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Assassins Guild #2
The Rebel
Cole's heart is dark. He's a mystery, even to those closest to him in the Assassins Guild. All anyone really knows for sure is that he's ruthless, grim, and cares little for his own life. So when he loses his memory during an attack and thinks himself a naive eighteen year-old again, no one can really believe the transformation. But as his memory returns, so do the nightmares and the dark reality of who he has become. Lucy's world is bright. When gentle-natured Lucy falls in love with the damaged stranger, she thinks him a smiling, amiable gentleman. But rumors of a murder in the nearby village have her suspecting that her patient may be hiding a terrible secret. Can opposites really attract? What will happen when Cole regains his memory and his past catches up to him? The Rebel is the second novel in the Assassins Guild series. The books in this series do not need to be read in order, but it will enhance your reading experience if they are.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2013
257 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
100 books5,697 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 25, 2025
I give up on this series. I like the author’s other works much, much better.
December 17, 2015
Although I liked the character of Cole and story line more than the guy of the first book, I rated this book lower. The reason why is because I can't stand that the author is making it so the female leads are changing the male leads. I think it's enjoy this series more if some of the assassins continued to be assassins even after falling in love.
February 18, 2017
I took one star off for the editing. I took one star off because the books are categorized as "Medieval" but there is nothing in the stories that would explain why they are "Medieval". Even the language is not medieval: the use of "fiance" and the F word is not from medieval times.
General on the four stories: The stories are okay, with a bit of suspense, lots of misunderstanding, lots of crying by the "strong" heroines. It's too bad the assassins turned soft because of their woman. The best one is the first one, but it all went downhill from there.
Unrealistic: A farmer who knows nothing about saving lives, but yet putting herself and others at risk, thinks she can help her trained assassin husband.
The Charmer has the best romance. The Rebel has the best environment descriptions. The Saint has the best window inside Lord Lynden's heart. The Sinner has the best suspense.
General on the four stories: The stories are okay, with a bit of suspense, lots of misunderstanding, lots of crying by the "strong" heroines. It's too bad the assassins turned soft because of their woman. The best one is the first one, but it all went downhill from there.
Unrealistic: A farmer who knows nothing about saving lives, but yet putting herself and others at risk, thinks she can help her trained assassin husband.
The Charmer has the best romance. The Rebel has the best environment descriptions. The Saint has the best window inside Lord Lynden's heart. The Sinner has the best suspense.
June 8, 2021
I liked this one, though not as much as the first. Nick/Cole loses his memory (love this trope) and Lucy gets to help him recover and meet his eighteen-year-old self.
The tension and danger and the sticky plot were great, but I felt that it hit the same emotional beats a few too many times.
Still, the amnesia plotline was fun and Cole's transformation was really interesting. Enjoyed it overall.
The tension and danger and the sticky plot were great, but I felt that it hit the same emotional beats a few too many times.
Still, the amnesia plotline was fun and Cole's transformation was really interesting. Enjoyed it overall.
July 17, 2021
The female lead in this book irritated me. She was often whiny. Her caregiving traits sometimes made her come off as clingy and overbearing instead of the strong character she was probably supposed to be.
September 8, 2023
I really wanted to slap Lucy throughout the entire book. What an exhausting women, so needy and whiny. I feel so sorry for Nick in the future.
October 14, 2024
Dear lord, I was so tempted to DNF. Can she write a female character who isn't a nosy, manipulative, whiny, crying baby? The teenage angst is infuriating, especially in a 21 year old. She wants to be a healer, but old scars make her queasy? Sheesh! When someone tells you they don't want to give you an answer to your nosy ass question, why can't she respect that and back off? Does someone have to smack her and tell her it's none of her business before she'll take a hint? People who pry like this deserve every hurt they get from hearing something unpleasant. Oh, and to cop a judgemental attitude once you know the unpleasant truth. Sigh! I guess I'm tired of the "I gotta change/fix my man* trope. Maybe this series would have been better set in the present day with a heroine who accepts the Hero as is? Maybe help investigate the targets guilt? I'm not sure if I'll continue the series on not
February 4, 2023
This series is turning out to not be on my favorites and I love CJ Archers writing style. These books however are a little too sexually graphic for my taste. Albiet Im far from prudish, I just find it leaves little to the imagination and were already living in such a serve it up your own way kind of society which makes reading that a little too masterbatrix for me. I guess Im just at an age where I don’t find step-by-step graphically descriptive mechanics of a sexual act appealing. I feel theres more tasteful ways to go about it. Theres a fine line between graphic and pornographic and these books are definitly riding them and theres nothing wrong with that, its just not for me. I probably wont finish the series, but I am looking forward to see what she writes next!
