This is a fairly intense and complicated read. The main characters Ruby and Neck have a connection of difficult times and mutual caring from their younger years. In present time, more distressing events happen to Ruby, but this is also the impetus for Neck to be honest with himself on how he wants to be with Ruby. There is real danger and strong physical chemistry keeping the story going, and Neco and Ruby are both complex individuals.

I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

As a child, Ruby's mother was awful to her. She treated her worst than an animal, as a matter of fact, most animals get treated better! She was physically as well as mentally abusive and Ruby would try to escape whenever she thought it was going to get bad. Where would she go? To Neco, he would protect her. Neco's life wasn't the best either. It was a rough neighborhood and poor.

They survived though and years later friends from the neighborhood started a PI/Security business. Ruby and Neco both worked there. He was as protective as ever of Ruby but at the same time he constantly pushed her away. Ruby wanted to become an agent, she had taken defense courses to keep herself safe and learned a lot about the business. Neco, being Neco, of course did not want her to become an agent as she could be hurt.

Another local PI would give Ruby that chance though because he felt she was ready, so she quit her job and went to work for Harry. Neco was not a happy man but Ruby didn't care...

Ruby is attacked one night and beat up pretty bad but nothing rest and time wouldn't heal. All of her friends from the PI agency and Harry are really upset but things get worse when they find out what else the attacker was doing......

Will Ruby make it as a PI? Will Neco survive her choice of occupations? Will they EVER really get down to what is really keeping them apart?

Ruby is a tough chick and is quite independent. The worst part of her life right now is the fact that Neco is overprotective and doesn't return her feelings...as he is the only man she has ever loved. I liked Ruby because she would always face a challenge.

Neco? I wanted to smack him several times because of the way he treated Ruby. He did things he knew would hurt her in order to push her away. I did understand his reasons and his feelings but Ruby didn't deserve that after all she had been through. But now that Ruby is attacked and as they investigate they find more...he knows he is the only one he trusts to protect her.

While I did feel there was some repetition in this book, I really enjoyed it. I thought the author did great with the storyline and loved that there was another issue to be solved besides Ruby's attack, great twist!

I have not read the first book in this series but will probably do so but I would recommend this book.

Ruby had a horribly abusive mom so, she would run across the road every night and climb into bed with Neco, her neighbor who protected her from all the evil and pain in her young life. Now that they're adults, they are constantly harping at and arguing with each other. They are both so flawed and damaged from their childhoods that they cannot see they are so much better together than apart.
This book has the perfect mix of angst, heartbreak, tearful scenes, heartrending situations and Steamy Sex!

Broken Rebel is the second book in the Lawless Kings series and it's an excellent read. Although it isn't necessary to read book one first it was nice to already have some of Neco and and Ruby's back story. These two have known each other all their lives. As a kid when things got bad at home Ruby always knew she could go to Neco and he'd take care of her. As adults all they seem to do is bicker and fight. These two are flawed and broken and unable to process the feelings they have for each other. Then Ruby finds herself in danger and Neco's feeling can no longer be held back.

This book is wonderfully written with a quick pace and characters that will stick with you. It's one I definitely recommend.

I absolutely love Sherilee Gray as her writing is always swooony, engaging and full of HOT sexytimes. Her men are alpha and protective to the max and her women are sassy and headstrong. The perfect combination for an explosive connection between her couples. I have loved the Lawless Kings series since Shattered King and have not looked back since. I really loved Neco and Ruby's hot chemistry and tension and the scorching intensity of their back and forth banter.

Neco has always taken care of Ruby. As lifelong friends and neighbors, he has always looked out for her when her stepmother's abuse and lifestyle became too much for her to handle alone. Now almost two decades later, he finds his innate need to protect Ruby has meshed with his fiery attraction towards her. He tries to fight it but eventually they both give in and it's pure fireworks!! But what happens when Neco can't reconcile the fact that Ruby isn't a needy little girl anymore and can fight her own battles? Will they be able to survive?

I loved that Neco and Ruby's chemistry was off the charts hot and she was open and honest about her need to be with him. Unfortunately, Neco always put the breaks on whatever was developing between them as he felt both their rough childhoods marked them and made them incompatible. This was frustrating at times but I understood it and happily cheered when Ruby had enough and was ready to move on. He made it clear he doesn't want her after nine years of getting rebuffed by him. So I felt this way of thinking highlighted her transformation from a bratty attention seeking woman to a string and empowered one.

