GRR Reviews Her Rebel to Kiss (Love, Montana) by Debra Salonen

Her Rebel to Kiss is a romance about childhood obsession, guilt, and redemption with fated mates along with it.

Justin lives his life on the edge until a climbing disaster (which he was found not at fault, but still raked over the coals by the media) lead to sponsors pulling his contract. When an offer came from Marietta Montana, he went there, hoping for a fresh start, and to meet his two best friends who found love there in town. And when a mysterious lady in red walked in for the New Year's Eve masquerade party, it seems he may experience love after all, but the lady is hiding secrets... // Nikki had loved Justin since they were kids. Her obsession led her to insert herself into one of his climbing events way beyond her expertise... and fell, and it could have paralyzed her for life, but she learned how to walk again. Now her fairy godfather (and boss) decided to help the star-crossed lovers along, so she can have a kiss at midnight with her prince charming. But what happens past midnight when he found out who she really is? What if one kiss is not enough?

This novel is a lot deeper than first suspected. You can do the hidden identity/reveal trope for so long, but the angst about the obsession, the OMG I'm responsible (no you're not) guilt and more were quite well done. The pivot onto further complications was a bit clunky. Still, the emotions are true. It's just that using obsession as a lead-in to romance is a perilous trope, but I think the author pulled it off.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: Woman meets the man she was obsessed over after many years again. She was severely injured but recovered. He felt guilty for all these years, what happens when he found out the truth?

Overall Rating: 4/5

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