The Rebellious One by Jeanette Lewis

From Goodreads--

Holly Clarke is all set to marry the man of her dreams. Or rather, the man of her parents’ dreams. Whoever heard of a girl in 2016 America being betrothed? Holly knows she has to find a way out of the engagement—especially when she meets mysterious, sexy Jordan Fischler. But Jordan has a secret, and loving him could mean the end of everything Holly knows.

My Take:
I received this book free for an honest review.

This is a slightly different take on the popular millionaire/billionaire hiring someone to pretend to be their spouse trend right now. In this case, a bunch of teen girls make a pack at summer camp to only marry a billionaire when they grow up. This all comes about because even at 13, Holly knows she's supposed to marry Brit.

Years later, Holly's inevitable wedding is bearing down on her, pushed by her parents. It doesn't matter that she barely knows him in spite of growing up with him. We see right away that she's not happy. In fact, she crawls through a tunnel in some bushes to hide away for a while, and wishes to turn back time. When she crawls back out, she meets Jordan. There is an instant spark that takes them both by surprise.

Jordan is as shocked as Holly about the chemistry sizzling between them. In fact, he gives her a false last name on impulse because he can't stand for her to know who he really is. Not just yet. He feels the need to get to know her first, but he has no idea how that will change his life, or hers.

I really enjoyed this story. It was different enough that it didn't feel like all the other billionaire books I've read. They didn't agree to marry after two days in order to ensure an inheritance or scare off other interested parties. Their relationship developed quickly, but in a normal, every day, believable kind of way. They talked, laughed, and worked together, allowing their feelings to be tied to more than just the physical attraction they felt for each other.

The other thing I appreciated about this story was that it was clean. No swearing, some great kisses, but nothing I'd have to hide from my teen girls.

Oh! And the thing that separates our two lovebirds isn't some stupid misunderstanding. It's a real reason for them to go to their own corners to think and regroup before coming back together. Holly doesn't over react and fly off the handle over it. She just needs time to figure out what's going on, which isn't easy because of the way her own family treats her.

It's got a nice HEA, satisfying and sweet.
I give The Rebellious One a solid 4.

1-5 scale and what it means:

1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad

2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing

3:  I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive

3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love

4: Solid mind candy / worth reading

4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read

5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure