Each book in this series focuses on one couple and their journey, with recurring characters from past books sometimes making an appearance. It's not necessary to have read all of the previous books in this series to enjoy REBEL, but reading at least a few gives you a better understanding of this unique world Cheryl Brooks has created. You have to understand that this is a world in which there are a myriad of species and they travel to many different planets. I am always in awe of the amount of places and creatures Cheryl Brooks can create and with such detail.

At first glance, Onca is not really anybody's idea of a hero or leader. He is recently retired from a successful career working in, and being part owner of, a fancy brothel. However, he comes to the rescue of Kimcasha "Kim" Shrovenach when it looks like she's being bothered by a giant ape man. Kim is at first a little annoyed by Onca's intervention because she was hoping to get information out of the Herpatronian. It's this search for Kim's missing friends and their plight that tie Onca and Kim together long enough to foster an attraction between them.

I liked that the attraction builds slowly. Kim isn't that interested in sex and relationships, and Onca thinks that Kim is a little too young for him. Onca is a complex hero. Although he comes from a planet known for the sexual prowess of their men, and successfully maintained a career as a much sought after prostitute, he is extremely insecure and fears rejection. This hidden vulnerability gives him depth and makes his story that much more interesting without him sounding morose or whiny.

Kim is an interesting blend of strength and naiveté. Once they make the plunge and become intimate, the sizzle is off the charts. The obstacles to their happiness stem from Onca's old feelings of inadequacy and a protective streak when it comes to Kim. It would seem ironic that a man who made his living in the sex industry would end up fighting against those making a profit from sexual slavery. However, Onca and the author make a clear distinction between what he did and what the nefarious bad guys in this story do by forcing people in prostitution.

Enough cannot be said about the diverse and cool collection of characters in REBEL. I was extremely happy to see recurring characters like the witch Tisana as well as the always fabulous Captain Jack and her sons Larry, Moe, and Curly. I also loved the new characters like the male prostitute/brothel owner Rashe, Darconians Shemlak and Draddut, the winged clone Val, and Kim's friends. The characters in Cheryl Brooks' stories are always entertaining and take on a life of their own.

REBEL is an enticing mix of red hot romance, fascinating characters, and good old-fashioned story-telling. I love these books! I anxiously await the next book in this highly imaginative and unique series.

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