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Jack
I’m always down for a good time. I’m that guy.
I love women. I love sex. And I love my life.
Go big or go home, right?
My father’s death is a constant reminder of why I like to keep it simple.
Life is short.
Emotional attachments make you weak.
Grieving sucks. And I have no interest in caring deeply for anyone outside of my family.
I’m not looking for complications.
Monroe Buckley is a complication.
She’s driven.
She’s focused.
And she’s my best friend’s little sister.
Not happening.
But once we’re forced to spend time together…I only want more.
Too bad she’s the one woman who is off-limits.

MONROE
I don’t trust most people, and I have my reasons.
I’m passionate about my work, and I came here to do a job.
Not date the boss.
Getting hired at the top media company in the city is the break of my life.
But it means working for Jack Montgomery.
My one-time crush.
My brother’s best friend.
And the current thorn in my side.
He’s exactly what I want to avoid.
Yet he’s everywhere I turn. Even when he’s not there—he’s in my head.
He’s a magnet for attention.
A heartbreak just waiting to happen.
And my heart is something I fiercely protect. At all costs.
They say the heart wants what the heart wants...
But my heart isn’t allowed to make that decision anymore.
There’s too much to lose.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2021

1799 people are currently reading
4649 people want to read

About the author

Laura Pavlov

61 books10.9k followers
Laura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!

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Website➡️https://www.laurapavlov.com/

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5 stars
4,700 (48%)
4 stars
3,376 (34%)
3 stars
1,352 (14%)
2 stars
179 (1%)
1 star
39 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews731 followers
April 27, 2021
3,5 💖💖💖🌟s❣️

Jack was the youngest of the three Montgomery brothers and he turned out to be an unexpected perfect boyfriend! He might have been a great playboy, yet he was sweet and funny and so much more under the surface. But when he fell for Monroe, he fell hard!!!!!

Their journey was angsty, filled with great banter and their chemistry was amazing!

This story was very well written and ended with a wonderful epilogue, had a lot of tropes, and I was slightly tired with Monroe’s insecurities.

Overall, I enjoyed this series and the Montgomery brothers shared a great and solid relationship!
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,751 reviews1,049 followers
June 23, 2022
Rebel, for me is a disappointment. I tried to like this book at least 3 stars. I even forced myself to listened to the audiobook until the 6th hour. I gave up.
It is not the story that I do not like. The story itself is promising. Enemy to lover in a forbidden office romance.

What I can not connect is the wording/ writing style. I can not help myself feeling like the story is told with different writing style. Sometimes Miss Pavlov describe something simple with overly dramatic wording. And vice versa.

Anyway.. moving on..

2 stars
Profile Image for Adriana Locke.
Author 90 books16.1k followers
December 25, 2020
To say that I loved this book is an understatement.
Pavlov brought family, values, humor, and heat to a unique storyline that had me grinning from ear-to-ear.
This hero is type that I fall completely and utterly in love with. He's smart and strong and alpha all the way, but he's also honest and vulnerable. I'm smitten with Jack.
Monroe is the best kind of heroine. She's driven yet kind, smart yet hopeful. I identified with her right out of the gate and couldn't decide if I wanted to be her or be her best friend. (Book problems, right?)
Pavlov wove an irresistible love story that's fresh and romantic. It's the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading this genre.

Profile Image for Brooke — brooklynnnnereads.
1,326 reviews268 followers
January 5, 2021
This novel was a menagerie of tropes and I was all about it! Not only did the story contain the fake dating trope but it also was an office romance with one of the characters being a sibling’s best friend. Okay, that may sound a bit complicated but trust me…..it’s easy to understand while reading and made for an extremely entertaining read!

As per this author’s previous novels, this story had everything that you could want in a book. There was everything from a sexy and steamy romance to suspense and adventure, all mixed together with the perfect amount of wit and humour.

It was easy to get caught up in this story which made it hard to put down. Expect to read this in one sitting (maybe two).

I loved these Montgomery siblings (and the family dynamic as a whole) so I’m sad to say goodbye to this series. It was excellently done and has me sitting in anticipation for what this author will write next!

***Thank you to the author Laura Pavlov as well as Give Me Books Promotions for sending me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for jordane.
888 reviews206 followers
January 4, 2021
“I’d found my other half. And for the first time in my life—I was finally whole.”


