What do you think?
Rate this book
Desperados #2
The Defender's Destiny
What’s worse than your happily ever after falling apart? The entire world watching while it does. Happily Ever After. That’s how they were supposed to live. But no one prepared them for this. Anything worth having is worth working hard for, but it shouldn’t be this hard. This marred with pain. And now they both wonder if the love they thought they had is enough to battle and overcome anything. Valkyrie Warrior. Mastiff in Manolos. Siren. Mrs. Grayson. The only thing not on that list is mother. After suffering one of the most heartbreaking losses, any woman could ever experience Wilhelmina's marriage is left in shambles. Tattered and on the brink of dissolution. She seems to be the only one who wants to fight, but she can’t do so alone. Her husband is hiding his grief in every available outlet except for her. And when an opportunity to reclaim the one thing she wants comes, she takes it even though her husband might not agree. Black Albino Viking. Defensive MVP. Winner. Her Doux-Doux. But for how much longer? Jacoby stepped away from life because the enormity of their loss couldn’t be shouldered. He feels like a failure and doesn’t know how to be the strength his wife needs. But his absence is causing more damage than his perceived shortcomings, and now Jacoby's at a crossroads. Does he grasp on to the love that’s meant for him and fulfill his destiny? Or does he allow a setback to keep him from the happiness he’s battled so hard for? Life throws them one curve after another, with the past trying to stop their progress. Can the foundation they've built stand through this storm? This book does contain scenes that discuss a miscarriage and the pain afterward. If this is soo much for you, please pick another title!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2020
80 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 24, 2025
Grab your tissues
I was not expecting this book to have so deep in my feelings but here we are. I loved Billy and Jacoby so having to go through this with them was tough. Im glad we I got the opportunity though. I didn’t think Coby would ever make me as mad as he did and I didn’t give him grace but man he pissed me off. Billy is still the same bad b**** she’s always been but being able to sit with her in her vulnerability felt right. This story is told in Past/present and at times it was annoying (because it felt like mini cliffhangers) but I think it helped me stay emotionally invested with these two. Dandridge dug deep for this one and it paid off. Loved it!!!
I was not expecting this book to have so deep in my feelings but here we are. I loved Billy and Jacoby so having to go through this with them was tough. Im glad we I got the opportunity though. I didn’t think Coby would ever make me as mad as he did and I didn’t give him grace but man he pissed me off. Billy is still the same bad b**** she’s always been but being able to sit with her in her vulnerability felt right. This story is told in Past/present and at times it was annoying (because it felt like mini cliffhangers) but I think it helped me stay emotionally invested with these two. Dandridge dug deep for this one and it paid off. Loved it!!!
April 20, 2024
5 🥰😜😁😢🥰😍
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, grief, Care Taking, Mystery, found family, Friendship
Enjoyment: 4.5 ⭐
Character development: 4.5⭐
Emotional: 4.5⭐
Sweet: 4⭐
Romance: 4⭐
Heat\steam: 4⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 2
Violence: 2 ⭐
Story\plot: 4 ⭐
World Building: 4⭐
Enjoy!!!
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, grief, Care Taking, Mystery, found family, Friendship
Enjoyment: 4.5 ⭐
Character development: 4.5⭐
Emotional: 4.5⭐
Sweet: 4⭐
Romance: 4⭐
Heat\steam: 4⭐
Intrigue: 4 ⭐
Action: 2
Violence: 2 ⭐
Story\plot: 4 ⭐
World Building: 4⭐
Enjoy!!!
July 24, 2021
Now Dandridge Monroe, I thought I was go have to inbox you. I thought you were go break my Mina and Coby up. They both were stubborn. Poor Bryan, he coming around. Where was he at the ending tho? I'm happy for all the couples. I think Grant might need to meet Porsha for the next book. Plus Grant need to meet Adam, they would be good friends.
October 5, 2024
3.5⭐️!
Jacoby and Mina have a lot of history! So much so that I felt lost at times reading their story. I know there is a previous book on them and I think if I had I may have enjoyed this story more. I liked the characters but certain scenarios where they reference past actions and tendencies playing a role in how the characters are now went over my head a bit. I also felt like there was a lot of Jacoby’s family history referenced to connect with a major part of his story that I would’ve received better had I read their previous book. A lot of the plot was truly built off the assumption that the reader had previous knowledge of this couple. I also felt overwhelmed with the sequencing of the chapters jumping back to their wedding and then to the present. There are even two chapters from Twan and Rye’s perspective that threw me off a little too. With all of that still enjoyed Jacoby and Mina’s story! I really enjoyed the plot twist at about 75%! I think this is an ok addition to the story and I may continue to the next book in the series.
Jacoby and Mina have a lot of history! So much so that I felt lost at times reading their story. I know there is a previous book on them and I think if I had I may have enjoyed this story more. I liked the characters but certain scenarios where they reference past actions and tendencies playing a role in how the characters are now went over my head a bit. I also felt like there was a lot of Jacoby’s family history referenced to connect with a major part of his story that I would’ve received better had I read their previous book. A lot of the plot was truly built off the assumption that the reader had previous knowledge of this couple. I also felt overwhelmed with the sequencing of the chapters jumping back to their wedding and then to the present. There are even two chapters from Twan and Rye’s perspective that threw me off a little too. With all of that still enjoyed Jacoby and Mina’s story! I really enjoyed the plot twist at about 75%! I think this is an ok addition to the story and I may continue to the next book in the series.
August 6, 2020
Dandridge Monroe delivers a story about what it takes to love and forgive. The characters discover within each other shortcomings and what it takes to rise to the occasion to be there for each other. If you have read the previous books in the series, there are characters that are familiar, so it brings this story full circle. Coby and Mina struggle, fight and love to keep their relationship on balance, because it's new for them.There are some sad moments and the way the tragic and changing events unravel is surprising. This is an interesting and good story about getting another chance to make it right.
August 1, 2020
Destiny was worth the wait 🔥🔥
This book was worth the wait. I felt like I’ve bothered Dandridge about this book everyday since the last release.
Coby and Mina my favorite couple went through hell. They experience something that some go through and both dealt with it in different ways. Coby had to man up and except that he needed his rib. Mina realized that it was ok if things don’t go as planned. The blessing came to Coby in three ways that he never expected. Coby and Mina showed that real love can over power anything. So excited for the next release, hoping it’s someone that is new to the group.
This book was worth the wait. I felt like I’ve bothered Dandridge about this book everyday since the last release.
Coby and Mina my favorite couple went through hell. They experience something that some go through and both dealt with it in different ways. Coby had to man up and except that he needed his rib. Mina realized that it was ok if things don’t go as planned. The blessing came to Coby in three ways that he never expected. Coby and Mina showed that real love can over power anything. So excited for the next release, hoping it’s someone that is new to the group.
August 1, 2020
Wow. Where to begin. First Billy is one he'll of a woman to go through that and still manage to forgive Coby and understand his pain during that time. Coby Coby Coby he still is doux doux but not did he piss me off at first. But this is a redemption story and he did redeem hisself. And found his happiness again. Now Bryan sorta redeem his self, but he got a lot to do to really turn around in my book. Looking forward to Sampson and Yzzy. And poor Grant, his mommy warned him. Smh. But overall this was an amazing story. I would have loved to at least seen Malcolm and Kat at the end. Can wait for what's next! 💖
July 31, 2020
I LOVE JACOBY!
As always, the book was well-written and the story was complete. The format was different than I expected, but it was done well. I think it worked well for Coby and Mina's story, which was an emotional rollercoaster! This gave me a better understanding of both charactersand made me love them both even more. I highly recommend!
As always, the book was well-written and the story was complete. The format was different than I expected, but it was done well. I think it worked well for Coby and Mina's story, which was an emotional rollercoaster! This gave me a better understanding of both charactersand made me love them both even more. I highly recommend!
August 1, 2020
Ok now all is right in their world😁
I am elated that Billy and Coby got their stuff together!🙌🏾👏🏾🙌🏾. When Mac showed up on the scene, I knew he was a major part of the story. I’m so glad the story wrapped up so perfectly. I smiled and cried so much reading this book, and that makes it a 5 ⭐️ read in my opinion!
I am elated that Billy and Coby got their stuff together!🙌🏾👏🏾🙌🏾. When Mac showed up on the scene, I knew he was a major part of the story. I’m so glad the story wrapped up so perfectly. I smiled and cried so much reading this book, and that makes it a 5 ⭐️ read in my opinion!
August 6, 2020
What a story
This story was completely amazing and as filled with so much emotion. Coby and Mina separated by a loss go through many challenges and struggles to get back to the love and solid foundation they built.
This story was completely amazing and as filled with so much emotion. Coby and Mina separated by a loss go through many challenges and struggles to get back to the love and solid foundation they built.
August 10, 2020
So Good!!
I love me some Billy and Coby he had me wanting to shake him !! Like get it together man! Love the story it was very emotional and I'm glad to see what happened to his Mom just good can't wait to see whose next in the Desperados for a story! Keep em coming Dandridge!
I love me some Billy and Coby he had me wanting to shake him !! Like get it together man! Love the story it was very emotional and I'm glad to see what happened to his Mom just good can't wait to see whose next in the Desperados for a story! Keep em coming Dandridge!
August 22, 2020
Sooo good
I really enjoyed this one!!! I cried and laughed. I put off reading it for a bit because initially I wasn’t a jacoby fan. I’m so glad I read this book. Loved the way it included flashbacks against the current. The author is a one click favorite for me!
I really enjoyed this one!!! I cried and laughed. I put off reading it for a bit because initially I wasn’t a jacoby fan. I’m so glad I read this book. Loved the way it included flashbacks against the current. The author is a one click favorite for me!
July 19, 2021
The conclusion to Mina and Jacoby's story answered many questions, and yes, I figured out who Mac was before his identity was revealed. I hated how long it took them to get back to love. Overall, I was pleased with the story.
May 25, 2025
Love can do anything. Even perform miracles
I'm a book hopper. So I've read this series out of order based on my mood. But even reading out of order, I've put off this book. Unpopular opinion but Mina and Coby-centric full novels aren't my major jam. I understand them as a couple. I know why they are the cornerstone or flagship couple but it's a "it's me not you" issue.
So what's the deal? One large reason is that their romance is very melodramatic in the all angst way stemming from a lot of miscommunication; a trope which I personally loathe in any romance. Mina's miscommunication is from her stubbornness and Coby's is from his massive traumas and insecurities from his abusive childhood.
Another reason I was originally cool on it is because I knew the storyline was going to be based around the healing and grief from a miscarraige. Grief is something I try to stay away from, again personal choice. Grief leads the book for at least 40-50%. I will.commend this book for being a well thought out verse about healing post-miscarriage
So why read? A) Sampson Chisholm-Love and Grant Turner. I was intruiged with reading Sampson's book but knew he was introduced in more detials in this book. Plus to read Sampson and get all the references it was wise to read Grant's book. I liked what I saw of Grant in the other books in this series so I was all in. Reading the first 10% of Grant's book I got a good overview of the drama fallout from this book but I still greedy for more Sampson Easter eggs and beginnings so I buckled up and dived in. B) Bryan's redemption arc. From Ayslum, I was so intrigued by Bryan and his relationship with Mina. He was messing up on a large scale but no one could figure out why and how deep it ran. He cleaned up the act in Deception (a 5 star read) but there was still obvious growth that needed to happen. I was hanging on waiting to see but Bryan is so far in the background in the other series books.
As always the book is well written. There is clearly a lot of love between the mains. Separation, miscommuniction, grief, and flashbacks are heavy here. Their separation and miscommuniation went on too long for me personally but I was here for Bryan, Sampson, and Grant so I just held on to those scenes to ride though my joy. Billy aka Mina is a well written FMC. She has flaws and she isn't perfect. Coby is just a golden retriever. I like them in other books, where they pop up and show out, but here readers get closure to a lot of Coby's mysteries from Alysum and Deception.
The last 30% of the book is pure perfection. It pulls you in and provides a satisfying ending to Coby's mysterious beginnings, while closing out the past trauma as Karma being a cold bitch.
Plus I get what I was looking for, some good seed planting for Sampson-Yzzy, Bryan's apology, Ladson closure, and Grant Turner-Finesse. If there is one thing Ms Monroe will do its stick a landing. The epilogue was beautiful.
I'm a book hopper. So I've read this series out of order based on my mood. But even reading out of order, I've put off this book. Unpopular opinion but Mina and Coby-centric full novels aren't my major jam. I understand them as a couple. I know why they are the cornerstone or flagship couple but it's a "it's me not you" issue.
So what's the deal? One large reason is that their romance is very melodramatic in the all angst way stemming from a lot of miscommunication; a trope which I personally loathe in any romance. Mina's miscommunication is from her stubbornness and Coby's is from his massive traumas and insecurities from his abusive childhood.
Another reason I was originally cool on it is because I knew the storyline was going to be based around the healing and grief from a miscarraige. Grief is something I try to stay away from, again personal choice. Grief leads the book for at least 40-50%. I will.commend this book for being a well thought out verse about healing post-miscarriage
So why read? A) Sampson Chisholm-Love and Grant Turner. I was intruiged with reading Sampson's book but knew he was introduced in more detials in this book. Plus to read Sampson and get all the references it was wise to read Grant's book. I liked what I saw of Grant in the other books in this series so I was all in. Reading the first 10% of Grant's book I got a good overview of the drama fallout from this book but I still greedy for more Sampson Easter eggs and beginnings so I buckled up and dived in. B) Bryan's redemption arc. From Ayslum, I was so intrigued by Bryan and his relationship with Mina. He was messing up on a large scale but no one could figure out why and how deep it ran. He cleaned up the act in Deception (a 5 star read) but there was still obvious growth that needed to happen. I was hanging on waiting to see but Bryan is so far in the background in the other series books.
As always the book is well written. There is clearly a lot of love between the mains. Separation, miscommuniction, grief, and flashbacks are heavy here. Their separation and miscommuniation went on too long for me personally but I was here for Bryan, Sampson, and Grant so I just held on to those scenes to ride though my joy. Billy aka Mina is a well written FMC. She has flaws and she isn't perfect. Coby is just a golden retriever. I like them in other books, where they pop up and show out, but here readers get closure to a lot of Coby's mysteries from Alysum and Deception.
The last 30% of the book is pure perfection. It pulls you in and provides a satisfying ending to Coby's mysterious beginnings, while closing out the past trauma as Karma being a cold bitch.
Plus I get what I was looking for, some good seed planting for Sampson-Yzzy, Bryan's apology, Ladson closure, and Grant Turner-Finesse. If there is one thing Ms Monroe will do its stick a landing. The epilogue was beautiful.
March 19, 2025
Still awesome
If their first book didn't let you know that they were my favorite couple this book definitely let you know they were my favorite couple. I knew it would be pain and hardship for them to get back to a place of love Interest with one another but it was so worth it. Jacoby and wilamina are my It couple. Everything about this story was beautiful I said tears I laughed I got angry I just enjoyed this telling. It really goes to show that even through suffering a loss you can find your way back to the 1 That you love. Also communication is f****** key. I love how McKenzie was woven into the story like I had a feeling but I wasn't sure if it was gonna be what I was so I was so happy about it. Destiny oh I loved how she was brought into the story i really do i think it was a beautiful way and then for them to also then haveThe rainbow moment. I mean it was a struggle with these 2 but we know they were the couple for me for a reason. Now that white demon Definitely deserve to be inhale may he rot in s***🤣
If their first book didn't let you know that they were my favorite couple this book definitely let you know they were my favorite couple. I knew it would be pain and hardship for them to get back to a place of love Interest with one another but it was so worth it. Jacoby and wilamina are my It couple. Everything about this story was beautiful I said tears I laughed I got angry I just enjoyed this telling. It really goes to show that even through suffering a loss you can find your way back to the 1 That you love. Also communication is f****** key. I love how McKenzie was woven into the story like I had a feeling but I wasn't sure if it was gonna be what I was so I was so happy about it. Destiny oh I loved how she was brought into the story i really do i think it was a beautiful way and then for them to also then haveThe rainbow moment. I mean it was a struggle with these 2 but we know they were the couple for me for a reason. Now that white demon Definitely deserve to be inhale may he rot in s***🤣
August 11, 2022
And another one
This review is a little short because my favorite couple went through some things and I can’t say much without spoilers! I was having some trouble understanding what book by Kobe was doing…Or rather why he was doing what he was doing. But when the story finally let me in on his thoughts, it made so much sense. And I felt so bad for him and Billy. But joy comes in the morning and as this book progresses, both Billy and Jacoby’s families and my heart increased. ❤️ Lest you think from the synopsis that this is a predictable story update, there is a shocking twist or three which makes this book all the things and provides the avenue for Coby’s actions to give all the feels. I love mysteries/intrigue as much as romance, so dare I say my spidey sense is telling me that this author is giving a taste of it in each book? I hope so!
This review is a little short because my favorite couple went through some things and I can’t say much without spoilers! I was having some trouble understanding what book by Kobe was doing…Or rather why he was doing what he was doing. But when the story finally let me in on his thoughts, it made so much sense. And I felt so bad for him and Billy. But joy comes in the morning and as this book progresses, both Billy and Jacoby’s families and my heart increased. ❤️ Lest you think from the synopsis that this is a predictable story update, there is a shocking twist or three which makes this book all the things and provides the avenue for Coby’s actions to give all the feels. I love mysteries/intrigue as much as romance, so dare I say my spidey sense is telling me that this author is giving a taste of it in each book? I hope so!
February 23, 2023
This was phenomenal
I started reading the Real Negus series from this author first and I was highly impressed. I had to get the back stories for all of the people in the books, so I read all of the Orphan series next and here I am reading the Desperados series. Jacoby!!!! I am so frickin elated that him and Willa have there much earned happy ending!! Every time Willa spoke in her mom's native tongue all I heard was Rhianna!! I'm so glad we know who the pappy is. I'm even more glad that the grandfather being the coward he was took his own life. The amount of evil in this world shouldn't surprise me, but it does. Great read. Intelligent and thoughtful storytelling. Great writing.
I started reading the Real Negus series from this author first and I was highly impressed. I had to get the back stories for all of the people in the books, so I read all of the Orphan series next and here I am reading the Desperados series. Jacoby!!!! I am so frickin elated that him and Willa have there much earned happy ending!! Every time Willa spoke in her mom's native tongue all I heard was Rhianna!! I'm so glad we know who the pappy is. I'm even more glad that the grandfather being the coward he was took his own life. The amount of evil in this world shouldn't surprise me, but it does. Great read. Intelligent and thoughtful storytelling. Great writing.
July 6, 2024
Can't stop destiny
I love that the plight of what Coby and Mina had gone through is heavily displayed with their support system being there for them. They had to work through their tragedy while learning how strong their foundation is. I love Mac and how him and Coby finally learns the truth. What people meant for evil ended up coming full circle so they can't stop destiny. I am so happy for Coby and Mina to have their rainbow after the storms.
I love that the plight of what Coby and Mina had gone through is heavily displayed with their support system being there for them. They had to work through their tragedy while learning how strong their foundation is. I love Mac and how him and Coby finally learns the truth. What people meant for evil ended up coming full circle so they can't stop destiny. I am so happy for Coby and Mina to have their rainbow after the storms.
January 14, 2023
A good read
This is my favorite DM book thus far. There were a few editing errors but the writing fundamentals were strong. The metaphor and simile usage had me taking notes👏🏽👏🏽. The storyline was good and in line with the series. The dialogue between characters and the strong vocabulary made the story better than usual. This is good read.
This is my favorite DM book thus far. There were a few editing errors but the writing fundamentals were strong. The metaphor and simile usage had me taking notes👏🏽👏🏽. The storyline was good and in line with the series. The dialogue between characters and the strong vocabulary made the story better than usual. This is good read.
September 24, 2023
Another unexpected twist
Man to find out that your father thought you died with your mother, that was crazy how Coby's grandfather went to all those lengths to keep his son away from his family. Glad in the end Mac finally got his family back and Coby stopped letting his trauma keep him from his. Great story
Man to find out that your father thought you died with your mother, that was crazy how Coby's grandfather went to all those lengths to keep his son away from his family. Glad in the end Mac finally got his family back and Coby stopped letting his trauma keep him from his. Great story
June 20, 2024
omg
I literally begged for this and then it was in the next series omg I love Jacoby and Mina story. In the orphan series I was left with so many questions and so glad I finally got all the answers. I love the fact that Mac was who I thought he was!! The hints were definitely hitting lol. Book 3 here I come let’s see what Grant got going on!
I literally begged for this and then it was in the next series omg I love Jacoby and Mina story. In the orphan series I was left with so many questions and so glad I finally got all the answers. I love the fact that Mac was who I thought he was!! The hints were definitely hitting lol. Book 3 here I come let’s see what Grant got going on!
September 23, 2024
I love Billy and Jacoby so much.
Wanted to shake Jacoby and tell him to snap out of it! But it’s so easy to get stuck in your head let feelings overwhelm you. I really hoped they would work through their issues and I’m really glad that they did. Glad they openly spoke about why they were apart and liked how Coby wanted to make it wouldn’t happen again
Wanted to shake Jacoby and tell him to snap out of it! But it’s so easy to get stuck in your head let feelings overwhelm you. I really hoped they would work through their issues and I’m really glad that they did. Glad they openly spoke about why they were apart and liked how Coby wanted to make it wouldn’t happen again
July 3, 2025
This was so good
I was thoroughly interested in this second book of the desperadoes. I found a new respect for Coby as he showed more vulnerability in himself than the orphan series. I did think Mina was a little bit harsh on how she handled the situation but Coby had some accountability in how he behaved as well.
I was thoroughly interested in this second book of the desperadoes. I found a new respect for Coby as he showed more vulnerability in himself than the orphan series. I did think Mina was a little bit harsh on how she handled the situation but Coby had some accountability in how he behaved as well.
September 22, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book gave me so many different emotions. I truly loved the story, the ups and the downs. The families secrets, deceit and greediness was out of this world but definitely depicted true scenarios.
Coby and Mina were made for each other. Their fight to happiness was sad and beautiful at the same time. I love their energy.
This book gave me so many different emotions. I truly loved the story, the ups and the downs. The families secrets, deceit and greediness was out of this world but definitely depicted true scenarios.
Coby and Mina were made for each other. Their fight to happiness was sad and beautiful at the same time. I love their energy.
November 5, 2023
Much needed follow up
Thank you for this book. I had sooo many questions without answers with Jacoby and Mina's last book that were answered beautifully. I don't want to put any spoilers in my review. This was a book I'd definitely would read again
Thank you for this book. I had sooo many questions without answers with Jacoby and Mina's last book that were answered beautifully. I don't want to put any spoilers in my review. This was a book I'd definitely would read again
August 19, 2023
My heart is full
I'm so glad to see Jacoby and Mina get their swan song. Although the beginning was gutting, it made the culmination that much sweeter.
I'm so glad to see Jacoby and Mina get their swan song. Although the beginning was gutting, it made the culmination that much sweeter.
September 25, 2023
Bravo
Girl you did it again I swear every time I read your books I get such lovely feelings you once again get all the flowers
Girl you did it again I swear every time I read your books I get such lovely feelings you once again get all the flowers
April 24, 2023
Great story. Even through the heartache and tragedies the story still kept my interest. Coby and Mina are really meant for each other and will go to the ends of the earth for each other. Destiny took my heart
Happy Reading
Happy Reading
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews