Rebel by Zoe Archer (Blades of the Rose #3)
Historical Paranormal Romance
November 2, 2010
Paperback, 370 Pages
Zebra
Reviewed by Mandi
Favorite Quote: This was not a girl’s shy kiss. Astrid kissed like a woman, full and unashamed.
Attorney Nathan Lesperance is kind of an outcast. Being the first Native American attorney in Vancouver, he is used to fighting his way to the top. Taken out of his home and sent to live with white people at a young age, he is also used to feeling out of place and has felt the need to prove himself ever since.
He is sent to the Northwest Territory in Canada to wrap-up some legal business with Astrid Bramfield. Astrid gave up her membership in The Blades of The Rose (those that protect the magical sources in the world from the evil Heirs of Albion) when her husband died in battle with the Heirs five years ago. Ever since, she has secluded herself deep within the cold wilderness of Canada, alone, breaking off all contact with her family and other members back in England. She has made the day’s journey to the fort to turn over a deceased trapper’s belongings. When she meets Nathan, there is an instant connection. She sees him and treats him like a man, not like an outsider or savage creature. She also notices magic surrounds him, something he is totally oblivious to.
Nathan not only takes in the breech-clad, gun slinging beauty Astrid, but the landscape is calling to him. He can almost hear the mountains asking him to come explore. When The Heirs of Albion come calling to the fort, in search of Astrid, Nathan’s protectiveness goes on full alert. The Heirs are now in possession of the very powerful, primal source and they know Astrid is very knowledgeable on this subject. Astrid and Nathan go on the run, Nathan discovers he is much more than just a man, and a love blooms in the wilderness.
I adore Rebel. I think Zoe Archer has such a skill for writing these tough, independent heroines who can fire weapons, live in horrid conditions and keep up with the toughest of men – yet – their heart is open to love. They have a great sense of humor. Astrid is still hurting so much over her dead husband, but cannot deny her feelings towards Nathan. Ever so slowly, this woman who has lived on her own in the wilderness of Canada, comes to rely on a man who has never been close to anyone in his life. They both accept their fate early on, it just takes awhile for them to actually believe it.
“You are a stubborn son of a bitch.”
“Always have been.”
“An arrogant, stubborn son of a bitch,” she amended.
“And you’re a recluse, a mountain cat who’s just as stubborn.” He unclasped his fingers from around her arm. A softer woman would bruise, but she wouldn’t. “We need to get back on the trail,” he said, yet added when she let out a small sigh of relief, “but don’t think this is over between us. I never back down from a challenge.”
She tilted up her chin. “Is that what I am to you, a challenge?”
“Oh, no, love,” he said softly. He stroked the skin just beneath her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb and was rewarded with a blaze of returning desire in her eyes. “You’re much more than that.”
Nathan is so surly and over protective and Astrid is just the woman to give it right back to him. Their chemistry really shines. For as much as this book is an adventure, entirely set in the Northwest Territory of Canada, we get so much page time devoted to Nathan and Astrid’s relationship. However, I really enjoyed the adventure in this one, and almost felt like I was in the harsh conditions with the characters. As Nathan goes on a hunt with Astrid to protect sources, he finally finds himself as part of a team, and he likes that feeling.
What makes this book even more special is that we get to know The Blade member Catullus Graves. He will be the hero in the next book, Stranger, but in this one he comes to the aid of Nathan and Astrid. He is a long time friend of Astrid. We learn he is obsessed with fine waistcoats and girls with freckles, yet he has never been in love. Always the gentlemen, and extremely smart (he excels in inventions) he is also not afraid to get dirty in a fight (as long as his waistcoat is not too ruined). It is hard to explain the allure of this character, but I haven’t felt this excited to get my hands on a future book for awhile.
Rating: B+
Recent Reviews:
All About Romance – B+
Goodreads
This series includes (Each can be read as a stand alone)
Warrior
Scoundrel
Rebel
Stranger – December 7th
Zoe Archer is offering up a copy of Rebel to one lucky commenter today. To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US/Canada through Friday November 5th.
November 2, 2010 at 7:38 am
I didn't realize that the 3rd book was already coming out! Eeks! I just won the second book and plan to read it later this month. Thank you for the review – this series just seems so good. I can't wait to start it! Thanks!
