At a glance
Defy or Defend
Historical fantasy romance novella
Defy or Defend
Book 2 of the Delightfully Deadly series
Cheerful intelligencer Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott is sent to rescue Nottingham's vampire hive from a dangerous descent into Gothic melancholy. Her strategy involves bright fabrics, determined social reform, and a sweeping decorative transformation that the brooding vampires do not necessarily welcome. Sir Crispin Bontwee accompanies her as protection, but keeping Dimity alive grows complicated as professional partnership turns increasingly personal. Effervescent and romantic, this standalone Parasolverse novella suits adult readers who enjoy makeover comedy, vampire households, espionage, opposites-attract banter, and heroines who treat excellent wallpaper as a legitimate instrument of national security.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Blackberry Lemon Tea + Elderflower Gin Spritz
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Paranormal danger, violence, romantic and sexual content, and emotional distress
Alcohol-Free Pour
Blackberry Lemon Tea
Blackberry and lemon brighten a cup of tea, much as Dimity tries to brighten Nottingham's gloomy vampire hive.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Mug.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Elderflower Gin Spritz
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
For adult readers, elderflower and sparkling gin provide a bright counterpoint to the gloomy vampire household Dimity is determined to transform.
What you'll need
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 3 oz club soda ↗
- Ice
How to mix it
- Add gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice to a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish: Lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Wine glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Wine glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.