What do you think?
Rate this book
Rebel Heart #1
Crimson Sin
An angel girl with a destiny.
Spike.
The feisty Crimson Sin guitarist with commitment issues, a werewolf best friend and a penchant for partying. She's a nephilim, half human and half angel. Like all undecided nephilim, she has to choose: serve the light or the dark.
Rowen.
The intriguing bass player who catches Spike's eye even though he's her competition in the annual Battle of the Bands contest. He's also an undecided nephilim and he doesn't even know it.
Arrow.
An arrogant, drug dealing frontman. A dark nephilim, it’s his job to recruit Rowen for the dark and Spike is getting in his way. But there's something he doesn't know about Rowen. Something the dark has been keeping from Arrow.
When Spike and Arrow go head to head in more than just music, blackmail and secrets exposed challenge Spike to accept what she most fears: that she belongs in the battle between light and dark.
This series is a spin off from the Alexa O'Brien Huntress series, though each series stands on its own. Alexa fans can expect some light crossover action while new readers can jump in without having to read Alexa first.
Spike.
The feisty Crimson Sin guitarist with commitment issues, a werewolf best friend and a penchant for partying. She's a nephilim, half human and half angel. Like all undecided nephilim, she has to choose: serve the light or the dark.
Rowen.
The intriguing bass player who catches Spike's eye even though he's her competition in the annual Battle of the Bands contest. He's also an undecided nephilim and he doesn't even know it.
Arrow.
An arrogant, drug dealing frontman. A dark nephilim, it’s his job to recruit Rowen for the dark and Spike is getting in his way. But there's something he doesn't know about Rowen. Something the dark has been keeping from Arrow.
When Spike and Arrow go head to head in more than just music, blackmail and secrets exposed challenge Spike to accept what she most fears: that she belongs in the battle between light and dark.
This series is a spin off from the Alexa O'Brien Huntress series, though each series stands on its own. Alexa fans can expect some light crossover action while new readers can jump in without having to read Alexa first.
231 pages, Nook
First published February 13, 2015
280 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Trina M. Lee
94 books645 followersI am the author of the Alexa O’Brien Huntress and the Rebel Heart series. I write urban fantasy that is dark and gritty with a twist of romance and horror but which is ultimately about people in dark places discovering who they are and what they’re made of.
I’ve been writing since the age of 9 when I had a Christmas themed short story published in the local town paper. A lover of rock music, vampires and muscle cars, I’m a dreamer who always secretly wanted to be a rockstar.
I love to hear from readers so don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
I’ve been writing since the age of 9 when I had a Christmas themed short story published in the local town paper. A lover of rock music, vampires and muscle cars, I’m a dreamer who always secretly wanted to be a rockstar.
I love to hear from readers so don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 30, 2020
DNF 20% 1 I couldn't be bothered star
I found the character's speech/slang (Ex: rock n' roll'ish) overly juvenile & the detailed descriptions (ex: clothing) tiresome. This feels like YA & fans of YA may enjoy this series. If YA isn't your prefered genre but want a light-ish fun read, I'd recommend this author's Alexa O'Brien Huntress series.
I found the character's speech/slang (Ex: rock n' roll'ish) overly juvenile & the detailed descriptions (ex: clothing) tiresome. This feels like YA & fans of YA may enjoy this series. If YA isn't your prefered genre but want a light-ish fun read, I'd recommend this author's Alexa O'Brien Huntress series.
April 1, 2019
I like Trina M. Lee. Although her books are a bit young adult for me, and not at all erotica as I've seen it classified by people, I enjoy every page of it. Her world-building and strong characters keep me turning the pages. I grinned like an idiot when Falon from the Alexa O'Brien series appeared, and I appreciated the amount of new characters in this spin-off.
Yes I will read the author again!
Yes I will read the next book!
Yes I will read the author again!
Yes I will read the next book!
October 20, 2017
Loved it!!!
As I have gobbled up and loved every book Trina Lee has released, this one is no exception! In this series, we get to follow the all girl rock band Crimson Sin from the Alexa O’Brien series. Their guitarist, Ember Evans, nicknamed Spike, is a nephilim, born to an angel father and a human mother. All nephilim have to choose between light and dark and until that choice is made, both sides try to sway them to their side. When a nephilim is undecided, as commitment phobe Spike is, it can be very dangerous. They do not have access to their full powers and they may need them when they are fighting for survival.
The band is up for a Battle of the Bands competition where the winner will win a record deal. On top of that, Spike also feels a strong attraction to bass guitarist from their competition, also a nephilim, although he is not aware of it yet...
Can’t wait to continue to read more from Spike and Rowen’s story. Will they have what it takes to make it last, while cutting a record deal, going on tour, and fighting off demons and agents for the dark?
As I have gobbled up and loved every book Trina Lee has released, this one is no exception! In this series, we get to follow the all girl rock band Crimson Sin from the Alexa O’Brien series. Their guitarist, Ember Evans, nicknamed Spike, is a nephilim, born to an angel father and a human mother. All nephilim have to choose between light and dark and until that choice is made, both sides try to sway them to their side. When a nephilim is undecided, as commitment phobe Spike is, it can be very dangerous. They do not have access to their full powers and they may need them when they are fighting for survival.
The band is up for a Battle of the Bands competition where the winner will win a record deal. On top of that, Spike also feels a strong attraction to bass guitarist from their competition, also a nephilim, although he is not aware of it yet...
Can’t wait to continue to read more from Spike and Rowen’s story. Will they have what it takes to make it last, while cutting a record deal, going on tour, and fighting off demons and agents for the dark?
Want to read
March 19, 2020🎁 Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2020)! 🎁
August 6, 2015
It's my first book from this author and I really enjoyed this first book to this series.
Spike was an undecided nephilim, who must choose whether she wants to serve the dark or light side but struggles with her decision. I also liked Spikes band crew, Jett, who's a werewolf and has a spit fire attitude and her human friends too but really like Cinder, an angel that watches and tries to help Spike with protecting herself without pushing her to make a decision while Koda the dark angel, tries to push her to join the dark side.
Rowan who's in a rival band is also a nephilim but doesn't know it and when Spike meets him things started to get very interesting.
I really want to see how this series ends so I will continue with it.
Spike was an undecided nephilim, who must choose whether she wants to serve the dark or light side but struggles with her decision. I also liked Spikes band crew, Jett, who's a werewolf and has a spit fire attitude and her human friends too but really like Cinder, an angel that watches and tries to help Spike with protecting herself without pushing her to make a decision while Koda the dark angel, tries to push her to join the dark side.
Rowan who's in a rival band is also a nephilim but doesn't know it and when Spike meets him things started to get very interesting.
I really want to see how this series ends so I will continue with it.
April 19, 2016
Reads like you're inside the author's own daydream, and is definitely not suitable for people who dislike comstant use of swearing, alcohol, drugs and casual sex. Started out rather shaky, relies heavily on physical descriptions (including clothes and make-up, in details that far exceeded my interest) and I almost gave up on it, but it actually got better towards the end. Or maybe I just got used to all the references to pretty and rock n' roll'ish people being pretty and rock n' roll'ish... I will probably read more about Spike and the rest of these people, but it's not anywhere near the top of my TBR-pile.
November 7, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have not previously read any books by Trina Lee. Several reviewers have mentioned that some of the characters in this book were in prior books by Lee. While there were some mentions of prior events which I am guessing occurred in prior books, I had no difficulty in following the characters or the story without having read any of the other books. This is a stand alone book and a complete story [no cliffhangers] but it does allow for further adventures with the main characters.
The story centers on Ember - better known as Spike -- who is a nephilim and has not chosen between light and dark. She plays guitar in a band and is involved in a band competition. A rival in the band competition, Rowen, catches her eye and he's a nephilim as well. The dark side is after Rowen and Spike wants to protect him.
I enjoyed this story of angels and demons with a little romance thrown in. There is swearing, alcohol use, drug use, smoking and some sexual situations. All of this helps set the tone of the world where Rowen and Spike exist. There are bars which oriented for vampires and demons. This urban fantasy was a lot of fun and kept my interest throughout although I was a bit annoyed at Spike's indecisiveness -- as it seemed apparent how she should proceed. I especially liked Spike's mentor/guardian angel Cinder.
As I listened to this book -- the narrator, Heather Costa, did a great job in setting the tone of the gritty world in which these characters live.
I have not previously read any books by Trina Lee. Several reviewers have mentioned that some of the characters in this book were in prior books by Lee. While there were some mentions of prior events which I am guessing occurred in prior books, I had no difficulty in following the characters or the story without having read any of the other books. This is a stand alone book and a complete story [no cliffhangers] but it does allow for further adventures with the main characters.
The story centers on Ember - better known as Spike -- who is a nephilim and has not chosen between light and dark. She plays guitar in a band and is involved in a band competition. A rival in the band competition, Rowen, catches her eye and he's a nephilim as well. The dark side is after Rowen and Spike wants to protect him.
I enjoyed this story of angels and demons with a little romance thrown in. There is swearing, alcohol use, drug use, smoking and some sexual situations. All of this helps set the tone of the world where Rowen and Spike exist. There are bars which oriented for vampires and demons. This urban fantasy was a lot of fun and kept my interest throughout although I was a bit annoyed at Spike's indecisiveness -- as it seemed apparent how she should proceed. I especially liked Spike's mentor/guardian angel Cinder.
As I listened to this book -- the narrator, Heather Costa, did a great job in setting the tone of the gritty world in which these characters live.
June 27, 2021
Oh, Canadaaa
This book is genuinely funny. I cannot fully enumerate the number of Canadian books and tv shows that feature some waifish girl costumed as a goth and this book is right on theme. Apparently hair dye, heavy eyeliner, dark lipstick, and a couple of tattoos is supposed to be a personality. Here the fmc is nicknamed Spike - like the vampire from Buffy - because she had a Mohawk sometime in the distant past (distant enough that she now has long, cascading black “locks” 🔒). She plays heavy metal for the local band, Crimson Sin, and gets into brawls with sex workers.
The battle of the bands-thing was hilarious. I could hardly stop laughing. I’m not going to read the remaining books in the multi-part series since the plot of this book received less care and attention than the description of Spike’s purse.
This book is genuinely funny. I cannot fully enumerate the number of Canadian books and tv shows that feature some waifish girl costumed as a goth and this book is right on theme. Apparently hair dye, heavy eyeliner, dark lipstick, and a couple of tattoos is supposed to be a personality. Here the fmc is nicknamed Spike - like the vampire from Buffy - because she had a Mohawk sometime in the distant past (distant enough that she now has long, cascading black “locks” 🔒). She plays heavy metal for the local band, Crimson Sin, and gets into brawls with sex workers.
The battle of the bands-thing was hilarious. I could hardly stop laughing. I’m not going to read the remaining books in the multi-part series since the plot of this book received less care and attention than the description of Spike’s purse.
November 20, 2018
Overall: 4 stars Performance: 5 stars Story: 4 stars
My review was based on the audiobook.
I love reading about Nephilim and this was a new and interesting take on them. The world building was great but I felt that character development and back story were lacking. We are told repetitively that Spike is hesitant to choose a side but never really why except she's a commitment phobe. Overall I did enjoy the story and the narrator was on point in bringing the story and characters to life with fantastic inflection and perfect pacing. I look forward to more from this author and narrator.
My review was based on the audiobook.
I love reading about Nephilim and this was a new and interesting take on them. The world building was great but I felt that character development and back story were lacking. We are told repetitively that Spike is hesitant to choose a side but never really why except she's a commitment phobe. Overall I did enjoy the story and the narrator was on point in bringing the story and characters to life with fantastic inflection and perfect pacing. I look forward to more from this author and narrator.
April 6, 2020
How genuinely disappointing this was, especially since I had such high hopes to be at least a little entertained.
Spike's self-righteousness is probably the most annoying quality in a heroine I've ever read—particularly because she's also hypocritical as all shit, the insta-love is gag-worthy since there's little to no development in any of the relationships, and the conflict isn't real since you know how it will all play out by the end of the first chapter.
I guess it's onto the next one with a heavy heart boys.
Spike's self-righteousness is probably the most annoying quality in a heroine I've ever read—particularly because she's also hypocritical as all shit, the insta-love is gag-worthy since there's little to no development in any of the relationships, and the conflict isn't real since you know how it will all play out by the end of the first chapter.
I guess it's onto the next one with a heavy heart boys.
July 14, 2018
A great read!
I really enjoyed my first glimpse at Spike’s world. I’m a huge Halestorm fan, so I was excited to read a fantasy story about a female rock band!! I was also happy that this book is a complete story with a satisfying ending, despite being Book 1 in a series. I ended the story satisfied, but intrigued about the next adventure.
I really enjoyed my first glimpse at Spike’s world. I’m a huge Halestorm fan, so I was excited to read a fantasy story about a female rock band!! I was also happy that this book is a complete story with a satisfying ending, despite being Book 1 in a series. I ended the story satisfied, but intrigued about the next adventure.
August 28, 2019
Audiobook review: A new fantasy series with an interesting premise, great characters, and good world building. The story starts out slow but picks up as it goes on. My only gripe is that the narrator’s intonations were off from time to time. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 8, 2020
I loved this book, the paranormal romance centred around having to choose sides in a battle of light Vs dark was original and thrilling, and it was easy to become invested in the characters. I can't wait for book 2 to find out what happens next, Heather Costa's narration was wonderful and expressive. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2022
Fabulous
I love these books, a great story, lots of action and a touch of romance, movies almost as good as Alexa books in my opinion. I really enjoy paranormal and this was slightly different with half angel half human heroes, light versus dark, with a wolf shifter, demons and also some rock bands too.
I love these books, a great story, lots of action and a touch of romance, movies almost as good as Alexa books in my opinion. I really enjoy paranormal and this was slightly different with half angel half human heroes, light versus dark, with a wolf shifter, demons and also some rock bands too.
February 12, 2025
Brilliant read!
Wow Trina Lee has done it again. A really explosive start to this fabulous new series. Compelling characters, crazy world building and an insane plotline!
Loved every minute of it!
Wow Trina Lee has done it again. A really explosive start to this fabulous new series. Compelling characters, crazy world building and an insane plotline!
Loved every minute of it!
June 23, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable read
September 4, 2017
Good
This is a very good book. Full of action, friendships, mystery, demons and angels. Strong story line and great characters. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
This is a very good book. Full of action, friendships, mystery, demons and angels. Strong story line and great characters. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
November 7, 2017
Grabs from the start.
Really well written. The characters and storyline strong and well liked. Had already met some of them through the Alexander O'Brien series, which was cool.
Really well written. The characters and storyline strong and well liked. Had already met some of them through the Alexander O'Brien series, which was cool.
January 3, 2018
Liked
It's a long while since I read one of Trina's books. I liked it. Fascinating story of angels and demons
It's a long while since I read one of Trina's books. I liked it. Fascinating story of angels and demons
January 21, 2018
Quickie
This book is a young adult story with characters to match There is some drug use and violence which makes the story more realistic
This book is a young adult story with characters to match There is some drug use and violence which makes the story more realistic
March 21, 2018
So great ! All of of these. Oops from this aut are really good.
December 4, 2018
The concept was interesting. Niphillum must make a chose between dark or light, The story took a little too long to get to the juicy parts. Overall a good story.
January 21, 2020
Lost Girl with angels and demons.
Beat the Backlist Bingo: Author with a middle initial
Beat the Backlist Bingo: Author with a middle initial
February 23, 2020
Love Spike she knows she needs to choose the light side don't know why she was waiting hope everything works out w her man
July 18, 2020
Amazing!!!!
This book is captivating and exciting. There is never a dull moment . The love story is super relatable. I can't wait to finish the series.
This book is captivating and exciting. There is never a dull moment . The love story is super relatable. I can't wait to finish the series.
dnf
May 8, 2023DNF @ 4%. Writing style didn't work for me.
September 20, 2017
It is a great book to read
February 25, 2015
Crimson Sin is the first book in the new series, Rebel Heart, by Trina M. Lee. The author introduces us to Spike, the guitar player of Crimson Sin and undecided nephilim; who must choose if she is going to serve the dark or the light. She is surrounded by her band mates; one who is a wolf, her name is Jett, and the other two who are human. There is also Cinder, an angel that watches over her. Rowen is the bass player of a rival band, who also happens to be a nephilim, but he is does not know this. Then there is Arrow, the lead singer of the band that Rowen is in. Arrow is a dark nephilim whose job is to get Rowen to serve the dark. Follow Spike as she struggles with her decision to choose a side, participates in a battle of the bands that will help Crimson Sin go to the next level, and finds love. This book is packed with secrets, struggles and revelations. Trina’s new series is amazing and she does not disappoint with the introduction of her new characters and a descriptive setting she captures the reader’s attention right from the beginning. The plot is well thought out and the characters are beautifully flawed. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book! A must read for any urban fantasy book lover!
October 8, 2021
Amazing & Entertaining Read
I have read many of Trina’s books, my favorites including the Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series, and I was interested to see if the Rebel Heart Series could hold a candle to her other works. I was not disappointed in the least. “Crimson Sin” is a wonderful and entertaining book with not only romance, but with humor and thrill. With lovable (and not so lovable) characters, and the intense situations that they go through, this book not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but it also kept me wanting more. One of my favorite thing about this book (and hopefully this series in the future) is that Trina crossed some of the characters from the Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series into this series. I loved that fact that as I read the the book, one of my many favorite characters from the Alexa O’Brien Series would be either introduced or brought up (it made me love the book even more). I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a paranormal romance/thriller like nothing they have read before. I also recommend readers to invest the time and take the chance to read some of Trina Lee’s work, she has amazing talent as a writer and I look forward to many more books written by her.
I have read many of Trina’s books, my favorites including the Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series, and I was interested to see if the Rebel Heart Series could hold a candle to her other works. I was not disappointed in the least. “Crimson Sin” is a wonderful and entertaining book with not only romance, but with humor and thrill. With lovable (and not so lovable) characters, and the intense situations that they go through, this book not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but it also kept me wanting more. One of my favorite thing about this book (and hopefully this series in the future) is that Trina crossed some of the characters from the Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series into this series. I loved that fact that as I read the the book, one of my many favorite characters from the Alexa O’Brien Series would be either introduced or brought up (it made me love the book even more). I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a paranormal romance/thriller like nothing they have read before. I also recommend readers to invest the time and take the chance to read some of Trina Lee’s work, she has amazing talent as a writer and I look forward to many more books written by her.
March 5, 2015
I have read many of Trina’s books, my favorites including the Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series, and I was interested to see if the Rebel Heart Series could hold a candle to her other works. I was not disappointed in the least. “Crimson Sin” is a wonderful and entertaining book with not only romance, but with humor and thrill. With lovable (and not so lovable) characters, and the intense situations that they go through, this book not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but it also kept me wanting more. One of my favorite thing about this book (and hopefully this series in the future) is that Trina crossed some of the characters from the Alexa O’Brien Huntress Series into this series. I loved that fact that as I read the the book, one of my many favorite characters from the Alexa O’Brien Series would be either introduced or brought up (it made me love the book even more). I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a paranormal romance/thriller like nothing they have read before. I also recommend readers to invest the time and take the chance to read some of Trina Lee’s work, she has amazing talent as a writer and I look forward to many more books written by her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews