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Texas Rebels #7
Elias
FIRST LOVE, SECOND CHANCEMaribel McCray knew moving back to Horseshoe, Texas, would mean facing Elias Rebel, the cowboy she was forbidden to love in high school. She just didn't expect it to happen so soon. With her teenage son, Chase, in trouble, she needs Elias's help. He may be a Rebel, sworn enemy of every McCray, but he's also Chase's father.For the lone bachelor of the Rebel clan, there's only one way to make up for lost years with his son--become a family for real. But Maribel's distance runs deeper than the Rebel-McCray feud. Elias won't settle for a marriage of convenience with the woman he's falling for again. How can he convince Maribel some second chances are worth taking?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
54 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Linda Warren
151 books334 followersLinda Warren loves happy endings. The Rita® nominated and award-winning author has written 26 books for Harlequin, including SuperRomance, American, and Everlasting Love. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a farm/ranch in Texas, she writes about sexy heroes, feisty heroines, and broken families with an emotional punch all set against the backdrop of Texas. She lives in College Station with her husband and spends her days doing what she loves—creating unforgettable love stories—with happy endings.
Linda Warren was born Linda Siegert in Brazos County, TX, on July 2, 1945. She passed away on November 8, 2023, in Bryant, TX. Warren is survived by her husband, several children, and grandchildren.
Linda Warren was born Linda Siegert in Brazos County, TX, on July 2, 1945. She passed away on November 8, 2023, in Bryant, TX. Warren is survived by her husband, several children, and grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 11, 2017
Elias Rebel has always worked hard and played hard. Until life knocked him back a few paces. Unable to stay down for long, Elias digs his heels in deep and prepares for the biggest battle of his life. His past has come back to town and has some surprises for him.
Maribel McCray has been told for as long as she can remember to stay away from the Rebel family. One night with Elias, and Maribel found herself leaving town, not returning for many years. Learning to stand on her own and forge a path for herself, Maribel protects her heart fiercely.
Elias and Maribels’ relationship starts off very rocky, it slowly smoothes itself out and become a sweet romance. It took a while for the romance to start to show through, there were plenty of twists and turns thrown into their relationship, and some seemed a bit too much. The novel pace is fairly quick; some times things seemed to get a little drawn out. The secondary characters provided a great look back through previous novels while adding some humor to novel. The characters were a harder to connect with, the story itself was not hard to follow or keep up with, the blurb left my expectations a little higher than they should have been.
December 31, 2017
Excellent conclusion to the series. Elias is the last of the Rebels left unmarried. In the previous books, he has been shown to be the brother who works hard and plays hard. He can be a little on the short-tempered side, seemingly enjoying a good fight when the opportunity arises. At the beginning of the book, Elias gets roped into helping the sheriff watch for some kids who have been stealing beer around town. He's there when three teen boys take their chance and helps catch the one who tries to run. He is surprised to find out that it is Maribel McCray's boy.
Maribel and Elias had known each other in high school. Because of the feud between their families they were told to stay away from each other. She left Horseshoe before graduation, escaping from an abusive father. Now she has come back, along with her teenage son. Maribel had been living in Dallas with a friend who died, forcing Maribel and Chase to find another place to live. Then Maribel lost her job and they came home to Horseshoe to live with her sister until she gets back on her feet. Her son Chase is not happy about the move and has been getting into trouble, hoping to force Maribel to move back to Dallas. His latest stunt has gotten him into trouble with the law and Maribel is desperate to get help with him - to the point of asking the boy's father for help. The problem is that Chase's father doesn't know about him.
To say that Elias is stunned by Maribel's news would be putting it mildly. It was fun to see Elias process that news. I loved the way that he immediately stepped up to provide the guidance that Chase needs. Both Chase and Maribel try to fight it, but quickly realize that Elias isn't going anywhere. Theirs isn't the only resistance. Elias is flabbergasted by his mother's reaction to the news, which creates some unexpected family drama. I loved Elias's firm but fair treatment of Chase and the difference it made to Chase's attitude. Though Chase was certainly antagonistic at first, it didn't take long for him to come to respect and like Elias.