May 13, 2025
4-Star Review for The Rebel by C.J. Archer
I really enjoyed The Rebel! Cole and Lucy were such a compelling couple—their dynamic was full of tension, heart, and depth. I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve through the challenges they faced.
One of my favorite things about this series is how each book focuses on a different couple, yet they all connect seamlessly. The continuity between books is smooth, and it’s always fun to revisit familiar faces while diving into a new romance and adventure.
C.J. Archer does a great job weaving mystery, magic, and romance together, and The Rebel is a solid example of that. It was a great read, and I’m already looking forward to the next couple’s story!
I really enjoyed The Rebel! Cole and Lucy were such a compelling couple—their dynamic was full of tension, heart, and depth. I loved watching their relationship grow and evolve through the challenges they faced.
One of my favorite things about this series is how each book focuses on a different couple, yet they all connect seamlessly. The continuity between books is smooth, and it’s always fun to revisit familiar faces while diving into a new romance and adventure.
C.J. Archer does a great job weaving mystery, magic, and romance together, and The Rebel is a solid example of that. It was a great read, and I’m already looking forward to the next couple’s story!
May 26, 2025
The mystery is why I'm still reading, but it's hard. First, how Nick/Cole recovers so quickly from injuries is too fast/unrealistic. Lucy is HORRIBLE. Seriously, the man has amnesia/serious injuries, you've known him less than 48 hrs, you deem him to unwell to get out of med but jump his bones the second you get a chance. SMH, she demands answers for things that are none of her business. She acts like a spoiled child who doesn't get her way. And for everyone to cave is mind-boggling. How this guild stayed secret is beyond me.
I'd give it 1 star, but I'm interested to know who the culprits are.
I'd give it 1 star, but I'm interested to know who the culprits are.
February 5, 2025
Oh this series is fun, easy and keeps you enthralled without giving you anxiety.
I loved this story line. CJ writes some great heroines, who luckily do not get on my nerves.
On to the next..... I am a little worried about the "other sister" storyline, but I'm going to trust this author to not do me dirty.
I loved this story line. CJ writes some great heroines, who luckily do not get on my nerves.
On to the next..... I am a little worried about the "other sister" storyline, but I'm going to trust this author to not do me dirty.
January 30, 2026
Gotta love the perfect mix of romance and storytelling. Archer does a great job in all her books, this is no exception. An assassin loses his memory and a good lady helps him remember himself while falling in love with the big strong broody man. Will he remember who he is? Will she get the man? What will happen next? Grab the book and a good cup of tea and find out.
January 20, 2020
Amnesia romances are my jam, so I had high hopes going in—unfortunately, the amnesia resulted in a rather large age difference between the hero and heroine (mentally albeit not physically), which I just couldn’t get around?
May 10, 2021
Another tale of the love of a good woman can turn a murderer into a gentleman. This one had a twist though...the murderer didn’t remember he was a murderer for most of the book. It had tie ins with the first book, which was nice. I don’t know if I will read the third installment.
February 17, 2025
I love this series! The characters are so well developed they seem like real people. They all have well developed back stories. Vengeance, love, despair, forgiveness all fit. And the narrators are amazing. I’m ready for the next story!
October 10, 2019
Great book, couldn’t put it down.
April 12, 2020
Cole was a dark soul but meeting Lucy changed it all. Good book .
June 14, 2021
Steamy bits - great for a summer fling read :)
January 22, 2022
Easy book to listen to for an escape.
October 25, 2022
The book is about 3-3.5⭐️ but The narration bumped it up to 4 ⭐️ since they deserve 5.
January 10, 2024
** 278 pages
Read
January 26, 20249:16
March 3, 2024
A bit silly
July 2, 2024
This retreads the same ground as the first novel in the series except with the twist of (badly done) amnesia.
July 9, 2021
I listened to this on Audiobooks and it was wonderful!
May 5, 2022
Laugh out Loud steamy corny and fun. ;)
October 25, 2013
Book Review- The Rebel by C.J. Archer
This the second book in the Assassin Guild series. It picks up where the first one ended. Orlando and Susanna Holt have settled on their estate, preparing for the arrival of their first child. Their lovely neighbor is Lucy Cowdrey. She lives on the Cowdrey farm with her brother Henry, who took over the farm after their cousins tried to kill Orlando Holt in the first book. Lucy visits with Mrs. Holt frequently given her pregnancy. She is an excellent companion and wants to prove that not all Cowdreys are the same.
One day Lucy is walking home from her visit when she encounters a strange man in a meadow. He ignores her completely until she steps in a hole and trips. The next thing she knows he is helping her to her feet. His hat blocks his face and she is unable to see him clearly. They have a discussion about manners and the removal of his hat, which he refuses to do. Lucy leaves in a huff thinking he is the rudest man ever. She is determined to forget the encounter.
The rudest man ever is named Cole. He is a dark man with many secrets. He is on his way to visit the Holts when he meets Lucy. Cole doesn’t want anyone to notice him or remember him. He wants to be a shadow and blend in. His mission didn’t go as planned and he needs to get some distance.
Unfortunately he is accosted, beaten and left for dead in a meadow. Lucy happens upon him while picking wild flowers. She recognizes him as the man she saw earlier but his demeanor has changed. He isn’t as gruff or rude as he was when she first saw him. Cole doesn’t remember anything from his recent life. He thinks he is eighteen and still living with his father in Kent. He remembers nothing of his mission and who he has become.
Lucy vows to care for him and help him regain his memories. She also will take him home to Kent if the need arises.
While she cares for him, they get to know each other and their feelings start to grow. As his memories start to return his darkness invades what the two have developed and questions the trust they have built with each other. Lucy’s life will never be the same and neither will her heart.
I liked this book. It was an intriguing story about an actual group of assassins. Then having one of their own be beaten over the head where his memories are gone and he has no real clue what he is. It was fun to watch the transformation of Cole from assassin to patient to assassin. The conflicting light and dark side of the character gave true depth to Cole. The reader may not really like him at first but learns to when he can’t remember who he is.
Then Lucy is a fabulous character. She is smart and sassy, a perfect match for Cole. Her lightness of heart is ideal for Cole’s darkness. I think that it balanced the story and made them compatible even though they were opposites. I recommend this book to anyone who likes history, mystery and romance all rolled into one. I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
This the second book in the Assassin Guild series. It picks up where the first one ended. Orlando and Susanna Holt have settled on their estate, preparing for the arrival of their first child. Their lovely neighbor is Lucy Cowdrey. She lives on the Cowdrey farm with her brother Henry, who took over the farm after their cousins tried to kill Orlando Holt in the first book. Lucy visits with Mrs. Holt frequently given her pregnancy. She is an excellent companion and wants to prove that not all Cowdreys are the same.
One day Lucy is walking home from her visit when she encounters a strange man in a meadow. He ignores her completely until she steps in a hole and trips. The next thing she knows he is helping her to her feet. His hat blocks his face and she is unable to see him clearly. They have a discussion about manners and the removal of his hat, which he refuses to do. Lucy leaves in a huff thinking he is the rudest man ever. She is determined to forget the encounter.
The rudest man ever is named Cole. He is a dark man with many secrets. He is on his way to visit the Holts when he meets Lucy. Cole doesn’t want anyone to notice him or remember him. He wants to be a shadow and blend in. His mission didn’t go as planned and he needs to get some distance.
Unfortunately he is accosted, beaten and left for dead in a meadow. Lucy happens upon him while picking wild flowers. She recognizes him as the man she saw earlier but his demeanor has changed. He isn’t as gruff or rude as he was when she first saw him. Cole doesn’t remember anything from his recent life. He thinks he is eighteen and still living with his father in Kent. He remembers nothing of his mission and who he has become.
Lucy vows to care for him and help him regain his memories. She also will take him home to Kent if the need arises.
While she cares for him, they get to know each other and their feelings start to grow. As his memories start to return his darkness invades what the two have developed and questions the trust they have built with each other. Lucy’s life will never be the same and neither will her heart.
I liked this book. It was an intriguing story about an actual group of assassins. Then having one of their own be beaten over the head where his memories are gone and he has no real clue what he is. It was fun to watch the transformation of Cole from assassin to patient to assassin. The conflicting light and dark side of the character gave true depth to Cole. The reader may not really like him at first but learns to when he can’t remember who he is.
Then Lucy is a fabulous character. She is smart and sassy, a perfect match for Cole. Her lightness of heart is ideal for Cole’s darkness. I think that it balanced the story and made them compatible even though they were opposites. I recommend this book to anyone who likes history, mystery and romance all rolled into one. I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
January 25, 2015
Cole's heart is dark.
He's a mystery, even to those closest to him in the Assassins Guild. All anyone really knows for sure is that he's ruthless, grim, and cares little for his own life. So when he loses his memory during an attack and thinks himself a naive eighteen year-old again, no one can really believe the transformation. But as his memory returns, so do the nightmares and the dark reality of who he has become.
Lucy's world is bright.
When gentle-natured Lucy falls in love with the damaged stranger, she thinks him a smiling, amiable gentleman. But rumors of a murder in the nearby village have her suspecting that her patient may be hiding a terrible secret.
Can opposites really attract?
What will happen when Cole regains his memory and his past catches up to him?
I expected a little bit more from this book and Cole and Lucy's story.
The fact that he was part of the Assassins Guild had made me hope maybe in some more action and adventure perhaps, but so it was.
Cole's mysterious past, which he keeps hidden even to thohistorical called his friends, is very intriguing and discover what happened to him,thanks to flashbacks that come to mind with nightmares was a nice idea of author and helped keep alive the interest while I was reading it.
Lucy is a very cute character, sometimes funny, but especially courageous and strong-minded, but something didn't impressed me towards them as a couple.
If I have to be honest I was more curious about the other components of the Assassins Guild and I would love to read their stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and C.J.Archer for the book.
RATING: 3 stelle
TITLE: The Rebel
AUTHOR: C.J. Archer
SERIES: Assassins Guild #2
The books in the Assassins Guild series are:
#1 The Charmer
#2 The Rebel
#3 The Saint
#4 The Sinner
Mi aspettavo qualcosina di più da questo libro e dalla storia di Cole e Lucy.
Il fatto che lui facesse parte dell'Assassins Guild mi aveva fatto sperare forse in un po' più di azione e avventura forse, ma così non è stato.
Il passato misterioso di Cole, che lui tiene nascosto anche a quelli che si reputano suoi amici, è molto intrigante e scoprire cosa gli era successo grazie a dei flashback che gli tornano alla mente grazie a degli incubi è stata una bella idea della autrice e ha aiutato a mantenere vivo l'interesse durante la lettura.
Lucy è un personaggio molto carino, a volte divertente, ma soprattutto coraggiosa e decisa, ma qualcosa non è scattato dentro di me nei loro confronti come coppia.
Se devo essere onesta mi hanno incuriosito più gli altri componenti della Assassins Guild e mi piacerebbe leggere le loro storie.
Ringrazio Netgalley e C.J.Archer per il libro.
VOTO: 3 stelle
TITOLO: The Rebel
AUTRICE: C.J. Archer
SERIE: Assassins Guild #2
He's a mystery, even to those closest to him in the Assassins Guild. All anyone really knows for sure is that he's ruthless, grim, and cares little for his own life. So when he loses his memory during an attack and thinks himself a naive eighteen year-old again, no one can really believe the transformation. But as his memory returns, so do the nightmares and the dark reality of who he has become.
Lucy's world is bright.
When gentle-natured Lucy falls in love with the damaged stranger, she thinks him a smiling, amiable gentleman. But rumors of a murder in the nearby village have her suspecting that her patient may be hiding a terrible secret.
Can opposites really attract?
What will happen when Cole regains his memory and his past catches up to him?
I expected a little bit more from this book and Cole and Lucy's story.
The fact that he was part of the Assassins Guild had made me hope maybe in some more action and adventure perhaps, but so it was.
Cole's mysterious past, which he keeps hidden even to thohistorical called his friends, is very intriguing and discover what happened to him,thanks to flashbacks that come to mind with nightmares was a nice idea of author and helped keep alive the interest while I was reading it.
Lucy is a very cute character, sometimes funny, but especially courageous and strong-minded, but something didn't impressed me towards them as a couple.
If I have to be honest I was more curious about the other components of the Assassins Guild and I would love to read their stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and C.J.Archer for the book.
RATING: 3 stelle
TITLE: The Rebel
AUTHOR: C.J. Archer
SERIES: Assassins Guild #2
The books in the Assassins Guild series are:
#1 The Charmer
#2 The Rebel
#3 The Saint
#4 The Sinner
Mi aspettavo qualcosina di più da questo libro e dalla storia di Cole e Lucy.
Il fatto che lui facesse parte dell'Assassins Guild mi aveva fatto sperare forse in un po' più di azione e avventura forse, ma così non è stato.
Il passato misterioso di Cole, che lui tiene nascosto anche a quelli che si reputano suoi amici, è molto intrigante e scoprire cosa gli era successo grazie a dei flashback che gli tornano alla mente grazie a degli incubi è stata una bella idea della autrice e ha aiutato a mantenere vivo l'interesse durante la lettura.
Lucy è un personaggio molto carino, a volte divertente, ma soprattutto coraggiosa e decisa, ma qualcosa non è scattato dentro di me nei loro confronti come coppia.
Se devo essere onesta mi hanno incuriosito più gli altri componenti della Assassins Guild e mi piacerebbe leggere le loro storie.
Ringrazio Netgalley e C.J.Archer per il libro.
VOTO: 3 stelle
TITOLO: The Rebel
AUTRICE: C.J. Archer
SERIE: Assassins Guild #2
November 2, 2013
A nice, good read. I enjoyed reading The Rebel. Unfortunately, it was a little underwhelming as a whole. I liked it, but I didn't love it.
Lucy was an okay heroine. I liked that she had the strength and will to stand by Cole no matter what happened. She wasn't going to abandon him for anything. But, she was a bit of a watering pot. She cried so much, it became irritating. I've read a few of C.J. Archer's books and her heroines are usually tough and strong, without being shrewish, which is one of the reasons I usually like her books so much. Lucy didn't quite fit the bill. She cried for most of the book and she could really be a shrew. What annoyed me the most is how she got angry when Cole's old friends told him how he was before the accident: moody, private, and standoffish. She got all offended, saying they didn't know Cole like she did. Woman, you only knew him for a few days, in which he was acting out of character because of a head injury. What made you think you know him better than the friends he's know for years? She wasn't my favorite heroine, but I was okay with her. If anything, I respected that she would stand by what she believed in, no matter the cost.
Cole was, again, okay. I liked him and I thought he was a sweet man with a lot of depth. I felt like I couldn't quite grasp his character, though. He went from a ruthless assassin, to an innocent teenage boy, to a mix of the two when he regained his memory. So, I wasn't quite sure who exactly Cole/Nick was. But, I did really like him. I thought he was strong, clever, and extremely devoted to what he cared about.
The romance was sweet, not really much spice in it. I didn't really get into the romance, possibly because I didn't quite connect to the characters. But, overall, I thought it was sweet and lovely.
The plot was good. It wasn't particularly fast paced, but neither was it slow enough that I got bored. I wasn't completely hooked, but I was kept interested the entire way through. I enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was lovely.
The Rebel was a good read. It wasn't my favorite, but I did enjoy it. If you want a nice read to pass the time, then you might want to check this book out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Lucy was an okay heroine. I liked that she had the strength and will to stand by Cole no matter what happened. She wasn't going to abandon him for anything. But, she was a bit of a watering pot. She cried so much, it became irritating. I've read a few of C.J. Archer's books and her heroines are usually tough and strong, without being shrewish, which is one of the reasons I usually like her books so much. Lucy didn't quite fit the bill. She cried for most of the book and she could really be a shrew. What annoyed me the most is how she got angry when Cole's old friends told him how he was before the accident: moody, private, and standoffish. She got all offended, saying they didn't know Cole like she did. Woman, you only knew him for a few days, in which he was acting out of character because of a head injury. What made you think you know him better than the friends he's know for years? She wasn't my favorite heroine, but I was okay with her. If anything, I respected that she would stand by what she believed in, no matter the cost.
Cole was, again, okay. I liked him and I thought he was a sweet man with a lot of depth. I felt like I couldn't quite grasp his character, though. He went from a ruthless assassin, to an innocent teenage boy, to a mix of the two when he regained his memory. So, I wasn't quite sure who exactly Cole/Nick was. But, I did really like him. I thought he was strong, clever, and extremely devoted to what he cared about.
The romance was sweet, not really much spice in it. I didn't really get into the romance, possibly because I didn't quite connect to the characters. But, overall, I thought it was sweet and lovely.
The plot was good. It wasn't particularly fast paced, but neither was it slow enough that I got bored. I wasn't completely hooked, but I was kept interested the entire way through. I enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was lovely.
The Rebel was a good read. It wasn't my favorite, but I did enjoy it. If you want a nice read to pass the time, then you might want to check this book out.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
February 27, 2018
True rating: 3.5 stars
Why I picked up this book:
I adore C. J. Archer’s Glass and Steel series, and I’m eagerly awaiting her 5th installment, but I wanted to try one of her more adult novels.
After reading The Charmer, I absolutely fell in love with Cole’s character. So naturally, once I knew there was a book about him, I picked it up right away.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
I loved Cole’s darkness, when he was dark. He has this brilliant stubborn, gruff, no-nonsense type persona, and I absolutely adored it.
I also really like the tie-in to the Cowdrey family from the first novel in the series, and that this book explored a little more of the Sutton Grange area. And you get to see a few of the characters from The Charmer, which is great. I look forward to seeing more of everyone in the next two books.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
This is purely subjective, but I didn’t like that much of this book focused on Cole as an 18-year-old. It’s great backstory, but he was just too childish and naive for my tastes. Dark-hearted, rebel Cole is a much more interesting character. Chances are someone else feels different.
I didn’t connect at all with Lucy’s character. She was interesting at first, but after three days descended into clingy, needy, girlfriend mode. It dissolved all the romantic tension and I was secretly hoping she’d accidentally get shot. *Sorry* Again, this is purely subjective on my part. Her character seemed badly mismatched with the real Cole.
The last 25% of the book was rushed. I would have liked to see a lot more tension, grounding, and sensory detail to smooth out the pacing.
Overall:
Overall this was an enjoyable read, but I think I wanted more from this book. I was disappointed with the ending, especially how things closed out with Cole’s father and brother. It was all a little too neat. Though, if Archer ever wrote an exploration of Cole’s descent into darkness after leaving home, I’d probably be all over it. I have a love of dark and self-destructive characters.
Why I picked up this book:
I adore C. J. Archer’s Glass and Steel series, and I’m eagerly awaiting her 5th installment, but I wanted to try one of her more adult novels.
After reading The Charmer, I absolutely fell in love with Cole’s character. So naturally, once I knew there was a book about him, I picked it up right away.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
I loved Cole’s darkness, when he was dark. He has this brilliant stubborn, gruff, no-nonsense type persona, and I absolutely adored it.
I also really like the tie-in to the Cowdrey family from the first novel in the series, and that this book explored a little more of the Sutton Grange area. And you get to see a few of the characters from The Charmer, which is great. I look forward to seeing more of everyone in the next two books.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
This is purely subjective, but I didn’t like that much of this book focused on Cole as an 18-year-old. It’s great backstory, but he was just too childish and naive for my tastes. Dark-hearted, rebel Cole is a much more interesting character. Chances are someone else feels different.
I didn’t connect at all with Lucy’s character. She was interesting at first, but after three days descended into clingy, needy, girlfriend mode. It dissolved all the romantic tension and I was secretly hoping she’d accidentally get shot. *Sorry* Again, this is purely subjective on my part. Her character seemed badly mismatched with the real Cole.
The last 25% of the book was rushed. I would have liked to see a lot more tension, grounding, and sensory detail to smooth out the pacing.
Overall:
Overall this was an enjoyable read, but I think I wanted more from this book. I was disappointed with the ending, especially how things closed out with Cole’s father and brother. It was all a little too neat. Though, if Archer ever wrote an exploration of Cole’s descent into darkness after leaving home, I’d probably be all over it. I have a love of dark and self-destructive characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews