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He helped to find her kidnapped friends. Will he let her steal his heart?

Kimcasha has lived by her wits since she lost her family when she was eight years old. So when three of her friends vanish, she has no fear about using herself as kidnapper's bait, until a stranger foils her plot...

After ten years of selling his services in a brothel, Onca has decided to retire. A refugee of planet Zetith, he has no family, no surname, and no woman-until he rescues a young homeless girl from a kidnapper. Onca helps Kim find her friends, but as their intense attraction deepens, he begins feeling too jaded for someone so innocent. It's up to Kim to convince him otherwise...

415 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2014

24 people are currently reading
702 people want to read

About the author

Cheryl Brooks

46 books432 followers
Cheryl Brooks is a former critical care nurse turned romance writer. Her Cat Star Chronicles series includes Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, Stud, Wildcat, and Rebel. Her Cowboy Heaven series includes the Cowboy Delight novella and the Cowboy Heaven novel. Her self-published works include Sex Love and a Purple Bikini, Midnight in Reno, and the Unlikely Lovers series, which includes Unbridled, Uninhibited, Undeniable, and Unrivaled. As a member of the Sextet, she has also published several erotic novellas with Siren/Bookstrand. She is a member of RWA and IRWA and lives with her husband, two sons, two horses, four cats, and one dog in rural Indiana. You can visit her online at https://www.cherylbrooksonline.com/ or email her at cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com.

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5 stars
187 (35%)
4 stars
202 (38%)
3 stars
112 (21%)
2 stars
26 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy James.
Author 41 books271 followers
November 10, 2013
I have the privilege of being Cheryl's critique partner, the biggest benefit being that I get to read her books before everyone else! Rebel is one of her best stories! You are all in for a treat when this releases!
Profile Image for Cheryl Brooks.
Author 46 books432 followers
June 29, 2014
I'm the author, so of course I loved the book! Onca is one of my all-time favorite heroes, and the feisty Kimcasha Shrovenach makes a great counterpart for him! If you enjoy sweet romance, fast-paced futuristic sci-fi with plenty of action, adventure, mystery, humor, and sizzling hot sex, this REBEL is for YOU!
1,122 reviews302 followers
July 15, 2014
Rebel is a thrilling sci-fi romance that keeps readers on a roller coaster ride of action and passion. Kimcasha has lived by her wits since she was eight and now that three of her friends have gone missing has no problem setting herself up as bait to find them. Onca is a refugee on planet Zeith with no family, no surname and no woman and feels that he is too jaded to have someone so innocent.

This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on the edge of their seat with lots of action, suspense, drama and romance. The author brings the story to life with well written scenes and details that capture the imagination and invites the reader to join the characters in their adventure. Tensions build as Onca tries to help Kim find her missing friends and things spiral out of control and the strong compelling characters are easily related to and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning.

The attraction between Onca and Kim burns up the pages with its fiery intensity and the sex scenes explode with red hot passion. The relationship is a slow process though as Kim’s situation doesn’t provide much background for trust much less romance and the excitement of the search and the rescue keeps has them both a little busy. Help from several of Onca’s friends adds some depth, spice and drama to the story as well a few chuckles from some snarky comments.

The author has created a fascinating world of intriguing aliens with unique sexual elements and characteristics that continue to surprise the reader and entice them into wanting to know more. Twists and turns keep the readers guessing in this book and Kim and Onca are two characters that captivated me from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next Cat Star Chronicle adventure.
- Eva
Profile Image for Heather Fortman.
125 reviews46 followers
May 6, 2015
Rebel by Cheryl Brooks
Absolutely Astounding! A++++!

I read Rebel partly while I was at a book convention (where I managed to get an early copy!) and then again when I got home. I took my time reading it, savoring each word because honestly, this book deserves it! Much like Cheryl Brooks’ other books, these are books you’re going to read over and over and over again! I think I’ve read each one about 10 times minimum and not just the ones in this series either! Onca is a sweet heart, attempting to put on the “I don’t care” face while obviously falling for Kim and helping to save the day. Of course you can’t have a Cat Start book without Jack and Cat in them!

One minute you’ll be laughing at the antics of the characters, the next you’ll be tempted to throw the book across the room in a fit of anger, or maybe even sobbing at a particularly sad part; but you’ll always want to pick up the book and finish reading it! I found myself saying “Just one more page/chapter” CONSTNATLY and had to consciously set the book down just to get a few hours of sleep! I won’t leave any spoilers (personally can’t stand when a review has them!) but I will say this; you will NOT regret buying this one! In fact, I’ve been known to buy a copy for my mom because I got her hooked on them as well!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,805 reviews240 followers
June 6, 2014
It has been a little while since I have read a book in this series. When I saw this book, I thought it was time to jump back into this series. I am so sorry it took me so long to do so. I love these books. The men are sexy as sin and the women are strong, independent women. Together they make a good couples together. Just like Onca and Kim. They are one of my top favorite couples in this series. Who knew that a "hooker" like Onca had a heart of gold. Kim, she was a feisty one. This is why I liked her. She may be small but good things do come in small packages. The storyline for this book was gritty but it did have a happy ending. It was great to see Jack again. She brings the party everywhere she goes. Plus, she always has something witty to say. Rebel is the cat's meow! It is sexy and out of this world a delicious read!
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews28 followers
June 19, 2014
Originally reviewed for Tea and Book.

A race almost destroyed by a genocidal maniac bent on revenge. Their very planet destroyed. Only a handful survived and they have been rebuilding ever since. Cheryl Brooks writes an intensely fun tale about how those survivors have adapted.

Kimcasha hid while her family was killed when she was only eight years old. Since then she has lived on the streets gathering a family of her own. Kim is strong and determined to protect those she loves, never again. Except her friends have begun disappearing and Kim wants to know why. Attacked and almost captured herself, Kim finds herself relying on a gorgeous man with an interesting profession.

Onca was one of the children saved when his planet was destroyed he spent his childhood in space with no memories of his family or name. As a way to make money he and two friends opened a brothel..which quickly became one of the most desirous places. One by one his friends found their mates and left the business. Now Onca is alone and worn out. Deciding to take a long vacation or quit (he's not quite sure), Onca is on his way home. When he sees a disgusting ugly thug attacking a child. Onca is determined to stop it. Only to discover that she's not a child AND she is one of the rare females of his race. Poor Onca is instantly lost...

Onca and Kim are now combined in their mission, determined to find her missing friends. It's fun to get to know the assortment of characters that come to their aid. Strong individuals with their own particular brand of honor.

While they are searching for the missing girls Onca and Kim start to act on their attraction. It's hard on Onca because he feels lifetimes older. Wondering if maybe she could do better, if she is confusing desire with a need to learn about her people. It doesn't help that some of his off world friends keep telling him, he is right and not to get attached.

So together they are forming a relationship, searching for the missing girls and stumbling into a world of politics, corruption and greed. Typical day in the park... *grins*

This was book was the 10th in Ms. Brooks' Cat Star Chronicles..and yes, I am going back track and read the first nine books. Why wouldn't I? It's an excellent series.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Rebel, provided by NetGalley and scheduled for release on July 1, 2014
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews441 followers
August 17, 2015
The Cat Star Series is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine because its silly and over the top. This one is silly and over the top as well. It sweet in places, hot in others, and eye rolling in other places.

The main love story is a bit of a ping pong of feelings for both of them which makes sense because they were both stunted emotionially ut doesn't make for the best read.

The cast of secondaries is a fun mix. I do long for a spin off romance with the Avian Clones. Yes, I do.

I wish these were so pricey and were still shareable so I wouldn't have any guilty over my enjoyment of these but if you are looking for a fun read these are good even though this one handles some dark subject matter without a lot of skill which lessened my enjoyment.
Profile Image for T.C.Winters T.C.Winters.
Author 2 books36 followers
July 1, 2014
Hot, hot, hot! Gotta love a guy who can purr. Great story premise and excellent characters. Cheryl's world building abilities are out of this world. A must read for the romance fan!
Profile Image for Virginia Boylan.
431 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2022
This book is an interesting change from the usual sci-fi romance. Rather than being space-based, it all takes place on an alien planet with more alien races than I could keep track of. There are also a lot characters to keep track of, most of whom are each a different race. I’ve long been curious why, despite being sophisticated space-faring races, so many fictional aliens retain primitive mating instincts, especially for life-mate bonding. Scent and sex seem to be the primary means for this book’s (and the entire series’) hero and heroine to establish a lifelong partnership bond. They go from total strangers to bonded mates when they’ve barely decided whether they like each other. I found the sex scenes more tasteful and satisfying than erotic, and was surprised not to be bothered by the constant and casually blunt use of a word usually applied negatively. What did bother me was that none of Onca’s friends seemed to even like him, let alone respect him, yet they were loyally willing to sacrifice for him and his cause. The characters also spent too much time strategizing and ruminating, even in the middle of action scenes. Despite such weaknesses, I won’t hesitate to read other books in this series.
Profile Image for LaRosa Hjort.
14 reviews
February 20, 2020
A man who spent years working in a brothel is finally tired of one-night stands, now thinking of retiring; But a young woman drops in his life and changes any plans he might have had for his future! Now in a race against time to find out what's happening to the street kids, this unlikely duo rush into the unknown! Read this book to find out just who turned Onca's life inside out!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
580 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2023
Not my favorite of this series, but a satisfying ending to a fun series of very trashy romance novels.
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,884 reviews210 followers
July 3, 2014
Is this really the tenth book in this fun sci fi series? I'm amazed as truthfully it doesn't feel as if I've been reading these fabulous stories for that long but obviously time really does fly when you are having fun! When you pick up a book in the Cat Star Chronicles it's time to suspend reality and just go with the flow. These stories will entertain , delight and surprise you but most of all they will titilate your imagination as these amazing characters each find their special someone.
Kim has lived on the streets since she was very young and knows that nowhere is really safe. She has made friends with others who like herself have no place to really call home but some of her friends have just disappeared leaving no trace behind and Kim is desperate to find out the truth.
Onca has no memory of his family or indeed his planet. He only knows that he's one of the few of his race left and survival for them all is vital. He has spent his life with those he trusts working in a brothel but he's at a turning point and is no longer sure that he wants to continue servicing strangers. What he hadn't expected was to find a child being attacked but this child is not what he thought. Kim is no child and more importantly she is a female of his own race! Everything that makes Onca male sits up and begs to be noticed because what Onca feels for Kim is astounding! She is everything he has ever wanted and yet never dreamed he could have. Protecting her is essential but getting her to trust him might not be easy. Once Onca learns of the harsh existence Kim has lived he wants to help but getting to the truth and finding her friends may take them to places that Onca doesn't really want Kim to see. Worse he wants her so much but knows that he is far too old and worldly for her, or is he?
Onca is just so sweet and although that may sound as if he is not a very butch hero believe me when I say that he is a truly beautiful person both inside and out. These stories are always a joy to read with outrageous plots and situations that just pull the reader in. I loved all the diverse characters in this story and it's great to see old time favourite characters have cameos . Onca is as usual in these stories a very sexy guy but he just doesn't see himself as worthy and even contemplates the idea of a much younger male being more suitable for Kim! Luckily Kim is a feisty little thing who is prepared to go after what she wants and what she wants is to keep Onca! But don't think this is just a sexy romance as it's far more than that. This book touches on the decidedly unsavoury world of forced prostituition and slavery as the couple race to save those at risk.
So a future where genicide is all too real. Creatures that will amaze , enthrall and even repel the reader. A sentient computer and invisible space cruisers are just some of the amazing things that Ms Brooks imagines. This may be book ten but the author has clearly not run out of ideas . If you like reading a fast paced story with endearing characters then you will surely enjoy all the fun that Rebel bestows !
Profile Image for E..
2,072 reviews22 followers
October 2, 2014
4.5 stars

“Rebel” by Cheryl Brooks is a delicious addition to the sensual ‘Cat Star Chronicles’ series that features the displaced Zetithians who are gradually finding one another. Onca has retired from his demanding position operating his popular and exclusive brothel, The Palace, but his search for a purpose in life didn’t exactly include rescuing the homeless of the City of Damenk. A chance encounter with Kimcasha Shrovenach (Kim), stuns Onca, and threatens to turn his hedonistic life into one that he risks for a ‘cause’, but will he be too noble to reap the benefits of his actions? Fortunately he has his assistant Roncas as well as his friends, Jack Tshevnoe and Cat, plus other unexpected allies to help him, but he will have to make his own decision about how much he is willing to sacrifice to accomplish his new goals.



Part of the charm of this series is the unabashed carnality that is highlighted even as the poignant histories of the various characters is revealed. The joy of discovering that a horrific attempt at genocide has failed is tempered by the angst and challenges that the survivors have had to overcome in their lives and it is impressive that the author has been able to convey so many fascinating stories throughout the series. It was quite entertaining to watch Onca adjust to the idea that his allure is not quite as universal as he thought and to see his effectiveness at convincing others to join in the cause that he suddenly becomes embroiled in. The brief cameos of other favorites from this series whetted my appetite to look for some of the rest of the books and reminded me that I need to catch up with the adventures of other Zetithians. This can be read as a stand-alone book, but once you become intrigued by the delightful combination of sexiness, humor and emotionalism, you will undoubtedly be bestirred to explore more in this fascinating universe created by a wonderfully talented and prolific author and become tempted by her books in other genres as well.


I was fortunate to win a copy of this title.
Profile Image for Proserpine.
265 reviews50 followers
July 30, 2014
Rebel; wish I had the chance to read the previous books! I love a good paranormal romance but the ones mixed with science fiction don’t really appeal me. I wanted to give rebel by Cheryl Brooks a try, since I could read it as a stand-alone, I jumped at the occasion.

Rebel is the 10th books from the Cat Star Chronicles. I was afraid to be lost between the past and the characters, but Brooks made it easy for me to navigate through Rebel and learn a bit more about the previous books and characters.

The plot was so interesting and intriguing that I almost forgot that it was a Paranormal/Sci-fi/Romance. From the first pages, the author throws the readers into the action. Oncas and Kim were meant to be together and not only because they are one of the only members of their race. This relation can be seen miles away, but the plot takes Oncas and Kim on different levels, adventures and discoveries.

The plot includes kidnapped streets girls which was pretty intense. It took a lot of space in this book and I enjoyed this story wasn't only focused on the growing relationship between the two main characters. Since Kim is a street girl, few people worry about her. This makes the character Kim endearing and friendly. She still a strong woman attached to her friends dearly!

I also liked the fact that Kim is not aware that her race was wiped out and very few member of her planet had survived, including Oncas.

Oncas is a very interesting character for his lifestyle and work choices. It seems that Zetithian males have intense sexual talents! Oncas has exploited these natural talents to live. It is in high demand, but in Rebel, Oncas take his retirement to the chagrin of the ladies!

Rebel is exactly my kind of reading and the Sci-fi aspect is a plus! I loved it! I recommend this title to all those fans of paranormal romance looking for a little something different to read, but just as exciting!
Profile Image for TINNGG.
1,242 reviews20 followers
October 14, 2014
More of a 3.5 just because...

Onca has issues. He was tossed on the rescue ship as an infant (why him and not his siblings? They reproduce in litters of three here.). All the rescuer was told was his first name. He has no identity. Even better, since most of the Zetithians on the ship were male, the females were exceedingly choosy, so a redhead with all the grace of your average neanderthal was pretty much overlooked.

As I said, he has issues. So the h is a fellow Zetithian who has grown up on the streets. She's a bit younger than him, so he "thinks" he's too old, too jaded, too insert dumb reason here...for her. But, she's his mate. So dummy is trying not to form an attachment so she won't bond with him and can thus bond with a more appropriate mate. Emmm...doesn't work like that, and it's a blooming miracle she didn't lose her temper and bite him for more reasons than the one she did.

In the meantime...he's helping her locate and rescue her friends.

For once, the MWOP wasn't called meat. You know, it's too bad the series is only about the Zetithians. Some of the other species are interesting too.

My issue... the H has impregnated a lot of women. In Lynx's book, as a teen, he'd been implanted with something that rendered him sterile (I think it eventually wore off). Why, considering the business these guys were in, did they not voluntarily do this? I get the whole endangered species thing here but it seems very irresponsible to just...let it happen.
Profile Image for Paranormal Kiss.
899 reviews43 followers
July 1, 2014
Rebel is the 10th book in the Cat Star Chronicles. I haven’t read the books leading up to this one and I had no problems following along. Rebel focuses on Onca and Kim. Onca is a hooker and has taken a vacation from the business to decide if he wants to retire. Kim is an orphan who has lived on the streets since she was 10 years old. Three of her friends have gone missing and all she wants to do is find and save them. Onca sees her being attacked and believes she is a child so he saves her. Thus begins their story.

Kim is 22 years old and has been malnourished and underfed for so long that she is tiny. So much so that every time someone meets her they think she is a child. Initially I found this to be off-putting in terms of the romance, especially since Onca thought she looked about half her age and she had to convince him no, she is really 22. Happily, I was able to forget that and picture her as a tiny 22 year old adult, especially since she acted like one.

Anyway, the plot was an interesting one. An unlikely group of heroes band together, to try and save Kim’s friends. The story is amusing, steamy and fast paced. Though I would have preferred a little less sex and a little more relationship time. The story takes place over such a short time period that the relationship comes together very quickly. Regardless, it was still an absorbing story with endearing and likable characters. All in all, I would consider it to be a good read.
Profile Image for 8o's.
441 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2015
Rebel is Cheryl Brook's tenth book in her Cat Star Chronicles series. Cheryl has mentioned several times that this is the last book in this series. Am I sad to read this? Absolutely but on the other hand I think this book is the perfect ending to a wonderful series.

In Rebel, Kim is an orphan living on the streets of a planet that specializes in brothels. Several of Kim's friends are missing and is believed to have been kidnapped and forced into prostitution. Onca, a Zetithian who just retired from a brothel, saves Kim from being kidnapped. Unfortunately Kim was trying to get kidnapped so she could find her friends. Onca after realizing Kim is also a Zetithian insists on helping her find her friends. Of course with all of the Cat Star books, lots of interesting side characters are involved.

I absolutely loved this book. Onca and Kim were great characters and I loved how their romance blossomed. As a huge fan of this series, I loved the cameos of most of my favorite characters from past books. Jack and Cat are still my fave characters and I do love how Jack appeared in the crowd in one of her scenes. Overall, this book is the perfect ending to a great sci-fi romance series! Highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews194 followers
July 10, 2014
In this the 10th installment in the "Cat Star Chronicales" series Onca, the last remaining Zetithian owner of "Tha Palace," is all set to 'retire' when he stumbles into a kidnapping in progress. The victim, who he mistakenly thinks is a child, turns out to be a purebred adult Zetithian female who has been living on the streets since her own family was murdered. Rather than being grateful for being rescued Kim is angry at his interference. Turns out homeless street girls, including some she considers her friends, are disappearing and Kim means to find and rescue them.


The overall series has been a a hit/miss for me in terms of being a fan. It's kind of like when things are good, they're really good, and when they're bad, I struggle to finish. This is one of the ones I struggled with. I'm sure there are a high degree of fans for this book but for me it was way too busy with details and secondary fluff to the point I found myself doing the fast forward multiple times. My personal opinion is that this book was a generous three star for me. Can't say much more than that.
Profile Image for Karen.
207 reviews
July 25, 2014
3.5 stars. I received a free advance copy and had not read any of the series. So it was initially tough for me to get into the whole theme, backstory, etc. I'm not a fan of the multiple alien races, guess I had envisioned this as more of a fantasy novel. So trying to keep up with what species all these characters were of how/if it was vital to the Kim Onca story wasn't worth it, so I skimmed some of that. But the plot, the romance was very well written. Very strong storylines and I enjoyed is author.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews43 followers
July 25, 2014
Rebel is a thrilling sci-fi romance that keeps readers on a roller coaster ride of action and passion. The author has created a fascinating world of intriguing aliens with unique sexual elements and characteristics that continue to surprise the reader and entice them into wanting to know more. Twists and turns keep the readers guessing in this book and Kim and Onca are two characters that captivated me from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read the next Cat Star Chronicle adventure.

See my full review at:

http://paranormalhaven.com/2014/07/bo...
Profile Image for Toni.
120 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2014
Young women being kidnapped off the street, knight in shining armor aka retired brothel owner/high-class companion, corruption, galactic romance, endangered species.

Nobody believes Onca could possible play hero and Kim doesn't trust anybody but these two unlikely allies team up to save Kim's friends. All the while the fight an unexpected attraction. Also, Kim learns about her people since her family was killed when she was 10 and Onca happens to be one of the few other Zetithian's alive since their home planet was destroyed.
Profile Image for ValerieC.
1,343 reviews56 followers
July 2, 2014
3.5 stars

This is a sweet, humorous story about the last Palace Brothel guy, Onca, and Kim, an orphan who is one of the last females of their race.

It's a fun book that will likely have you smiling now and then, not too heavy on anything...

I would recommend starting this series at the beginning as there are recurring characters and I liked the first books the best. The books are now coming out about once a year, but there are 10, so there's a lot to get into.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
July 26, 2014
I checked this book out from my local library. I was a bit disappointed in the book- I had read another book in the Cat Star chronicles series, but I didn't care for the characters or banter as much. This book seemed to drag on (especially the details for the rescue), and after awhile I got tired of listening to casual references to the sexuality of the guys who were brothel employees/owners at one point.
Profile Image for Deborah.
516 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2014
A streetwise Zetithian orphan who looks a lot younger than she is, Kim will do everything in her power to rescue her fellow homeless friends who have been kidnapped for the sex-slave trade. Onca, also Zetithian and a VERY successful brothel owner/operator, retired, will have to use all of his willpower to resist his attraction to Kim as he attempts to help her. Suspense, romance, a smokin' hot man who purrs when excited? Meowww! I always did love kitties.
Profile Image for Nibrock.
1,754 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2025
Still love this series. The men are amazing, and the women that they find just as incredible. The different way each of them meet is incredible. Good story, not too dark (it really could have been!), kept moving, even if you know the ending, you never know how you are going to end up there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews