The book had several passages that hinted at this development, talking about how Rachel was a different person now than before, and how the love her and Logan shared isn’t some fantastical, dream romantic stereotype, it’s hard, strong, and keeps them going through the hard times. When she professed her love for the second time, it was real. Rachel’s first declaration of love was made by a kid, someone who was too young and immature to know what true love was, who hadn’t experienced the world. But then time passed, things happened, she changed and grew up, and finally both her and Logan were at a place where they could really, truly love each other. Honestly, her behavior at the time showed how immature she was, and Redwine wanted us to see that.

She was mad at him because he refused to reciprocate her feelings, which is just stupid. When we start the book, Rachel holds the world’s biggest grudge against Logan because she confessed her love for him, and he said he couldn’t deal with it at that exact moment. What struck me the most was the romance, how unique it was, and how it was used to track the development of the characters. This book easily withstands the test of time, which is why I loved it as much reading it now as I did six years ago for the first time. As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. They are whited out so you can only read them if you highlight the text Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter.

As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan-the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret.

Defiance by C.J. Redwine