Rebel

Sterling Falls #3

by S. Massery

Sterling Falls is a dark, gothic reverse harem romance series with enemies to lovers, romantic suspense, and new adult themes. Rebel is book 3 in the series and a continuation of the first two - it is not a standalone.

Warning: the blurb contains spoilers for the previous books in the series.
––

War has come to Sterling Falls.

The guys and I are scattered. Finding them is the first step.
Freeing them of their chains is the next.

Labeled a fugitive, I’m hunted for a rebellion I haven’t even begun to lead.
But I will lead it. I fell in love with this city–I won’t let it fall into chaos so easily.

A calm facade blankets the city.
Underneath it, the gangs are at each others’ throats.

Not everyone is glad I’m back in Sterling Falls…
And some would kill to keep me out.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, College

380 pages, ebook

First published June 17, 2022

About the author

S. Massery is a dark romance author who infuses all her stories with a dash of suspense. Formerly from Massachusetts, she now resides in Southern California with her dog, Alice.

Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs—including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.

• Facebook Group —> http://facebook.com/groups/smasserysquad 

• Facebook —> http://facebook.com/authorsmassery

• Instagram —> http://instagram.com/authorsmassery 

• Newsletter —> http://smassery.com/newsletter
• Tiktok —> http://tiktok.com/@smassery

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"These violent delights have violent ends."

Six months ago Kora Sinclair was taken against my will.
She left her gods behind.
In a city of chaos and blood reigning down.
They don't want her to come back.
They don't want her to be a part of this war.
But she has changed…
She's getting my boys back. She's getting her city back
And the monsters better be prepared for what's coming.

"You had five years. It's my turn."

Hold the MF phone because I am about to tell you something.
That move from the first chapter to the second BROKE ME!!
What the actual F is going on? That was my immediate reaction because I did not expect that!
So many things happened in this book that I did not expect, that made me cry so hard and that made me immediately pick up the next book (the final book) because while I don't want this series to end I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT THE ACTUAL F HAVE I BEEN READING AND HOW IS IT GOING TO END?

"We've got to fight, and we've got to do it together."

First things first because it is at the forefront of my mind. My heart FUCKING BROKE for Wolfe. Because of the whole broken thing I just wanted to legit break down and give him a hug and then that decision at the end. I know there were reasons but I'm just like NOOOOO. It was a hard decision for Jace (not gonna say it wasn't) but after his story line it was just so many tears I swear.

"You are worth fixing."

And thank god we got our villain/badass arc for Kora because I have been waiting for her to go all "that's how you make a villain style" and I am sure that is how that will continue in the last book because with that ending how could she not?

"This is my city. And I won't hesitate to burn down the whole fucking thing to get rid of the infestation."

As predicted Jace is quickly rising to be my favorite and I am not surprised one bit because throwing Parker off the cliff - I am all for it. Kill that MF asshole. I mean could he be more shady? Even after that chapter he got.
And OMG NYXXXXXX. My heart broke once again because I was bawling over my book. Legit definitely has watermarks all over just saying…
The way I picked up the next (and last) book so fucking fast with hope I SWEAR TO YOU!!

"We're on the edge of the cliff. Are you going to jump with me?"

This playlist is definitely mainly "that's how you make a villain vibes" so I hope you enjoy 😇😇

(Link - https://spotify.link/d8Om0NvvTIb )

🎵 "GONE" - NF, Julia Michaels
🎵 "I miss you, I'm sorry" - Gracie Abrams
🎵 "Forget Me" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "Rebel" - Pep Squad
🎵 "nameless" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "In My Head" - Mike Shinoda, Kailee Morgue
🎵 "Anyone" - Demi Lovato
🎵 "Gilded Lily - Sped Up" - Cults
🎵 "Glimpse of Us" - Conor Maynard
🎵 "breathe again" - Joy Oladokun
🎵 "Run Boy Run" - Woodkid
🎵 "The Drug In Me Is Reimagined" - Falling In Reverse
🎵 "Hesitate" - Jonas Brothers
🎵 "Rain" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "cinderella's dead" - EMELINE
🎵 "You've Created A Monster" - Bohnes
🎵 "Slayer" - Bryce Savage
🎵 "eyes don't lie" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "FINAL GIRL (too pretty to die)" - PI3RCE
🎵 "BABYDOLL" - Ari Abdul
🎵 "Joke's On You" - Charlotte Lawrence
🎵 "Seven" - Rain Paris
🎵 "Always Been You" - Jessie Murph
🎵 "King" - Lilith Czar
🎵 "Cologne" - SM6
🎵 "HUMAN" - elijah, Matty Mullins
🎵 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎵 "Saints" - Echos
🎵 "WAP" - Cardi B, Meghan Thee Stallion
🎵 "Killing Me Slowly" - Bad Wolves
🎵 "Kill Everyone" - Hollywood Undead
🎵 "Take What You Want" - Post Malone, Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Scott
🎵 "Movement" - Hozier
🎵 "In the Air Tonight" - In This Moment
🎵 "Family Line" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Elastic Heart - Rock Version" - Written by Wolves
🎵 "Make A Move" - Icon For Hire
🎵 "Start A War" - Klergy, Valerie Broussard
🎵 "I Don't Give A…" - MISSIO, Zeale
🎵 "I Don't Smoke - Audiotree Live Version" - Mitski
🎵 "Trespassing" - Adam Lambert
🎵 "Fire Meet Gasoline" - Sia
🎵 "Flames" - MOD SUN, Avril Lavigne
🎵 "Sick Like Me" - In This Moment
🎵 "Killing Butterflies" - Lewis Blissett
🎵 "Burn With You" - Lea Michele
🎵 "Heaven" - Julia Michaels
🎵 "Whatever It Takes" - Imagine Dragons
🎵 "Seven Nation Army" - Stevie Howie
🎵 "Blaze of Glory" - Kevin Rudolf
🎵 "True Friends" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "Chills - Dark Version" - Mickey Valen, Joey Myron
🎵 "Electricity" - Ashley Jana
🎵 "Look What You Made Me Do" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Teeth" - Lady Gaga
🎵 "Savage" - Bahari
🎵 "OWN MY MIND" - Maneskin
🎵 "GASOLINE" - Maneskin
🎵 "Kiss It Better" - Rihanna
🎵 "Lights Out" - bludnymph
🎵 "Raise Hell" - Dorothy
🎵 "Shadows" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "Fix You" - Kacey Musgraves
🎵 "MONSTER" - Chadndler Leighton
🎵 "Hit and Run" - LOLO
🎵 "Pretty In The Dark" - Ashley Sienna, Ellise
🎵 "Writing's On The Wall" - Sam Smith
🎵 "Breaking Down" - I Prevail
🎵 "salvation" - Christabelle Marbun
🎵 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎵 "don't be sad" - Tate McRae
🎵 "MANTRA" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "Bad Things" - Cults

And don't worry, even though this book was definitely action pack it wasn't the only kind of action…

"It's been driving me wild, knowing you're back but unable to touch you like this. I couldn't wait."

"You're going to let me show you how much I missed you. Don't let go of the headboard."

"She's clenching around my fingers. And she's so fucking wet."

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C55puBjrw...

Full Sterling Falls Playlist - https://spotify.link/CdpCKE0VTIb

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Holy holy holy, my head is still spinning with all the twists and turns in the book. The ending I did not see coming, the death of a friend, Jace and Apollo free, but Wolfe still indentured to his father. One monster dead, one monster thrown over the cliffs and hopefully now dead, and one monster left to die. Bring on the last book

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

~ 2.5 stars ~

After the second book, I have been such a BIG fan of these. I have been buddy reading them with a friend, and we have been loving them until we both got to this book.

The main issue with this book is that it starts 6 months later, after the 2nd book ends. It opens with Kora being able to hold her own against the person who supposedly spent some months “training” her how to truly fight not just to defend but to demolish opponents. Apparently she also learns mental techniques to quiet her mind, release anxiety/stress, and how to handle dangerous situations… But none of this is really shown to readers, just told. While I don’t think I had as much of a reaction, like her being a completely different person, I really disliked her immediate changes. An example of this is when she commandeers one of the motorcycles and decides she’s driving, without ever having learned, taken classes, the guys never instructed her. I believe one of the lines in the book about this was like “I’d been watching the guys drive these bikes for months now. If I hadn’t observed enough than shame on me for not knowing”. In MY mind, I’m over here like “No ma’am. THAT is definitely not the way that works.” Her changes, were just so UNBELIEVABLE, it made this book fall so flat. Like, please instead of telling the reader this happened, PLEASE SHOW US the process, or some of it..

I had this problem with the guys too. There’s all this talk about how dark Wolfe becomes without having access to his friends, not knowing where Jace or Kora is, he’s turned into this monster inhabiting his darkest places, trapped in his past within the Hell Hounds, and yet, NONE of that is shown. He’s just moody and broody BECAUSE no one REALLY knows what happened in those 6 months. Apollo was supposedly treated like a dog, surviving with water and a blanket like a prisoner, but he still gets some sort of stipend enough that Wolfe and Apollo buy a house without Jace knowing? I’m over here like, but did you guys have it bad? Like? We’re as readers supposed to believe that, but I’m not getting that out of how these characters are acting… Like I just really needed that depth of character, and it feels like the author took the easy way out by just saying some things happened but not really showing it.

I also felt that the intimate scenes were there just to be there. They were thrown in as a second thought.. Like, it’s not time to have a *MOMENT* when the house is literally burning down around you… Especially not to the point where you’re getting trapped by flames inside the house because you could not contain yourself.. Highly improbable, if not impossible scenario.

Lastly, this series was already reminding me of the Madison Kate series by Tate James, but I did like the men and FMC better in this series…. UNTIL this book. AND THEN this book and it’s last line… I’m sorry, that plot twist is the EXACT one Tate James used in her series. Personally, I know authors use many sources for inspiration, BUT this was much too close to that series for me to be comfortable with it.

I wanted to really like this series, but this book was a NO GO!

It’s hard because I do like the world and I like the characters, but the plot just really shifted and this wasn’t as well done. This could have been so good with some changes…

[Emmy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kora overall hasn't been my favorite FMC for the first half of the series but this book.... WOW.... I'm now beyond obsessed with her. She is something fierce in this book and I can't wait to see where her journey goes next. This book picks up 6 months after that insane cliffhanger in book 2 where Kora is off somewhere super remote and the guys are surviving the aftermath. Sara alludes to so much that happened in the meantime and I love that she didn't dwell on that in between since I think it would've stalled the overall story. I also really enjoyed the few new faces that pop into the story and was heartbroken as some of our previous favorites stories played out (IYKYK and you will ball your eyes out... just be prepared... seriously, just breath through it when you get to that point cause it will wreck you for a bit).

While Kora toughened up and is now a true queen, my love for each of the guys has definitely changed. Apollo is still his playful self even after all he has been through but Wolfe kind of threw me for a loop. I loved Wolfe in the previous books but this one he was just so broken that I'm not sure how he can be redeemed. Now to my absolute favorite, Jace. He was my favorite favorite in the previous books and this one just solidifies it for me. Their reunion is sweet and spicy yet frustrating AF at the same time. I loved it!

Thank you Sara for sending me an ARC of this book!

[Soft Covers, Hard Feelings · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Everything was going great. I was obsessed from book 1. So much so I stayed up until 3am reading even though I've been sick and work at 6am. That's how good things were going. Same happened with book 2. I was eating these books up, leaving zero crumbs. & Then after such a good cliffhanger, book 3 happened. I stayed up until 2:30am and checked out a couple of chapters and just knew it was going to go down hill.

So, the story takes place after a small time jump. 6 months. & Everything just starts moving. Like moving really fast. All of a sudden Kora is at some island for troubled teens or whatever we wanna call it. Then it skips back to saying staying at her parents didn't work out so she's on the island now? Then she's seen taking a training lesson with some guy. Just one lesson but apparently it's been an ongoing thing? Fast forward apparently there were gun lessons too? Question marks because I don't know. I'm only TOLD these things, I'm NOT shown them. There's no background. Like there was all this character development out of nowhere. She just turns into this bad was bitch who can hold her ground, shoot people, take charge, and just run things? It's not realistic. Not one bit.

The same goes with the guys. Like Wolfe is more damaged and shit. Apollo was treated like a dog and who knows what Jace went through. We don't know because we're only TOLD these things, don't even get a chance to see a crumb of it. I watched all my favorite characters get ruined in seconds.

Don't even get me started with the sex scenes. I've been WAITING for Jace. I been waiting so fucking patiently. & All I get is some quick on the boat monster cock. THAT'S IT. These scenes with everyone felt extremely forced. Why do we need a sex scene in the middle of a house fire, why do we need one as they wait for Ben to get kidnapped, why do we need them back to back after each other? At this point, leave it out. It's not needed.

Why did Nyx have to be the one to die? That seemed random. It was painful though, I'll give it that. Parker's end was anticlimactic af. I'm telling you, things felt rushed af. At this point you might as well have ended this series with this book. You already ruined it. We get a bomb dropped that Krono's is Jace's real dad. Ben is his half brother. Saint kills Krono's. Like what was the point of that? You plan to make Ben and Jade fight it out so Jace can take charge of the Titan's and Wolfe the Hell Hounds and they can finally have their peace and happy ever after? Wasn't the point of Olympus to win and get a favor? Jace can have Apollo but not Wolfe? Jace with no hesitation says Apollo and I can see why but no hesitation? Just stab Wolfe physically in the heart at this point. Don't even get me started about Kora fighting some giant and winning so easily. UNREALISTIC. Sad to say this is where I dnf. It's just crazy how what was soooo good just got obliterated with one book. I don't care to see what rose happens because of how unrealistic this one was.

[Ashley]

I am in the minority on this one. While I loved book 1 and 2, book 3 is...
I'm having a hard time finishing it.

What in the ever loving fork happened between book 2 and book 3?
Seriously, who tf is Kora?

I get it... they're all at war and things are crazy atm, but Kora? It's a completely different character.
This book picks up 6 months after Kora and Jace are pulled from the Hellhound's compound as they're being attacked by the Titans.
At the end of book 2, Kora's parents, who went from seeming like decent folks, turned into zealous crazies. Cool.

Kora went from being that silent strong type that takes life at it comes at her, doing her best to survive, into some hardcore BA who can efficiently wield a gun and now has fight skills? After 6 months of training with someone at the same camp her parents sent her to who (conveniently) has intel on the Titans, yet wants his revenge?



He seems to know a lot about the Titans, Kronos specifically, and knows just where to go in order for them to save another character. Also, where to go when Kronos again disappears.

Disclaimer: I'm only about 60% into the book so maybe all this is explained, but who is this character and how is he so knowledgeable? it all just seems too convenient for me.

Also, Kora. (sorry, I can't get over how much she changed from book 2 to book 3) Honestly, it's like she's had a complete overhaul. Its not the same character at all. The only thing that didn't change was that she loves (?) Wolfe, Jace, and Apollo. Everything else about her is completely new and foreign.

One thing I really didn't care for was how often they played hide the pickle in this book.
Protip: if the house is literally burning down around you... maybe keep yer parts in yer pants. imjustsayin

Anyways. I'll eventually finish this one, but I needed a break from it.

[Chrissy Busick · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! S Massery is quickly becoming the queen of Dark Romantic Suspense, and the added RH element of this series just makes it even better.

So much happens to our gang in this book. We meet some new characters that I am still not sure if I like or not. We learn some mind blowing new facts. Some I kind of suspected, but still wasn't prepared for. I love that she gave us POVs from some of the other characters in this book on top of Kora, Jace, Wolfe, and Apollo.

In typical Sterling Falls fashion this story leaves us with a bit of a cliff hanger. In my opinion it is one that is much easier to handle than the previous ones. I still need Queen in my hands like yesterday though.

I love how much Kora has grown through this series so far. I can't wait to see who she becomes in the end.

Now, anyone know who we contact about a TV deal? Seriously I need to see this series played out on TV in weekly installments. It would be EPIC!!!!!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

”I don’t regret telling you I love you, even if that notebook was the wrong place, the wrong time. I don’t give a shit about that. I’ve known you were the one for us since the day you stole the mask.”

Fucking HELL 😭 I don’t even know where to start with this one. Basically everything that blew my mind is a spoiler so here’s your warning ⚠️

I fucking KNEW Marley was sketch, shit ass friend through the whole series so far and while I wish her and Kora had it out a little more, I’m glad it was finally revealed that quite frankly, she sucks 💁🏼‍♀️

BEN 🥴 again I knew there was going to be something big revealed about him but I did not expect him to be the heir of the Titans or that him and Jace are (supposedly 👀) half brothers

Saint and Nyx….y’all 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 x infinity tbh. Sara why would you do that 🥹 I sobbed so hard I had to put the book down and compose myself so I would cry on the pages. Idk if I can forgive you for that even though you saaaaay you’ll make it up in Queen but I loved them so much and now Nyx is just GONE 😭 I have never wanted to hop into a book more to give a character a hug or rewind and tell them not to go 😭

Lastly, WE FINALLY KNOW THE BIG SECRET ABOUT KORA 🥳 and I am so excited to see what this brings to her story and how everything is resolved. Also I’ve gotta know who all knows this?! Is it legit everyone but her? 😂

I truly need a moment to process everything that happened in Rebel but I cannot wait to see how everything ends in Queen!

[BettyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up. Soooo much action in this one, as things fall apart in Sterling Falls, descending into a war zone, whilst Kora and the guys each fight their own battles. I was glad to see my concern from the previous book addressed, as finally K finds some strength and reclaims her power. There’s some interesting reveals in this one, though I had predicted most, and some new friends and foes to deal with. And yet another cliffhanger ending to ensure I continue on to the final book in the series.
As with each of the books, found a few errors that should have been caught by a proofreader.

[lyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The growth of Kora in this book made me appreciate her soooo much more. I instantly picked up this book after the 2nd one because of the cliff hanger the 2nd book left ya off on. Kora is now on a remote island while Jace is on the run, Apollo and Wolfe got arrested but then dragged back into the Hell Hounds. Kora has been training for months now on a remote island with Ben and learning ways to protect herself. She comes back in search for all the men she "loves." I continue to love the action, drama and romance and I cant wait to see where the 4th and final book brings us. S. Massery does a lovely job with the twist and turns throughout this series always keeping you on your toes.

[alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

･ ｡ﾟ☆:Rebel *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ

⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´

🎶

Nice to meet you, where you been?I could show you incredible things Magic, madness, heaven, sin

🎶

War has erupted in Sterling Falls, and the city is in turmoil. Kora (h), once a central figure in the city’s delicate balance, now finds herself scattered from the very people she holds dear. The first challenge is finding her allies, and the next is freeing them from their chains.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

The evolution of Kora’s character is a central focus. After being away for six months, she returns with a renewed sense of self and a more hardened edge. Her time away has involved intense training, transforming her from the softer girl we met at the start into a much stronger, more self-assured individual. During this period, she’s been separated from Jace, Apollo, and Wolfe, who have been dealing with their own struggles. Kora's absence was partly due to efforts to rehabilitate her from what they thought might be Stockholm syndrome—a consequence of her previous entanglements with these men.

[Apollo]

“Listen, about the note. Tem pointed it out to me, but…”

“Now’s not the time to declare myself,” he mumbles. His eyes are stuck on the ground. “I know. I wrote that out of desperation a week after you left…”

“Right. So, your feelings have changed.”

“My feelings haven’t changed,” he whispers hoarsely.

When Kora reconnects with Apollo, the aftermath of reading his note where he expressed his love becomes a crucial turning point. The note was more than just words—it was Apollo’s way of coping with the loss and distance between them. The fact that he wrote it while they were apart shows how deeply he felt the need to communicate his emotions, even when he couldn’t be close to her physically. This moment is heavy with emotional weight. Apollo's decision to put his feelings into writing reveals his vulnerability and the importance of expressing what he couldn’t say in person. It’s like he needed to make sure she understood the depth of his feelings, especially after being separated for so long and facing so many challenges. The note acts as a bridge between their past and present, allowing Apollo to vocalize what he felt but couldn’t directly express. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to articulate emotions, particularly when relationships are tested by time and distance. For Kora, reading the note brings clarity and understanding, helping her process Apollo’s feelings and the impact of their separation.

[Jace]

“Tell me you want this,” he says, his face right over mine

“Show me how much you missed me, Jace.”

“I’m glad you’re back. But maybe you shouldn’t have come.”

“You’re really out to ruin a good thing, huh?”

When Kora finally returns home, the changes are jarring. The world she left behind has shifted dramatically: Apollo and Wolfe are now under the control of the Hell Hounds, and Jace’s whereabouts remain a mystery. The sense of disarray is palpable, and Kora feels like she’s stepped into a completely different reality where connections have frayed and communication has broken down. Reuniting with Apollo and Wolfe proves to be emotionally complex. They’re different from how she remembers—distant and changed by their experiences. The romance that once seemed promising is now overshadowed by the weight of what’s been left unsaid and unresolved. Despite her lingering feelings for them, the romantic spark feels somewhat muted. Kora reconnects with Jace. After being apart for so long and dealing with so much chaos, their reunion is charged with both unresolved tension and raw emotion. They finally come together, and it’s clear that their connection is as powerful and complicated as ever. Their encounter isn’t just about physical attraction; it’s a culmination of all the feelings they’ve been harboring during their separation. The way their relationship unfolds highlights how intense and tangled their emotions have become.

[Ares]

“I’ve done terrible things. You thought you saw that before. You thought you knew my demons…”

“I’m going to kiss you,” she whispers. “And maybe I’m being selfish for it. But I’m sorry, I don’t think I can go another second without touching you.”

When Kora finally encounters Wolfe, the changes in him are striking. It’s evident that he’s been through a lot mentally; he carries a weight of fear and regret that has visibly aged him. His once confident demeanor is now shadowed by the emotional scars of his experiences. He’s worried about how Kora will perceive him, fearing that she might see him as different or weakened from what he’s endured. However, Kora’s response is refreshingly accepting. Despite the toll that time and trauma have taken on Wolfe, she doesn’t judge him based on his appearance or the burdens he carries. Instead, she embraces him for who he is now, understanding the depth of his struggles and the person he has become. Her acceptance is not just a matter of tolerance but a genuine acknowledgment of his journey and the growth he’s undergone.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

The climax of the story brings Kora into a dramatic battle in Olympus. Her quest involves securing a favor, which she uses to free Apollo from the Hell Hounds, though Wolfe remains in captivity. In a twist, it’s revealed that Kora’s favor grants her not just a significant position but also reveals her true identity as a secret heir to Olympus, with a marriage to Jace already in place.

[Celeste · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book we suddenly have Kora being all badass and taking learning how to protect herself. This would have been more believable if Kora had any sort of growth in the previous book, or at all in this series. However she remains as ineffectual and brainless as ever with mild breaks in logical thinking to do ridiculous things like burning a building.

As far as I'm concerned if I want to read about an actual badass mastermind FMC who's a trauma survivor but still uses her brain and doesn't have sex at the drop of a hat for no reason with mafia ties I think I'll stick to J. Bree's Hannaford series which might include younger protags but still come off far more believable than Kora.

Also mildly Spoiler-y

That cliffhanger? Not sure how that last line would work without fully consenting parties. Just saying.

[Taylor Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing, and I mean effing nothing, could make me read book four. This book was full of more half-plotted action scenes, vague hints at the guys past, lies and secrets, the twist at the end I saw coming from 200+ pages back. The guys just continue to lose. On top of, somehow... the fmc spent 6 months of "training" that's never explained in detail, from some gut she met randomly, and she comes back completely over her ptsd and starts leading?? Leading the men who have been in the gang life since they were ten. Really??? This series just got more and more awful.

[Jessica Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️

This series has me in a chokehold! This book was a roller coaster ride, I swear I felt every single emotion while reading this!

The plot just keeps getting better! Also the plot twists, some I didn’t see coming at all!

I love Kora and her character growth this book was great!

The ending of this book! Omg talk about a cliffhanger!

I’m not going to say to much more because I don’t want to spoil it but I am obsessed with this series! I definitely recommend it!!


Do check the trigger warnings before reading!

[samreadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, how could you do this!? I am balling my eyes out and it’s not because of the cliffhanger!

Each book is just as good as the one before and this series has me hooked! I love that Kora was stronger and had more fight in this book! The boys are still fighting and so much is revealed which had me shook!

My heart broke in this one though and honestly I don’t know what is going to happen next but bring it on!

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow was this book full of twist and turns and who was lying and who was telling the truth. I'd been waiting for this book to come out as this series is so good. This picks up where book 2 left off where war has come to Sterling Falls and Kora,Wolf, Apollo and Jace are trying to figure out how to fix thing's. All they know is that they need to work together and who's in their corner.

[Allyson K · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5) Okay, my favorite by far for sure! The tension and the action is everything and I'm loving Kora growing tougher and more badass. I am dying to finish this series but also don't want it to end! Here's to hoping for more Apollo 🤞🏼

No synopsis since this is book 3 but this is a dark reverse harem (why choose), mc romance with some violence!

[Amanda McCalip · Rating 5 out of 5]

It keeps on getting better!

Twists and turns S. Massery is ripping me apart and taking her sweet time piecing me back together with the answers I so desperately need and want, Kora may have just found out a very critical piece of information in this journey of hers and Jace may be more connected than I originally thought. Onto the next book!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts: This book picks up from the previous book and is nothing short of twists and suspense. In this book, we meet a new friend of Kora's named Ben. This series continues to have drama, spice, twists, suspense, rivalry, and war. I was not expecting the ending and immediately went to the last book Queen, to find out how this series concludes.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kora, Jace, Wolfe, + Apollo

-dark college romance
-mfmm why choose
-greek myth parallels
-underground fighting
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-book 3/4.5

i need a lobotomy. sara. how could you do that to me & LIKE THAT TOO? i literally was A FCKN MESSS i can’t believe you did it IN THEIR POVS TOO!! BACK TO BACK??? noooo 😭😭😭 idk how i can cope like this.

[D.L. Gallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for how amazing this book was.
There was shock after shock and that ending was OMG amazing. Just when I think I have it all worked out, BOOM, I'm knocked only butt with another shock.
This is my fav series of S Massery's and I cannot freakin wait for the conclusion.

[Witchling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crack. That’s what’s in these books. Fuckin CRACK.
I cannot put them down lol. And seriously, 🥵

The anticipation for the final book and the 🌶️ might actually kill me.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a great read. So much going on.

Trigger warning not enough Mmmf

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So...umm...wasn't expecting that, but what a cliffhanger it is!

[Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this one was good, it was fast paced and kept me entertained. I kind of wish we saw more of Koras transformation rather than the book starts and she’s different since it’s hard to believe when we don’t get to see it. I still enjoyed her new found confidence within this world. I don’t know how I feel about the ending. It felt a little rushed and I didn’t love the twist. Part of it made sense then the other part is something that I don’t typically enjoy in RH. I’m intrigued on how the next book will go.

[Elizabeth Symons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful novel of the Sterling Falls series. I love Kora’s badass attitude she now has. She is definitely a inspiration & a woman that I’d love to be like. Rebel had so many different turns and new information given to us- it was jawdropping. The Reverse Harem of the 3 boys- Apollo, Wolfe, and Jace, makes the spice 🌶 even better. We get to see so much 🌶🌶 scenes and I loved them.

Jace definitely became my new book boyfriend. He grew so much from each book, and I loved getting to see it. We got to see some Wolfe scenes with Kora and I loved how much he removed the mask he has.

Apollo- WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON MAN? He’s all over the place it seems. He isnt the headstrong, demanding man he once was, and I understand that 6 months can do a lot to people, but I was so sad for him.

The deaths and betrayals in this book made me so freaking sad- I audibly gasped at almost every one of them. I cried at ****’s death and holy shit-I cant even deal with it. My heart is hurting for all of the characters.

Now the cliffhanger- girl I’m going to be focused on this book until the release of Queen. If you haven’t already, read this series. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

[Addie Schur · Rating 3 out of 5]

The two first books in this series I read through so fast but compared to this one, it took me a second to get into. I think it’s because there was a dramatic shift in character development that I wished happened on paper instead of just being told.

Kora is shipped off to an island for six months. No flashbacks or anything, the readers are just told that she is now this badass and strong woman then before. I am all for a badass fmc but it’s hard to root when the Nora before and after feel completely different.

2/3rds of the book felt long and lots of the chapters just felt like we were going around in circles for the longest time. I almost thought I couldn’t finish it compared to the first two books.

But my biggest disappointment was the sudden death. Absolutely broke my heart but also not in the best way. Authors always kill off main characters or side character you fell in love with for a reason. This death however, felt like it didn’t impact the plot at all. It didn’t change anything dynamic wise or shift the plot into a new direction. Thsi death didn’t do anything like y that, it was just a death and some characters got emotional. But the main characters continued on until the next book. And even then, disappointed

[Stephanie Terpstra · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF'ing at 70%. I am just bored and uninterested in picking it up.
Perhaps its because a large portion of character development happened OFF PAGE since the author chose to skip 6 months ahead at the beginning of this book.. and chose to just 'tell us' certain things that happened to characters. Which equals to the characters becoming whole new characters to the point that it makes me not quite care for them the same.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/4.5 ⭐️

Picking up right from the cliffhanger ending in Fighter, Rebel has us diving deep into the story of Kora and the guys Wolfe, Apollo and Jace through their perspectives once again.

The adventure that Sara showcased made the development of the narrative feel like riding a rollercoaster that was full to the brim with action packed thrills from all the fighting given the war that is being wage. Whilst delivering major emotions and feelings to go along with it.
And that wasn't all, the drama happening too with creating lot of suspenseful moments, alongside the mystery given the secrets that are still being alluded too.
Though while new questions kept popping up, making way to being left unanswered. Fortunately Sara managed to give us some answers to the questions that came about in Thief, Fighter and Rebel too.

The title Rebel fit the storyline to a tee just like the previous titles of the series has done so.
In this book we see each character Kora, Wolfe, Apollo and Jace take it on and rebel in different ways given the different positions they are placed in within the situations they faced throughout the story.
Being a rebel in their own way, shape and/or form led to facing many obstacles and hurdles in the continuation of their adventurous journey. Considering the situations and events they trek through to try and overcome.

From the clues that had been picked up along the way, some of the revelations made weren’t surprising having kind of already figured it out.
However a majority of the secrets (surrounding the mysteries that had been alluded all through the series so far) exposed had me jaw dropped from shock.
Mostly because the major twists and turns of the secrets that were exposed were unexpected to say the least. Resulting in some major explosive that had you shouting out HOLY MOLY in shock and surprise!

If you thought Sara tortured us badly with Thief and Fighter then you are mistaken, because she will absolutely obliterate you when it comes to Rebel, but in a way that was different than the first two books.
She will leave you in shattered pieces strewn across the floor from some seriously deeply emotional moments that will rip your heart out.

Whilst the cliffhanger may not have been brutal like in Thief and Fighter, however Sara Massery still made sure it hit hard in a different way.
The finale to Sterling Falls series Queen could not come fast enough, since it has me wanting my answers ASAP!
It has me waiting in anticipation for its release to see how the series finale will end.




*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my top favorite on this genre for the year, we get a twisted tale with fantastic characters. This picks up 6 months after Fighter, the previous in the series, and after you start reading, you are already on a roller-coaster where you can't put it down until you finish it. And then scream because you will have to wait... again. Seriously, I love Kora, Wolfe, Apollo and Jace, these characters are so interesting and I applaud S Massery for how she build every one of them. The world-building in the series is phenomenal. You really need to read this!




Blog |BookBub | Amazon |Audible |Instagram |Twitter |Facebook |TikTok |YouTube |Pinterest |Tumblr |Bookstore