When I started the Montgomery Brothers series, Jack was probably the one that caught my attention the most with his charming, goofy and funny attitude, so I was very excited to get my hands on his book. I enjoyed learning more about him and watching him fall in love with Monroe. She was as passionate as he was, but also driven, strong and sassy. Their dynamic was great and I loved the way it started with them fake dating for work. Monroe tried to avoid and hate Jack as much as she could, but her long-time crush on him never went away. Jack enjoyed spending more time with Monroe and his feelings for her quickly evolved. And he was ready to fully commit to a real relationship. Jack and Monroe were so cute and had amazing chemistry! The political scandals they were covering were also interesting. Overall, Jack's book and the Montgomery Brothers series were great, I enjoyed the characters and their story a lot and Rebel ended the series well!

*Arc kindly provided by the author and Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Sarah  - Get Booked with Sez.
800 reviews36 followers
January 28, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this story and I was so grateful! An easy and addictive read!!! I read within 12 hours.

This third book in the Montgomery Brothers series (also read as a stand-alone) follows the youngest Montgomery brother - Jack - finding his soul mate in Monroe - who happens to be his best friends sister.

This story truly has it all. Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, fake relationship romance then taboo love. It was clear from early on that Monroe and Jack were meant to be. Their banter was not just flirty, but their chemistry was off the charts. They had attraction from day one, and all it needed was that emotional connection which developed over the story. Laura wrote their emotional development perfectly. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t slow. It was perfect dialogue and I thank the author for this time not making just the man have emotional commitment issues, but the female too.
Profile Image for patty.
274 reviews29 followers
January 10, 2021
serving brother’s best friend and fake dating i loved it.
Profile Image for Just A Girl With Spirit.
1,408 reviews13.3k followers
January 7, 2021
“I want you to promise to live one minute longer than me so that I never have to exist in a world that you aren’t in.” “Because I love you so much that it terrifies me and excites me, and I don’t know what to do with that.”

Cue the waterworks! Laura! Why’d you write something so beautiful that made me cry. I loved this book with all my heart and soul. It was so real, relatable and just perfect. Monroe, her hurts, it’s like I could literally feel her pain that she experienced from a past boyfriend. She built these walls to protect herself from experiencing that from any other man. Insert sexy, hot, cocky Jack with a heart of gold that has a ooey gooey center. I love him. That is all! Just when I think I wouldn’t have room in my heart for another Montgomery brother, boom 💥 here comes Jack. When he would pay his leg for Monroe to sit—total undoing. I loved the enemies to lovers, fake relationship trope every single time! I just want to roll around in my feels for a bit. Carry on. Read this book. Be kind to one another. That is my wish for today.
Profile Image for Amber (Amber Reads Romance).
1,316 reviews199 followers
August 26, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

Jack was my favorite out of the Montgomery brothers. I have loved his sweet, funny, easygoing personality since book one. This one had some great tropes including brother’s best friend, workplace, and fake dating.

Monroe works for Jack as a reporter and is determined to finally cover some important stories. She hates Jack because he hooked up with her frenemy and she had been crushing on him back then. These two had amazing banter and the chemistry was perfect. Things heat up when they have to stay in a fake dating relationship.

I loved watching the playboy fall in love with Monroe and how protective he was over Monroe.
Profile Image for booksandbubbs.
703 reviews153 followers
December 22, 2020
4.5/5 Stars

"Wrong, Little Bird. No woman has kept my attention before, because I was waiting for you."

OMG how much do I love Jack Montgomery!! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Montgomery brothers series and I think this might be my fave one yet!! Jack starts off the book as your typical playboy who immediately sparks with Monroe (his best friend's little sister) as they are trying to get used to working together. Monroe is a young reporter who is trying to prove herself in the field and she is driven to succeed. I loved their banter with each other from the get go. Throw in a little fake dating and some family dynamics, and you have the recipe for an amazing love story. Of course, when Jack falls, he falls hard for Monroe and he is totally boyfriend goals as he goes out if his way to woo her and prove that he's changed his playboy ways. And of course they have obstacles, namely that they start off as fake and try to keep their relationship a secret. I also really enjoyed the family interactions and all the tie ins to the other books in the series. If you love stories featuring bad boys that change their way because of their love for a girl- this is the book for you! And I'm keeping Jack as my book boyfriend!
Profile Image for Romance Recs.
1,065 reviews190 followers
April 8, 2021
Rebel by Laura Pavlov is the third and final book in the Montgomery Brothers Series.

Each book starred one brother and their love interest. The first book, Legacy with the eldest brother Ford was a favorite of mine. This book can be read as a stand-alone however, it’s best that you read it in order. This book features all of the characters from the prior two books including the boy’s mother, who plays a part as well.

It’s best to read Legacy and Peacekeeper first.

The book is about Jack Montgomery, the youngest brother of three who is the goofball. He’s never been serious which we have seen from the prior two books, he sleeps around (a lot) and is essentially a carefree playboy in his off time. At work, Jack runs the news department of Montgomery Media, the family company which Ford is the CEO and Jack helps run. Harrison is buy running the family winery. The Montgomery family is extremely wealthy and are known on the West Coast for their status and wealth.

Ford is scouting for new talent and there is no one better than Monroe Buckley, who just so happens to be Jack’s best friend’s little sister to be their new writer. She has excellent credentials and comes from a privileged background herself.

Monroe hates Jack. She finds him pompous, and his ladies man persona rubs her the wrong way. This is a classic tale of enemies to lovers but also office romance and brother’s best friend. Lots of tropes here. I liked the book a lot in the beginning when Monroe and Jack had the banter as most enemies to lovers’ books do. I loved the forbidden aspect of the brother’s best friend elements as well… initially.

Unfortunately, this isn’t my favorite from this author, and I usually have loved the book I’ve read thus far. It seemed to drag at times, and it just didn’t draw me in or keep me captivated the way her other books did.

I know that Jack had to be the funny, loud one but is also sweet. And it did come across that way, it’s just that the constant bragging about his sexual partners as well as the lack of depth of the two characters turned me off. Also, I wanted to understand more of Jack’s personality.

I liked it. It was sweet and cute; I just didn’t love it or get those feelings of happiness when reading. I wanted to feel more of a connection between Monroe and Jack but it was a nice in between read.
Profile Image for Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri .
1,340 reviews1,115 followers
January 4, 2021
description

Jack's company hires Monroe, his best friend's little sister, to work as a reporter. Monroe is who is off-limits to Jack, her new boss, in more ways than one. Monroe doesn't like Jack since he hooked up with her “frienemy” track teammate in college. He also has a bad track record with serial dating half of San Francisco. Monroe wouldn't dream of dating Jack until she gets stuck fake dating him as a joke. When a fake relationship starts to feel, will the two be able to work through the demons of their pasts?

I loved the characters, this book, and the entire Montgomery Brother series. Just like all of the other books in this series of standalones, this one had the perfect blend of drama, feels, and fun to make this book a page turner. I always loved happy-go-lucky Jack. In Rebel, we got to see his loving and sensitive side. Rebel can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the other brothers' books (since they were really good). Rebel might be my favorite book of this series! Rebel by Laura Pavlov is one-click worthy!
Profile Image for Rainy.
324 reviews10 followers
February 25, 2023
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3.5/5
🎵 3AM by AJR

Tropes:
- Best Friends Sister
- Workplace Romance
- Fake Dating

Similar Books:
- Dreamland Billionaires Series by Lauren Asher
Overall Similarities between this series and Dreamland Billionaires
1. Three brothers who own a large company and are close, both in age and relationship
2. Oldest brother is the the grump and meets his sunshine (The Fine Print by Lauren Asher vs Legacy by Laura Pavlov)
3. Middle brother is the peacekeeper who fails to see what is right in front of him (Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher vs Peacekeeper by Laura Pavlov)
4. Youngest brother is a bit of a goofball who finds a girl that challenges him (The Final Offer by Lauren Asher vs Rebel by Laura Pavlov)
5. Youngest brother has a tight relationship with his sister in laws (the bad and boozie)
6. Brothers have lost their father and have to take over the company

Notes:
I do not know how to describe the feeling this book gave me. It was the perfect level of happiness mixed with a feeling of contentment. From the beginning, I could sense that the characters were good together just through their interactions with one another. In the previous books in the series, Jack had always been the happy-go-lucky brother who was bringing in the comic relief, so him having his own story was already destined for greatness.

Match that with Monroe's saucy personality and being the only person in the entire world who didn't love Jack and was off limits, the chemistry was going to be unstoppable (and it was). I loved how their story didn't go from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. Seeing them interact with each other and slowly give more of themselves to one another was a rewarding feeling.

I have found in the past that when there are too many tropes involved in the story, it all just seems random and forced. Safe to say that was not the case with this book. I thought the tropes were executed perfectly and fit the flow of the story. It was nice to not see a huge third act breakup and instead have them work through their issues while maintaining the relationship.

