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Rebel #1

Rebel Soul

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Tessa Armstrong has one more summer at home before heading off to college with her best friend. She’s been counting down the months, waiting to be free of her overbearing brothers and overprotective father — not to mention getting out of the small, suffocating town she’s grown up in. The one thing Tessa doesn't count on is falling in love, least of all with Brock Miller. He’s the kind of boy her father has always warned her about. He’s older, mysterious, and a little dangerous.

Brock has had a hard past, and the whole town not only knows it, but won’t let him forget. Brock has come back to take care of his ailing mother and struggling younger siblings. He doesn’t have time to fall in love, especially with one of the town’s darlings, but sometimes, love comes fast and fierce.

Can Tessa and Brock find a way to each other despite their pasts and the obstacles their families present?

238 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2016

41 people are currently reading
652 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Hannigan

25 books480 followers
J.C. Hannigan lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, their two sons, and their dogs. She writes contemporary romance, through which she brings to light awareness of mental health and social challenges.

Like any good Canadian, she loves hiking and carbs.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Must read Romance.
Author 12 books631 followers
March 20, 2021
This is the second time I’ve read this book and I loved it even more this time! Tessa and Brock have a lot of obstacles to overcome, but they don’t let that keep them from finding love.
Profile Image for Taylor.
1,564 reviews56 followers
June 6, 2016
One of my favorite story lines.

I thought the writing was done really well. A little background on each of the characters and we got to know them without having to read 50 extra pages.

The pacing was really good I didn't feel like anything was rushed. There was a few different things going on at once but nothing felt like it was just thrown in there to add more pages or to make it seem more interesting. It was all thought out well.

Of course with any, older guy who used to be besties with your brother book, you're going to have the over the top protective brothers who just want to look out for their sister and make everything so much harder for her thing. But those two or 3 including the father were just out of control. Whew! Glad that's not me. I'd go nuts. She was 18 and couldn't even turn around without them needing to know every move she was making.

There was a little resistance in the beginning from Tessa but the connection and feelings between them were too strong to ignore. Brock had a rough time of it. The whole town looked down on him without even knowing the type of man he really was but Tessa was the prefect GF and was there for him and believed in the kind of person he was. Someone who would never willingly hurt her.

However, I didn't really care for Braden. From Tessa's POV we weren't getting any good feelings towards him so it was hard to form a different opinion. Slowly it was being shown how much he and Elle cared about each other and Tessa was loosening her dislike for him alittle bit but then

Really wanted an epilogue but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Braden and Elle's book will be next in the series because it sure as hell felt like that was where the build up was headed. I want to say I will read the next one if it is them but if it's anything like how the last few chapters of this book went down I don't think my heart and stomach can take it.

I'm sure you'll see more of Brock and Tessa's story in Book 2.
Profile Image for Kathy.
902 reviews34 followers
June 16, 2016
This was my first novel my J.C. Hannigan and it has certainly captivated my interests and made me clamor for more of her writing. She is a fantastic storyteller and I devoured every word in this novel.

Rebel Soul is a story about Tessa, the youngest child and only daughter of a widowed farmer, and Brock, the eldest child of widowed mother who has a past that he is constantly thrown in his face. Brock was friends with Tessa's older brothers as they were growing up, but life happens and time passed and now they are all grown up.

Tessa is constantly fighting for her independence from her overbearing brothers and strict father, all of whom have passed judgement on Brock and his time spent in prison, despite their lack of knowledge as to what sent him there. They urge her to stay away from him.

Of course, when these two are reconnected after years of separation, their is instant spark and connection, even though they both try to fight it and hide it from those closest to them.

What I loved the most about this story was how authentic the author portrayed the characters emotions. At no time did I feel like their feelings for each other were contrived or rushed in any way. Their forbidden romance added a depth to their story, not because they were hiding their relationship from the outside world, but because they were trying to navigate being able to have a relationship without the outside world being harsh and criticizing them.

Even when their families eventually found out, all of the plot twists and turns seemed to keep the pace of the story moving along perfectly. It wasn't forced ever. I couldn't stop reading because I had to know what direction this couple was headed.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this author's writing style is how she described her sexy scenes. There was just enough description to feel the intensity of the scene, but it never crossed a line of being over the top. As the reader, you were left to imagine what you wanted from their time together -- not in a way that left you wanting more, but just enough that you could paint the picture on your own and be satisfied. Sometimes authors are so explicit in their sexy scenes that it distracts the reader from the true emotions meant to be captured in the story. That was not the case in Rebel Soul.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good country romance with all the feels. Definitely a must read!
Profile Image for Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***.
2,077 reviews55 followers
July 6, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.

Rebel Soul book 1 in the Rebel Series by JC Hannigan was fantastic. I first discovered JC Hannigan when she released her Collide Series her writing style and great characters just held me from the first page and this new release was no different.

Tessa Armstrong lives at home with her father and her over protective brothers she's eighteen years old but they still treat her like she's a little girl and if they even get a whiff of her getting any male attention they put a stop to it immediately with their intimidating ways.
Brock Miller has come back to his home town to be with his family in their time of need he's been on the wrong side of the law but is trying to put that all behind him now and move on with his life.
The last time he saw Tessa she was just a young girl and not the beautiful young women she is now sparks fly between them immediately but with her father already warning her to stay away from "that Miller boy" and her protective brothers on her heels is there any chance that they could be together.

I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series and I'm desperately hoping Tessa's friend Elle will get her own story too.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
February 9, 2019
Rebel Soul unveils a effusive prose about young, forbidden first love.

The writing style reveals a contemporary style romance with intricate layers. Character's are in full bloom & evolve.

This novel will draw you in from page one & keeps you captivated until the end. A paradigm of what's to come next. This novel amplifies supporting character's for future books, without taking away anything from the plot. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.

Being that I live in Ontario, Canada I love the settings and locations listed in this series. I'm familiar with the town this narrative takes place in.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
April 14, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Morgan.
359 reviews27 followers
November 3, 2016
Full Review can be found at http://thegraduatedbookworm.blogspot.ca

First I just want to say how amazing it was to meet J.C. Hannigan in person! I've probably said it a thousand times, but the word are always true! I've been a fan (even not having read her books) ever since I started my blogging. I've adored her covers and getting to finally hold them in my hands as well as meet the person who wrote such words is inspiring! For me, it really shows that you can go for your dreams!

So throughout this novel, you are getting more of an understanding of who Tessa and Brock are as individuals. They have a lot of similarities which I cannot fully dive into without spoiling the novel for you...sorry!! But I do have to say that they both had a lot of struggle from beginning to end. Tessa really has to pick her battles, especially when it comes to her brothers and father. I mean overbearing would be an understatement with what she goes through, but you can tell that it is out of love...even though they drove her nuts all the time!

As you get more towards the end, you see something more than lust, and boy let me tell you my glasses must have been steaming, because that book sure was!! Where is this Brock, and where can I get one of my own?? I'll even take the dog, because that's some awesome loyalty in there too!! Tessa and Brock seem to go through a lot (Not necessarily together), and there were moments where I thought that someone was going to figure it all out, or that a weapon would be pulled out after knowing what was going on between them. Truthfully, I found their love to be more than physical. It dealt a lot with healing, as well as knowing that you don't need to prove yourself to everyone, because not everyone really matters!

Overall this was a great novel! I seriously loved reading about Tessa and Brock, and although I know they will make an appearance in the next book, I seriously would love to read more about them!! Especially after that ending!! SO GOOD! It so fast paced, with a roller coaster ride of emotions and feels. There were plenty of FEELS! I honestly could not stop reading, and when I had to, I wish I was reading more. I felt like part of me was actually within the book, and I really could connect with some of the characters. I really loved how much love and protection that also showed honor throughout!
Profile Image for Lauren Jones.
437 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2016
Frankly, I didn’t care. I had no intention of seeing Brock. I barely put up with having Braden around. While my heart had softened marginally towards the youngest Miller boy, I still didn’t particularly like him and I had absolutely zero desire to awaken that old, awkward crush I’d harbored on Brock when I was a gangly ten-year-old.

What is love? Is it that jittery feeling in your stomach that you get after you see that special someone? Is there actually love at first sight? Can it truly be so strong that it lasts a lifetime? Hannigan writes another wonderfully balanced novel filled with romance and the struggles in life that make them who they really are. In this first installment, the author does delve into the very topic of love and what it means for two individuals who defy the odds and take a chance on each other, even when everyone else around them has little faith in the outcome.

