Until I Die by Deidra Duncan (Jan 6, 2026) Thank you, @deidraduncanwrites for the gifted advanced digital copy of this book that now ranks among my favorites!
The United States sits unrecognizable from the intent of the founding documents. Now under the authoritarian rule of the New American Order (NAO), rights have been suspended, dissent is met with death, the vulnerable have been enslaved, and women have lost all autonomy. But The Defiance, a resistance group working against the NAO is fighting back and Sophia Reeves has dedicated her life to (and lost everyone she loves) in the fight. Then her Defiance general comes to her with a dangerous mission, become the contact for NAO officer-turned-spy, Lucas Scott. Scott is known as the most dangerous and ruthless of all NAO leaders and Sophia knows it is a deadly mission. But as she meets with Lucas and his intel begins to shift the tides toward the Defiance, their relationship slowly shifts into something deeply important to both of them. But they are caught in a dangerous web with the potential of death or capture around every turn.
This book is a dark, slow-burn dystopian romance that is also a political commentary on how quickly our country could devolve if those in control choose power over law. The story is raw, violent, and action-packed while also filled with true moments of both tenderness and grit from Sophia and Lucas. It is not for the faint of heart and I appreciate Duncan’s content warnings – take heed as assault, lack of consent, and death are all essential parts of the story. But, there is also a fierce love story, found family, and hope amidst despair. Our main characters have compelling backstories and the plot is so propulsive that even as Duncan is breaking year heart, you won’t be able to stop reading. Easily my heartbreakingly favorite enemies-to-lovers romantasy story.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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