So much is packed into the second installment of the Defiance Falls trilogy. There is A LOT that is revealed in this book and a lot happens in just a few short days. I devoured this book in one sitting and was left both satisfied but eager for the next part. The transformation that Hazel begins in the first book blossoms in this one. Now that she knows the truth about Cruz, the Malones, her father, and the town, she's able to become a player in the game. I won't reveal too much here, but compare the end of this book to the beginning of the first and try not to be too shocked. Hazel's a bad ass and we really shouldn't have been all that surprised.

Beyond the major secrets, Cruz and Hazel's relationship advances in both big and subtle ways. With the addition of Cruz's perspective to the narration, we get to see both sides of their relationship, and the toll that their separation took on the two of them. My favorite interactions between the two of them were when they both were honest and worked through their insecurities. It helps to make their relationship much stronger and healthier. Which is not to say that they stop magically making mistakes. They don't. They're both bound to make mistakes, but seeing them work through it all is a nice break from the other darker content aka the potential war with the Malones.

Even though we get answers to so many of our questions, I never felt like the plot stalled or got clunky as Hazel pieced her way through the information. Now my main question is this: where do they go from here? I have a couple of ideas, but for now, I'll keep them to myself....