⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5 (rounded to 5)

I got this audiobook from @netgalley to listen to and review. While I don't love their app and the exclusivity of audiobooks through their platform, I still can't help requesting new audiobooks.

That being said, this one was a winner for me! The narration was excellent and the dual POV/narration carried the story along. The story itself was engaging and very spicy. My only complaint (please, put down the pitchforks) was that the story was *too* focused around the physical connection between the two characters. They obviously have a crap ton of chemistry but if half of the scenes were cut, the book would still be chalk-full of spice and there'd be more room for tension and plot.

I received an audiobook copy of this for my honest review

Our MMC and FMC meet on Christmas Eve while stuck in a hotel due to a snowstorm, and they spend three days learning every nook and cranny of each other. At the end, he gives her his phone number, but she doesn't give him hers. That's because she knows who he is - and that they can't be together. This would have worked out fine, if their rival companies didn't just negotiate a merger to become one. Now he knows who she is and why she stayed away. But, is an ancient feud that doesn't involve them enough to keep them apart? Will being assigned a project together bring them closer or cause a rift? Would their families accept them if they tried?

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance audio copy of The Rebel by Marni Mann in exchange of an honest review.

The Rebel' by Marni Mann, is the second installment in the Spade Hotel Series. From the moment Cooper Spade meets Rowan during a snowstorm, you're immediately drawn into their fiery and explosive weekend of passion. What starts as a steamy romance quickly takes an unexpected turn when Rowan is revealed to be part of the family Cooper hates. Marni Mann skillfully weaves a tale of intense chemistry, and primal emotions keeping you hooked from start to finish. The well-developed characters and their dynamic interactions add depth and engagement to the narrative, making you genuinely invested in their journey. Mann's writing style leaves a mark, blending sensuality with intrigue, creating an unforgettable reading experience. And with the phenomenal narration by J. F. Harding and C.J. Bloom the audiobook brings these characters to life in the most vivid and captivating way. From the sizzling touches to the family secrets, Whether you're a fan of romance or enjoy a captivating tale with some twists, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen." 4.5 Stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC! I really enjoyed the narration by J.F. Harding and CJ Bloom, they added an extra element to the characterization and story for me, which was entertaining and fast-paced from beginning to end. Rowan and Cooper meet at a hotel bar where they are snowed in, and spend three nights together, then go their separate ways. Rowan knows exactly who Cooper is, but the same can’t be said for the other way around. When they run into each other again shortly after, Cooper is not happy when he finds out that Rowan hid who she is from him. Especially when they have to start planning a new hotel build together.

If you love enemies to lovers, workplace tension, alpha heroes, secretive MCs, billionaire romance, forced proximity, one bed, spice, grumpy/sunshine, and rival families, then you should definitely check this book out, which is the second book in the 𝙎𝙥𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙡 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. It can be read as a standalone, but the characters are interconnected and it’s more fun when you read them both! There are also familiar characters from Marni Mann’s Dalton Family Series.

The Rebel
Spade Hotel, Book 2
By: Marni Mann
Narrated by: J. F. Harding, C.J. Bloom

Now we are talking! Marni Mann has a new book out and it's fantastic! Get your ears ready to meet Cooper Spade. He is quite the player, and hooking up with Rowan for a couple of nights is the perfect distraction while on business. So good together, they could not get enough of each other. Cooper would love to see her again, but she never gave him her last name, so seeing her at a company meeting is a shock. Now Rowan knows who she has been with, but upon getting home, she and her brothers are given the surprise of their life. Can these two mix business and pleasure? Mann always delivers an amazing listen, but this one has captured my heart. Could the reason be enemies to lovers? Close proximity? Alpha male? Workplace romance? It's all of the above, plus while I love Cooper in all his maleness, it's Rowan who intrigues me. Not afraid to express herself, willing to go all in, she is one who doesn't mess around! This is my favorite of the series so far and I can't wait to get to know the next Spade!

JF Harding and CJ Bloom. Both favorites of mine, I was in heaven with this listen. Harding is so good at falling into character. He portrays Cooper with confidence, yet when emotions are high, it was easy to feel his vulnerability. Bloom is amazing as Rowan. She keeps her strong, has her intelligence come to the forefront and is passionate! Loved these two together and I would love to hear them collaborate again!

Marni Mann knows just how to balance the vulnerability of characters with the spice, and that is what keeps me coming back every time! I loved Cooper and Rowan’s story so much! Rowan was such a boss, and Cooper had such a heart of gold under his toughness. I can’t wait to see where Brady’s story leads next!

This was the second book in the Spade Hotel series and I really enjoyed it! JF Harding has such a great voice and the dual narration was done really well. Marni does a great job of writing what starts out as unlikable MMC and turns into a swing book boyfriend by the end. Cooper was wonderful and I can’t wait to continue the series!

5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Spice

Tropes:
Billionaire
Workplace
Hidden Identity
Snowed In
Forced Proximity
Rival Families

🎧Narration: i did get to listen to the audio for this one & i think it’s my favorite marni audiobook so far. @j.f.harding & @carlyrobinsnarrator were so good. jf harding was fantastic as cooper - i’m honestly just still thinking about it. 🫠 & surprising no one cj bloom was perfect for rowan. the emotional parts i felt like she just captured so well. if you’re an audio girlie - do yourself a favor & try this one!

if you’ve been around a minute you know i am a marni mann fan, stan & ambassador. i love all of her books so much & i had high expectations for this one & honestly, she exceeded them. i loved this book. cooper & rowan’s story was absolutely everything. i’m still thinking about it almost hourly & it’s been days. the story was addicting, the characters were well developed & the spice was 🥵😮‍💨 so good. cooper & rowan have such a fun relationship arc. hidden identity, family drama, enemies to lovers vibes & then a pretty huge surprise 🙊 made for such a good story. if you haven’t started this series - this is your push! go start.

I absolutely loved this audiobook from beginning to end and I have to say that the narrators did a fantastic job with the characters. The back-and-forth banter between Cooper and Rowan made me laugh out loud more than a few times and the chemistry between them was undeniable. Not only did I love everything Cooper, but I loved Rowan's strength, and this audiobook left me with a smile on my face. I'm definitely looking forward to more books/audiobooks from this author and will definitely be recommending this one to all of my romance loving book friends.

I'm almost speechless 🥹 Oh Marni this book... this audiobook.... 🤩 Amazing 🤩♥️ I'm so overwhelmed by this book, I didn't expect to feel all these emotions but I did and it was absolutely amazing, my heart is full.

Cooper and Rowan's story is pure perfection, I loved how they first meet, it was explosive and so sexy. I also adored their connection, their attraction and their love. This book was so passionate and I really felt those emotions even more, thanks to CJ Bloom and J.F. Harding's performance. These two narrators kept my heart all the way through and they also made me cry 😢 but it was so worth it.

This book was amazing and so well written, I love this series so much. What can I say about the spicy moments 😮‍💨 wow, I felt my cheeks blush so many times 😅🥵🫦 with the seductive voices of both narrators in my ears it was impossible not to feel it. It was hot and everything was at the right pace. I loved the way Rowan & Cooper evolved throughout, and their chemistry was fire 🔥 I'm in love with this gorgeous couple.

Thank you so much for writing this book, I highly recommend it and I'm already for the next book.

When Cooper Spade gets stranded by a blizzard in Canada while checking Lake Louise and Banff for future hotels, he finds out the hotels are fully booked and the snow has come to stay. But he ends up spending the best 72 hours of his life sharing a room and a bed with Rowan No Last Name, the woman he met at the hotel bar. He gives her his phone number as she is reluctant to give him hers, but he never thought he'd be ghosted. A chance encounter in a wine store back in the States has them rekindling the fire of that unforgettable weekend, but he's still in the dark as to who Rowan is ... until they meet at the boardroom. He learns that she's the enemy. She belongs to the family his has been feuding with for decades. But he's still smitten. She had all the reasons for staying quiet. He feels betrayed. Now they have to work together...

My first Marni Mann and she didn't disappoint! The spice hits hard from the beginning but at the time this is very swoony and sweet even. Cooper and Rowan belong together! I love how strong and competent Rowan is and how supportive Cooper is of her. 

Narration for this one is gold: CJ Bloom never disappoints and she delivers an wonderful performance for a character that goes through many emotional rollercoasters. She had me in tears in one scene with Rowan and her dad. JF harding is perfect as the alphamellow Cooper, who feels hurt and betrayed but who can't stay away from the woman he recognizes as "the one". Wonderful audiobook experience!

Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to his early!

Possible triggers (SPOILERISH): accidental pregnancy, terminal illness

A snowed in affair over Christmas in Alberta between two people from rival hotel families results in an unexpected pregnancy and a heartwarming, sizzling dual POV love story. I really enjoyed this latest Spade Hotel book that sees two rival Hotel groups merging as the founder of one is dealing with tragic health news leaving his heirs to deal with the fallout. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of authors like Piper Rayne or Meghan Quinn. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

Steam level: open door!

3.5⭐️ 3🌶️ 4🎧

I enjoyed this book! It was fun escape from reality. I love an enemies to lovers romance, especially when they realize they are enemies after a steamy weekend stranded together.

The tension and chemistry between Rowan and Cooper was fantastic. It’s a wonder they were able to keep their hands off of each other for as long as they did even after secrets were revealed.

Cooper was referred to as an alpha male a few too many times for me to really love this book, especially given his love ‘em and leave ‘em opinion of women in the beginning. But he came a long way and turned out to be a really great fit for Rowan.

I loved the narrators for this book. They did a really great job of bringing Rowan and Cooper to life.

Thank you to Valentine PR & Marni Mann for the ARC. Thank you to Dreamscape and Netgalley for the ALC!

A scorching enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, billionaire romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann ...One bed.Two stranded strangers.Three wildly passionate nights. A thousand secrets between them. After an unplanned, sizzling weekend together, what happens when Cooper Spade and Rowan Cole return home and realize they spent seventy-two unforgettable hours with the enemy ...And loved every second ...

My thoughts:
The Rebel is book two in the Spade hotel series! This is Cooper’s book! I really enjoyed this book and audiobook! The chemistry between Cooper and Rowan was off the charts! Rowan was such a boss lady! She fought so hard for Cooper and always had great comebacks whenever she was challenged. Rowan was the typical alphahole, dominant and confident. He was your typical playboy until he met Rowan and his feelings about his playboy ways started to change.

The spice was HOT! Marni Mann is the queen of writing men with such amazing dirty talk!!

CJ Bloom and JF Harding perform the audiobook in dual narration and they both do a fantastic job of bringing this story to life. Both narrators portrayed the steamy tension well! JF brought the alphahole and swoon worthy nature that is Cooper Spade! CJ brought the confident and passion spirit that is Rowan Cole!

What to expect:
One Night Stand
Billionaire
Rival Families
Forced Proximity

3.5 stars rounded up
5 stars for narration.

💜 Billionaire
💜 One night stand
💜 Workplace
💜 Surprise pregnancy
💜 SPICY

This is my 8th or 9th Marni Mann book and unfortunately I feel like lately they are all cut from the same cloth. This one did have a nice twist at the end with the surprise pregnancy and the twist with her dad that I enjoyed. However the MMC, really most of the male characters consistently act like children. The drama wasn't oooo ahhh drama it was child like behaviors. Marni does know how to write fantastic spice and a very fast paced book.

The narrators did a fantastic job. It was very easy to listen too.

This book definitely surprised me. It was suchhhhh a good story. I did not want to put it down. The Rebel is book two of an interconnected stand alone series. I did know this going in, but I heard great things on bookstagram about it, so I could not wait until I read the first book first…which usually goes against my religion. But I am so glad that I did not wait. Parts of this story had me laughing, some parts had me screaming, and some parts had me crying. I was not expecting the ending that it had, and it almost broke me at one part. This was my first book by Marni Mann, but she is now in my auto-buy authors club. Dreamscape hooked me up with the audio version and I was so excited to see the CJ Bloom was part of this book. She is one of my favorite narrators. I can’t wait for the next one!

Tropes:
Billionaire Romance
Surprise Pregnancy
Forbidden Love
Enemies-to-lovers-ish
Forced Proximity

I really enjoyed this book!

This was a fast paced story with one of the best enemies to lovers set up I’ve read in a while. Rowan and Cooper run into each other in a hotel bar while they’re traveling for business. They get snowed in together over Christmas. After three days, they go their separate ways. Only to then bump into each other once they get back home.

I loved Cooper and Rowan as a couple. Rowan knowing more about Cooper than she lets on is something I haven’t found in many books and I loved it. She knew what she wanted and went for it. When the truth finally came out and Cooper tried to pull away, she made it known what she wanted. And when he came around to them being together, she made him work for it. You go girl! The ending was a surprise but I feel like it was the perfect ending for their story.

I listened to the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. J.F Harding and C.J Bloom do a fantastic job telling this story.

I’ll definitely be reading the third book in the Spade Hotel series.

The Rebel is the 2nd book in the Spade Hotel series. This story took us on quite an emotional roller-coaster ride. It was steamy, swoony, angsty and at times heartbreaking and I was hooked until the end.

Rowan and Cooper had such intense chemistry from the minute they met and their steamy scenes were scorching hott. They really were perfect for each other. They had a slight bump in their relationship at the start as they were from rival families and had to figure out how to navigate their personal life, work life and their families, but once they worked it out, I loved how supportive they were towards each other.

Omg....I absolutely loved Cooper. I loved every single thing about him....from his dirty talk and swoony ways, to his fierce loyalty and work ethic he might just be one of my favorites especially with his attitude towards potential love and relationships. Rowan was intelligent and talented and had no issues standing up for herself and I loved her.

The story gave us family drama and work stress but through it all I loved how both Cooper and Rowan stood by each other. There were a few side characters and I loved being introduced to the Cole's.

This steamy, romantic tale set in a hotel business world had me fully invested and it flew by so fast. It was a fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait for more from this world. I would definitely recommend this novel to lovers of billionaire romance.

I enjoyed this story so much, I immediately requested the audio when I saw it available.
The audiobook was narrated by J.F. Harding and C.J. Bloom. These two were fantastic together. They brought the story to life and had the steamy scenes sizzling. Their voices suited the characters and it were clear and understandable. It was a pleasure listening to them narrate this novel.

3.5 Stars The Rebel by Marni Mann is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, with star-crossed lovers whose families are rival hotel conglomerates. Rowan Cole and Cooper Spade meet at a hotel bar while both are on a business trip in Banff and they immediately hit it off. Snowed in due to a huge storm, they spend the next three days and nights--including Christmas--in Rowan's room. But this isn't just another hookup for either of them; they have deep conversations and truly want to get to know one another. Cooper makes it clear that he wants to see Rowan again when they return home to LA, but Rowan hesitates. She knew from the beginning who he was, but she never shared her last name with him. After their return to LA, everything comes crashing down around them as their families announce some gigantic changes and Cooper realizes who Rowan is. The lovers have become enemies and Rowan must figure out how to win back Cooper's trust.

The chemistry between these two characters was 🔥 🔥 🔥 and there were plenty of romantic moments to balance out the spice. I recommend this one if you like office romance and rival romance!

4.5/5 stars
This was such a fun and hot listen! I really enjoyed the story, spice, and narrators! You can’t really beat the forbidden tension and drama that comes when the MCs are from rival families. The Rebel is the second book in the Spade hotel series, which features siblings who all work in the luxury hospitality industry.

Rowan is scouting out some land for a new hotel in Canada. When a blizzard strikes, he meets Rowan at the hotel bar. The hotel is out of rooms, and she graciously invites him to share hers. Rowan never shares her last name or why she was also in that part of Canada. Rowan is crushed to learn who her family is after meeting her face to face in a business meeting. They both received the shocking news that fathers have decided to immediately merge both companies after a decades long feud.

Rowan and Cooper have so much going against them. No one is happy for them and they just can’t seem to stay away from each other. I loved Rowan’s character so much. She was brilliant, resourceful, and needed to find an equal partner. No one was going to tell her who to be with, and she fought for their relationship. Cooper is so loyal and he struggled so much with disappointing his family. The Spade family has an incredible dynamic. Cooper’s love language was acts of service and I ate up every second of that. This author always writes the best spice and I enjoyed that we did not have to wait long for things to heat up.

The book is told in dual narration, and I really loved CJ Bloom & JF Harding’s portrayal of Rowan and Cooper. CJ is one of my favorite female narrators. Her “male voice” is one of the best among female narrators.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out!