The rekindling of the relationship between Elias and Maribel was a slow and steady process. Elias starts out with the determination to take care of Maribel and Chase. The purchase and renovation of a house for them was the first step. With the three of them working together it gave them all a chance to get to know each other. Elias is pretty quick to realize his feelings for Maribel are growing. Maribel suspects that hers are too, which scares her. Thanks to her past, she has turned her back on love, believing that she doesn't want any part of the kind of love that she witnessed. Though she agrees to marry Elias to make the family they feel they need, she makes it clear that deep emotion will never be part of the equation. But Elias has something else in mind and works hard to show her what they could have together. It takes a friend to give Maribel a different point of view and help her realize that she was letting the past dictate her future and chance for happiness. But it takes a near disaster for her to finally let go of the last of her fears and open herself up to Elias's love.
Family dynamics played a huge part in this book. I loved the support that Elias received from his brothers and their wives. The surprising development was the attitude of Elias's mother, Kate. As she had accepted the other two McCray's into the family, I was stunned by her vicious attitude toward Maribel and her threats to Elias if he went against her wishes. I ached for Elias, who felt betrayed by her and hoped to see Kate come to her senses. I loved Elias's grandfather and how he connected with Chase. It was interesting to see the reaction of Maribel's father when she came back to Horseshoe. I loved Elias's protectiveness toward Maribel during that scene. I have enjoyed seeing the younger generation make it clear that the feud has no place in their lives any longer. There was a surprising and heartwarming scene at the end that gave hope for the future of the two families.
I have really enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what is next for this author. I admit that I would love to see Jericho get a story of his own. He has been a steady presence throughout the series and deserves to find his own chance at happiness.
Maribel and Elias had known each other in high school. Because of the feud between their families they were told to stay away from each other. She left Horseshoe before graduation, escaping from an abusive father. Now she has come back, along with her teenage son. Maribel had been living in Dallas with a friend who died, forcing Maribel and Chase to find another place to live. Then Maribel lost her job and they came home to Horseshoe to live with her sister until she gets back on her feet. Her son Chase is not happy about the move and has been getting into trouble, hoping to force Maribel to move back to Dallas. His latest stunt has gotten him into trouble with the law and Maribel is desperate to get help with him - to the point of asking the boy's father for help. The problem is that Chase's father doesn't know about him.
To say that Elias is stunned by Maribel's news would be putting it mildly. It was fun to see Elias process that news. I loved the way that he immediately stepped up to provide the guidance that Chase needs. Both Chase and Maribel try to fight it, but quickly realize that Elias isn't going anywhere. Theirs isn't the only resistance. Elias is flabbergasted by his mother's reaction to the news, which creates some unexpected family drama. I loved Elias's firm but fair treatment of Chase and the difference it made to Chase's attitude. Though Chase was certainly antagonistic at first, it didn't take long for him to come to respect and like Elias.
The rekindling of the relationship between Elias and Maribel was a slow and steady process. Elias starts out with the determination to take care of Maribel and Chase. The purchase and renovation of a house for them was the first step. With the three of them working together it gave them all a chance to get to know each other. Elias is pretty quick to realize his feelings for Maribel are growing. Maribel suspects that hers are too, which scares her. Thanks to her past, she has turned her back on love, believing that she doesn't want any part of the kind of love that she witnessed. Though she agrees to marry Elias to make the family they feel they need, she makes it clear that deep emotion will never be part of the equation. But Elias has something else in mind and works hard to show her what they could have together. It takes a friend to give Maribel a different point of view and help her realize that she was letting the past dictate her future and chance for happiness. But it takes a near disaster for her to finally let go of the last of her fears and open herself up to Elias's love.
Family dynamics played a huge part in this book. I loved the support that Elias received from his brothers and their wives. The surprising development was the attitude of Elias's mother, Kate. As she had accepted the other two McCray's into the family, I was stunned by her vicious attitude toward Maribel and her threats to Elias if he went against her wishes. I ached for Elias, who felt betrayed by her and hoped to see Kate come to her senses. I loved Elias's grandfather and how he connected with Chase. It was interesting to see the reaction of Maribel's father when she came back to Horseshoe. I loved Elias's protectiveness toward Maribel during that scene. I have enjoyed seeing the younger generation make it clear that the feud has no place in their lives any longer. There was a surprising and heartwarming scene at the end that gave hope for the future of the two families.
I have really enjoyed this series and can't wait to see what is next for this author. I admit that I would love to see Jericho get a story of his own. He has been a steady presence throughout the series and deserves to find his own chance at happiness.
December 31, 2017
Another great book in the Texas Rebels series. I really enjoyed reading Elias and Maribel's story. It was a great way to end the series.
October 17, 2017
Elias Rebel and Maribel McCray fell in love as teens, despite the feud, despite the fact that Elias' father shot and killed hers....just like her sister and her cousin.
She upped and disappeared and he never knew why....and never gave his heart to another....but those dark secrets are soon to bite him (and a loved one) on the butt.
Maribel came back home to help her sister through a difficult pregnancy after she lost her job....with a 17 year old son.
Chase, angry about leaving Dallas where they'd lived and he played football well enough to expect a shot at being recruited for the NFL. Angry enough to try to steal beer from a local bar, and get caught.
At the Sheriff Department, Elias finds out he has a son and they all need to find their way through the fallout. Misunderstandings and misconceptions abound, along with what Chase considers a deep betrayal by someone he loved and trusted. Frank discussions helped all to heal, eventually.
Chase is determined to make up for lost time with his son and would not mind making up with Mari.
Sweet western romance with bits of angst, humor and a determined romantic man. As this is the last in the series :-( it's not one to be missed. I loved the way Ms. Warren wove this tale
She upped and disappeared and he never knew why....and never gave his heart to another....but those dark secrets are soon to bite him (and a loved one) on the butt.
Maribel came back home to help her sister through a difficult pregnancy after she lost her job....with a 17 year old son.
Chase, angry about leaving Dallas where they'd lived and he played football well enough to expect a shot at being recruited for the NFL. Angry enough to try to steal beer from a local bar, and get caught.
At the Sheriff Department, Elias finds out he has a son and they all need to find their way through the fallout. Misunderstandings and misconceptions abound, along with what Chase considers a deep betrayal by someone he loved and trusted. Frank discussions helped all to heal, eventually.
Chase is determined to make up for lost time with his son and would not mind making up with Mari.
Sweet western romance with bits of angst, humor and a determined romantic man. As this is the last in the series :-( it's not one to be missed. I loved the way Ms. Warren wove this tale
December 11, 2017
Maribel is back in her hometown after a family member died leaving her to relocate to a friends house until she gets back on her feet. It seems thought he son Chase isn't taking the change too well and and has gotten himself into trouble with the law. Elias is one of the people who caught her son Chase in the act and bring him to the station. Little did he expect to find out that that same kid is his own child. Now he wasn't to be a better figure in his sons life and make up for lost time and get his son back on good behavior.
I really enjoyed this book. There was that connection between Maribel and Elias. I loved seeing how much of a positive change Elias was on Chase. He really wasn't a bad kid he just got lead astray for a while being new and it was nice seeing him improve through the book. I loved getting to know Maribel story and why she was standoffish and getting to know he background. I thought it was interesting how Elias took the news to having a child and seeing what he would do with that bit of information. There was plenty going to keep the reader interested and loads of drama and I really found myself enjoying the book to the point where it was hard for me to put down at times. Overall this was a pretty great book.
I really enjoyed this book. There was that connection between Maribel and Elias. I loved seeing how much of a positive change Elias was on Chase. He really wasn't a bad kid he just got lead astray for a while being new and it was nice seeing him improve through the book. I loved getting to know Maribel story and why she was standoffish and getting to know he background. I thought it was interesting how Elias took the news to having a child and seeing what he would do with that bit of information. There was plenty going to keep the reader interested and loads of drama and I really found myself enjoying the book to the point where it was hard for me to put down at times. Overall this was a pretty great book.
June 17, 2018
The 7th in the Texas Rebels series and the conclusion, Elias tells the story of Elias Rebel, the cowboy Marivel McCray was forbidden to love. Queue the fan and love now. I just love Linda Warren and just about everything she rights. Plenty of twists and turns to get through. Just LOVE this book!
December 6, 2017
Nice Read
Nice story,full of energy and life.A different kind of love story.But a good kind of different.With action,thrills and suspense.I'll look for more by this author.
Nice story,full of energy and life.A different kind of love story.But a good kind of different.With action,thrills and suspense.I'll look for more by this author.
September 30, 2022
I feel like I knew the least about Elias but he's an interesting man. All these McCray women are resilient. The ending twist was unexpected but tied things together nicely.
November 22, 2024
I enjoyed reading Elias and Maribel 's story.
October 16, 2025
This would have been right up my alley until a few months back. Something changed in me and I can take no more of this repetitive stuff so I have to DNF.
Read
December 23, 2017Received 4 1/2 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 12/23/17). To view reviews, go HERE> https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
Miniseries: Texas Rebels
Miniseries: Texas Rebels
December 12, 2017
An intense, edgy, emotional, and uplifting story that churned up all the feels and had me in tears, laughing, and even fearsome for the lives of the beloved characters with unexpected plot twists.
There is so much to love in this epic story. The series has been a family saga that has had the reader falling in love with this rugged and rough Texas family and their all-consuming lives at the ranch.
Elias is the flirty bad-boy that the ladies love, but there has only been one love for Elias and now she is back in town with a teenage son who is in dire trouble and in need of help and guiding hand to survive the mess he has created.
Elias Rebel stands for what he believes in. He is kind and generous even when no one is looking. He takes care of people even though he might complain about it just for the show. His heart is pure gold and as big as Texas, his work ethics and habits are amazing, he gets things done even if that puts his own life in danger.
Maribel McCray survived her abusive childhood. She survived and thrived raising up her son. She educated herself and got herself a better job. But life happened and she is back at home facing more trouble than she deserves. Yet facing Elias might be the hardest thing she has done, and there is no avoiding it. The old emotions uproar themselves, but Maribel doesn't believe in love anymore and a relationship or a marriage is not part of her future plan.
This story plays out over a longer period of a time than one might expect and gives a chance to see, feel, and witness the true development of the characters and the relationships between Elias, Maribel, and their families. I loved the connection between Elias and Maribel. It doesn't necessarily follow the 'form' of romance novels, making it even more real, true, and believable.
Nothing comes easy, they have to work hard to make the future they dream of, to find a peace of mind, and have healthy relationships with their extended family members who have wronged them in the past.
From family drama to criminal problems, to relationship hiccups and passionate encounters the poignant and riveting story touches all the emotions, keeps the reader on the edge, clued to the book with the need to know that The Rebels will survive and Elias and Maribel will have a chance of the future they dream of.
An emotional roll-a-coaster family saga not to be missed
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
There is so much to love in this epic story. The series has been a family saga that has had the reader falling in love with this rugged and rough Texas family and their all-consuming lives at the ranch.
Elias is the flirty bad-boy that the ladies love, but there has only been one love for Elias and now she is back in town with a teenage son who is in dire trouble and in need of help and guiding hand to survive the mess he has created.
Elias Rebel stands for what he believes in. He is kind and generous even when no one is looking. He takes care of people even though he might complain about it just for the show. His heart is pure gold and as big as Texas, his work ethics and habits are amazing, he gets things done even if that puts his own life in danger.
Maribel McCray survived her abusive childhood. She survived and thrived raising up her son. She educated herself and got herself a better job. But life happened and she is back at home facing more trouble than she deserves. Yet facing Elias might be the hardest thing she has done, and there is no avoiding it. The old emotions uproar themselves, but Maribel doesn't believe in love anymore and a relationship or a marriage is not part of her future plan.
This story plays out over a longer period of a time than one might expect and gives a chance to see, feel, and witness the true development of the characters and the relationships between Elias, Maribel, and their families. I loved the connection between Elias and Maribel. It doesn't necessarily follow the 'form' of romance novels, making it even more real, true, and believable.
Nothing comes easy, they have to work hard to make the future they dream of, to find a peace of mind, and have healthy relationships with their extended family members who have wronged them in the past.
From family drama to criminal problems, to relationship hiccups and passionate encounters the poignant and riveting story touches all the emotions, keeps the reader on the edge, clued to the book with the need to know that The Rebels will survive and Elias and Maribel will have a chance of the future they dream of.
An emotional roll-a-coaster family saga not to be missed
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
January 2, 2024
I have loved this series since book one, and when I read Maribel had a secret I knew there was a child involved. What I wasn't prepared for was Elias reacting the way he did after confronting his mother. This whole series has been about family, and this book resolves most of that conflict. It had some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. But in the end love won out.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews