I don't know why I didn't get to post this at the time of release. I read and loved it. Linda Warren is one of those authors who likes to tug at your emotions and she does it so well with Elias.

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.

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.

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

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

I have fallen in love with the rebel family with each book . I fell deep for each brother . Each stole a piece of my heart as soon I got it. I laughed cried and I pray that despite Harlequin choice to end the Western series line. Harlequin should sign Linda Warren for 5 more books and finish the rebel series with Kate.