I was lied to. Purposefully misled and embarrassed. But I’m not down and out yet.
Coming to Midpark was hard. I left everything behind me, and now I come to find out I can’t trust anyone here.
The charming jock used me and tossed me aside, lying to me all the while—and the bad boy? The bad boy apparently comes from a family who deals in illegal business daily. And that says nothing about the new psycho in town. His name is Dante, and he’s tall, dark, and handsome in all the ways that drive me crazy.
Then there’s Jacob, my private investigator. There’s something he’s not telling me, but I’ll let him have his secrets. I have much bigger fish to fry, anyway.
These rich Midpark kids will get theirs, even if it’s the last thing I do. The thing is…not all of us are going to make it out of this alive.
**Defiant is the second book in the Midpark High trilogy. There are steamy scenes, along with multiple love interests. There is an age gap, a bully/enemies-to-lovers situation, and a quiet psycho - along with a not-so-quiet one. Everyone in the book is 18 years of age or older. This trilogy gets darker as the series goes on.**
Hey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
I fricking love these characters. Especially Dante and Vaughn. Okay, well kinda Jacob too. Maybe even my heart kinda breaks for Archer. Okay, fine. I admit it. I love them all.
Love their crazy drama and how the guys handle problems. I love getting a glimpse of Stella. Love vague references of Markus, because there's something about him that's so dark and delicious...
About the book... read it. If you read Hillcrest or CBH or Sins... just read it. You will be glad you did. It's amazing. So ready for Reckless!
With Defiant, this author probably wrote my favourite book of this year. With everything going on in the world I find it hard to concentrate on a book, but Candace Wondrak never fails me on that account. Where she keeps getting the inspiration to write these characters is beyond me, but she hits a home run in this book, nailing everything I love in a series. Jealous/possessive boyfriends? Check! A pinch of crazy? Check! Feisty FMC? Check! The Scott-family? Hell to the yes!
I can't get enough of it! I am going to need that next book very soon, for more of this evil perfection!
Note to the author: you rock! I can't even begin to express how much I admire your skill to develop these characters, your plots, the worlds you build and how it seems to flow so effortlessly for me as a reader. You got me hooked from book 1 and kept me tagging along for different series, which is not as easy as it may seem, since I get easily bored and distracted. With Defiant you just reaffirmed it.
I really tried to like this series. The first book was ok but got pretty good towards the end so I figured the story would just be a slow burn and work it’s way to getting good. Sadly that didn’t happen. The story and the characters just seem to be all over the place. And sorry, but my biggest pet peeve with some of these stories is when a character gets asked a straight question that they can easily answer, but then chooses not to and it makes everything go crazy! Like, just tell them the truth already!!! Don’t say “well, uhh...” and then the other person storms off and BAM drama begins where there really is no drama needed! It just makes everything drag out unnecessarily. And there is SO much repetition in these books, it gets annoying. I can’t tell you how many times Jaz mentioned her mom made them leave and cut off ties completely to her old life...I know...I’ve read it like 7 times already. And what’s with her not even getting the phone numbers of all these guys that are in love with her that she supposedly is infatuated with back, until way later in the books? There’s just so much that doesn’t really flow or make sense. And all Archer had to do was literally say “Im sorry” and she was back to letting him touch her again?!? Heck to the NO after what he did in the first book! Stick up for yourself and get some self respect Jaz!!!
On top of that, I feel absolutely nothing for any of the guys. The personalities are just so bland to me. Vaughn, for being all dark and mysterious with a badass family and tattoos, is a very vanilla character. And he and Jaz have basically no interactions or encounters outside of sitting at the lunch table. But she’s everything to him? And she’s super hot for him? What, huh? Then there’s Archer...also boring. I mean grow some and tell Britney to shove it. He’s such a pushover. Dante is probably my favorite since he’s at least funny with some character. Jacob is so-so but I can’t find anything mouthwatering about him either. The guys just have no “panty dropping” qualities whatsoever. Where’s the strong, bada** alphas with the money and the big boy parts? It’s like reading about sad little puppies that just think the FMC is super hot so they want her. BUT they don’t get in there and fight for her. It’s just really frustrating. And to top it off I feel like Jaz is somehow this sex crazed dirty talking bad girl with Jacob but acts like a reserved goody two shoes outside of that. Makes no sense. Is she a strong, sassy female character or isn’t she? I sometimes felt like I was reading about a totally different FMC at times..
Lastly, I love RH books but the relationships in this one are just plain awkward. I feel like the guys in a RH should at least have some bond or connection, but none of these guys do so it makes the relationships seem very forced and a bit unrealistic.
I guess I’m just in the minority with this series, given all the high stars that were awarded by other readers. Not finishing. 🤷🏼♀️
Wow wow wow what a book!! Loved reading from all the guys pov and seeing how they all cant stop thinking of Jaz. To seeing her open up to them all in many different ways. The book is filled with many hot steamy scenes between Jaz and the guys no names you will have to read to know who. In this book we see Jaz wanting to get revenge on Brittany after her drugging her at the party. From here we see things escalate with many others trying to take what Brittany promised them to some shocking ending to the crazy ending that I did not see coming to leave Jaz wondering what was happening. Totally need book 3 now after that ending, totally mind blown.
This was why I always wanted a series to be completed before I start reading them because of the cliffies. And it was a big one even though the author said it was a teeny tiny one nah ah noooo 😂. Thank goodness the third is already out phew 😅, now if only I can pause adulting for the day and escape into the next book that would be great!
DNF ☹️ Full disclosure: I really struggled reading the book prior to this one, and unfortunately for me, I just wasn’t willing to continue to trudge through this one. I got to 19% and decided I shouldn’t be struggling with this so early in the story, and I have come to the conclusion that maybe the authors work and I just aren’t a right fit, which sucks because I’ve been holding on for Marcus’ book for what feels like forever. For my personal taste, there are too many POV’s in this book for me to enjoy, and I just don’t care about any if the characters. Some of this could be due to my being so over the RH genre. It just seems lately that this genre has been done to death, with some authors doing a better job of it than others. another could be that in my opinion, the h just comes off as a slut. I’m far from being a prude, but at least with other RH series I’ve read, there seems to have been more than a glance before the female jumps into bed with anyone and everyone. I could go on, but there really is no need. Needless to say this book and I did not click.
Every book of Candace’s that I read, I instantly fall in love. She has a way of crafting stories that draw the reader in and captivated them. I easily lose myself in the world and the complex plots she creates and this book and series is no different. This book amped up the drama, secrets, and steam compared to the last book. I never thought I would say this but this series is my favorite so far...I never thought any other series would top her Hillcrest or CBH series but she has proven me wrong.
The author has managed to weave a complex plot full of secrets among all the characters seen within Midpark. A few of the secrets are made rather obvious to the reader but necessarily to Jaz which made the story more enjoyable to read in my opinion. Sometimes the overwhelming amount of secrets and ambiguity that is perceived by the reader can be daunting and a turn off for some.
I have an opinion and theory about that cliffhanger ending...I don’t think it is what it appears to be. And I love cliffhangers. It makes me eager and super pumped for the next book. I still think Archer is a pr*ck but I love Vaughn, Dante, and Jacob. Even though Archer is a turd, I still love his character and the drama he brings to the story and Jaz’s life.
So needless to say, this was another hit by Candace set in the world of serial killers and psychos. I highly recommend this series to anyone wanting to lose themselves in this complex and brilliant world!!!
The second book in the Midpark series and wow it picks up from were the first book finished and wow Jaz has no luck at all. Jaz is still having to deal with Brittany and her crazy friends and they are going all out to make her life hell and Jaz wants revenge. Jaz asks Vaughn to help her get revenge on the Brittany and he agrees but there is a price for his help but in the true Scott’s style he doesn’t let her no what it will be. Going to be interesting as to what Vaughn will want in return for his help
We find out a bit more about Dante and his back ground and why he has been following Jaz around but he is a bit of a lose canon and acts before thinking things through but he would do anything for her..So now Jaz has to bad boys that will do anything to protect.
Jacob and Jaz relationship has changed and I love she feels safe with him but I think there is more to Jacob than meets the eye. But I do love her relationship with him
The story is full of drama, blackmail , steamy scenes and of course murder if you like these then this is book is a must read the hole series is a must read. I can’t wait for the next book because there is a cliffhanger and I didn’t see that coming I just can’t get enough of this series loved it.
If anyone messes with Jaz, they'll be punished. Wow. After the ending of the first book, I had no idea what was coming, but I am so satisfied with the events in this book and with what might happen next. Candace Wondrak is a new author to me, having only discovered her this month, but I'm so pleased with her storytelling. She creates atmosphere in her books like I've not experienced with other authors. At least not in the same way.
There are so many secrets in Midpark, just waiting to be uncovered and it seems like someone is using Jaz and her plot for revenge to reveal some deep dark truths...but who is behind all of the mayhem? There are other players in this mystery, but I wonder if instead of helping Jaz, they're just building up to bring her down spectacularly?
At least she's got some support behind her. A friend in Bobbi, and something friskier in Vaughn, Dante, and Jacob...but can they be trusted? They've all got big secrets hidden from Jaz, too. It's only a matter of time before everything lets loose and I am here for it.
So, on that note I'm buzzing off to begin the third book until sleep takes me.
Welcome back to midpark high where the hormones are raging and the tension is high. Starts off right where feisty ends and we get some more insight on the new bad boy in town. But hes not the only bad boy that has jaz's attention. Still having to deal with crazy chicks Jaz comes up with a killer plan. Secrets are finally revealed. Book 2 was incredible still loaded with lots of mystery, drama, betrayal and hot hot guys. Does end in a cliffhanger but its damn. Just read the book!!!! If you like a hot steamy bully romance full of blackmail with a side of revenge this is for you. 5 stars
I did not see that coming! I love all things Candace and this series is no different. A little dark and twisted with bad boys you shouldn't love but do anyway. You run into some of your favorite past characters and the story grips you from the start and doesn't let go I until you are smacked in the face at the end lol. A doozy of a cliffhanger awaits but you are so shocked you can't even be mad that you have to wait for the next one.
I started reading these books with the view it was a standard enemy to lovers series. Which, I actually really enjoy. However, they are much more, RH, mystery,crime,suspense all wrapped up in one. There are chapters written by all percepectives and you really get an idea of each characters motives. This book ends on a massive cliff hanger but the last book is out in August so not too long to wait.
fantastic second book in this series. Do not start this if you have not read book one in the series! So Jaz is still trying to find out about those who surround her, those who are involved in her life. Until she can't, until she realises that once she knows she will never be able to unknot the information. Jaz is such an interesting character only surpased by Dante in my book lol! Candace wrights such brilliant books, ones which you can never put down.
I freaking love this author and this series so much! Not only does it tie in some of my favorites from her other stories but the world she is creating is freaking amazing!
That freaking cliffy at the end had me throwing my kindle though. It however didn’t break so I am ready for book 3!!
This book was amazing! I loved it! All the guy characters are great. I love Jacob and Vaughn. Even Dante is interesting. Jazz is a great main character. Furthermore, all the characters in this book are in-depth, complex and unique. This book was never boring and kept me on my toes until the very end. I can't wait until the next one comes out!!!
Candace wrote another good book. We get to see the continuation of the craziness that is happening at midpark.
In this book Jaz fights back against those who wronged her in book 1. While she has many wins in this book she also get some loses. Candace does a great job of getting into the mind of all different types of psychos and I love it.
I love where this story is going. You get to see the relationships strengthen, the characters growing. This book is darker than the first, but it’s expected and not over the top. It does end on a cliff hanger- not a horrible one, but definitely makes you want to read the next book.
Wow would an unexpected cliffhanger. Loving this series Jasmin is an amazing character, she appears to be kick ass heroine. It’s not surprising she attracts lots of attention from some dark, handsome and maybe dangerous guys. An also a bitch diva. Looking forward to what’s going to unfold because I can already sense some gritty secrets.
Book 3 was definitely a page turner, jaw dropping, never saw it coming book. I definitely love the author and her use of dynamics of using the age gape, enemies to lovers, dark romance, bully, and multiple love interest in one book. You have authors who may use at least 2 but she took them all and worked it honey!!
This book has everything I love in a story. I was glued to it and read it straight through Cover to Cover! I need book 3!! Can’t wait to see this through. Sex, Secrets and Murder!! You won’t regret getting into this world! 5 stars!!!!
LOVED all the twists and turns! Never expected that cliff hanger. Can't wait for the next book to not only answer all my nagging questions about the ending but also about Jaz' father. Hope next book doesn't take too long!
Incredible story with mystery, secrets, suspense and steam. Amazing read and addition to the story with the same well developed characters. The cliffhanger is shocking and left me wanting more. I am very excited for the next book.
Oh what a book we have here, being in Midpark again we know stuff is about to go down. You won't see what is coming at all and the little cliffy at the end.. ugh i need more!!!
I can't even decide what to write about this book. Amazing. Cliff hanging. Sexy. I can not wait for the final book. Not sure how this can all be wrapped up in one book.
I was-am- team Vaughn but dang... Dante is slowly becoming a favorite too. Still lots of unanswered questions regarding him but nice cliffy at the end and it wouldn't be a Candace Wondrak book without some murder!
Candace I swear you just keep me guessing and then coming back for more! Love the Scott family. Dark and twisted love. Got to love it! Please keep them coming.
Things were at a medium burn before this book but they heated up fast! This book definitely made things more interesting and I look forward to reading the next one.
So I struggled with book one. I'm not sure why. This one, however. Omg. Total redemption. I adore Jaz. The guys are fantastic. Can't wait for the next book!