I have read many books and stories by Stacey Kennedy over the years. I was excited to find her newest as a Harlequin print. And it is part of a series, too! Fun!
When it comes to cowboys and romance, I’m always a sucker for the he fell 1st trope. This one is packed full of heart – both hurting and healing. Check out my thoughts and review below.
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included
The Rebel with Broken Strings by Stacey Kennedy
Series: Naked Moose #3
Publisher: Afterglow Books by Harlequin
Publication date: November 25, 2025
ISBN-13: 978-1335507280
OVERVIEW:
Self-proclaimed good girl Aubrey Hale has too many secrets. Among them is missing the big-city life she left behind for small-town Montana—the life that included a one-night stand with country star Gunner Woods. But Aubrey and her friends have recently sworn off men. So when Gunner turns up in Timber Falls looking all kinds of sexy, she pretends she’s never met him.
Gunner is surprised to see Aubrey again and even more surprised by how she’s acting. The carefree woman he knew for one night is now jaded. After a failed record launch, Gunner can relate—and maybe they could even find solace in each other, if she’d stop treating him like a stranger.
Aubrey’s not ready to let her guard down, but she’s just fine with letting the sparks between them burn… But when Gunner’s career reignites, she’ll have to reckon with her discontent. Can you chase two separate dreams without burning everything to the ground?
The Rebel with Broken Strings by Stacey Kennedy/
Sometimes you are in the mood for a spicy read, and when it also has a cowboy as the lead – be still my heart.
This book started with a hot kickstart and awesome hopes for the book. A fabulous week that leads to actions that carry on and impact the characters throughout the rest of the book, even years later.
I have to admit, I got a bit frustrated a time or two with my Aubrey for the way she treated Gunner by not having conversations that could have opened the door to healing instead of heartbreak. He tried over and over, and let’s be honest, there is only so much someone should put up with, and he went over and above.
The book is loaded with tension and longing. They belong together, and the fact that she withheld for so long did not lead ot emotional impact for me. It led me to frustration.
Kennedy added a wonderful setting and secondary characters that were sweet and supportive. The wedding descriptive scenes were awesome and set the tone for the book
Overall, The Rebel with Broken Strings is a sweet romance with a perfect touch of spice. These two broken and insecure hearts eventually find love, but they remain insecure throughout. A satisfying and simplistic plot with a bit more drama than needed, in my opinion. But the ending made up for so much! LOVE
3.5 STARS!!
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review, but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.