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Untouchable #9

Defiance and Dedication

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Autumn in New York promises a turn in the seasons as we kick off the next stage of our lives. Colorful leaves falling, dropping temperatures, and the first days of classes loom even as the lingering summer heat and humidity make the city stifling.

Summer was a time to get away, to just be us, and what a magical time it was, but we can only run away from our lives for so long. We have family, careers, friends—new and old—as well as commitments waiting for us. With a new place to call our own in a new city I’m already half-in-love with, we’re not afraid of the challenges ahead.

Of course, not everyone is rooting for us, not everyone wants us to succeed, and some choices may come back to haunt us. But don’t come for those I love and expect me to do nothing. They might want to surround me in a layer of protection, but they’re mine and I’m more than willing to fight to keep them.

Feel free to test me, I’ve never failed one yet.

*Please note this is a reverse harem and the author suggests you always read the forward in her books. Contains some bullying elements, mature situations, and is recommended for 17+. This is the ninth in a series and the story will continue through future books.

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

208 people are currently reading
405 people want to read

About the author

Heather Long

251 books2,263 followers
I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Belle .
607 reviews51 followers
August 25, 2021
This was enjoyable but I really wish I had liked it more. I had so much anxiety about the last cliffhanger so I dove right into it. Thankfully the cliffhanger gets covered quickly.

The writing is done well as usual, and the characters have their usual depth.

Otherwise, I think I was just expecting more college stuff. It seemed like we spent so much time in high school that I wanted to see them do college things and it was all really brushed over, and before you knew it chunks of time had just flown by. No new college friends were mentioned, we see them go to one college party and it’s two pages long, and really nothing else except the stress of classes. I personally just wasn’t feeling one whole year being covered like this compared to what we’ve gotten before.

The characters were solid, they’ve stayed true to what they’ve been. I understood the conflicts between them but wasn’t sure why it lasted as long as it did at times. Frankie is still just a bit too passive for me at times, and I didn’t understand her reactions to certain things in this either.

Rachel no longer being a lesbian is still something that really bothers me. I just don’t like how her “exploring her sexuality” from saying she’s never been with a dude and only been with women in book 3 to this one, where she’s seemingly having one night stands with different men, was done. I know this is a me thing, so that did not affect this review, but is something I still feel the need to mention. Guess we’ll see how she decided she was suddenly into men when her spin off series starts.

The next book will be interesting after that cliffhanger.





Profile Image for Rasa Ievkalne.
1,087 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2022
I've been reading the series, rating each book 3 stars and avoiding writing any reviews, just because " if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". After all, even with the 3 star ratings, I did continue reading the series. But this book deserves some tongue lashing.

So, what set me off. It wasn't the lack of actual plot, that problem is present in each installment and despite this lack, I refrained from pointing that out until now. It also wasn't the overwhelming amount of sex scenes, I can skip over them after all, it also wasn't me being extremely uncomfortable with the whole Ian- Dom parts. They were not done well, but ,again, I can skip over them. What really set me off is the inconsistencies. The book starts with Frankie waking up in a hospital and very tired Coop informing her she has been asleep for months. So, for the rest of the book, I waited on clarification of what happened that put Frankie in a coma for months and why Coop was so weird about Archies absence. I expected some plot twist, Archie being badly injured or maybe split from the boys, or something. When author did a step back to describe the car accident (it's not a spoiler, the previous book ended on it), Frankie wakes up in an assessment room, not isolated room, is fully articulate, remembers everything and no serious injuries. She even complained about necessity to be kept overnight. So, I was intrigued. Obviously it wasn't the accident that put Frankie in a coma, there must be something huge happening in the book. So I read, and waited and waited...and waited. Now there will be a spoiler- NOTHING happens! Author just did a do-over in the same book and completely dismissed the beginning! What was the point of the opening scene?! Did author forgot she wrote it? Or she didn't re-read her book before publishing? Or she didn't care about giving conflicting information? Or her imagination blanked and she was too lazy to change the beginning? And oh god, this small fact so completely annoyed me that I had to actually write a review about it. Authors should do better by their readers. This kind of thing can completely ruin a book to anyone who pays attention. Bad author, bad!

Anyway. If I discount the pages I skipped due to sex scenes I wasn't interested in reading and pages that contain absolutely no plot, there is actually less than minimum of interesting things in it. Maddie, the psychopathic bitch, is actually a driving force of the series and it is just because of her that I haven't dropped these books. However, with the way this book ended, I have lost any interest in reading the next books. Unless author will dismiss this ending and continue on as if it never happened. Funny, how something set me off in this book, actually gives me a hope for the next.

If you managed to get through my rambling and are looking for a recommendation to read this book, then unfortunately you are out of luck. Most likely you have read the previous books and that means my opinion will not dissuade you. I doubt you will read a review on book 9 if you are looking if these series are worth reading. But, if by some miracle, you are that invested to research reviews so far in the series before reading even book one, all I can tell you is -DON'T. They are a big waste of time. No plot and author describes every minute of the day. From morning breath to making coffee to a description of car ride and doing homework. Everything in detail. If I would be hard to pressed to say at least one good thing about series, it would be that it actually gives the full school immersion feeling to the reader. Most books set in school tends to gloss over the actual school part and concentrate on feelings and actions outside classes. Here, you can never forget about school. Uh, correction. This particular book is the first one to actually not concentrate on the school. But, whatever.
Arm yourself with unlimited patience and leave any expectations of a plot behind. This is plotless description of hedonism and every day life. Good luck.
Profile Image for Jenise Martinez.
81 reviews
August 27, 2021
I’m confused

The beginning leads you believe there is an explanation somewhere in the story for that beginning and it never came!!!
Otherwise, the story was good and I will impatiently wait til December for the next book!!
Profile Image for Carla Mclemore.
580 reviews12 followers
August 15, 2021
First off, I have to say that I am so emotionally invested in Frankie and the guys.  This series is one of my favorites. I have loved watching the growth of each of them throughout the series, not just romantically, but as friends and a family unit as well.  Do they get mad at each other? Hell yeah.  Sometimes they fight, but that's part of being a family and growing.  Defiance and Dedication was about so much more than the start of college for them. It was about learning how to navigate in a new environment, coming to understand that communication really is key, and building trust in all relationships.   I have to admit, I fell in love with Ian in this book!  He remembered his past mistakes and did what he needed to take care of Frankie without going overboard.  While the ending wasn't a huge cliffhanger per se, it was still a shock.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
110 reviews
June 29, 2022
Confused

I was left very confused by the beginning of book.
*******spoiler alert please skip if you haven't read.



At the beginning it says they were so worried she had been in a coma for 2 months. Then later it says she was only in the hospital for 2 days, and that she was basically alert the entire time. Leading me to believe it was a prologue, and something else was going by to happen to her. She doesn't end up in the hospital again so the first chapter ends up making absolutely no sense. Other than that the books great, I couldn't leave a high rating for dropping the ball on the bull about a non existing plot drop.
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews30 followers
August 23, 2021
As I started reading this book my mind went in so many directions with every word, my heart was pounding, my brain saying oh no, she wouldn't would she? Evil author, very evil author. I'm not saying anything more about that you'll have to read it yourself.

Now as the book continues Frankie has to assert herself with the guys to get them to back off. That always works, but she finds herself getting lonely. Then there's a tension she doesn't notice at first but Coop and Ian are both trying to help with that before she does.

Rachel provides a haven and an ear, as Frankie steps in to find answers to the accident. With the help of Whittaker she now has a New York firm to represent her Dominic Walsh is young but capable and Rachel likes to verbally spar with him. She also gives both the lawyer and the police a direction they definitely didn't expect.

Jeremy is a favorite of mine always, he's got the best advice without seeming to give it.

Frankie finally realizes she has to tell all of them what she's been doing and her fears after an ice cream stop with Jake.

The guys and Frankie do a lot of growing in this book. It's a totally different world from high school and the stress is almost overwhelming.

There's more than a little suspense with the whole Maddy thing, and then there's a lot of fun too, with birthdays with not only the guys but also with Hank's family.

So much to love, so much to want resolved, surprises that brought tears to my eyes and so much more that I couldn't put this book down.
Profile Image for Arlené De vos.
30 reviews
August 24, 2021
Wow! So much to unload! Where do I start? I say this every single time and it rings truer every single time...Heather surprised, shocked me to the bottom of my soul! She is an goddess at writing and proves over and over why she is my favorite author.

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." Has to be my favorite quote in the book. I was so worried for the relationship between Archie & Jake! I wanted to bash their heads together & cuddle their heart ache away all at the same time.

Chapter one had me freaking out! Frankie has been through so much and the idea that there was something wrong with Archie...I think I held my breath the entire time I read it...that and bruised my husband's arm from my freaked out grip...lol.

I love Hank as a dad. He's what Frankie has always needed and deserved. From the moment he knew about her, he made an effort to be there for her. I look forward to seeing the relationship grow. Not only theirs but her relationship with siblings & stepmother as well. I feel like Chloe will crawl into all the guys hearts and they will probably be just as over protective with her as their own sisters.

Edward surprised me the most. I never thought that he would actually step up. Now I worry for him and the effects his actions will have on Archie and Frankie. Not to mention himself.

I am so looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,257 reviews19 followers
August 16, 2021
OMG...my brain is still trying to process everything that happened in this book! If you have read the series you know we were left on a cliff of heartbreak in the last book. The ride only gets bumper with the first chapter shaking me hard!! My mind is stuck on that ending and the crazy it left us hanging with. But everything in between had my heart breaking, slowly healing, only to break again. I read this book in 3 hours...297 pages in 3 HOURS! Heather, you are a mad genius and I love this series more with every book! I’m now counting down to December for the next book, like a kid waiting for Christmas Day.

Profile Image for Melissa .
486 reviews38 followers
August 24, 2021
Frankie and the guys are back and it’s Freshman year at NYU. Being in a new place brings a new set of challenges for Frankie and team, but as always, they forge ahead with love and support for one another.

Defiance and Dedication kicks things off with a bang, with my heart racing from just the first few pages. I completely trust Heather but damn, she had me freaking the f*ck out!

In D&D these characters learn that although their love is unconditional, isn’t always perfect and that relationships, especially an unconventional one, continue to take work as they navigate through ups and downs.

Given that drama seems to follow Frankie everywhere, this book contains a healthy dose of intrigue and angst, leading up to a thrilling conclusion I did not see coming. And of course, there are plenty of steamy scenes and several laugh of loud moments. And Jeremy!! Who doesn’t love Jeremy?!?!

D&D is another incredible chapter in the Untouchable series and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Jane Catherine.
308 reviews36 followers
September 24, 2021
I love Frankie and the boys. I am completely applauding Heather Long for the beginning and the end of this book. The books started out with my heart in my throat and ending with my heart in my throat. Which means it was a fantastic book.

I think certain characters got what was coming to them and others really stepped up. I could not be more amazed at the phenomenal writing and just overall plotting of this book/series. Not many authors can keep me reading for a 9 book series and have me begging for more. Yet Mrs. Long does! I can’t wait for book 10.
Profile Image for Bec.
599 reviews80 followers
August 20, 2021
Frankie and the guys are back with another thrilling installment that has a good balance of angsty drama-filled scenes, coming-of-age growing pains, and sweetheart felt moments. There is a running mystery throughout that keeps things moving along at a fast clip. I think my favorite part was the ending, it was brilliant! Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Joy.
219 reviews7 followers
August 24, 2021
I read this as an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Oh my goodness where do I begin? So much has gone on in this book with the changes they make with themselves and each other.

Frankie’s mother is getting more manipulative and ew relationships are forged.

The ending is mean but amazing abs I cannot wait for the next book.

5⭐️ recommended read.
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews70 followers
December 11, 2021
3,5 stars

Finally i have finished this book, i don´t know why it took me this long. I read the first half of the book and then i just got bored or something and i had to put it down, maybe i was not in the mood for this kind of book then. But i picked it up again now today and continued reading it. I do like this series, it´s cozy and sweet. I love that they where best friends before they went into a relationship. Even if they where kind of fuckboys some of them before...
That ending, i am excited for the next book
Profile Image for Dani (Daniiireads).
1,907 reviews306 followers
December 29, 2021
As if Heather giving me a heart attack with G&G's ending and D&D's beginning wasn’t enough, she decided THIS is how D&D should end?! How am I supposed to wait until December, Heather?!??!?

I can’t even… Defiance & Dedication sure went out with a bang, that’s all I gotta say…Holy cannoli.
Profile Image for Angela Denny.
1,021 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2025
Oh wow. I was bot expecting this book. Soo many changes and soo many emotions.
Profile Image for veronika_21.
193 reviews17 followers
September 12, 2021
I don’t think it’s necessary to say how much I love this book, because it would be a sin not to love Frankie's book.
Profile Image for M Mendes Bookstagram.
723 reviews49 followers
August 25, 2021
O.M.G….I have to say the cliffhanger was not as bad as I feared as I was getting to the last couple of pages. I could see that there was only so many pages left and when Maddy appeared with a gun I feared for a way worse outcome. Then I don’t know if I could have claimed Heather Long as a favorite author…just joking. Heather is definitely one of my favorite authors. I will admit that I mostly listened to the first 8 audiobooks in the Untouchables series and this is the first one I read the whole way through. Heather, as always, has captured my attention from the first page to the very last and I could not stop reading 📖 and even then I fell asleep with my iPad on my chest with the kindle app open. Then as soon as my eyes opened I knew I had to finish Defiance and Dedication. I love Heather’s forewords and afterwords for each book. Keeps you guessing on what is to come. I absolutely love the Untouchable series and I am soooo sooo happy that Heather did not only write Frankie’s, Jake’s, Ian’s, Coop’s, and Archies’ story to the original trilogy Heather first envisioned when she first started writing then extended it again to be 12 books instead of 10 😂. Heather creates “worlds, characters, and storylines that keep you enthralled, relate to, and absolutely love ❤️. Frankie and her guys have definitely come live and you feel like you know them from their backgrounds and from meeting them in high school to now when they are very close to completing their first year in college. They have definitely grown and changed so much from the beginning till now and they still have a way to go before we complete the 12 books that Heather has promised us in the Untouchable series. I have to admit that I would like to have a story with Rachel but while I wait for Songs and Sweethearts to be released I plan on going all in with 82nd Street Vandals series!! I highly recommend Heather as an author, the series Untouchable, and the book Defiance and Dedication. I can almost guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Heather as now let me down with any of the books I have read and I dint think she will let any future readers down. But I do suggest if she is new to you to start with Rules and Roses 🥀, first book in the Untouchable series. Happy reading!!
Profile Image for AHCuteArt.
1,167 reviews27 followers
December 16, 2022
Why did you read this book?
There are a few series I’ve been wanting to read. This is one of them.

What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.

Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.

What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Adult

What was your favorite part in the book? SPOILERS
I think my favorite part was when the “brother boyfriend” term caught on.

Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes slow building romances.

What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? SPOILERS
The beginning and the end of this book was intense. I knew her mother was crazy but I didn’t think she would try to kill Archie. (I thought she would go for Frankie.) When Archie’s dad saves them… I was blown away. (He killed the love of his life and that he also had a gun to use!) The middle of the book was okay, but understandable. I am glad the author shows how their relationship isn’t all sunshine an rainbows. With them all being busy it was hard to see that there was trouble in paradise. Jake pissed me off for a while. I get that he was angry at Archie, but why avoid classes when his girl is in them too? Overall, this book was a good addition and had the most nail biting beginning and ending in the series.

How intense are the intimacy scenes?
The intimacy scenes are vividly detailed. Menage. Voyeurism. BDSM.

At what “burn” level is the romance?
HOT burn.

Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender?
There are four love interest, all of them males, and childhood friend.
Coop, Ian, Jake, and Archie.


Any trigger warnings?
Mental Health: Trivializing Mental Illness, Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Confrontation Abuser
Disabilities: Concussion
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene
Violence and Death: Death, Death of a Loved One, Graphic Deaths, Murder, Escalating Violence, Described Blood
Other: Underage Drinking, Hostage Situation, Profanity, Car Accident


Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,844 reviews52 followers
August 22, 2021
The long-awaited goal has arrived - College. After the perfect summer, it's time to move to New York, start classes, enjoy the seasons changing, and of course, experience all of these firsts together as a family. But as everyone knows, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry". The phone call telling the guys that Archie's car had been in a serious accident and a rushed trip to the hospital was only the beginning. The peaceful summer led to a stormy fall. Discord between the brother boyfriends, a stressed-out Frankie, and a parental nightmare was not in their plans. But Frankie isn't the same girl she was a year ago. No more sitting back and letting the guys take control; she is going to keep them safe this time.

This was not only the start of college but the start of their adult lives. This book was a dose of reality. The last book was a time of perfection rarely achieved. Reality came crashing in during this one. They have been tested before, they have fought before, they thought they were past their troubles; they were wrong. Heather Long did a wonderful job with these characters. They have all reached a level of reality fictional characters can only dream of. They don't always react as you want them to or hope they will because they are true to life. They feel like old friends at this point and with each book, I get swept away from page one. I enjoy every single character, every single scene of this series. I am emotionally invested in their lives and their happiness. Others may call the ending a shocking cliffhanger of sorts. I don't. I'm not upset despite realizing the toll it will take on Frankie. In the long run, it will allow her to breathe freely. It had to be. I hope she doesn't hold on to any guilt or blame anyone but the one who deserved it.
Profile Image for Jesse Adler-Wheeler.
357 reviews11 followers
August 24, 2021
Holy smokes, Heather. This was one of my favorite Frankie books. I seriously say that about each book she writes but she truly outdoes herself every time. Heather is such an amazing author. She really colors such a bright and vivid picture of what is going on with your characters. You get different POV’s and get to see everything from different angles. It really helps you get to feel and experience what Frankie and the guys are going through. Frankie and the boys have been near and dear to my heart so every book I get super excited but at the same time extremely sad because it means it’ll be ending soon. But, we have a few to go and much more ruckus to cause.

So, here in book 9, we pick up after *that* cliffhanger which feels like eons ago. Frankie and the boys are growing up kind of in front of our eyes. They’re not in high school anymore and our gang is evolving and maturing seriously with every turn of the page. With that, we see growth but also, 5 kids trying to navigate their way into adulthood. I really love when books depict the young adults the way Heather has. Real problems, real issues, it’s not all rainbow and unicorns like were told. And I’m still shaking my head with the ending she gave us. I tried to imagine what she had in store and this…takes the cake. Seriously.

If you have not discovered Frankies world. You must. You are missing out I love these characters so dang much. It’s so heartwarming to see everything they’ve gone through since book 1. I love the ride they take us on and I’m dying to see what kind of fun they seek out in book 10. Heather, hats off, you poured your heart and soul into this book and it really shows and I’m anxiously awaiting the next!
Profile Image for Jeni Wideman.
140 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2021
Frankie & the Boys are back…..new life challenges? Check!

Yes! There was a killer cliff hanger from Graduations & Gifts, that thankfully worked out in our favor with D & D. This book was so good (I mean, I know I say that al the time because I love Frankie & the Boys, but this was a seriously well written example of a “Coming Of Age” book, as we watch Frankie & the guys navigate college life and growing up. Some assert their independence appropriately, others needed a small, tweeny tiny reminder to get their heads out of their butts, and others continued on their quest to BE who they were meant to be (ahem Frankie… Girl Power)! I absolutely love how Frankie has come into herself.

Frankie meeting her siblings was everything I knew it would be! I can’t wait to watch her and the guys spoil them as the series goes on. Big Daddy Hank (I always have to call him this because it’s hilarious) & Kelly are so good for Frankie! I love that she’s learning to lean on them as she needs it and not taking everything on by herself!

Our favorite Cactus Queen is back and MANNNNNNNNNN I am hoping that some of the things from this book are SERIOUS foreshadowing for her!

Eddie……he sure has been making good in his word to earn a place in Archie’s life, not sure what clicked to make him show up, but I hope it stays like this. Maybe he’s just not a good “kid dad” and more of an “adult” Dad. I hope so.

The ending! WOW!!! What an ending!

Dedication & Defiance does NOT disappoint at all! Loved it!
Profile Image for Franjessca.
1,670 reviews96 followers
June 15, 2023
Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

Defiance and Dedication is the ninth book in Heather Long’s Untouchable series. If you want to start this series, I recommend reading in order because the series follows the main characters from high school to college, and each book leaves readers on a cliffhanger. There is a total of twelve books, and the series is complete. I’m glad I waited to read this series after it was complete because I would have gone insane waiting for the books to release due to the cliffhangers being brutal at times.

Book nine picks up from that brutal cliffhanger Heather Long left her readers on, and I know I was probably not the only one who was anxious because you would think Frankie and her boyfriends would finally have some kind of peace. Unfortunately, Frankie still has that one person who wants to make her life difficult, and this time, this person does something so heinous that Frankie and her boyfriends have to involve the authorities and lawyers.

I enjoyed Frankie hanging out with her birth father and his family in this book. Frankie finally has a parent who cares for her well-being; she has siblings who adore her. I also loved how Frankie was going to spend time with her boyfriends individually again, and in this book, there’s a peak moment between her and Ian with their music. Don’t worry; there are many spicy moments between the characters, too, and I always enjoy how the guys treat Frankie differently in and out of the bedroom.

Overall, this book may not go down as a favorite, and it’s only getting three stars from me, but I’m still reading this series. I need to know what happens next.

Kindle Unlimited/Kobo Plus: The books are currently available on Kindle Unlimited. (as I type up this review, 6/2023).

Would I recommend this book? I may have only given this book three stars, but that doesn’t mean I won’t recommend it to readers who have been reading this series from the beginning. If you enjoy Mature YA to New Adult Reverse Harem books, this series may be up your alley.
493 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2021
Wow Heather, I don't know how you do it but I am even more invested in Frankie and the boys the before, something I literally thought impossible.

That first chapter had my heart on a knife edge, I was praying it wasn't true because my poor heart couldn't take it. The power of words and emotions woven into that chapter set the tone for this amazing book.

Their island holiday spoilt them and reality hit home hard and fast once they were back and continued to steam rail them throughout. They had to face events as a group that tested their relationships as lovers, friends and family. There was so much growth and maturity required of each and everyone of them, that it help you captivated whilst at the same time.

I loved how Frankie's relationship with Hank developed by the end of the book he became an actual real dad to her where she found safety, love and security in times of difficulty. This is so big for Frankie to have a parent be the parent she needs and deserves.

The ending was an epic climax but it was inevitable, whether it happened now or in the near future, I felt the writing has been on the wall for a while for this event. That may be just me but it was nothing less that what was deserved, heart breaking to some but definitely required.

I can not wait to see how Frankie and the guys continue to grow and adult in the real world as the stakes continue to increase. Heather you are a genius, I loved this and can't wait for book 10!!
85 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2021
I want to start by saying I love this series. it’s the only non-bully reverse Harlem I’ve ever read and I love the friendship aspect of these books. Throughout this series I’ve constantly thought about how weirdly time moves and this is genuinely the first book that I really wanted time to slow down. Previous books in this series were kinda drawn out and lagged a bit which is to be expected when one year takes place over 8 books. However, this book was a complicate 360 almost a whole yea flew by and I missed some of the more silly and unnecessary parts for the previous books. This book also had so much to unpack and so many mile stones I definitely think there freshman year of college could have been more drawn out a lot of the chapters felt as tho they were trying to catch you up on what happened. The plot line I hated was all the inner family fighting and isolating Jake, having him switch his classes felt out of character. Would he really give up time with Frankie to stay away from Archie I just don’t think so. I did love the Rachel and Dominic plot and I’m rooting for them and extra curious about Rachel after those last few scenes with her character. Fingers crossed this next book coop gets the piercing I’m not sure why I’m rooting for this but the plot line surrounding this is so funny and light hearted to me I just a big fan. Lastly I want more of her siblings I want to see them meet all the boyfriends.
Profile Image for Misty Carlson.
42 reviews
August 27, 2021
Let me start this off by saying I may be a little bit bias towards Frankie and her boys. Frankie is one of the few female leads that I can relate to. Frankie and the boys have my heart

Back to the review . Defiance and Dedication is the 9th book in the Untouchable series by Heather Long . If you haven’t read the first 8 books in this series , you need to .

The first chapter of Defiance and Dedication had my heart racing . I was a little confused but at the start of the next chapter my confusion was resolved , and I was able to go on the journey that Heather Long wrote for us

I could not put this book down . The world building in this book was exceptional , and I found myself falling more in love with the boys , but Coop was my favorite in this book .

We got more of Hank, and it was nice to see Frankie with a parental figure that actually cares about her well being . I love me some Hank. I think he’s good for Frankie and he provides that stability a parent is suppose to provide for their child

Once I hit 70 percent into this book, I started having withdrawals for Frankie and the boys . I knew the end was coming and I wanted more .

The best part of this book was the ending . Not because it was over, I didn’t want it to end but because of the little tiny cliffhanger we were left with . I usually hate cliffhangers but this one I can live with

I cannot wait for the 10th book to come out . Heather Long has me hooked
Profile Image for Sammie Bee.
60 reviews
September 25, 2021
she does it again

Defiance and Dedication spans the longest time period in any of the Frankie books, covering several months as the crew settles into their new college life. Boy was it a little heart wrenching to read too.
This book really felt like growing up. Time speeding up and months going by in the blink of an eye. Dedication and defiance perfectly captured that feeling of losing the sense of time as you try and find your feet in the real world.
Learn a new normal. A new routine. A new city. Even. New family.
Frankie and the boys continue to grow and develop and this book showed key moments of them coming out of the honeymoon phase of their relationship and dealing with the teething pains of setting out on their own to build a new life.
There was so much love, so much happiness, and a fair share of pain too.
Heather’s ability to capture human emotion continues you to astound me as she makes me fall in love with every character she introduces.
Each new Frankie book feels a little bitter sweet for me now. Seeing how far they’ve all come. Watching them come into their own. I feel proud when I read and can see their growth. But each book is that much closer to the end of this crazy ride that heather has taken us on. Even with three books left, I’m not ready to let go and yet can’t wait for Songs and Sweethearts.
Profile Image for Meg Elle.
483 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2021
6/5⭐ D&D continues to impress. Untouchables is a series that has embedded its self on my soul and I don't say that lightly. Through this series, the time spent with these compelling & well written charathers has me so totally invested in them like no other. It is something truely something specials.

The first chapters of D&D will have you gapsing but always trust in Heather. I was here for it anyway it was taken. I love that you can spend literally a day with these charather and be so entertained & invested in anything & everything they do. That said it was really cool that this book spanned a school year. With the length of this rh series we really get to explore the all apsects of the relationship. I really enjoyed exploring the differnet dynamics from the guys. As well as the transition from highschool to college.

We got a lot of great stuff in this book and i dont want to give to much away what a read from beginning to read. Completely hooked. And oh what an ending. I wouldn't call it a cliffy id call it excited to see where we go from here as always.

I'm in love with this series. I always getost in the ,world, charathers and stories. Its so well written and a part of them at this point. Highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
381 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2021
Defiance & Dedication is book 9 of the Untouchable series, and must be read in order.

Holy moly. I’d never been on #teammadatheather until Graduation & Gifts, and then she turns right around and makes me rant and curse her name after just the first chapter of this book 🤬🤬🤬 but then she makes it all better.

Frankie struggles a lot with adulthood, and the growing pains of a multidimensional family structure. Between the family drama, school, and the major issue that occurred at the end of the last book(and it’s subsequent repercussions), there is some major issues that Frankie has to work through. Having to deal with choices made, and taken away, she fights to find her currently identity. She is no longer the girl in high school.

The legal battles continue. She meets with a new lawyer, who makes a big impression on all involved in her life. I foresee this character returning… 😏😏😏.

This cliffy was huge. And I’m not MAD, technically, but ugghhhh. And now we have another few months to wait out Songs & Sweethearts!!!! 😒😒😠😠😒😒😠😠(my pouty face)

Story 📖: 5/5. Mystery lurking around every corner.
Heat 🔥: 4.5/5. There were several scenes that had me 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Profile Image for katie.reads.romance.
272 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2021
What. A. Book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh Frankie and her guys, how I have missed you so much! This is a series I find myself recommending constantly and will do forever. Heather Long is so clever with the growth of every character, especially Frankie. Looking back to how she was in book 1 compared to now is honestly outstanding.

The opening of this book, I’m keeping it spoiler free, but my heart was in my mouth straight at chapter one— I had to reread it three times before I calmed down, phew! I absolutely loved every part of seeing Frankie and her guys settle down in to their new normal of college life.

Of course not every thing is smooth sailing, there’s tests to their relationships, battles to overcome with deceit and certain people coming back to cause harm. There were also some amazingly touching moments, especially with Frankie finally meeting her step mum and siblings, I loved how present her Dad was in this book and I’m so thankful Frankie now has him.

The ending, albeit didn’t have me as reeling compared to the last book, but still jaw dropping nonetheless! I cannot wait for the next instalment and December can’t come quickly enough!
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,678 reviews26 followers
August 25, 2021
WoW!!!! Wow!!!! WOW!!!!

I really can't believe that we are already to book 9 in this series....it seems like yesterday that i was reading the first one and yet...here we are.
Book 9!
I have to say that i absolutely love this author!
Heather Long has managed once more to blow our minds!
It starts with a bang and it ends with a bang!
Book 9 starts where book 8 left us....The accident.
I am still in process of this book and i still can't believe how the author manages to leave us speechless every time.
So much heartache and laughter and sex and growth in the lives of Frankie and her Boys.
The growth as family and friends and individuals throughout the books is astounding.
The amount of emotional investment that i have in this series is also huge.
This amazing author has managed to make me feel like i am reading about my family and my friends and i get mad when something happens and i laugh when something else happens.
I scream and cry and yell at the Boys and i fall in love with them with every sweet thing they do or say.
I don't know what else to say beyond that this is an amazing book!
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