Brigid Kemmerer

In the eagerly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller Defy The Night author Brigid Kemmerer continues her electrifying series with more royal intrigue, more sizzling romance, and shocking twists that will leave readers breathless.

What will they sacrifice to save their kingdom?
Their honor?
Their love?
Their lives?

Tessa Cade has gone from masked outlaw to palace advisor, but even with her newfound power, she can't stop the sickness still raging. And the kingdom's supply of Moonflower elixir dwindles all the while. Prince Corrick is trying to find a new way to lead, but it isn't easy to repair the rift between the royals and the people--or the one growing between himself and Tessa.

When an emissary from a neighboring kingdom arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey to find a new source of the lifesaving elixir. But with tensions brewing on deck and the sea swirling below, Tessa and Corrick must decide who they can trust--including each other. But they're shocked to discover that a craven betrayal may be much closer than they think . . .

Defy the Night #2

Defend the Dawn

prawnie

I may have fallen in love with Tessa Cade, but as usual, I’m reminded that she didn’t fall in love with Prince Corrick, the King’s Justice. She fell in love with the outlaw Weston Lark. She fell in love with a man who doesn’t exist.

He kisses me again, his fingers slipping under my corset in a way that makes me whimper into his mouth.

if this is foreshadowing something, i’m gonna be pissed

“Come home safe, little brother.” I give him a nod. “I promise. Be here when I get back.”

"There's no one left to guard," he says quietly.

"I'm not hiding. I'm here. With you. For you."

Then I'm freezing sprawled on the deck, a male arm around my waist.

Casualties are many, including Silas, who must have gone overboard during the fray, leaving me with Rocco as my remaining guardsman.

But then the wheel tries to wrench free of my grip, and we both grab hold, side by side, riding out the stormy sea together.

"Your Majesty, Violet might not have an army, but don't you remember? Lochlan does."

The fact that Rian kept saying that Tessa was manipulated into everything is becoming a red flag.

The crew might be working, but the key players are stressed.

This whole series of chapters is peak comedy.

"I trust you're rest well, Your Highness?"

Which is probably why I stride forward and throw a punch.

"I've had to fight to hold Kandala together. I've had to fight to keep my brother safe. And now, if I have to, I'll fight to hold on to you too."

And then I realise his hands haven't moved, that I might be attached to his neck like he's a life raft keeping me above water, but he's holding me like perhaps I've mistaken him for someone else.

Corrick is terrible and wonderful and aggravating and inspiring, and somehow he managed all of it, all at once. He allows everyone to think the worst of him, and all the while, he sacrifices everything 

 wants for the betterment of others. I don't know if I want to punch him in the face or wrap my arms around him.

I make a frustrated sound and throw my arms around his neck. "I hate you so much."

He catches me, but lightly, his hands soft against my waist. "I've always told you that would work out for the best."

"Cowardice does not breed this kind of loyalty."

"Just because I know more about medicine that I do about ruling a country doesn't mean I'm some clueless idiot. Just because you believe the worst of 

As usual, everyone already expects the worst of me. It's part of the reason I expect the worst of everyone else.

His hand is still tugging at mine, like we're friends, like we're more, like we're not strangers who just met an hour ago.

"As much as I adore being audience to your silent angst, I should remind you that it 

Rayane Rabaa

"You said I see everyone as an adversary. But since the moment my parents died, that’s all I’ve had. Adversaries. I've had to fight to hold Kandala together. I've had to fight to keep my brother safe. And now, if have to, I'll fight to hold on to you.”

I think the King's Justice is afraid to be vulnerable even in front me”

“I don't like who you pretend to be." I swallow, and it hurts, “I love the man I think you are.”

Choices never seem like choices when the world only offers us bad ones.

every time that i think i know what’s going on, the plot completely changes. it just keeps getting better and better. the tension between tessa and corrick had me clinging to me pillow. tessa just being tessa and being so caring of people around her but also being a badass. oh and PIRATES. i love anything with pirates in it and this is no different. getting book three right now. 

Hannah DCamp

UM EXCUSE ME I HAVE A QUESTION
WHY IS THERE NO BOOK THREE
THERE MUST BE SOME MISTAKE


*ahem*

I really liked this. There were some things I didn't like as much, especially compared with some of the things I thought were pulled off really well in the first book, but still. I really liked it. I'm probably going to complain about a bunch of things now but keep in mind I REALLY LIKED THIS also WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE NOW HMMMM?

There was some sort of hint of a love triangle in this, but not like an actual love triangle? I like a good sprinkle of jealousy in my reading, but I also appreciated how Kemmerer played into that - it was never overpowering, and felt actually very realistic. Jealousy plots tend to be the result of or lead to some kind of actual cheating, and I appreciated that that didn't happen at all here. Corrick himself even acknowledged that his jealousy was the result of knowing that Tessa was drawn to Rian's altruism and gentleness, and knowing that he can probably never be that way for her. I liked that serious questions were asked about their relationship, because if we're being honest Corrick has several red flags with his name on them, and he's kind of called on them in this volume. Corrick and Tessa's relationship has changed since we first met them; Tessa frequently mourns Wes and all he symbolized, and deals with whether or not she can ever love Corrick without Wes.

I was only invested in Harriston for about the second half of this book, but then when I was, it was great. I think my hesitation was due to the fact that (view spoiler)[he was clearly The Fox, and I was just a touch irritated that it was so obvious. One of my favorite things from the last book was the way the author messed with my expectations regarding the whole Wes/Corrick thing, so to have essentially the same scenario going on here was a little ridiculous. (hide spoiler)] Once we got over that, the last few chapters were some very good content and I was suddenly kind of screaming (view spoiler)[that he got to narrate some. (hide spoiler)] I was a happy little spaz for sure. (view spoiler)[Except he and Quint are clearly supposed to be a thing and I just kinda
 (hide spoiler)]

AND THEN (view spoiler)[THE TWIST AT THE END?? MOONFLOWER IS A POISON???

THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT ON HARRISTON'S LIFE?? SAY IT AIN'T SO!? (hide spoiler)] Yes I am hyperventilating, why do you ask?

*When Rocco's first name was revealed I got immediate main character energy. There are so many options for where this story could go...
 
*Clearly my love for Harriston will be forever unrequited. I'll be fine, no really.

Page turning and very entertaining. Had a few twists toward the end that I didn’t see coming! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!!!

Hannah Williams

Janice

I'm intrigued by the fact that this book kept me interested despite the fact that most of the story takes place in the same place. It is very different from the first book yet still fits its style.

Christine

I need the next book to be out like yesterday! 

Only my third book for 2023 and I'm pretty sure it has already won the "Favourite book of the Year" title. 

Brigid's writing style is very easy flowing and her storytelling skills are simply amazing. I loved the multiple POVs and was captivated by the new directions the book took and all the new characters. And can I just say I knew who the Outlaw was 3 pages into the first chapter, but was still very excited when they revealed themself. Cannot wait to see how this develops! 

Now, Tessa... Honestly, I am a bit disappointed with her and can write a whole essay on this! I know it was for the plot and it only shows how fantastic are Brigid's writing skills- making me annoyed with character and not the author,  but I couldn't help rolling my eyes at her and huffing and puffing 😅 

I loved how we witness the main characters' development, but also get to know the side characters more! Karri and Rocco- I hope to see a lot more of you in the third books! And also all these new characters 😉

I knew I would rate the book high from the very start, but did not expect it to make it to my all time favourites that I wish I could give 7 stars to... Some of the plot I saw coming but other things took me by surprise, especially all the revelations in the last couple of chapters. I am truly not sure what to expect in the next book and I'm loving it!

Lera D

I need the next book to be out like yesterday! 

Only my third book for 2023 and I'm pretty sure it has already won the "Favourite book of the Year" title. 

Brigid's writing style is very easy flowing and her storytelling skills are simply amazing. I loved the multiple POVs and was captivated by the new directions the book took and all the new characters. And can I just say I knew who the Outlaw was 3 pages into the first chapter, but was still very excited when they revealed themself. Cannot wait to see how this develops! 

Now, Tessa... Honestly, I am a bit disappointed with her and can write a whole essay on this! I know it was for the plot and it only shows how fantastic are Brigid's writing skills- making me annoyed with character and not the author,  but I couldn't help rolling my eyes at her and huffing and puffing 😅 

I loved how we witness the main characters' development, but also get to know the side characters more! Karri and Rocco- I hope to see a lot more of you in the third books! And also all these new characters 😉

I knew I would rate the book high from the very start, but did not expect it to make it to my all time favourites that I wish I could give 7 stars to... Some of the plot I saw coming but other things took me by surprise, especially all the revelations in the last couple of chapters. I am truly not sure what to expect in the next book and I'm loving it!


Adventurous and compelling, with high stakes and unforgettable characters! Now I’m frantic for Book 3!

Liz Griffin

I really liked this book. I love Captian Blakemore and his crew. Harristan and Corrick both wants what's best for Kandala and they are really trying. I like how Tessa changed into a stronger woman and how she stood up for herself and tried to hit them when they were being asses. Rian and Corrick are both so protective over her, and I really felt for Rian after the Blade and Brawl. He seemed so hurt, and he is in my opinion better option. I was so confused after they opened the locked room. I really didn't like Lochlan but I saw it from his pov and he began to grew on me. Corrick was so cute with Anya. I really hope that both Harristan and Corrick is going to be ok, and I can't wait to read the next book. The brothers are really protective of each other and caring, I love their bond. And they really have a handful of people they can trust and that's so sad, no wonder they are so guarded 

Eslie

It had me literally screaming, both because of how hot-headed and silly the characters could be, and because of the twists and just the story that is wholly captivating.

Reread: this book is comedy. Rating gone down by 1 star to 4/5. Added "testosterone-y".

It had me literally screaming, both because of how hot-headed and silly the characters could be, and because of the twists and just the story that is wholly captivating.

Reread: this book is comedy. Rating gone down by 1 star to 4/5. Added "testosterone-y".

I absolutely love this series! Great tension and plot twist. I can’t wait for the next book!

Emma Kamer

I feel like this book was a filler, up until everything happened at once. I still enjoyed witnessing the characters interaction and generally being back in this world Brigid Kemmerer created. 
Also WHAT THE HELL 
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK

Love Harristan's character development and the cliffhanger at the end.

Parv

Holly

This book was enjoyable. I think I liked the first one better but this was still fun. 

I feel like there were a lot of dramatic reveals for the sake of dramatic reveals which felt a bit unnecessary. 

There’s a bit of dealing with the consequences of the last book and a lot of set up for the next book. 

Overall, I’m enjoying the series, it’s quick and fun and entertaining… although sometimes it reads like a world run by teenagers… which is kind of is, so 🤷‍♀️. 

Megan BV

This book was enjoyable. I think I liked the first one better but this was still fun. 

I feel like there were a lot of dramatic reveals for the sake of dramatic reveals which felt a bit unnecessary. 

There’s a bit of dealing with the consequences of the last book and a lot of set up for the next book. 

Overall, I’m enjoying the series, it’s quick and fun and entertaining… although sometimes it reads like a world run by teenagers… which is kind of is, so 🤷‍♀️. 



A filler book to bridge books two and three. Much of it is set on a ship. Very dull. The first one was so spectacular. What a let down this one was.

Story Eater


A filler book to bridge books two and three. Much of it is set on a ship. Very dull. The first one was so spectacular. What a let down this one was.

Alison James

Thank you NetGalley and Bridget Kemmerer for an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Book 1, Defy the Night, has been my favorite read all year of the 135 books I’ve read so far. So when I got approved for this ARC I was so excited to get to read book 2 early. 

When I read the first chapter and it was a brand new POV. I was worried this book would be like book 2 in the curse so dark and lonely series. But, then we got Tessa’s POV and I relaxed and got into the story.

And wow this book was amazing. Not as good as the first, but it was so close. 

I loved seeing Tessa and Corrick’s relationship grow throughout the book. I am glad there was some conflict between them because it made me even more happy when they finally got together. 

That ending was brutal, If I had been reading a physical book, I would’ve thrown it at the wall. But I won’t do that to my kindle. Bridget really knows how to write a distressing cliffhanger. The book ends with the 3 main characters Tessa, Corrick and Harristan all in separate places facing their own issues.

I can’t wait for book 3 and to see how these characters find a way out of their current places and back together.

Defend the Dawn Defy the Night #2

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