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It was supposed to be one night.

One night with the gorgeous, broken, enigmatic explosives expert who makes me crazy.

The problem? Now I can’t stop fantasizing about the way we self-combusted all over each other.

But the guilt in his eyes when he looked at me after and remembered I’m not his dead lover? Let’s just say I’m not interested in getting involved with someone who’s clearly still suffering.

With a traitor in our midst, I shouldn’t be consumed with memories of our night together. And I definitely shouldn’t be thinking about just how well he lit my fuse. Especially when that traitor’s attacks are getting deadlier and hitting closer to home each time.

Can I protect both the academy and my heart? Or will they end up shattered beyond repair?


Rebel is a full-length romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating. This is the second book in the Alien Warrior Academy series.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2020

503 people are currently reading
176 people want to read

About the author

Hope Hart

32 books462 followers
Hope Hart has always told stories, and eventually, the characters in her head wouldn't leave her alone until she wrote them down.

She loves strong, kickass heroines and hot, brooding alpha males. Hope believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, although the best happy endings are fought for.

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5 stars
467 (50%)
4 stars
289 (31%)
3 stars
138 (14%)
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23 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,598 reviews2,517 followers
December 22, 2022
Would be better if it were longer!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🤎🖤❤️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😠😘🤓😉
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: ✨Duet Narration✨

The Hero: Zarryn - He is the first son to the King of a clan on Lokar, a prince who abdicated his throne to go as an instructor to the Lokarian Military Academy. He is in search of revenge for the death of the woman he loved.

The heroine: Layla - one of the human students at the military academy. Layla is a soldier and a weapons expert, with a focus on explosives. She is one of the best students at the academy. Humans are allowed into the academy to learn to fight the Lokarian’s enemies, the Scrum, insect like creatures intent on the destruction of worlds and if the Lokarian’s can’t eradicate them, they will eventually attack Earth.

The Story: This is a short read, about 158 pages and the audiobook is only 4 hours and 20 minutes. At the start, Layla is lamenting about her hook-up with Zarryn, who gave her a thrilling night, but in the morning had eyes filled with guilt and regret, so she took off and is not too happy with the guy. I think this was a missed opportunity and could have been a much better and longer book if the author would have started when Layla and Zarryn first met and became attracted to each other rather than starting after their hookup.

The scrum had once been allies to the Lokarians, but had betrayed them and now are their fiercest enemies with high tech weapons and bombs. The Scrum have some humans that are working with them and have infiltrated the academy. They already found one traitor and more have been causing havoc.

This book is told in dual points of view via duet narration. I love the fact that this is done in duet narration, too few books are done that way, where the male narrator does all the male parts and the female does all the female parts no matter whose point of view the chapter is told from. Amber Lee Connors and Kieran Flitton do the narration and both do a terrific job. Kieran’s voice gives me Tom Cruise vibes and Amber has a soft feminine voice which is very pleasing.

One thing I really liked about this book was that the Lokarians have technology and are more advanced than humans, so many of these alien romance books are barbarian aliens on primitive planets, and I really like the books that have a race that is advanced and high tech. I also liked the characters, Zarryn is a nice guy and Layla is fierce and loves to exercise. The book did feel rushed though.

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Profile Image for Angie.
1,291 reviews217 followers
November 25, 2020
Relationships really are like bombs. But maybe that’s what love is. Giving someone the ability to turn you into miniscule pieces of yourself. But trusting that they won’t. Because they love you whole.

Not your typical 'Hero saves the damsel' storyline..

I was informed yesterday that I was exposed to a covid positive person at work, and this book kept me entertained while I was in line waiting to be tested.

The story was great escapist fiction while the plot was fast paced as Layla and Zarryn try and work together to discover who is orchestrating the attacks on the Academy while also denying their simmering attraction after their disastrous one-night stand. It was such a great change in pace that Zarryn was the one who needed rescuing a few times and not just Layla playing the damsel! I'm enjoying how all of these stories are connected so far, and I'm excited to keep going ♡
Profile Image for Luna  ♡.
478 reviews183 followers
February 14, 2024
»You can flirt with other males.You can deny what we have for the rest of your life. But you and I both know that you belong to me.«
»You son of a bitch.«

★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑳𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒂
I liked her! She‘s tough and intelligent, stands up for herself and is loyal to her friends.

❥ 𝒁𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚𝒏
He was grumpy and an asshole sometimes.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This book was okay. Not as good as the first one but not bad either.
I like the worldbuilding and the idea with the alien warrior academy. The characters are well built mostly and their friendship is so cute.
Layla and Zarryn have a hard time to let their feelings develop, they are attracted to each other but wouldn‘t see it. I enjoyed them together.
This book is a quick read and I would recommend if you search for an alien romance with academia setting.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓
plot: 3/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 4/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
alien, warrior, military school, teacher x student, upcoming war, badass female, possessive and protective hero, insta lust, grumpy x confident woman

𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ages: both in their twenties I think
cheating: no
sharing: no
kinks: no


𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Rogue ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Rebel ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

29 reviews
October 12, 2020
It seems like there are sections missing

While reading the book towards the middle to the end, it felt like there were sections of the story that were missing. Spoiler Alert: For example when we find out Eriska is alive, there is no scene when the Hero found out. We skipped to after he had found out and how he feels about it. For her being such a big part of his story, I would have expected a section, or even a few paragraphs when he found out, his reaction in the moment, etc.
Profile Image for Polar Bear Lover.
215 reviews
September 18, 2020
Loved This!

Hope Hart is one of my favorite authors. Her Arcav series is out of this world, pun intended. So I was excited that she was one of the authors of this series. This features human females going to an Academy on Lokar to learn how to help defend Earth. Along the way they meet their hot alpha mates and get embroiled in a conspiracy that could kill everyone. Layla and Zarryn are the perfect couple and their journey is difficult but satisfying in the end. So happy the next two books are coming quickly, as in tomorrow and the day after. Thank you authors.
Profile Image for Charde Jackson.
544 reviews19 followers
September 20, 2020
Another great series!

I love these series where each author is writing another character 's love story!! And this addition is just as good. We meet fiesty Layla who is career military and an explosives expert. Talk about smart and empowered women! And her hookup with Zarryn, an undercover prince who abdicated his throne. Loved how the story line continued with traitors in their mix and the main characters racing against the clock to find out whats going on. Super steamy, great action, and dialogue. I cant wait to read the next one in this series!
Profile Image for I'm Fine, Just Tired.
1,131 reviews17 followers
April 8, 2022
Hope Hart books are always a solid read for me.

Zarryn and Laylah! I had some problems getting into Zarryn, that boy is moody, emotional and he really throws our main character Laylah around emotionally and I disliked him for that.

Laylah kept coming back but she always spoke her mind and told him how exaclty what he was doing was unfair and her inner monologue about putting her first because she doesn't deserve anything less than someone who wants to be with her full stop.

I loved the smexy times.

The only down side to these quick reads are the time skips. We miss a lot of detailed events. I would have loved to see Laylah tell Zarryn about his first love, who he thought was dead and for years blamed himself (Which was a huge part of the story and his relationship progression with Laylah.) That Eriska never was dead and she's been the enemy for all these years. Would have loved to see all that drama unfold when that informatuon came to light. Did he deny it at first? Did it cause a rift between Laylah and him since she delivered the bad news? Would have loved to read all about that.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,242 reviews27 followers
September 21, 2020
Hope hart is one of my favs and I thoroughly enjoyed this story, however, the whole ‘meet and greet’ the parents turned me off and relegated this book to my 4 star shelf.
Profile Image for Preston and Michelle.
372 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2023
Got it bad, got it bad, got it bad… I’m hot for teacher. Yep, this series is fire so far. 🔥 Also, I didn’t realize this series was a collaboration until the second book, oops.

Set in a futuristic time where we know aliens exist, a bunch of humans with special skills are sent to a planet called Lokar, where they attend the Lokarian Warrior Academy. There is one goal in mind at this academy, to teach earthlings how to fight against the common enemy known as the Skrum. The Skrum are “an insect-like race of aliens that attacks like a swarm—decimating their enemies with their mass of ships and hive-like movements—they are a scourge upon the galaxy. A scourge Earth was not aware of until they set their sights on the planet and the Lokarians stepped in to save it.” This alien warrior academy series follows the humans and Lokarians as they train together for a higher purpose.

Written in first person by Hope Hart, Rebel is book 2 in this series, and follows the human female Layla Brewer and her Lokarian instructor Zarryn. Zarryn is a prince who abdicated his throne to his brother, a choice his entire family is angry about, though they still hold on to hope that he will return to his clan and retain his rightful place as king. His ex-girlfriend, Eriska, was blown up in an explosion after their clan was betrayed by their allies. Even though she didn’t want to fight, and blatantly ignored orders which got her killed, he still blamed himself for her death, which prevented him from moving on with his life and loving another. “Zarryn was headhunted by the Lokarians due to his incredible talent with weapons—primarily explosives,” and agreed to instruct the explosives class at the academy. Layla was sent to the academy because she was an expert in explosives. I guess that it was only natural for her to fall for her explosives instructor. There was a natural attraction between the two that refused to be denied, and they were drawn into each other’s arms whether they wanted it or not.

Their first intercourse took place before the book even started. Apparently, the two experienced an epic night of passion, but once Layla saw the look of guilt on Zarryn’s face the next morning, she ran off and avoided him, not wanting to address the hurt. The first intercourse that the readers were privy to took place in chapter 6 at the 35% mark. The buildup to that point was balanced perfectly, and I am very happy that the author didn’t make us wait too long for it to happen. Especially since we missed their “first time.” Zarryn displayed acts of jealousy when he saw Layla get too close to another male, one who blatantly expressed interest in Layla. I know that is supposed to be a major turn off, but it’s the opposite for me. I’m all about the growly, possessive dominant male who screams “mine!” Zarryn tried to back off, but couldn’t seem to stay away from Layla.

Of course, there were other adventures aside from the sex between a student and her teacher. There was a traitor in their midst, who was leaving bombs and poisonings all over the academy and leaving bodies in their wake. Both Zarryn and Layla wound up injured and in the hospital for recovery after they almost died. The mystery was finding the culprit before it was too late. We also discover that Eriska is still alive, which I already guessed the second they confirmed that her body was never retrieved from the explosion. Thank the gods because Zarryn was finally able to get the closure he needed to move on with his life and stop basking in the guilt of not being able to save her. Coming from someone who lost their husband, I can say that his grief was a little overkill and overdramatized for a woman he wasn’t even married to yet. Even fake characters are allowed to grieve in their own way, but shit, Layla had every right to tell Zarryn to get f*cked.

Thankfully the collaboration is between some of my favorite authors because I’m hooked on the series and am looking forward to the next book. 🥳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,762 reviews18 followers
November 18, 2023
Steamy and suspenseful

I enjoyed Zarryn and Layla’s alien-human romantic suspense tale. The story is emotion filled, passionate, angsty, and suspenseful. Vokarians protected Earth from a potential attack by the Skrum who wanted to mine Earth and its water resources. After the Skrum was beaten back, a select group of humans with a diverse set of talents and skills are sent to be trained on Vokar at the Lokarian Warrior Academy to help protect and defend Earth. This story picks up where the last book left off, they now know there is a traitor at the Academy but no idea who it could be. Layla is a human with expertise in weapons and explosives which is why she was recruited to be trained at the Academy. Zarryn is a Vokarian explosives expert at the Academy and a prince who abdicated his throne after his girlfriend was killed. He now lives for vengeance. Zarryn and Layla shared one steamy night which Zarryn regretted the next morning so Layla is moving on. Unfortunately, feelings rarely stay in the boxes we try to shove them in. The c’mere, c’mere, get away, get away journey to their HEA is fraught with guilt, tension, missteps, danger, sabotage, and healing. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, good world building, and an engaging storyline with sweet moments, steam, dangerous situations, alien physiology and cultures, political machinations, fated mates, coincidences, plot twists, painful pasts, missteps, and laughs. The bad guy was fairly easy to guess by that didn’t take away from the romance or suspense of the story. While the main romance story arc was resolved in this book, the story arc related to the traitor is still not completely resolved in this book. I will be reading the next book in the series to follow the mystery. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Desert Lumens.
621 reviews10 followers
September 20, 2020
Hope hart truly is a genius

I loved this book! I absolutely knew who the traitor was! Damn It I knew something was off about this person from book one. No spoilers but damn I just knew it! This book was sooo good but man at times Zarryn could be a female dog ( a little B lol) with how he would act. I mean come on bruh! But the chemistry was smokin hawt!! Like 1 billion scoville hawt! The world building is just phenomenal! The ladies did such a great job with this! I love the academy setting! It’s absolutely ground breaking to have a series like this and I’m enjoying it so very much! I can’t wait to read Elena and Daryx book but oh my Autumn is next and that shy girl needs her HEA and she needs to get a lil dirty if you know what I mean! I’ve been waiting for her book! This series totally gets 5 shooting flashing 🌟✨💫⭐️ stars from me!! Pick this series up! Treat yourself!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,666 reviews17 followers
November 6, 2020
Good

This second book in a multi-author series, is more sci-fi than academy, but don’t let that stop you!
Layla is a human soldier, and an explosives expert. She was chosen to go to the Lokarian Military Academy, so she can be trained to fight their common enemy.
Zarryn is the explosives instructor at the academy. He and Layla have their own chemistry, but Zarryn is still grieving a lost love.
Can Layla convince him to give her a chance?

These books are quick reads. In this one, the romance actually begins a little before the book, and we come in after their one night stand.
Zarryn is emotionally bruised, and Layla is not going to lie down and take any crap from him.
In the meantime, the two of them have to figure out who the traitor is, and just how to deal with the explosive devices the enemy created.

Recommended for those who enjoy scrappy heroines, and sci-fi alien romance.
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,740 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2020
The search for the traitor in the Academy...

This story picks up a few weeks after the previous one, and continues the search for the remaining traitor in the Academy where the best of humanity is training with the Lokar military.

Zarryn is the explosives instructor, the lone representative of his clan at the Academy he has baggage that comes from other people blowing stuff up, and the inevitable harm that was done. He's from a race of highly protective men... and given what he's been through, turning towards overprotective might be an understatement.

Layla is great with explosives... if only that knack translated to interactions with the instructor.

This done in one Kindle unlimited quick read keeps lots of other characters in play, provides red herrings for who could be the traitor, and plants seeds for what we may deal with in future stories.
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
February 19, 2021
Rebel: Alien Warrior Academy Book 2
By Hope Hart
Kindle Unlimited Purchase
Zarryn came to Lokar for one reason and on reason only. Revenge. he never though he would find love again. when the love of his life died in a bombing accident he though his life was over. He was set to be King but with her death that changed.
Layla is the next from the group to find her man.
Autumn, Brooke, Elena, and Layla became fast friends during book 1 and their friendship has grown stronger in this book. It would be great to find friends in a alien world, where everything is new and strange.
Talk about a great series it pulls you in and takes you on a wild ride. I thought book one was great, this book does not compare.
I recommend this series to be read in order, and sorry 18 and over.
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
September 23, 2020
Loved it!!

I was curious as to how this book would start with Layla’s story but I am happy it came in where Brooke’s ended. Not only did the overall traitor plot line continue and progress while adding more elements to the betrayal, but the fragile relationship between Layla and Zarryn was explored. I liked how we came into Layla’s story after she and Zarryn already had a one night stand because we got to see them repair their relationship with each other while he dealt with his guilt and learned to accept what was ultimately not his fault from his past.

I cannot wait to read Autumn and Elena’s stories and see the end of the betrayal.
202 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2020
Explosive Romance

It's one thing to love your job as a bomb tech, it's another to have to disable one with the love of your life.
When a crown prince renounces his throne to train cadets, his world explodes when he is paired with a human female who has mad skills and a sharp mouth.
All she wanted was to excel at her classes and graduate as a bomb expert. Unfortunately, her best laid plans are blown to smithereens when she is paired with the love of her life.
Who also happens to be her instructor and has a huge guilt chip on his shoulder.
Reminiscent of Tracy and Hepburn's movies...
Profile Image for Debbie.
505 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2023
Rebel

This second book in the series was a little different than usual for this genre. Usually the two main characters meet and there's a lot of build up as they come together. These two characters have already had a night together and split. So this book is about them realizing they are more than a one night stand.

My favorite line comes after he's been injured and tells her he loves her, “Has this blood loss gone to your brain?” He cracks open one eye. “I tell you I love you, and you ask if I’m brain damaged?”

World building is good, fun, with plenty of mystery left for the next books.
Profile Image for Jen.
419 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2020
This was such a fun read! Really good continuation of story and also a really good representation of what the author writes. I was really excited about this mini series and I'm glad that the concept is being so well executed.

The book. It just reads real. People are salty sometimes and I liked how that was written. Also, can we TALK about cassie???!!! I was just as blind sided as the characters. Like, bitch what? And eriska!!! Big happy with this story. Its not a heart stomper romance but I dont think a romance needs to be a heart stomper to get 4 or 5 stars. Really fun read!
Profile Image for Roxann.
301 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. I didn't realize until I started this one that there are 4 different authors writing the series. I am sure that isn't easy. Having to collaborate on names, location descriptions etc.

I think the main reason that I liked this one more is that there was some background and a longer time frame. In the first going from hate to love in the blink of an eye didn't ring true. This one had them "scratching an itch" and going from there. so the evolution of the relationship rang more true for me.
Profile Image for Alechia Shrewsbury.
3 reviews
September 17, 2020
This story was really good!! This is Layla and Zarryn's story! As book 2 in this series, they are slowly figuring out who the traitors are within their ranks while trying to figure out their relationship. Lots of steamy scenes, betrayal(bc every good story has a little bit of this!) And action to keep you enthralled! The ending left me wanting a little bit more from these 2....but only bc it was so HOT!!! Definitely recommend!
7 reviews
September 18, 2020
Many girls dream of their very own Prince. Zarryn, is a prince, he's also the Lokarian explosives instructor. Layla is the explosives expert from Earth. The chemistry between these two is coincidentally volatile like an explosive. Who doesn't like a little angst every now and then? This second installment of the Alien Warrior Academy series is a page turner, I love bits of heartwrench amidst the excitement. Keep these books coming!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews55 followers
September 21, 2020
The story continues with Zarryn and Layla’s and I loved it. This was more of an emotional read, in parts due to Zarryn’s past, but nevertheless still exciting, entertaining and a absolutely captivating storyline. I found myself intrigued and totally glued to every page I read until it was finished. Zarryn and Layla go through quiet a few ups and downs in their relationship, but love prevails. We find a few twist and turns in this book and I loved it.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,113 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2020
It started with Brooke and Koran, now Layla and Zarryn have their story. Small but fierce Layla knows the importance in precision in her chosen career. Explosives are not to be taken lightly. But will she give her heart up to the Weapon's Commander? His leadership is not disputed, but his past wounds may never heal. Abdicating his throne is only one action that needs further exploration. Will the traitor be revealed? Will the Scrum attack the academy?
Profile Image for Shauna.
356 reviews6 followers
November 12, 2020
I did not like the hero for about 70% of the book. He was a jerk in how he toyed with Layla's feelings. I was rooting for Braylix. He was sweet and kind to her. I did like Layla. She was a bad ass. She was strong-mentally and physically. I didnt like it when she gave in to Zarryn. I did like that she saved the day.

I am glad Carter survived. I want his book :)

I saw Cassie coming from the beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2021
Everyone is Not Your Friend

Omg why have I found another series to get caught up in reading.

My new alien peeps the Lorkians might become one of my favorites.

If you want a book to make you laugh and characters are relatable (talking about the human women) then this is the story for you.

The big strong alpha and don't know what is in store for them once they meet the women.
Profile Image for M Robinson .
2,282 reviews
June 24, 2021
Fairly average tbh

This series has so much potential but as all the books are less than 200 pages its impossible for them to go to the depths they need to in order to be really good.

The problem is they're too shallow, too superficial. Yes the story is good and characters great but the story is overly simple and there's very little character development.

A perfect easy holiday read, but nothing more than average.

Such a shame
Profile Image for Carmen.
1,932 reviews11 followers
September 20, 2020
Great

I think what I like the most about this author is her characters. I have yet to read one of her books where the characters don’t quickly become book friends. So you find yourself laughing, crying and hurting when they do. This was another quick read with good characters, hot steamy scenes and a decent storyline. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Profile Image for Ruby's Java Corner.
227 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2020
Conquering fears and winning hearts.

Zarrah and Layla end up being explosives experts, studying a new bomb stolen from their enemy. Things escalates rapidly from Book 1 with the traitor in their midst, which all clears up toward end of this story along with a HEA between Zarrah and Layla. I gave this one 5 cups of hot java, ☕☕☕☕☕.
1,169 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2020
Action, drama, deceit, traitors, steam and love are all found in the second book of the series. A few of those that we have come to care about are almost killed and a traitor is revealed. Are there more traitors and what is next for our group of humans and the instructors they are falling for? I will continue to binge read this series since I am hooked on the characters.
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