise”. Oh how this story tugs on my heart! “A Rebel’s Promise” tells of strength, resiliency and second chances; along with forced proximity… with a chaperone. Imagine suddenly being thrown together in a tent with the love of your life after 15 long years apart only to have a 3rd person always there!! So many near kisses!

I didn’t realize how damaged Gunner was and Julie has overcome such life-alternating struggles. I love the ending. The author manages to turn the “mistakes” and regrets of the past into promise fulfillment. That really made me think. Without adding spoilers, I found the end of Gunner and Julie’s story absolutely beautiful!

This book is a must read for those wanting a clean yet toe-curling romantic adventure story.

[Carole Griffitts]

Continuing the story of the adventurous Rebel family, we meet Gunnar—a former pararescueman who has returned from his dangerous military occupation. Meet Julie, a premier dog musher—Gunnar’s former girlfriend. Add in the adventure of an expedition to the North Pole by dog sled. A difficult-to-put down, exciting read.

[Toi]

Great Read

What happens after fifteen years apart and a major illness and a trip to the North Pole - will it lead to them admitting that they still love one another or will it be the end of Gunner and Julie.

[Ellen]

A rebel's promise from Sara Blackard is a well-written Suspense novel written on Christian principle. It is a heart-warming story that will keep you captivated until the very end. The characters are lifelike and you get to know them well. A beautiful book to read.

[Tracey Wert]

What a gripping story! There is great action and suspense and some really tender moments too. Gunnar and Julie have a past, but a future seems out of reach. Get ready for a wild ride as they figure things out.

Several of the scenes really had me on the edge of my seat for sure (like when Gunnar is swimming through freezing cold water and has trouble getting up onto the ice!) And others had me cheering for love to win out. Gunnar's sister, Sunny is a fun character and of course changes the dynamic like only a little sister can. Wonderful addition to the series!

[Carolyn Bryant]

A Rebel’s Promise is the second exciting book in the Alaskan Rebels series. Continuing the saga of the Rebel family, this book focuses on sibling Gunnar Rebel a former military pararescueman. This adventure through the beautiful yet treacherous Alaskan terrain drew me in from the beginning and kept me engaged to the end. Vivid detailed descriptions of the setting and the art of dog mushing brought the story to life. An action packed plot, engaging characters, and sweet second-chance romance make for an intriguing, entertaining read. Even though it is part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. If you are a fan of adventure and romance, this read is for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Erin]

Another fabulous adventure in Alaska with the Rebel Family! Gunnar and Julie’s story is my new favorite. I loved reading about their attempt to reach the North Pole. Another great story with adventure, romance and a few laugh out loud moments!

[Dasha]

Reseña pendiente.
Tengo unas cuantas cosas que decir sobre esta novela. Además, no tengo claro si quiero leer algo más de esta autora o no…
Unas cuantas 🚩 : aborto (mención del incidente) , cáncer (mención), PTSD (trastorno de estrés postraumático) y unos cuantos sustos con accidentes relacionados con los perros.
Y mira, lo he pasado tan mal cuando uno de los perros estaba en peligro. De verdad, para mí son intocables, sobre todo si los accidentes son provocados por un deporte de riesgo que no tiene más propósito de ser que ese: ser un deporte que pone al límite al ser humano y en el que los perros son necesarios para desplazarse. Puedo entender, hasta cierto punto, que sean perros de trabajo y tiren del trineo porque no hay otro medio para desplazarse y bla, bla. Tampoco voy a hablar mucho de este tema porque no lo conozco lo suficiente. Pero, ¿por deporte? Y, es más, ¿porque un millonario quiere "conquistar" el Polo Norte? No me hace mucha gracia.
Pero bueno, aún dejando este tema aparte, que para muchas lectoras ya sería motivo suficiente para abandonarlo o no elegirlo siquiera: esta novela es el ejemplo perfecto de porqué, para mi gusto, las novelas románticas de segundas oportunidades son tan difíciles. Si la protagonista femenina, Julie, perdona al prota masculino, Gunner, por haberla dejado con demasiada facilidad da rabia. En mi caso ella me parece que lo perdona muy rápido y, es más, una vez lo hace quiere retomar la relación inmediatamente. Luego está el caso de que él no pida perdón o se arrepienta "lo suficiente" de haber perdido años y de las consecuencias de sus decisiones. En este caso me parece que Gunnar es el protagonista ideal para este tipo de tramas de segundas oportunidades. Se siente mal y parece que de verdad está arrepentido del tiempo perdido. Por ese lado no tengo queja y creo que es el único motivo por el que he seguido con esta lectura.
Peeero, el motivo que se usa en la historia para separar a la pareja me parece un poco sinsentido, la verdad. Y sobre todo el que él no quisiera ni siquiera saber algo de ella. Es que eran amigos antes que amantes. Con esto es con lo que me he estado peleando, además de con el asunto de los perros 🥺
También está el "asuntillo" del trastorno de estrés postraumático de Gunnar: parece que se pasa por este problemón muy de puntillas y no me ha gustado nada de nada. Es un tema serio y, al final, ha desaparecido como por obra de arte. Creo que se menciona que estuvo yendo a terapia, pero muy de pasada. No sé si se habla más del tema en el libro anterior. Esto también habría que tenerlo en cuenta, que no he leído el primer libro de esta serie y tengo entendido que Gunnar sale, ¿no?
Por cierto y por último, las escenas de cama son inexistentes. Y como he comentado antes, ella pasa demasiado rápido de estar enfurruñada a querer besarlo y otras cosas erótico-festivas.
En fin, intentaré darle otra oportunidad a esta serie aunque creo que esta autora podría ser demasiado conservadora para mí. Ya veremos.

[Sara Blackard]

A Rebel's Promise is now available! I loved writing this second chance romance. These two characters really ripped at my heart!

[Esther Plant]

“Suspenseful” and “Heartwarming” are the first words that come to mind with this clean romance set in the Alaskan wilderness. Gunnar and Julie are such sweethearts and I wish they were real people I could befriend! I devoured this book in one day, and I have no regrets, except that its over! I can’t wait to read about the next Rebel to find their happily ever after!

[Barbara Labbe]

This needs to be a movie! My heart was in my throat with the suspense of a dog mushing trip to The North Pole!! Gunnar and his sister, Sunny are training for a dog mushing trip but only as an alternate until another team is injured and has to pull out. Gunnar was a pararescueman in the Air Force which entails medical training and an expert at wilderness survival. Julie is already on the team but when she sees Gunnar and Sunny she is shocked. Gunnar & Julie were high school sweethearts until Gunnar leaves for the military. The mission takes off with lots of fanfare and media, but the dangers of the mission are real. How do you cross the frozen Arctic Ocean that is constantly moving? Will the mission be a success and at what cost? Will Gunnar & Julie be able to leave the past and hurts in the past or re-connect as their lives are challenged everyday? A very suspenseful romantic adventure that is one of the best novels I have read. I received a free copy for my honest and voluntary review.

[Gena E]

Sarah Blackard is always a must read for me and this new series is definitely that! This third book in the series takes us right to the tip top of the world, north pole, and reiterates what is so fabulous about the written word, travel and adventure without leaving home. I'm more than likely not heading on any expeditions in real life but thanks to Sarah Blackard, I get to travel on one via her book and go to Alaska and other points north, with dogs, snow and the crazy cold! Gunner and Julie's story takes place against this expedition backdrop and the author weaves both elegantly together for this second chance romance! As in all the authors books, you feel like you are there, the biting cold, the beautiful but could be deadly scenery, the sounds of the dogs, the feel of the sleds, all is at your fingertips in this book, where you go on an adventure with Gunner and Julie and find a second chance at love in the process.

I received an advanced copy of the book for an honest review

[Tandy Oschadleus]

I received a free copy to review: Gunnar and Julie's story is a feel-good, faith-themed second chance romance, set against the backdrop of their adventure wilderness journey to the North Pole. Whilst Sara keeps things clean, be advised that things get pretty spicy between these two - it's not the typical 'sweet n clean' romance. Whilst I always enjoy Sara's books, I would've liked to the couple's past mistake teased out a bit more in terms of processing it and receiving God's forgiveness; it felt like it got lost in the subsequent hardships that followed in their lives back then and years later when they met up again. Nevertheless, Sara delivers on her promise of action, romance, and captivating characters!