November 2, 2010 at 7:42 am
Ooooo…this looks good! I've never read any of Zoe Archer's books, but I think I'm going to start now!
November 2, 2010 at 8:43 am
Your review piques the interest Mandi and I think I'm missing out on a great series *palmface* I'm must rectify this sooner rather than later!
November 2, 2010 at 9:05 am
Oh I have the first two and would love this one too. This book sounds just as interesting as the other ones. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.
November 2, 2010 at 9:53 am
I would love to read it, it sounds really good.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
November 2, 2010 at 10:16 am
Zoe's books are definitely on my radar, Meljean Brook *& many others have been singing her praises. I love the sound of REBEL.
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
November 2, 2010 at 10:17 am
I'm looking forward to reading this series. Great review!
November 2, 2010 at 10:24 am
This series sounds really good. Love the review!
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
November 2, 2010 at 10:28 am
Great Review! I've got to start this series!!
drensbspot at gmail dot com
November 2, 2010 at 10:38 am
Sounds as good as the others in this series. I really enjoy Zoe's style. I was hoping to get my hands on this one this week, the *sigh* store isn't getting it until next week. *cry* Very nice review Mandi!
November 2, 2010 at 10:45 am
Oh, I love this series! I didn't get Rebel yet, so thank you for the contest Mandi and Zoe!
November 2, 2010 at 10:58 am
Great review! Seems like a good book
November 2, 2010 at 11:33 am
This sounds like a really good one, I'd love to read it.
seriousreader at live dot com
November 2, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I haven't read any of Zoe's work yet but I've read some really great reviews. This one sounds perfect for me since a gotta little thing for Native American heroes annhonATaolDOTcom
November 2, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Sounds great. I would love to read this book.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
November 2, 2010 at 1:57 pm
I have been waiting for your review on this one. Will add the series to the TBR pile. Thanks for the review.
November 2, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Great review. Thanks. I'm really looking forward to reading Archer's Rebel.
November 2, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I enjoyed your review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Warrior and I can't wait to read the rest of The Blades of the Rose series.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
November 2, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I loved the first book, this one sounds just as good! Thanks for the giveaway.
myra0502 at yahoo dot com
November 2, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I love this series! I didn't realize Rebel was out yet.
kissinoak at frontier dot com
November 2, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Blasted, I am gonna end up reading book 1, my poor TBR pile, but this series just sound too good
November 2, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I have the first book in this series but have yet to read it. I definitely need to bump it up in my pile of books to read! Very great review! Thanks for the givaway!
November 2, 2010 at 7:23 pm
would really love to read this, thanks for the giveaway!
van
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
November 2, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Being see a lot of buzz for this series. Would love to win. Great review sounds good.
sok99c(at)hotmail(dot)com
November 2, 2010 at 10:10 pm
I saw Zoe's posts on FB about Rebel releasing today and completely forgot. I still have to get Warrior and add it to Scoundrel on my TBR pile.
beckerjo(at)verizon(dot)net
November 2, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Blades of the Rose is one of the best series I have read this year.
November 2, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I absolutely LOVED "Rebel" and can't wait to read "Scoundrel" and "Rebel." Thanks for the great review. I know I've got some great things to look forward to now. =)
akbabcock at gmail dot com
November 2, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Great review! Astrid sounds great as does Catullus. I know Catullus is an inventor but how is he at poetry?
cories119[at]yahoo.com
November 3, 2010 at 4:36 am
Please don't include me in the giveaway as I live outside of North America.
Great review Mandi. As I mentioned on your GoodReads review, I'm very tempted to try this series…and since my library has it I have succumbed and place a hold
November 3, 2010 at 9:56 am
I want! I have been dying to try this series.
November 3, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I've heard so many great things about this series and would love to win this book!
smaccall@comcast.net
November 3, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Been waiting for all four of these to be out so I can read them back to back. This one sounds superb. Thanks for the review Mandi!
November 3, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Please enter me. It looks like a great story.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
November 5, 2010 at 2:23 am
I would love to win a copy of this. I'm thinking I want them all before I start, but the buzz is making me dying to start reading them. Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
November 5, 2010 at 2:27 am
Forgot to leave my e-mail:
abbydillon16@yahoo.com