He’ll take what’s his—

including the woman who stands in his way.

Marcus Salazar has come to Mesa Falls to buy out his half brother and gain control of the media empire that was his brainchild. But when COO Lily Carrington shows up, she poses a threat to his plan—and his libido.

Not even her engagement of convenience to another man can dim Marcus’s desire for her, even as Lily fights for her own future at Salazar Media…and against her attraction to Marcus!

Titles in the Dynasties: Mesa Falls mini-series include – The Rebel – The Rival – Rule Breaker – Heartbreaker –(March 2020)

Title:  The Rebel
Series:  Dynasties: Mesa Falls #1
Author:  Joanne Rock
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  November 1, 2019
Publisher:  Harlequin
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Rebel begins the Dynasties: Mesa Falls mini-series with a story that is full of emotions, and not always the happy ones, and two people who could be everything to each other… eventually.

I’m a little bit late starting this series, but that’s the great thing about good books – they are timeless in enjoyment, and can be devoured and loved at any point in time. On the flip side of starting late, I’ve got several books in this series already on my Kindle to simply binge on for the next couple weeks.

There is world-building in The Rebel, there has to be especially for two brothers who are so over the top in personalities, passion for their work, and simply how life has shaped them in many ways.  I expected it, wasn’t overwhelmed by it, and the background flowed smoothly giving me a glimpse into the mindset of the characters and the overall feel for the continuing series.

Marcus and Lily have chemistry from their first appearance on the page together.  The attraction is there even if neither will act on it – just yet.  Lily may seem a quieter woman, one who doesn’t throw her weight around, might even be perceived as weak by some, yet I saw strengths in her that run deep and showed in different ways.  I try not to make the mistake of thinking someone isn’t fighting a battle just because there are no obvious battle scars.  As she steps out from under her grandparents’ influence, takes charge of her own future, and goes after the man she loves (and who truly loves her) then she shines.

The relationship between half-brothers Marcus and Devon is, frankly, fascinating to watch and I’m certain we’ll get more in Devon’s book and throughout the series.  I enjoyed watching these two men go from brotherly animosity from the start to respect and perhaps, understanding of each other as The Rebel changed tones a bit.  Not everything is known, there are secrets, twists, and surprises in store for these brothers with an uneasy truce – and I can tell now that Devon’s is going to be an interesting story to come.  We’ll be introduced to a character who will play a large part in this series, but I’m not sure how much we’ll see of her until later for revenge is a dish best served cold and that will be intriguing to follow as it plays out.

I had fun with the start of the Dynasties: Mesa Falls series, and that’s the whole point.  A sizzling romance, a bit of revenge, fighting brothers and family secrets – what’s not to love about that?

I own a Kindle edition of The Rebel.

Available in a variety of formats including the Kindle