I will officially be adding Jack Montgomery to the book boyfriends list because he certainly deserves it. I mean buying a cat named Pussy to impress a girl >>. Not to mention his relationship with his sister-in-laws, brothers, and baked treats.
Profile Image for Lucy Joyeux (Gazikova).
192 reviews51 followers
January 14, 2021
I've got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm giving this book 4 stars. My preference to books have shifted into "the darker, the better" and this book is not dark, which is FINE! it's just my preference. Either way, I loved this book as much as I loved the previous two!

Okay, so...our Monroe doesn't exactly cook, but she does have a fridge full of food, haha. (reference to my review of Peacekeeper).

This book is an enemies-to-lovers + office romance type of book and I'm here for it!

I love enemies-to-lovers and recently I'm starting to like office romance more too, in this care the author did an amazing job or putting this too together.

I couldn't wait to read Jack's story as he's a player. I knew there had to be more about him and what we couldn't see previously and you can bet your ass there is!

I loved Monroe! So far Laura (author) knows how to create a very likeable, strong, independent woman that you'll just fall in love with! We started with Harley, then Laney and now Monroe. All three of them are special and so worth it!
She's had a tough life. Her mother died while giving birth and because of that she never allowed herself to be or feel happy!

On top of this, she hates Jack and he just doesn't understand how she can hate him. Everyone loves him!

Our Monroe ended up working for Montgomery Media where Jack Montgomery along with his two older brothers (but mostly Jack) are her bosses. She's a brilliant reporter and works very hard to achieve her dreams.

Also the way this story ends and along the previous book characters with it, will make it worth all the time! I'm seriously so happy I got the chance to read this series, because it was top notch!

As I said maybe too much, you should read this book! Enemies + Office romance? I mean what else do you need??? Hurry up! And while you're at it, read the previous two! They are AH-MAZING!!
Profile Image for Caroline O'Sullivan.
971 reviews36 followers
January 5, 2021
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.

This is book 3 in The Montgomery Brothers series and while it would make more sense having read Legacy and Peacekeeper first it definitely could be read as a standalone. However why would you not want to read more about these 3 hot as sin brothers!!

5 huge Jack-ass stars!!!!

Laura this book was absolutely worth the wait, I loved every single page of this book. The storyline was amazing, the characters that I have grown to love through the series were amazing and honestly this book was the perfect ending to The Montgomery brothers series.

🖤 Angst
🖤 Family values
🖤 Love
🖤 Chemistry
🖤 Fake boyfriend
🖤 Office romance
🖤 Brothers best friend

I was desperate to read Jack's story, he always stood out me and I couldn't wait to get inside his head, I was not disappointed. I loved Jack and Monroe together, Jack is one of the sweetest kindest men there is and he more than deserves to be with someone that adores him, someone that is special and someone who is his match. This pair have so much love for one another, it is a pleasure reading their story.

I loved catching up with Harrison, Ford, Laney Mae , Har-bear and of course the boys beautiful mother. This family have been an absolute pleasure to get to know and I'm really going to miss them. I love when we get to see lots of the other characters when a series progresses, even though Jack and Monroe were the main characters we still got a lot of the rest and saw how their lives were rolling out.

This book had so many twists and turns and I enjoyed every single one of them. Laura I'm thinking you need to find us a secret brother so we can have a book 4 haha.

Great book, great series, great family 🖤

Thanks for the pleasure Laura, now to wait patiently on that next series of yours and I can not wait 🖤
Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,426 reviews302 followers
December 28, 2020
Rate: 5 / 5 stars

Since the very first time Jack popped in a scene in book 1, I fell completely in love with his energy. He is such a funny, sweet guy and I adore him. His book was everything I wanted and more. I knew from the beginning he would be my fav Montgomery and Rebel proved me right.

I loved Monroe too. She is a strong female character and I love how she gave Jack a hard time in the beginning and didn't fall at his feet like every other female he encountered. She sassed him left and right and I loved it. Their banter was amazing, just like their chemistry.

Watching Jack fall in love with his best friend's sister was amazing. He was always scared of what Miles would do when he found out but when push came to shove, he just wanted to come out and tell him and shoutout to the world how happy he was with Monroe. It hurt my heart when he was suffering and heartbroken over them keep things hush-hush. It was hard to see someone who is sunshine personified be so down and gloomy.

I loved the suspenseful-ish plotline in the book where Monroe and Jack went undercover to find proof for their stories. It added something special to the whole story and it was amazing for their character and relationship development. I really enjoyed how Laura played it all out.

As always in the Montgomery Brothers series, family is super important and once more we can see how much this family cares for each other and their loved ones and close friends. I love how close they all were and how in signs of trouble they are always there for each other. This family is really special and I'm sad this series has come to an end. I'm gonna miss them.

➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

➳ Order at: Amazon UKAmazon US


➳ Follow me on: BlogInstagramFacebook Twitter
Profile Image for Morgan.
252 reviews
January 18, 2021
I highly recommend reading this book! I also recommend the 2 books before this one! The Montgomery brothers are 🥵🥵

I knew it from the second Jack was introduced in Legacy! I knew I’d be in love with this man! Sure enough, after finally being able to read his book, I am in love with this man. Laura definitely saved the best for last! I’m left wanting to know, where can I find my Jack? 😂

In the previous two books Jack is known for his passion (just like his two brothers). He’s also known for living life to the fullest and everyone loves him. So imagine how he feels when they hire his best friends little sister and she “hates” him and he has no clue why!

They are forced to spend more time together. Lines start to blur. The first female Jack has feelings for is off limits.

Just like the previous books in this series there was just enough drama. This is what I love most about this series.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,261 reviews219 followers
December 18, 2020
4.5 star review Rebel (Montgomery Brothers #3) by Laura Pavlov

This is the third book in the latest series from Laura Pavlov and as I found with the first two books in the series, Rebel was well written with characters whose story you cannot help but become invested in.

This is Jack Montgomery and Monroe Buckley’s friends to lovers story that ticked the boxes for me. Monroe is the sister of Jack’s best friend and she was such a strong, feisty and sassy character.

The chemistry between Jack and Monroe is off the charts and the banter between them was witty. Jack is a brooding, alpha through and through but underneath it all is a man who cares deeply and I fell hard and fast for him.

To me these two were always meant to be together and I was cheering for them to get their happily ever after. It was entertaining to watch their relationship develop as both of them struggled with committing to a relationship. Rebel had humour and steam and was an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,521 reviews83 followers
January 6, 2021
Oh how I love these Montgomery men and the woman that rock their world. Laura has once again given me a couple and storyline that make me laugh, swoon and fan myself.
Jack is the youngest of the men and he is all that and a bag of chips. He is loyal to the family and just such a wonderful man. He is strong, kind, goofy, sexy, funny and quite the alpha when he knows what he wants. Monroe is such a breath of fresh air. She is sassy, smart and sweet with confidence and wit! Yes she is a woman on a mission but she can also be tentative when it comes to the language of love.
Get ready for quite the entertaining trip with these two. This couple had such a smart funny banter that I couldn't put them down they played off one another so well. Now let's toss in all the supporting characters that I have grown to love and yes ding ding ding we have ourselves a winner! Loved Jack and Monroe
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Profile Image for christyheartsbooks.
1,147 reviews32 followers
January 21, 2021
I have been patiently waiting for Jack's book since Legacy and he did not disappoint. He was still his fun loving and carefree self that we fell in love with but then we get to really see his heart of gold. I really loved how in this we got to see the H wanting things to change and for them to come out with their relationship. I loved how all in and in love he was with Monroe. They were perfect for each other. I loved her sass and banter with Jack. She was his perfect balance of serious. I also loved that this one again had that suspense aspect to the story. All around great ending to this series.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,143 reviews105 followers
January 3, 2021
I have been waiting for this book. Is there a woman out there strong enough to tame Jack? He loves women, has made his fair share of mistakes with them. Morgan is every wrong there is; his employee, best friend’s sister, to name a few. She is also smart and driven. Between the fantastic banter, obvious chemistry, a few twists and turns, we get a love story. I also enjoyed catching up with the rest of the family from the previous books. While it is not necessary to read them, I recommend it.

Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the free copy for my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jenn Amy.
916 reviews83 followers
January 11, 2021
4 stars

Since first meeting Jack in Legacy I have been eager for his book and Laura Pavlov absolutely delivered. This is a highly addicting friends to lovers tale that is drama-filled, full of tension, angst, humor and heart.

Jack is the good time brother, he is always laughing and joking and is the life of the party. Underneath it all he is loyal, passionate and has a huge heart. In the previous two books in the series we see a little bit of his shenanighans of hooking up with one woman after the next without consequence but we also saw him step up in a major way for the family when needed. He is the perfect man and has a personality that will have you laughing one moment and swooning the next.

Monroe is the little sister of Jack’s best friend. She is completely off limits. She has had a thing for Jack years ago but after witnessing his playboy ways she wants nothing to do with him, until circumstances thrust them together and have them embarking on a fake relationship. Monroe is feisty, and fiery. She is smart and beautiful and is trying hard to resist all that is Jack Montgomery but soon that becomes impossible. The two have incredible chemistry. There were parts of Monroe that I struggled with. Her trust issues are big and she came off as selfish at times and there were a few times where I felt she treated Jack unfairly.

The Montgomery family is an incredible gang. I already loved Jack in the previous books and fell for him even harder in this book. The way he loves his family hard is such a strong quality in him.

Laura Pavlov is a new to me author and I will most definitely be on the lookout for more of her work in the future.

*Advanced reader copy received in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Farah.
675 reviews61 followers
June 17, 2021
Jack Montgomery. Enough said right?!

If you've read the rest of the series you've met Jack. He's the youngest brother, the light and funny one with a heart of gold. He's also a sexual creature by nature, not his fault he's just living his life being an attractive man!

I love how he's always honest about who he is and stands his ground. He's never mean or rude he's sweet and kind and a hell of a lot charming.

Not good for Monroe Buckley. As she's Jack's best friends little sister. Off limits but not an issue since she hates him, but maybe still had a little crush on his from years ago.

Monroe is working under Jack and is amazing at her craft, he's being himself and isn't looking for a commitment. He doesn't like her not liking him but it's fun for him to try and win her over.

When Monroe's brother forces Jack and Monroe to fake date to get their step mother off her back, Jack steps up. It's only one might right?! No.

That little stunt costs them as it's splashed everywhere with the city knowing the Montgomery Brothers well. Monroe isn't pleased but I loved this aspect of the story. As its unique and new, no brother's best friend romance I've read before starts with the brother initiating the whole thing!

They agree to the PR stunt for a little longer and her brother apologises but stillw warns Jack away.

Jack has no issue staying away but as he plays the part of fake boyfriend he seems to fall in love with it and doesn't want it over. Monroe is the same but her past and hesitancy causes issue.

I loved the organic way their relationship blooms and there's so much more than that little business I disclosed that occurs. There's a twist of events as the rest of the series has and a lot flirting, a lot of fighting, a lot of love and just a beautiful story that did nearly make me cry.

I grew to love Jack in a way that I've never done before, he's the type of book boyfriend you never want to lose. He's sweet and generous. He's the guy that when he goes all in, he's all bloody in - like scream from the mountains in. But Monroe gives him his challenges.

A great story, plot, characters, everything!! I loved it so hard and I'm sad it's all over but the journey was amazing!
Profile Image for Natalie - FerryGoodBooks.
836 reviews19 followers
December 28, 2020
I have been waiting for this book since I started this series. Jack is the goofy one, the one who seemed like he would never get tied down, the aloof one who loves nothing more than a good time and joking around. I knew that when he would fall in love, he would fall hard and this story did not disappoint.

Monroe is ambitious and driven. She knows what she wants and has no trouble going for it, but when it comes to believing in her own desires or wants, she’s a complete mess. I hate how she feels she doesn’t deserve the good in life and is constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. She was strong and sassy and as the reader you have the connection with her that keeps you rooting for her throughout the story.

The author made this both the perfect combination of a sweet and sexy romance. There’s undeniable chemistry between Jack and Monroe. She matched him toe to toe by challenging him in ways others haven’t. Jack’s a playboy and uses you to get whatever he wants and Monroe is there to knock him down a peg or two. Jack and Monroe’s back and forth teasing and humorous wisecracks kept this story playful and enjoyable. She matures him from the gallivanting playboy with very little personal direction or motivation, to a decisive man by showing him there’s more to life than just a one night stand.

What made this story so much fun was the playful and enjoyable relationships Jack has with his two sister-in-laws. They have a closeness, more so than with his own brothers, and comradery that is both endearing and playful. They genuinely care for each other, step up for one another, and support one another with loving and sarcastic advice. I adore this family. I love how close knit everyone is and how interconnected these books are. As the reader you have a chance to grow with this family with each book and you become connected and invested in their story and outcomes.

The secondary story was a bit too dramatic for my liking and honestly I could have done without it. I like that it showcased Monroe’s dedication to her line of work, but for me it didn’t add much to the overall story. I also didn’t like how dismissive Monroe was with Jack and his feelings for her. I understand why she was skeptical and cautious with her heart, but in my opinion Jack did everything to make her feel reassured and loved. He was patient with her request, and not only his actions, but his words left nothing to interpret. He was all in with this relationship.

