Resist

The Dissenter Saga #2

by Josephine Lamont

My brother sacrificed everything for me. I refuse to watch him burn. And I’ll do anything to bring him home alive.

In a world of glittering gowns and conniving schemes, the survival of the rebellion teeters on the edge of a knife, and Mara de la Puente finds herself at the heart of a dangerous political game in a desperate attempt to save her brother’s life.

But the safety of the North isn’t as pure as it seems, and the path to salvation is treacherous, lined with deceit, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. As she navigates the deadly politics, Mara's heart is embattled with feelings for the sweet Matias Alvarez and a fiery passion for the brooding Wes Calvernon.

With time running out, her brother's life on the line, and the stakes higher than ever, Mara finds herself entangled in a web of deception and danger, where every decision could mean life or death for the ones she loves.

Resist is a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and pulse-pounding action, where loyalty blurs with treason, and every jaw-dropping twist leaves you breathless. If you enjoy love triangles, snarky humor, arranged marriages, enemies-to-lovers, touch her and die, brooding anti-heroes, and romance that leaves you weak in the knees, then The Dissenter Saga is for you.

The rebellion must survive. Are you ready to resist?

Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

Josephine Lamont (JLamont) is the author of The Dissenter Saga, a dystopian romance series filled with suspense, heart pounding romantic moments, and surprising plot twists. In addition to writing, she is a reader, animal lover, and camping enthusiast.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlamontbooks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jlamontbook...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlamontbooks

Reviews

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Resist
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ - closed door with innuendo and language

Mara survived the attack on the Dissenter base. Now she and Wes are on a mission that no one else would volunteer for to get information on where Jacob de la puente is being held. It’s a shot in the dark, but she has to try. Nearly dying to get the info, Mara then finds herself entangled in an arranged marriage in order to garner the support to attempt to rescue Jacob. She’s supposed to marry Wes. But can she? And what about Jacob? If they rescue him, Mara can’t allow him to stand trial - it wouldn’t end well for him. So what should she do? This fast-paced story will keep you on your toes and flipping page after page to see what is going to happen.

Oh my goodness. It has been a long time since a book has given me a genuine anxiety attack. Literally had to put it down and walk away to calm down lol. This was such a good book and had so many great dynamics and things brought out that were incredibly enjoyable. Loved it more than The Hunger Games! 🩷🩷🩷 #TeamWes

[Josephine Lamont]

🌟 Resist - Book 2 of The Dissenter Saga 🌟
What if the price of freedom was everything you loved?

In a world ruled by fear and corruption, rebellion isn’t a choice—it’s survival. Mara de la Puente thought she knew the truth about her family’s dark legacy, but nothing could prepare her for the betrayal, heartache, and impossible choices ahead. Caught in the middle of a violent uprising, she must navigate dangerous alliances, forbidden love, and a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to control her fate.

With tensions rising and her heart torn between a sweet rebel and a misunderstood bad boy, Mara must decide: can she fight for what’s right, or will she fall for temptation?

Popular Tropes You’ll Love in Resist:

🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers: The tension is undeniable.
💔 Power Corrupts: No leader can be trusted.
🌹 Touch Her and Die: When love is fierce enough to kill for.
💣 Rebellion Against a Corrupt Government: Fighting for freedom comes with deadly stakes.
🔥 Slow Burn Romance: The wait makes the payoff oh-so-satisfying.
💥 Diverse Characters & Found Families: Loyalty in the unlikeliest places.

Curious? Download the first 3 chapters of Resist and dive into a gripping dystopian romance that will leave you craving more: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/50udzvx14x

New to the series?
Start at the beginning of The Dissenter Saga with Dissent! Download the first 4 chapters of Book 1 absolutely free and discover where Mara’s journey began: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ik8x4k45zr

[Ysabeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine Lamont is a genius with this second instalment of the Dissenter Saga! In the first book (Dissent) , Mara de la Puente, First Daughter of the Telvian president, was kidnapped and forced to join the Dissenters, aka the rebels. Torn between the sweet boy next door rebel soldier and the moody bad boy rebel prince, her heart balances between the two. In the middle of the rebellion against her own father, Mara needs to grow up, and fast.

In the second book (Resist), she needs to save her brother from her own father's terrible prison. Between daring heists and rescues, she accepts the proposal that will help her save her brother. An arranged marriage, a monster of a future father-in-law, and her own agenda? Nothing is as it seems...

If you loved The Hunger Games and Shatter Me, this is what their baby would look like. Trust me, you NEED to read this fast paced and breathtaking series that will make you shake and gasp until the last chapter!!!

Tropes include:
💍Enemies to Lovers
🏰 Arranged Marriage
💍 Slow Burn
🏰 Tuxedos and Ballgowns
💍 YA Dystopian
🏰 Touch her and 💀
💍 Misunderstood Alpha Male
🏰 Siblings relationship
💍 Forced Proximity

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ (kissing, handsy, no intimate scenes)

[Kassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed Dissent, buckle up because Resist is a wild ride that blows Dissent out of the water. Resist picks up right where Dissent leaves you (a cliffhanger of epic proportions). I love that the series is written in such a way that with every little bit of knowledge gained about a character or storyline, 10 other questions pop up, leading to a spiderweb of intrigue and curiosity. The characters are written with so much depth that it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. Mara and Wes develop further, growing into complex, relatable characters you become deeply invested in. Their story melts your heart and ignites a slow burn of building heat. Edith is still my favorite, with an endless list of one-liners and scenes that have you literally laughing out loud as you read. Resist also introduces you to new (surprising!) villains and an ever-evolving storyline (with a ton of unexpected plot twists and surprises). This book is a nail-biting page turner that has you yearning for more. It kills me having to wait for the next book.

[SpiderMam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ again!
Josephine knows how to write action! Like I’m talking edge of my seat action! The way the action is written literally has my heart racing.
Mara and Wes’s story is adorable. Enemies to lovers (kind of), total slow burn with intense tension and emotion! The tension is so thick that when they finally got close I squealed a little 😅 Mara’s growth throughout the series so far is soooo good to read. She is getting stronger and more independent and learning to be a team member while staying true to her rebelious and dramatic self.
The found family and friendships formed are really enjoyable to read.
The story is very descriptive allowing me to easily visualise this sometimes bizarre and insane world of the UFA.
I am so excited to read the next book of the series, Rise. I’m ready to have my heart ripped out some more and get a work out with all the edge of my seat, heart palpitations, and white knuckling I do while reading this saga! Hold on Wes, I wanna see you rescue your girl!

[Bee Doom · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH BOY here we go with this one. This book is a great second book in the Dissenter series. It's got all the best tropes - love triangle, BIG communication issues, Enemies to lovers, Ex's ruin everything…

The book is incredibly easy to read , and it had me turning pages lightning fast. I finished it in 48 hours. I just had to know!

Warning - it does end very much unresolved but our author isn't SO cruel, so you might be able to hold on to a shred of hope. Maybe.
If you're anything like me, you'll be yelling at your book.
Highly recommend.
Start with book 1 Dissent.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This second book picks up at the end of the first and takes you along for more drama, more action, more slow-burn/are they friends or enemies, and yes more heartbreak. It's better than the first book, the writing is stronger and the characters are developing and growing in a natural progression that you can relate to. It'll suck you into Mara's life and have you at the edge of your seat.The ending will have you staring into the abyss and needing the final installment immediately!

[Kristen Witham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mara is stuck between a rock and a hard place several times throughout this book. Between love, arranged marriage, saving her brother, dictators ruling her world and controlling her life, what is real and what is not what it seems? Mara makes a decision that breaks hearts (mine included) and causes a spiral of events to occur. Quick paced, a ton of drama, and the desire for major changes in Mara’s world keeps each page turning faster than the last.

[Iri · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I could not put this book down. This one is even more captivating than the first Dissenter book and really captures more of the characters. I highly recommend it. If you like high action books, this one is certainly for you. The saga keeps getting better and better with more action, humor, love and heartbreak, there is something for everyone in this book. Team Wes all the way!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twist here… a turn there… LOOK OUT FOR THAT CLIFF! If you’re looking for something to help you with homework, stay very far away from this book. I was captivated by the story in the best ways and was even caught VERY off guard by some things. If you’re into enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, and/or touch her and die tropes, you need this book!!!

[Ashlee Lysane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last half of this book had me in an absolute chokehold. The anxiety I had for Mara and Wes and the impossible positions they were put into in this book was intense. I could not put it down. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER! I cannot wait for the next book!!!

[Danielle Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragic masterpiece that ebbs and flows with humor, drama, secrets, sweet romance, and heart ache.  I nievely got comfortable and assumed I could predict the outcome. That was just the tide receding as the tidalwave built offshore. What I thought was an easy to digest second book, turned out to be a hard hitting tsunami I didn't want to escape from. Talk about a book hangover! I can't wait to dive into the next one!

[Natasha Chirino · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the second part of this trilogy (aka: the dissenter saga) I thought I knew what to expect but the plot twists kept coming! After reading Dissent you think you have met the main villain of the tale in the form of Mara’s stepmom but Wes’s dad takes the word to a whole new level. I also can appreciate the complexity of the relationships, especially the one with her brother and the bonds of familial love (have tissues ready). Can’t wait to see how this all concludes in “Rise”.

[julie estrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop action from start to finish…lamont is a gifted story teller, elevating your three way love story into one where you literally FEEL the heart and essence of all involved…characters quickly grow on your or creep you way out, coming to life through fabulous imagery, realistic dialogue and heartfelt choice points. Having recently read Sarah Maas s throne of glass series, I’m struck by how much more relatable resists characters are…males and females in spite of unbelievably difficult circumstances are given air time. It’s not just Mara maturing, but numerous characters growing up and choosing to be courageous! You will be cheering, gasping, and surprised again and again!

While there are moments where you just can’t help but wonder how an 18 year old is having to go through so much, or make another impulsive poor choice- you can’t help but root for Mara and all her friends. They are SO likeable and frankly super resilient having been raised by psychopathic power hungry parents. The abuse from the presidents is super authentic and will leave you feeling chilled - yet the author demonstrates her prowess by finding ways to pull people together in surprising ways to evolve beyond the fear!

From dissent to resist you get to witness mara mature from self absorbed to taking a stand for all nations—I can’t WAIT to read Rise #3 to see it all bloom, and hopefully Mara will finally get the chance to share her heart fully!

[Bianca Ariel (Rhysand's Edition) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to begin with this book. It needs to be in a category all by itself, as does the whole Dissenters series. I love Wes and Mara, they are hands down my favorite characters. However, everyone in this story is phenomenal and each provides a key part to the plot.

Speaking of plot, Josephine Lamont weaves such wonderful storylines! I love how this book's surprises, plot points, and events play out. I have always had a soft spot for books and stuff, in general, that are dystopian. This is why I love this series so much and want to recommend it to everyone who will listen because it is underrated and it needs to be on everyone's bookshelf!

This book is full of romance and action and I loved how Mara and Wes interacted, especially with the ballroom scene and afterward?? *squeal* The end left me staring into space and impatiently waiting for Rise. I honestly can't wait!

I hope to one day own this series in physical copies because the outside of the book is just as gorgeous and exciting as the inside plot.

[Kimberly Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit of this book, from start to finish, was a thrill!
**SPOILERS BELOW (I'll try not to add many)**
Mara has found her place among the Dissenters and works to find where she fits in the North. Unfortunately, she's thrown right back into an abusive family upon her betrothal to Wes (oh my gosh, when he proposed, it was so sweet, and the care he put into making her ring!!) and Wes's father tries to control every minute aspect of...well, everything. A real a-hole frankly.
I teared up at several points in this book (between Wes and Jacob, it happened more than I care to admit) and have no doubt that I probably will with future novels in this series. Believe me when I say I'm hooked!
And as a bonus, I love how long these books are! The first was over four hundred pages, and this sequel is well over five hundred.

[Katy Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resist absolutely wrecked me in the best possible ways. As the romance developed the way I hoped it would in book one, I waited for the bottom to drop out. And boy, did it! I devoured this book. Although I knew the ending would be heart-wrenching, I had two big wishes for how the second book in the trilogy would wrap up, and both proved true. One involved Mara stepping up. The other was the last chapter. I won't say anymore, but I'm almost halfway through book 3 now and can't recommend this series enough!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the Dissenter Saga. Lamont has done an excellent job of developing characters and world building without becoming too detailed or long-winded. Looking forward to continuing the series.

[Taylor Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you didn’t love Wes in Dissent, you’ll definitely fall in love with him in Resist. I can’t even begin to put into words how much I love this book. The story, the characters, and the world are exceptional and I can’t stop thinking about what’s going to happen next. The Dissenter Saga is officially up with The Hunger Games on my dystopian rankings!

[Yvette]

HOLY SMOKES, Ms. #JosephineLamont.. what a ride! Readers, you DO NOT want to miss this!! I won't post any spoilers because you NEED to read and experience for yourself!! #Resist pulls you in from the get-go with nonstop heart-pounding action! Then it gives your heart and belly all the butterflies and before you know it, my heart is breaking! Then, back to edge of your seat, nail biting action. Then back to my heart not just breaking but shattered! I may have even shed a few tears. There is a sign of hope at the end "It's not what it seems". I CAN NOT WAIT for the final installment of this series!!
Fabulous!
Thank you, Josephine, for the ARC. It was an honor.