Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Long Live the Rebel

Rate this book
Everything AJ believed about her life was built on a lie.
A shocking letter from an attorney in Washington state reveals a father she never knew and a history she’d never expected. AJ has only one path learn the truth for herself. Packing up her laptop, cat, and what’s left of her self-assurance, she sets out on a journey she didn’t want but can’t ignore.
Ryler Dean isn't ready to let go.
The only father figure he's ever had—a man he idolized—has lost his long fight with cancer. Now Ryler, a battle-hardened Army Ranger, still haunted by the pain of a mission gone horribly wrong and the ghosts of those he lost, is left to guard this man’s legacy. Including protecting the daughter his hero never got to meet. The last thing he wants is to play reluctant guardian or reopen old wounds that cut deeper than shrapnel.
When their worlds collide, sparks ignite... and tempers flare.
AJ and Ryler clash from the first heated glance—attraction warring with irritation, vulnerability with defiance. But as AJ's life as a bestselling author draws a dangerous stalker whose obsession knows no bounds, Ryler discovers the one enemy he can't walk away from. This Ranger has never backed down from a fight and he's not about to start now—not when the prize is a woman worth every risk.
In a battle for trust, healing, and a future neither saw coming, they'll learn the hardest truth of that the fiercest wars are fought for love.
Long Live the Rebel is a STEAMY (level 3) and CLOSED DOOR romantic suspense with FAITH elements featuring enemies to lovers, found family, and forced proximity tropes.

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2019

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

E.L. Irwin

6 books173 followers
Author of steamy, yet clean and closed door romances.
Classy, sassy, steamy, and clean...

A child of divorce and abuse, E. L. Irwin found escape in reading and writing. She’s a self-described romantic-rebel who wears her heart on her sleeve and tends to shoot from the hip on subjects that matter. E.L. lives in the Pacific Northwest on a small farm with her husband, children, and multiple animals. When not reading or writing romance, E.L. enjoys, riding horses, going for drives, tattoos, antique shopping, starry nights, the smell and sound of rain, a deep red wine, a smooth whisk(e)y, camping, bonfires, and hanging out with her horses, cows, chickens, ducks, and goats.

**Be sure to follow her on:
https://linktr.ee/Elirwin

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (60%)
4 stars
7 (21%)
3 stars
5 (15%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,756 reviews349 followers
January 1, 2022

AJ Adams has just discovered that her real dad was Jake Daniels and now he has passed away and left her his entire estate including a house in Sequim, Washington. I loved this book as AJ Adams happens to be a military romance writer which is pretty neat and I also love the idea of long-lost relatives and family. AJ arrives and meets the next-door neighbor and close confidante of Jake Daniels - Ryler. Most are happy for AJ except for her mother whom they have always had an up and down relationship with as she lied about Jake and a stalker fan on AJ's writing blog called Amber. What happens though when AJ is away and someone breaks into her boarding house and then decides to up the ante by killing her landlord Mrs. Carson. This part made me think about what we put online and how much of our personal life that we share as it can make us open to the wrong people as they may become obsessed. I also enjoyed the interactions between Ryler and AJ as you could see that Ryler wanted AJ but due to his PTSD and past hurt in relationships, he was vulnerable and flawed and I loved how the author portrayed this as it's nice to read about "real genuine characters". Long Live the Rebel by EL Irwin was a really enjoyable read and I found myself overall enjoying it more than I thought I would with the right amount of twists, romantic suspense, and new relationships. Long Live the Rebel by EL Irwin was my last read for 2021.
Profile Image for Jeff Bailey.
Author 2 books130 followers
June 5, 2019
Long Live The Rebel has it all, a successful young writer, AJ, going to a unknown island community to claim an unknown legacy from her estranged father, a veteran in need of someone to bring order to his life, and enough intrigue to make their attraction, well, difficult. Long Live The Rebel would make an excellent summer book club reading choice. Irwin is one of my favorite authors. Five stars, hands down. Jeff Bailey, author of Not On My Watch.
Profile Image for Samantha Woracek.
2 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2019
This book is amazing!!!! I literally could not put it down!!! I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance with some mystery thrown in!! Sooooooooooooo gooooooooooddddd!!!!!
Profile Image for Daniel Rose.
541 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2019
This book is a must read! It has the perfect balance of romance and suspense. You won't be able to put it down! I highly recommend this book and her other books.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews155 followers
Read
June 10, 2019
5 Cranky Stars


AJ was a successful author, living by the sea in California where she rented a room from Mrs. Carson. She loved where she lived and loved life. She had one best friend Harley, she didn't have much time for socialising what with her writing and her blog that kept her very busy. Then one day her life was turned upside down when she received a letter informing her that her biological father, Jake had just died and left her everything including a house and land in Washington.Her mother had said he had died when she was born.


AJ decided to go see the Attorney in Washington so she packed her car and took her cat Josephine on a road trip. Arriving she went straight to the Attorney's office for the will to be read where she finds out there are some conditions that go with the will, she had to go along with. One of them being she had to stay in his property and get to know the people he knew and read all the paperwork and letters giving her the explanations of why he never contacted her. If she decided to sell she could not sell for a year and had to give Ryler first option, Ryler had been like a son to Jake for many a year. After coming back from war, Jake had taken him under his wing. Ryler had built his own property on the edge of Jake's land.


Next stop was seeing the house, which was big and lovely inside. AJ decided to stay for a while to find out more about her father.

Now this is when you begin to think this is the usual romance story between Ryler and AJ, not wanting to admit their feelings for each other. Ryler having a lot of issues with trust etc, but oh no this now turns into a fantastic suspense/thriller book. I can't say more without giving spoilers away, this book really needs to be read!!!!


From the first page the author had me with the style of writing and the descriptive scenes then carrying on to the very last page with the suspense. I was blown away by this book.
Profile Image for Nadine Millard.
Author 76 books237 followers
June 5, 2019
This book! This. Book.

A super read. I gobbled it up!!

The intrigue, the suspense. The romance!!! 😍😍😍

A perfect summer read. An absolute must read! EL Irwin writes superbly well. She really, truly does. She is a high caliber writer and it shows.
Profile Image for Rachael | bookishlyrachael.
9 reviews
May 18, 2026
This was my first book by E.L. Irwin and I immediately binged two more of her books after I finished this one if that tells you anything. She has quickly become one of my top favorite authors of all time. Her stories are full of action, adventure, tension, yearning, passion, suspense, mystery, and so much more. They have a touch of faith and a lot of steam 🔥 but are always fade to black/closed door.

Long Live The Rebel follows AJ and Ryler as they work together to solve a mystery that involves a threat on AJ’s life. Ryler is former military and a very protective MMC while AJ is a bit stubborn at times. The combination results in lots of tension but also lots of opportunities for them to grow closer. But Ryler is holding something close that he is reluctant to share with AJ. If he wants her to trust him completely, he is going to have to open up. But will he?

The suspense in this book had me on the edge of my seat. I told the author that I even screamed at one point because I was so shocked haha. 😆 But what I loved even more than the suspense was the way AJ and Ryler fell in love. Each moment between them was beautiful and I couldn’t get enough. I almost burnt my food twice because I was so caught up in their love story that I wasn’t paying attention. 🫠

Read this one if you haven’t! It’s so good.

Thank you to the author for my copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Laura Kostad.
Author 5 books1 follower
July 9, 2019
Equal Parts Romance and Suspense make this my favorite E.L. Irwin read yet!

First, a disclaimer: in general, I’m not usually a reader of romance for the fact that one of those two elements usually get sacrificed for the other out of laziness on the author’s part, i.e. the romantic aspect is deeply felt, but the suspense-driven plot is predictable, doesn’t really grab the reader, and train wrecks by the final page. Or sometimes, even the romance itself isn’t written well, which has dissuaded me from the genre in the past.

But I found that’s not the case with Long Live the Rebel! So, fellow romance novel avoiders--readjust your assumptions, because LLTR stands and delivers!

I loved the plot of this story and its unpredictability in the sense that the “someone else watching” referred to in the book’s overview you seriously won’t be able to guess until they are revealed to you. I pride myself on being able to figure out where a story is leading or whodunnit long before the author takes you there, but in LLTR, I was stumped. A lot of suspicions, but no certainty, which really enamored me to the main characters’ joint plight.

The female and male leads themselves, I have to say, are really well-written and satisfyingly complex too, though still relatably ordinary and their budding relationship true to the bumps along the road of life. I think anyone who has lost someone and been left with unanswered questions and grief, or found themselves at a difficult life crossroads will relate to what Ryler and A.J. are each going through and the unexpected challenges that arise even when we feel like we can’t take on any more.

So grab your favorite drink and settle in for a good read; you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Paula Bothwell.
1,654 reviews45 followers
December 20, 2022
Long Live the Rebel--PG/PG13
Violence: a murder, an attempted murder
Language: fewer than 5
Sex: no sex, but the tension will drive you mad! Haha
Long lost father, wounded emotionally tortured war hero, crazy killer, writer heroine--sounds good? It is good!
8 reviews
April 28, 2026
So Good! Well written! Clean but the tension you can cut with a knife!! This author did an outstanding job. I devoured this book in 6 hours or less and stayed up entirely to late to finish it. I will definitely be reading all her other books now!!! I love there there is tension whew the tension and steam!!! It’s suspenseful, heartfelt, and all the other things But no erotic stuff! How she wrote so much thick tension without spice is beyond me! But she did it!! Totally recommend for people that are looking for a good suspenseful romance without the dirty scenes.
Profile Image for Katie .
89 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2026
This was my first book by E.L. Irwin and I LOVED IT. It is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
AJ is shocked when she gets a letter from the father she thought passed away years ago. Little did she know, her father prepared a home for her and a community of friends. Ryler wants nothing to do with AJ but when a stalker threatens her safety, he realizes just how much he cares.
If you like romantic suspense with elements of faith, this is a must read. I am so glad I gave this book a try and discovered a new author! Highly recommend!i
Profile Image for Cali Black.
Author 12 books57 followers
April 29, 2026
Two things I love

This review is short and sweet:
Great chemistry.
Great suspense.
If you love these two things you should read this book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
13 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2026
This book made my heart happy. This is my new favorite author
Profile Image for Luana Cavalcanti.
264 reviews5 followers
April 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
amei
amo a escrita. dessa autora
•dual pov
•enemies to lovers
•MMC ex-militar
•FMC escritora
•Closed door yet gritty romance
li pelo Kindle unlimited
Profile Image for Natasha .
944 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2026
What an intense read. I could not put it down. The suspense had me questioning everyone and I didn’t know how the story would end. AJ and Ryler were such strong and caring characters who could also be vulnerable and real. I really enjoyed this story and loved the little Easter eggs of past characters. Four stars
Profile Image for E.L. Irwin.
Author 6 books173 followers
Want to Read
February 25, 2026
**UPDATE/02-24-26**
Long Live the Rebel is with Beta Readers now. An updated blurb/book description has already been posted here and a NEW COVER is coming soon. New Release Date: 04-19-26 so mark your calendars.

**UPDATE/10-27-21**
Just wanted to give readers a heads up. Currently, Long Live the Rebel, is no longer available for purchase from retailers. You may purchase a signed paperback copy directly from me, however. My publisher has decided to close its doors and has reverted all rights back to me. I have recently signed with a literary agent and hope to have some re-release news for you soon. Thanks so much for your time!

*Also, when it does release, be sure to look for characters from my first two books. Just a fun little Easter Egg for you.




TEASER EXCERPT

Ryler just looked at me in silence. His gaze shifted, leaving my face and traveling in slow movements over me. Each spot his icy eyes skimmed over was like a physical touch. I'd cooled down somewhat from my earlier hike, but now with his eyes caressing me, I felt heated again, flushed.
After a moment or two, he said, "Go shower, AJ."
"What?" That wasn't at all what I'd expected from him.
"Go take a shower." His tone was even, controlled. Nothing forceful about it, but still, I found my hackles rising at the instruction, the order I heard there.
"I'm good, thanks."
"AJ, I'm trying to be courteous."
"Well, thanks, but I think I can decide for myself whether I need a shower or not."
"Fair enough. But you should know that I plan to kiss you in a moment."
"Oh." I swallowed. "Um..."
"I'm going to kiss you, AJ," he said again, making sure I'd heard him clearly.
"Um, what... why... I mean, what?" While my ears heard him just fine, and my mouth wanted to get on with the kissing, but my mind kept going back to his declaration that he just couldn't do this now. So, I hoped he could forgive my confusion. "What are you trying to say?"
"It means I'm going to spend some time kissing you, and I figure you'd prefer to be showered. It doesn't matter to me really, but I thought maybe it might matter to you."
It occurred to me then that if this was a Regency novel, I'd be the innocent, but not-so-innocent miss, and he'd be the rake who knew precisely which lines he could cross and which lines could be blurred. I'd be entirely under his thrall, clay in his capable hands. Because those words had my knees so weak I honestly wasn't sure how I was still standing.
"Last chance, AJ," he growled.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,887 reviews103 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 8, 2026
Wow, what a story! I discovered E.L. Irwin's books at the end of last year and very quickly devoured her entire (contemporary romance) backlist and found myself wanting more. Her stories offer the perfect heat level, bringing all the steam and the tension without taking it too far and I loved that! This one was absolutely no exception. The chemistry between AJ and Ryler was so perfectly done... you could feel it flying off the pages. And the emotion... my goodness, the way these two had my heart. Ryler has some demons he was fighting from his time in the military, keeping him guarded from AJ despite his obvious attraction and care for her. I loved that tension and vulnerability. And then, we add in some suspense and I couldn't step away. The romance took center stage for much of the story, but that sense of danger that was lurking kept me at the edge of my seat, especially as the action ramped up towards the end. Not only did they suspense keep my captivated, but it also allowed us all those protective MMC moments that I absolutely cannot get enough of. If you love romantic suspense, emotional romance and a protective former military hero, this is one you won't want to miss!

Long Live the Rebel is a closed-door romance with steamy kisses and implied intimacy/fade to black within a marriage. It does have minimal minor language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Vikki.
10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 6, 2026
A fantastic read and I thoroughly recommend it due to its high intensity between the FMC and MMC dynamics and the driving story behind both characters, which made me want to keep turning the page. Brilliantly weaved together of character arcs and plot, AJ's drama and Ryler's beautiful Ranger PTSD and injury pushing the story. I was rooting for him all the way and to see the end. WOW! I love the purpose of the book. The hidden gem behind it. It wasn't just a love story or entertainment. It dealt with true events, speaking to the heart of our heroes of WAR xx
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026
The internal dialogue through often leaves me giggling at how funny they are. The plot twist of how all of the characters are connected was very unexpected but beautiful. The little touch of mystery/thrill fit really well in the story! The ending was the most beautiful ending a book could ever have! Every one needs a Ryler and AJ in their life!
Profile Image for Gabriayle.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 5, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and it is amazing! This author never fails to get me out of a reading slump and this book was no different! I enjoyed every minute of this!
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 19, 2026
I was sent an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Long Live the Rebel by E.L. Irwin is a steamy closed door romantic suspense with faith elements.

AJ has received a letter from an attorney about a father she never knew. Ryler is an ex Army Ranger who is still haunted by his past. When AJ draws a dangerous stalker, Ryler is ready to protect AJ from her stalker.

E.L. Irwin has quickly become a favorite author for me. I have loved all of her books and this one was no exception. I loved the romance and how Ryler and AJ fell for each other. The suspense with AJ's stalker kept me guessing the entire book trying to figure out who the stalker was. This book had me hooked the entire time reading it and had me really annoyed that my job was taking away from my reading time.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews