I thought I knew what the twist would be fairly early in and then I talked myself out of it, so I was surprised when the reveal is made. Some might say she is weak for falling for such a guy, but only see her strength in balancing what needs to be done with kindness. Hard to say much without spoiling the surprise, but I loved how complicated and conflicted the romance is and how hard it is for Tessa, and yet how strong she is to stand up for both what she knows is right but to also find understanding and compassion. The romance was a surprise and takes an interesting journey. So, if you like genuinely nice girls falling for guys who have had to do some terrible things and help them see past that to the nice guys hiding within, then you’ll enjoy Defy The Night. I think Brigid is setting a bit of a trend with her main characters who we love but who do some very bad things (cough, Rhen, cough cough.). What a fine and so very flawed character you make. Dear, broken hearted, sweet and deadly Corrick.

Duel perspectives and chapter’s that switch between Corrick and Tessa give the reader insight into the two very different worlds they come from. She is able to so quickly capture my attention and draw me into the story. It’s a Brigid Kemmerer book, so there is no questioning the amazing writing and scintillating romance. I do love retellings and Defy the Night draws loosely on Robin Hood. But being the King’s Justice is a bloody and endless job and it seems even his best efforts may not be enough to prevent a rebellion.

In the palace, Prince Corrick does what he can to keep his brother, the king, safe and barter for enough moonflowers. In the Wilds there is never enough medicine or coins to go around but she and Wes, a fellow outlaw, do what they can. Tessa risks everything every night, sneaking into the Royal Sector to steal Moonflowers to make the only medicine that will keep the deadly illness at bay. Maybe not as much as I adore The Curse So Dark and Lonely, but that’s a pretty high standard of adoration to live up to and Defy The Night does not disappoint in any way – it’s just extremely stressful. Okay, so Brigid Kemmerer is one of my all time favourite authors so it is completely unsurprising that I loved Defy The Night.

Defy the night