All in while I loved this novel I felt that some parts were a little rushed and there were some parts that were left unresolved. Specifically, Neco's need to embrace his darker passions and letting Ruby see them. He let it out once with her in a fit of anger/passion but then immediately locked them down and hid them in shame. I was waiting for them to talk about it or to have Ruby express her own hidden desires for this part of Neco but that topic was never re-approached. All in this was a great story though and I look forward to more books from the author in this series (specifically Zeke and Van!!!) Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

I would like to thank Netgalley and SMP for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

What a wonderful new book by talented Sherilee Gray! I have read all of her books and she never disappoints. Loved both main characters and their struggle, connection and love for each other was so real. What else can I say? Oh yes if you love your books with real people, great chemistry, great story and some really steamy scenes then go for it. Can't wait for the next book!

"I wanted to lick him from head to toe and kick him in the nuts all at once."

I read Broken Rebel as a standalone, but it was so damn good I want to go back and read the first book in the Lawless Kings series now that I know that there will probably be a book for each of the guys in the agency. They are all amazing characters that I want to spend some more time with and learn about their backgrounds. I already know that every single one of them is a broken bad boy which is my favorite kind.

Ruby and Neco grew up as neighbors. He was her hero, saving her from her wicked stepmother. But he didn't have it much better himself. They comforted each other, drawing strength from their bond. What started as friendship turned into love, but it was denied. Neco had to do unmentionable things to take care of his mother. He's dirty. Though he wants Ruby, he won't allow himself to have her. She's his light and he doesn't want to be her darkness. So, he resigns himself to treat her like a sister and to be her protector. Putting himself, and her, through hell to keep that promise to himself.

"I was his...just not in the way I wanted to be. He'd appointed himself as my protector, my hero, when I was just a little girl." Now Ruby is all grown up. And she's overwhelmed with love and lust for her best friend. Their relationship is dysfunctional. But neither can stand the thought of being separated from the other. Both in constant contact with what they so desperately want, but can't have. She's forced to see him with other women. Nothing serious, just one-night-stands. But they get to touch what she craves. He has to see her male roommate that he hates. They were an explosion just waiting to happen. I enjoyed every page of the process.

I really really like this author's writing style. She touched on some touchy subjects and did it in a way that touched me emotionally. She took two deeply damaged characters and make me feel their pain and their passion. She created a villain that had me upset and raging, wanting to throw my kindle, but not willing to disrupt my reading to find another device. I will most definitely be stalking her as I wait for the next book in this amazing series. The line forms here...

Broken Rebel is book two in the Lawless Kings series by Sherilee Gray. I love Sherilee’s books and fell in love with the first book of this new series. This series, though, is a bit darker than some of her books, the characters are flawed and broken with dark pasts they are trying to overcome. In other words, they are perfect.

Ruby Styles is the receptionist at the King Agency. But more than that, she is family to the men who work there. They protect her and love her like a little sister. That is, except for Neco Malik. Neco and Ruby have known each other since they were kids. He lived across the street from Ruby and her step mother. Ruby’s step mother hated her. She never knew why but she was very forth coming with her feelings towards Ruby growing up. She abused her in so many ways. As a very little girl, Ruby’s only escape from her step-mother was to climb out her window and run across the street to Neco’s bedroom window where he would pull her in, dry her tears, and hold her close until she felt safe again. He was her Superman.

Neco’s life wasn’t much better. His mother loved him but to support him she sold her body. Neco was committed to providing for his mother so she wouldn’t have to do this any longer so by the time he was a teenager, he was working for a man that made him do things that darkened his soul, things he would have to live with forever. Things he could never let Ruby be a part of. There was a time he dreamed that when Ruby was old enough, their relationship would change. But now he knew that he could never let that happen. He could never be the man for Ruby.

Ruby wanted more from Neco but he refused to treat her any differently than the other guys. She was in love with Neco and had tried every trick in the book to get him to notice her but nothing worked. Part of her said that she needed to move on, that he would never love her the way she wanted him to. But the other part of her knew that it just wasn’t possible.

“Neco kept me on my toes, made me feel like I was home, and gave me a rush of the best high I’d ever had. He was my drug. A fix like no other. And I had no intention of ever quitting.”

Something happens in Ruby’s life that puts her in danger, that changes everything. It also makes Neco take a hard look at the feelings he has denied himself his entire life. He’s tired of denying himself, denying what’s always been his.

“You’ve got me, you’ve always had me, even when you didn’t know it. I was always yours, Ruby. Always.”

As Neco finally accepts that Ruby is his, he struggles with the intensity of his feelings, the intensity of the way ne wants/needs to protect her. If he could keep her wrapped in bubble wrap and locked up in his apartment, he would. But Ruby has other ideas. She was the victim growing up, but no longer is that scared child. She wants control over her life. She wants to be a part of solving the current danger she is in. She loves Neco with all that she is, but she can’t let him overpower her, overprotect her. If she does, she will resent him eventually. But can he ever give her space to be the woman she wants to be?

“The intensity of Neco’s desire for me was almost more than I knew what to do with. I was stupid, naïve to think I had any kind of control over this man. He was a force of nature, a raging storm that, if I weren’t careful, would blow me right over and swallow me whole.”

This is a gritty, suspenseful, and very sexy story of two people that could have been broken by their childhoods but came out stronger. Once they gave in to it, the love and desire they felt for each other could take over if they didn’t control it. Neco and Ruby won my heart early on in this book. I couldn’t stop reading and needed to know how things would turn out as much as I needed my next breath. Sherilee has such a talent for creating these characters that draw me in and always leave me wanting more.

“We were written in the stars. We were inevitable. I belonged to him and he belonged to me. Nothing would ever change that.”

Part of the blame lies with me on this one. I should have read my review for book one before accepting this one. Had I done that I would have remembered that NECO was the asshat that had sex with OW in front of this doormat heroine to push her away (didn't work BTW she just kept taking every disgusting and assholey thing he did to her while pining for him...sigh). I couldn't stand these two in the first book, and this one certainly wasn't making me a fan of theirs. So to save the life of my tablet, I am calling a day not only on this book but most likely the series as well. C'est la vie...can't love them all.

I have major issues with insta-love stories done badly, now I have a new peeve: always-love done badly. Ruby and Neco have been wrapped up in each other since childhood, but have never given into their real feelings because of Neco's misguided protectiveness. Neco deliberately drives Ruby away, but this girl takes this over and over, yet can't stay away from him.

With their messed up childhoods, both Ruby and Neco needed serious psychotherapy, not to mention much needed couples counseling. Their passion was so overwhelming that it was plainly toxic. They both do immature and destructive things to each other and for each other simply because neither knows how to actually communicate with the other. These kids really needed to learn how to use their words.

Sexually, Ruby and Neco are incendiary. But once out of bed, these two just can't connect emotionally. Even with the mystery solved, it is difficult to believe Ruby and Neco will actually be able to stay together past the last chapter. Maybe there are more glimpses of them together in future installments, but I think I'm done with the series.

This is another new author for me and boy am I glad I requested this ARC. Neco and Ruby are meant to be together. The way they love each other is so intense it will take your breath away. Ruby is a great female character. She comes from a hard background and finds the strength to build herself back up. She's strong and independent but needs to be with Neco. Neco. Wow. He loves her with everything he has. My favorite line in the book is when he says they were born to love each other. Holy cow I practically melted! I'm definitely going to be checking out this author again. She has some interesting secondary characters whose stories I can't wait to read.

It was agonizing to get through this. Once I got halfway through I did some serious skimming to finish it since I was pretty sure how it was going to end up. The bad guy was predictable. There wasn't anyone else it could possibly be. Neco was okay, but Ruby was one of the most aggravating characters ever!

Ruby and Neco had been friends since they were young kids. As they grew older they were attracted to each other but never had a relationship because Neco thought she deserved better because he was into some shady things. The story starts when they're in their mid-twenties, and they've worked together for years. So it felt like I came into the story halfway through when their attraction was already strong.

Ruby and Neco were not meant to be IMO. The only way they were compatible was physically. The two of them could barely talk without arguing. Communication was not their forte. Both of them lied by omission repeatedly. Why be with someone if you can't trust them with anything? At least when Nico withheld info it was to protect her. When Ruby did it was because she was a fool who prized her independence over her own safety.

I passionately hated Ruby. She acted like a pathetic lovesick 16 year old. She constantly made herself look like a fool to get Neco's attention. Her thoughts were stuck on this repetitive loop of He still sees me as weak, young girl. I'll show him. I can do everything on my own. These painful to read passages were often followed by Ruby going off on her own to prove how capable and independent she was when all that really happened was her running head first into a dangerous situation. Neco often told her not go off on her own for her own safety. It was said in a more demanding than thoughtful manner, so she took it as him being controlling rather than smart. I'm honestly shocked she didn't die at some point.

This one was a doozy. I don't know if I can take this any more of this series tortured heroes and ansgty relationships. They hurt too much! We still get our HEA, but it's SO hard fought, and it was painful to watch the process. The writing is so well done, and the characters believable, but it just HURTS.

Neco works at the King Agency, a group of friends who run a security/PI business. They've all had tragic backstories of some kind: bad childhoods, crimes committed, PTSD from military service or prison, or some combination of those. Many of them grew up together on the bad side of town, and know each other's stories. Neco's mom was a prostitute, and an alcoholic, but she took care of him the best way she could. He vowed that once he was old enough, and had money of his own, he would take care of her, and he has. As a teenager, he did odd jobs for the local gangster, and that continued into more. He finally got out many years back, only due to loyalty, and his employer being from the same neighborhood as well, and considering Neco family. He's only ever really cared for one other woman besides his mother, Ruby. Ever since she was the little girl across the street, who used to climb in his window for safe haven from her evil stepmother. He swore to always protect her, and even though he wants her, he knows he can't have her. He also doesn't think he deserves her.

Ruby is a receptionist for the King Agency, but she has aspirations of becoming an agent for them soon. She's had a rough life. Her dad died when she was a kid, and she grew up in the house of her stepmother, who hated Ruby, and made no secret of it. She was put down, criticized, and abused her whole life. Neco was her only safe haven, and his mom treated her as her own too, and never minded when she slept over at the house after showing up in the middle of the night. As soon as she could leave, she left. And she's never looked back or spoken to the evil witch again. But, as much as she's always loved Neco, she's never felt he's SEEN her, as anything more than that little girl, a damsel in distress. She wants him to see her as a capable woman, instead of sleeping with every other woman in town besides her. It's hard for her to see him with other people, even though she and Neco have never been together, never even kissed. It was very hard for me, as the reader too. She's always felt like he was hers, and she's tried every way she can think of to show him that, but it's not working. She's finally resolved herself to moving on from their toxic circle of a "relationship", but she's not sure if she can really do it.

Neco and Ruby's chemistry was off the charts, and you even saw it back in book 1, though no one would comment on it. They obviously have a lot of spark between them, and it hurt to watch one, or both, of them squash it in a painful way. When they finally let it free, it was crazy, and well worth the wait. But, they had to work really hard to make a relationship that worked for them both, since they have a history of a destructive, needy cycle that won't let them loose easily. I really liked both characters, and I understood and sympathized with their motivations in many instances, but it took a lot for them to forge a relationship I thought would realistically work for the long term.

There was a suspense plot about a website exploiting girls in their own homes by planting hidden cameras, and watching the women without their knowledge or consent. It was such a horrible invasion, and knowing that this type of thing happens in real life is disgusting and terrifying, equally. I really enjoyed the investigation into the issue, and how all the pieces came together. That part of the story was so exciting and kept the book rolling at a fast clip, even when the relationship part was on a slower burn.

I liked catching up with the other guys in the agency, including Hunter, and Lulu and their son, from book 1. But, as much as I enjoy the characters, I'm just not sure my heart can take another book in this series. The characters are just SO tortured, and there's so much angst that it was oftentimes painful for me. I prefer less angst in my reads, and so I'm not sure if I'll be able to go on. This is not to discourage anyone else. If you like a darker romance, with angst galore, and a hard fought HEA, this book, and series, should definitely work for you. The writing is so well done, and I'm definitely interested in reading other books from this author.

I tough this one will be a better story in a way it was a little bit more interesting than the first of the series. But all in all, I was not expecting this to be also bad. It has so many same things written over and over again. And their past and their thinking when you read it more than twice it lost its charm. I didn't like Neco very much but Ruby also didn't speak to me as a strong heroine. They had a really toxic relationship which was just on friendly basic. That all changes when Ruby is attack and all of the sudden Neco experiences enlightenment. Also, Neco had more than once said in his mind that he is protecting Ruby from the dark peace of him but through the story that is lost and we don't see the dark side. I like, love alfa males but this was too much - not letting her do her job? I would leave him too. I also had the feeling that so many hot scenes were there just to fill the pages; for Neco and Ruby to change the subject or to avoid dealing with things. What I liked was this suspense and mystery and a little bit of action.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Broken Rebel is the second book in the addictive Lawless Kings Series from Sherilee Grey. This author grabbed my attention with Shattered King, book one, and has now cinched herself a fangirl with Broken Rebel.

Broken Rebel is Neco and Ruby's story and, oh my, what an emotional journey this book turned out to be. These two beautiful hearts had a tight bond from way back when they were kids growing up in much the same sad situations. So have a few tissues needed because you just may need them. Neco and Ruby were meant to be together from the beginning, but sometimes they were their own worst enemies in a very tumultuous relationship. Still, no matter how many mistakes were made, or the angry words spoken, they couldn't break the spell that kept drawing them back to each other. They were two damaged souls who left a lot of damage behind until Ruby was in danger and then Neco rushed right to her side to claim her and hold her just a little too tight never realizing how closely the web of twisted intrigue was connected to their past.

Sherilee Grey quite simply wrecked every one of my emotions with this sensational book. Gah ! How I loved it ! This story had everything. It had beautiful broken characters that I loved. Every character at the King Agency has a promising story and I can't wait to read all about their damage. This one had true love, gritty action, a great mystery, steamy passion, and at long last a happy ever after that left this happy reader with a smile on her face.

Broken Rebel was a fantastic book that I am certain everyone will enjoy.

I really enjoyed this read. I went in thinking it was an MC read for some reason and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The plot was intriguing and the characters relatable.

There were a lot of pros for me, If you know me You probably know the first. I love strong women h. I especially like when they surprise the H and surpass expectations. Ruby did this for me. At the beginning I though she might be flighty but she actually showed remarkable strength of character and truth to herself. I also liked that she didn't shy away from Neco when he had dark moments.

Second was the plot, I know some people thought it was see through or predictable, and maybe to a degree, but I also thought it was laid out well and plausible instead of so far out there it was sci-fi. I don't mind if I know who the bad guy is by guessing... as long as its not cheesy and I did not think this was at all.

The secondary characters were strong and added to the story instead of just filler. I am looking forward to seeing more of them and where the road takes them. I also plan on going back and reading Shattered King as I jumped into this story with this book.

I did think that Neco and Ruby went round and round in their relationship instead of compromising and there was some angst but it was ok with it how it worked with their characters. They were highly traumatized when young and many things bled through from that. However they worked for it and made it something better. That is a huge selling point for me.

I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you havent read Shattered King, book 1 in this series. you may want to before reading this one. So you can see what these two are like on a daily struggle from another's p.o.v.

Will Neco finally see Ruby as a grown women needing him fro him and not a protector? Will Ruby let go of her fear from her abusive childhood and become the strong and independent women that will take what she wants and take down the ones that will come to harm her? Or will she always hind her feelings from the ones that mean something to her?

Ruby and Neco have a very long history, since she was very young and needing someone to protect her, the boy across the street would be her savior and her superman. Until she is 16 and Neco is in with the local crime gang, when Ruby ran into trouble. That when Neco went from her Superman to her warden. Hence to know is to read the other because it does take place 6 months after book 1.
Told in both Ruby and Neco's p.o.v. you will love to reach in and straggle one or the other but mostly Neco and his rubbing the women in Ruby's face. The deal with Ruby's roommate Scott will be more in depth with why he is there in her apartment and how he is connected to someone from her past, or well with his too, Since most of the guys from King Agency grow up in the same crappy neighbor and know one another.

For as long as Ruby can remember Neco has been two steps behind her, always looking out for her, protecting her, and for a long time it was comforting to know that he was there...but now not so much. She has done the training necessary to become a private investigator, and is ready to get out into the field and catch some bad guys, but Neco decides it's a job she isn't cut out for, and tries to stop to it before it even gets started. She knows he is worried about her, but she can handle it, and she tries to help him see that, but he just isn't willing to get on board, and it's frustrating as hell. Then her past decides to come back and haunt her, and they find themselves thrown together in close quarters, and things start to take an unexpected steamy turn...

Broken Rebel is a gritty, dark, and sensual tale that will pull you in from the first page, and hold you hostage until the last... it is such a good read!! I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip to the series, so I was really excited to dive into this second offering and meet another one of Ms. Gray's sexy P.I.'s... and I have to say Neco definitely left serious dent in my heart. He was just how I like my alpha's, big, brooding, bossy, and sexy with a hidden softer side. This was an exceptional read, the story line was engaging, action packed (sexy & non), and had the emotional depth that I have come to expect with Ms. Gray's stories. I think readers are really going to enjoy this one, I know that I did, it checked off all my reading must-have's and then some! Highly recommend!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

It took a little while for me to get into this book but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written and I enjoyed reading their story. I love the connection that the two main characters have always had that has only strengthened over time.