This is a great series and I love how each book stands on its own and showcases the individuality of each brother, while still having a cohesive feel to the series.
And fingers crossed this isn’t the last time we see this family… maybe a novella for Mama Montgomery and a former NFL player with a kind heart 🧐. Thank you to Give Me Books and Laura Pavlov for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,406 reviews20 followers
January 19, 2021
Opposites attract/fakelationship/enemies to lovers. Monroe and Jack met each other back in the day in college, Monroe used to have a crush on him but he had been "around" that crush dropped dramatically. Her perception of him changed and it was easier to dislike him than the opposite. We met Jack in his brothers' books, and he's always been the fun one, the jokester, the "free minded" between the brothers. He would always make me giggle in his scenes with his brothers because they were so uptight most times. He just puts a smile to your face. And, gah, can he be any sweeter when he's being an Uncle?!!!!

These two embark on a fake relationship but as time goes on and they spend more time together, is it still fake? I really liked these two together, their chemistry is out the wazoo. I loved these brothers and this series. This is a standalone but worth it to read the other Montgomery bros and their stories.
Profile Image for Vera Neves (Sinfonia dos Livros).
799 reviews48 followers
January 5, 2021
Good thing I had read the books before this one.
Of the three brothers, Jack is the one who gets us most involved. He is smart, cunning, playful and extremely dedicated to the family and business that has been run by him and his brothers since his father passed away.
He is a man who, despite being the youngest of the three, has very strong values ​​and he really is like a kind of alpha male in every way. However, he also has a more sensitive and vulnerable side, and that side is the one that gets us all worked up by him.
Now, Jack has a friend, who happens to be his best friend, apart from his brothers. This best friend has a sister. You can see where this is going, right?
Monroe is her name and she is the most recent acquisition of the Montgomery brothers' business. She is an assertive, hardworking, sensitive woman with a strong personality. Ever since she met Jack, she tries to put him at the right distance because he is her brother's best friend and she does not want, in any way, to ruin their friendship or cause problems with her brother.
From trying to keep your distance from Jack and get it, she has to go a long way and it will not be easy to resist what she feels for him and his constant presence, since he is one of her bosses.
From the beginning, we can all see that, despite the ice treatment that each reserves to the other, Jack and Monroe were destined to be.
It won't be an easy relationship, but love wins everything, right?
Once again Laura Pavlov manages to bring us characters that hold us from beginning to end, due to their personalities and huge hearts. In a light, humorous and full of intention the author manages to close the Montgomery trilogy with a flourish.
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,031 reviews54 followers
December 23, 2020
This book is the third book in this series the Montgomery Brothers and oh what brothers they are. I really enjoyed reading this book just liked I've loved reading all the others in this series and this author writes in a style that I love. I recommend that you read the others in the series just so you get all the feels of this family and these brothers, you will love it.

Monroe is a really beautiful woman and she is a very sassy lady that has just started working at the company as a journalist and has already had a cheeky start with her boss. She has always has a thing for Jack and when they get forced to spend time together they both have to confront there feeling for one another. Jack is cocky, sexy, and loves to live life to the absolute fullest but still takes his work very seriously and really loves baked good LOL!. When he sees Monroe he sees his best friends sister and she is sort of of limits to him, or is she? He loves his family and will do anything to protect them and deep down inside he does have a very sweet side to him.

This is a real best friends brothers romance and it really does have it all. I loved the way that this author has written these characters and the way that they grip you and come to life on the page, they are deep and the family dynamic in this series is the forefront of these books . I loved the banter and the chemistry between these two and they were always meant to be. It was great seeing the other brothers in the story and seeing a little more of them and I was totally hooked on every page right until the end. This author has written an absolutely amazing trilogy of books and I have loved reading every single one and I recommend this author and her books to every one.

For more on my reviews, new releases, and more about books head over to my blog.
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
Profile Image for Nicola.
159 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2021
Rebel
Well, Rebel was my last book of 2020 and my first review of 2021 and what a review to start on.
I have loved the Montgomery brothers from day one with Jack always being my favourite! So I couldn’t wait for his HEA 💗 Well, Jack didn’t disappoint he is perfect!
His character really shines through this book which left me with a goofy smile on my face throughout! Jack is hilarious the joker of the family he a notorious playboy but under this exterior, he is caring, loyal and protective of what is his and he's determined to make Monroe his!
I usually love to read about the bad boy, treat them mean to keep them keen type but, Jack is the complete opposite! He’s the ultimate swoon-worthy book boyfriend and I loved it.
Monroe is broken and is guarding her heart from the former playboy but Jack is determined to prove her wrong.
This is a super sweet, heartwarming, funny end to a fantastic series and I’m so glad it was my last read over 2020 it’s put me in a fantastic mood to start 2021.
Laura is one of my must read authors and I can’t wait to read more in 2021 💗
Profile Image for Nikki.
707 reviews17 followers
January 6, 2021
I received this book for free from Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


My Thoughts


Friends, 2020 was a weird year. Want to know how I know (besides the obvious)? I actually read more contemporary romance than SciFi last year. ME. The self-proclaimed space geek and Jedi Master. WTF?!

With that said, I am not sure if it is BECAUSE I read a lot of romance or because I am a 34 year old woman who moonlights as a licensed social worker when not being the aforementioned Jedi... THIS BOOK GRATED ON MY NERVES. Apologies now if this reads more rant than review.


FIRST...


STOP TELLING PEOPLE HOW THEY FEEL AND JUST F*%$* LISTEN! This is what I kept screaming in my head (and occasionally out loud) to our female lead, Monroe. Instead of actually listening to Jack or, you know, forming an opinion based on actions & words instead of assumptions & judgements... she spent much of the book telling him (and herself) how he feels. Repeatedly. And most the time she was wrong.

As a grown ass woman, this is one of my biggest pet peeves so needless to say... it was distracting. Okay it was infuriating but I digress...


Okay Moving On...


Now that I got that out of the way.

Rebel felt like a story that wasn't really sure what it wanted to be when it grew up so it decided to be ALL THE THINGS. There are so many tropes thrown at the reader from enemies to lovers then friends to lovers plus best-friend's little sister ... lets not forget fake dating and the mob is thrown in for good measure. Yes... THE MOB . It was just a whole lot to try to manage in under 300 pages.





In the midst of all those tropes you have perfectly vanilla Monroe who is 'smart' but also makes the brilliant decision to date her boss and embrace her most petulant inner child when he 'tells her what to do' and he justifies these actions with his male protectiveness gene. Yes, please feel the sarcasm. Jack is also perfectly forgettable except that he is a kick ass lover with a great dick... which we know because it was said 100 times. Insert eye roll here. Okay so maybe not completely forgettable, Jack did have a few lovable moments but I kept wanting MORE. Something deeper than his perfect façade. I'm blaming LJ Shen and her ultra complicated males for that one...

One of my BIGGEST frustrations with this book was the slut shaming. Why do women write women shaming other women when they are threatened or insecure?! Monroe seriously calls a women she has never met a skank. Why? Because her fake (kinda fake? fake-ish?) boyfriend has a reputation for having casual sexual relationships, so therefore those women must be skanks. It can't possibly be that two consenting adults decided to have an intimate relationship without deciding to lock it down for life. Nope, Monroe talks from her own insecurity and assumes the worst about both the man she wants to have a relationship with and someone she has never met. So incredibly juvenile. When will we stop this?


But I Do Have a Favorite Part...



And it is a cat named Pussy. Yup. Pussy. Hands down the best part of the book and it had me seriously laughing out loud. This book could have used a lot more Pussy... Never thought I would write that in a review but here we are, thank you 2020. One star just for the Pussy chapters. Okay I'll stop now.


Overall


Overall, Rebel felt a bit formulaic. Sigh. What did keep me reading were all the side characters. I definitely enjoyed the Montgomery brothers and their family dynamic as a whole. Plus their wives. And despite finding our two MC's a bit boring on their own, I did enjoy their banter. When they were good, they were pretty FUN.

Rebel is the first book I have read about the Montgomery Brothers and while they can be read as stand-alone stories, I wonder if reading the previous two stories would have impacted my thoughts. At least some... still can't hang with the slut shaming.

I finished the book and enjoyed the last third so I guess this is somewhere around a 2.75 to 3 star read?!

Fans of this series/author seem to love this one, so if that is you - do check it out. If you are new to this series/author, you may want to start with Legacy (Montgomery Brothers Book 1) and see how it goes.

And if any of the things I mentioned would bother you as much as they did me, SKIP IT.

Thank you Social Butterfly PR for the opportunity to read this early!



Rebel is out in the world January 5, 2021!


Also... why is it called Rebel? IDK.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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