Tessa Armstrong has her life planned out. She only has the summer to relax and enjoy herself before she goes to college with her best friend, leaving the town that she grew up in behind. While she loves her family, her father is overprotective and her brothers are overbearing. As the story ramps up, there is just one thing that doesn’t fit into her plan…Brock Miller coming back into town. Brock comes with a challenging past, one that no one in the small town really understands. Everyone is very quick to judge this man as an outcast, which is fine by Brock because he likes to keep to himself. When he lays eyes on Tessa at outdoor party, he is drawn to her in ways that he can’t explain. What does fate have in store for this couple with Tessa leaving in a few months for college?

Hannigan has a well-written, romantic and creative work of fiction here. Rebel Soul is powerful, motivating and exciting. The writing does appear to be high quality than previous works of fiction—there aren’t as many grammatical and spelling errors. This installment is a faced-paced novel much like her other two series, which makes it very easy to read. If you are a reader of romance and women’s fiction within a series, you may enjoy reading this first installment.

A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,266 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2016
JC has done it again!
In Rebel Soul, we meet Tessa and Brock. She is the youngest (and only girl) of four and just starting her last summer before heading off to college. Her widowed father and older brothers have just a *few* issues with her growing up. Brock is several years older, he is the oldest of 3 and has returned to their small hometown because of his mother's illness.
The sparks between these two fly almost immediately! While their relationship is sweet to watch, this story is really about much more than a May -December romance. (Okay - don't yell! In the grand scheme 6 years isn't THAT much older, but she's only 18 and he has a lot more life experience than she does.)
This story is just as much about a young woman spreading her wings and the changes that brings to family relationships. Friendships, families, and even other romantic relationships come into play during Rebel Soul. There is also a lesson about judging a book by it's cover - something the community around Tessa and Brock is very guilty of doing where he's concerned.
This is well written with characters and situations that pull you in and have you wanting to know what happens next - something I expect from Ms. Hannigan. My only complaint - there are times when Tessa seems older than 18 - especially during intimate moments, there were a couple of things that seemed slightly out of character from the way she had been described in other places in the book.
Overall, Rebel Soul is a great read and a great introduction to the series. I am looking forward to seeing where we go next!
Profile Image for Julie Gustafson-Monk.
549 reviews
May 8, 2016
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know where to start with this review. LOL
I have always been a huge fan of JC Hannigan's books. Rebel Soul is by far my favorite book out of anything she has written.
Tessa was about to go off to college with her best friend. She wanted to have fun and do her thing without her brothers or her dad breathing down her neck. When she sees one man that she has always had a crush on, her family throws a fit. They want nothing more than to control Tessa's life.
Of course, she doesn't listen and follows her heart. She wants Brock and nothing will stand in the way. She is his savior and he is hers. She see's past his past and loves him for who he is and not what he was.
Brock has returned to his hometown due to an illness in his family.
Brock doesn't have a good reputation in his home town. He served some time in jail for doing what any brother would do. Defend and protect his sister. Upon returning he see's Tessa. He wants her and again nothing will stand in the way of having her. Not even Tessa's brothers that confront him time after time..

This story was excellent. Beautiful, heartbreaking and an excellent HEA.
Well done JC!!!!!
Profile Image for Linda Rea.
2,189 reviews15 followers
June 17, 2017
Tessa has been protected by her brothers ever since she was little, her mom died after she was born so if it wasn't for her best friend Elle's mom she would have had a hard time learning all the girl things. Tessa and Elle are going to a camp out on the Miller property where lots of people set up tents and just have fun. Elle dates Braden Miller whose one of the family the town gossips about especially since the older brother Brock spent time in jail for assault. When they go to the party Tessa meets Brock and they can't seem to stop looking at each other but Tessa's family told her to stay away from him. When Tessa goes off to relieve herself someone tries to attack her and Brock and his wolf dog save her. She is pretty beat up but Brock takes care of her and she can't hold back anymore but her brothers warned Brock to stay away from her. This story is heartwarming but also sad and really shows the prejudice of a small town. I loved Brock and Tessa together as they brought out the best in each other and the book says it's book #1 so I am hoping to read more about this group and see where their lives go.
Profile Image for Samantha Soccorso.
225 reviews36 followers
June 14, 2016
J.C. Hannigan has done it again with another well written novel. She is talented, romantic and creative in every way possible. She knows how she wants her characters to sound and writes them how she pictures them. All her fans wait eagerly on the edge of their seats for every novel that she has published that's just how good they are. In the short span of being an author she has published more books than I can count on my one hand.

I loved this book with the two new main characters Tessa and Brock. These characters are complete opposites and yet they still find ways back to each other. One being the good girl everyone wants and the other being the bad boy everyone hates. Each growing up in different life styles and with different friends only makes things more interesting. This novel has love, death and hate all mixed into the pages, which you will be hooked from the first to the last page.

I also highly recommend all of J.C. Hannigan's books to start reading and to fall in love with.
Profile Image for Stephanie Ortez.
Author 1 book1 follower
November 1, 2016
This book was really good. You know those books that you aren't sure what made them your favorite? this is one of those books but I will try. For one reason the characters were so believable and relate-able. Each of the character's personalities were different but still similar enough to relate to them.

Elle was my favorite character. She was smart and determined to do what she wanted in life despite the problems in her path (I hated Braden so much towards the end!). Tessa, the main character is funny and kind of a tomboy that I think every girl can relate too since we all had a time in our life when we didn't want to follow along and where what all the other girls were wearing.

Brock Miller is not your typical bad boy, instead, we get to meet a kind soul hidden under the prejudice of Tessa's family and the whole town pretty much. He cares for Tessa deeply. This is a love story I'd like to keep on reading. J.C. Hannigan is an amazing and talented writer. I can't wait to read the second part of the series.
Profile Image for Samantha Soccorso.
225 reviews36 followers
May 1, 2016
JC Hannigan has done it again with a well written novel. Another series that will have any reader hooked from the first to the last page. The theme of the book anyone can relate to with young love and heartbreak to losing a loved one and having overprotective siblings. It is a lot to handle being human and dealing with these issues in life, but the main characters have learned to go through the motions.

Tessa and Brock are opposites at first sight, but then they end up completing each other. Both of them have issues and both of them don't know how to explain it to each other. One being an independent woman and the other being a headstrong man.

I highly recommend this series and all of JC Hannigans books to be read. Each of them will keep you guessing and wanting more from all the characters.
Profile Image for Sanzana.
158 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2016
I said that I'd read this book this weekend...
Friday's count as the weekend, right?

Anyway, I read this in one whole sitting and I have NO clue why I waited so long to catch up on JC's novels.

I should mention that I accidently won this, aka, I didn't know I entered a giveaway for a chance to win it. Irregardless, I ended up loving it!

Top 5 reasons why you should read this book:
1. The chemistry between Tessa and Brock is sizzling and so on point!
2. It's the perfect summer read while you're on vacation.
3. It's a damn good engaging story. You will be up for hours reading this.
4. Real characters. No wishy washy fakes in this book.
5. THE COVER.

Now, stop listening to me blabble on and go read this ! GO! Shoo! ;)
Profile Image for wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks).
2,554 reviews27 followers
October 29, 2016
Tessa is a strong girl, who knows what she wants even though it doesn't come easy being the only girl in her family. Having over protective brothers can be good but not when you are having a social life, but and old friend of her brothers is back and she's been warned to stay away but seeing Brock she can't help being drawn to him. Brock is back in town for a short visit and he doesn't look for a warm welcome , to other people he's trouble having served time for beating a person to near death but he wasn't expecting to fall for Tessa a no go zone, but Tessa will try to show people there is more to Brock than what they've heard. A great story with great characters. ARC given on behalf of Obsessed by books for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Barone.
Author 32 books171 followers
May 22, 2016
In the small town of Parry Sound, the Millers are THAT family; they haven't had it easy, and the rest of the town loves to talk. So when Tessa's father tells her to stay away from "that Miller boy," it isn't news. But neither Tessa or Brock can deny the chemistry between them, and soon they have no choice but to give in to temptation and see where things go.

J.C. Hannigan writes with tempting tenderness, deftly capturing the spirit of the last summer before college, that suspended moment in time when everything seems possible, and the scorching heat of romance captures the soul.

REBEL SOUL is a spirited story of heart, redemption, and of course, rebellion.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,994 reviews27 followers
May 1, 2019
Rebel Soul unveils a effusive prose about young, forbidden first love.

The writing style reveals a contemporary style romance with intricate layers. Character's are in full bloom & evolve.

This novel will draw you in from page one & keeps you captivated until the end. A paradigm of what's to come next. This novel amplifies supporting character's for future books, without taking away anything from the plot. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.

Being that I live in Ontario, Canada I love the settings and locations listed in this series. I'm familiar with the town this narrative takes place in.
Profile Image for Dusty Summerford (Reviews by Reds).
339 reviews28 followers
June 2, 2016
I will never be able to put into words how much I loved this book. JC Hannigan knows how to bring her characters to life. She really makes you feel like you know them and you actually feel connected to them.

Tessa and Brocks story is full of emotions. Tessa is the only girl with overprotective brothers and Brock is bad news, or so everyone says. But their chemistry is off the charts!!

I have read and loved all of JC Hannigan's books. She is truly an automatic one click for me.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen Cimms.
Author 13 books439 followers
June 8, 2016
Can I say how excited I am that this is a series? This was the first book of J. C. Hannigan's that I've read, and it sure won't be the last. I loved Brock and Tessa. I loved how quickly they fell for each other and how they never wavered. I also loved that the story wasn't predictable and didn't follow any type of blueprint. It made it seem much more real to me. I found all of the characters interesting. I'm not sure where J.C. plans to take this series, but I'd hitch a ride with any of them. And I'd be just as happy to read more about Brock and Tessa. Great read.
Profile Image for Book Lovers Hangout.
2,755 reviews13 followers
November 9, 2016
This was my first book by JC Hannigan and I truly enjoyed it. I loved Brock and Tessa. I thought they were adorable and I can't turn down a brother's best friend story. I found her family to be a bit obnoxious, but they grew on me. I also love the secondary characters of Elle and Braden. Their story was more angsty for me that Tessa and Brock. There story will definitely be heartbreaking. I love this book and have moved on to the second book of Elle and Braden and cannot wait for more. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews163 followers
June 15, 2017
JC Hannigan's writing style whisks you away with her flowing prose in a beautiful and endearing story about young, forbidden first love. Tessa and Brock's against all odds turned fairy tale tugs at your heart, causing you to identify with all the feelings of your own when you were transitioning from child to adult. They navigate through misconceptions, family interference, and tragedy to pick their way to an innocent, pure, yet steamy romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Stacy Aube.
834 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.

Brock has lived a very messed up life so far. Not realizing there could be a brighter future until he runs into Tessa. The two overcome so many obstacles to be together. Living in a judgemental town doesn't help.

I have read just about everything this author has written and haven't been disappointed yet. Another great book.
Profile Image for Svea.
111 reviews
January 6, 2017
Started and finished this book in a little over six hours. The first work of JC that I've read and I was completely enthralled; I could barely rip my eyes away from it to have dinner. Tessa and Brock are written near perfect, and if their romance doesn't do it for you, the supporting cast leaves you wanting more. Tessa was relateable, but not whiney, while Brock was brooding, but not sickening. Loved it from beginning to end - fabulous work! Onto Rebel Hearts!
Profile Image for Michelle Heron。・:*˚:✧。.
Author 27 books196 followers
August 28, 2025
It was no surprise that I'd fall in love with this book, I love all of JC Hannigan's books so much. Her words seem to grab your attention right from the beginning and keep your interests through the entire book which isn't necessarily an easy task but she makes it look easy. If you haven't already read this book trust me you should you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sarah Jimenez.
103 reviews
January 6, 2017
This book was fun. I loved Tessa and Elle and Brock from the moment they appeared in the screen. Hannigan knows how to craft a fast paced, heartfelt love story. Her characters felt like friends and I was rooting for them and crushed when their hearts broke.

If you want a fun romance full of all the feels, definitely start the Rebel Soul series. Your heart will thank you later.
Profile Image for Tonya Peterson.
1,598 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2018
Letting go

This book has been wonderful, from the beginning you knew there was something true between Tessa and Brock but due to Brocks history Tessas family couldnt accept it till it was almost too late. But when the time came for support brock and his family was surprised at the support.
1 review4 followers
December 27, 2021
From the first page I was hooked. I actually got upset when the book ended. I know it's not feasible to have a story continue until the subjects are old and grey, but I wasn't quite ready to give up reading about Brock and Tessa's story.

The ending was satisfying, but I just wanted more, they were SUCH a good couple!

I've already downloaded the next two books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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