Book 1) (Redemption Thriller Series 7) - IN Defiance (An Ivy Nash Thriller

IN Defiance introduces the reader to Ivy Nash, a foster kid living a difficult life who grows up to become a case worker for the foster system helping kids just like herself get decent placements. And when we meet Ivy the caseworker, it is obvious that she is seeking the best for the kids she is assigned, she truly cares for their wellbeing, which is completely opposite many other case workers. Let me stop here and say that this book “IN Defiance” gives a very good behind the scenes view of the foster system and the red tape and limitations involved, but also of the case workers as well, some jaded and some truly putting their heart into their work.

During her time as a case worker, Ivy is called into a hostage situation where one of the kids she has placed is involved. In fact, it is the kid’s father who has invaded the home where the kid was placed and it threatening the foster family and his own son. This scenario allows the reader to see the courage of Ivy where she puts her own life and job on the line for the foster kid. Even when the kid is accused of manslaughter, she goes to bat for the kid at her own peril. Much of the story is Ivy doing her own investigation to make sure all the facts of the case are made known and that true justice is done. Then interestingly enough, after losing her job and getting it back, Ivy has a moment of clarity where she discovers what she wants to be when she grows up.

I highly recommend this book for his entertain and education value. The action in following Ivy’s life keeps the reader wanting to keep reading. You will find yourself rooting for Ivy when it seems like everything is against her. But also this book will teach the reader about the foster system, how it works, its good and bad elements, and about the caseworkers that are the heart of the system. So get a copy and prepare to be up late reading. Enjoy.

My Review

Ivy Nash is everything I enjoy in a female anti-heroine - she's smart, tough, beautiful but not pretentious, and dogged. IN Defiance, Nash's tough as nails but compassionate personality drives her to pursue the hidden mystery behind one young boys confession of a crime that holds the key to so much more.

Nash is a child protective services agent who gets very involved with the kids she helps, having been one of those kids growing up. She see's the good in each child, no matter what the circumstances dictate. Miguel is one of those kids, and he's just confessed to killing another child in the same house with his father, who committed suicide after murdering Miguel's mother in another location.

Nash knows there is more to this confession and to this story than meets the eye and is determined, with the help of her detective friend, Stan; newly acquired friend, Cristina, and long time friend Z, to save Miguel from a life time in jail. Only doing so is putting her own life in danger.

The supporting characters have their own complexities, and will keep you guessing about their intentions or place in Nash's life at some points in the narrative. You have to really pay attention, because this book will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning what Nash should do next and trying to help her make choices!

Well developed story line, great characters, and mystery and intrigue keep IN Defiance moving until the very end.

**I received this book through Beck Valley Books in exchange for my honest review

I absolutely loved the Alex Troutt series so I could not wait to get started with this new series from John. IN Defiance brings us a new strong female lead in the form of Ivy Nash - she has had an awful upbringing being pushed from pillar to post from one foster home to another , 17 to be exact and now she is a special investigator for Child Protective Services, so she knows all to well what the kids are going through.

When she is called in to help with a hostage situation that goes wrong and only the 10 year old boy knows what really happened she will do anything and everything in her power to protect him and prove her hunch was right. With the help of her detective friend Sam, what they uncover is a web full of lies, deceit and abuse that brings up woulds her past to the surface along with some unwanted attention.

There are several story lines in this one that mingle together and make for a very fast paced read and an unexpected friendship between her and a 17 year old "street" kid named Christine that I can see being a major part of Ivy's life through the next few books. There are moments towards the end of the book that had me on the edge of my seat and demanding answers, which I hope we get in the next book!

This first book is absolutely brilliant and I can only imagine what is in store next for Ivy with an ending like that!

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

Loved this book!! Ivy Nash was in the foster system for many years and was abused. Because of the abuse, she decided that she would work for CPS (Child Protective System). She wanted to be able to help those children who felt that there was no where else to turn. Miguel Garza was one of those children. He had been staying at a foster family, when domestic violence reared its ugly head. Miguel's father had come to get him, when that had not been ordered by the courts or the CPS Agency. What happened later was something no one could ever fathom. Guns, violence, and finally death.

Ivy's friend, Detective Stan Radowski of the San Antonio Police Department, helped Ivy to navigate through the police system as well as the political system to try to help Miguel. Add in another person. Cristina, who lived on the street because of the foster homes she was compelled to live with. What will happen to her? Will Ivy help Cristina or will Cristina help her solve the murder?? There's the streets, drugs, rapists - lots of action and intrigue. Where does Ivy fit in all of this? When you think you've figured it out, another twist. I really liked the character of Ivy Nash. She really has a hard backbone, very determined, and doesn't let anyone push her around. I won't spoil this for you, but this book has so many twists and turns that you are on the edge of your seat. The author really helps the reader to get to know the characters, their emotions, both the good and the bad. Can't wait to read the next book. John Mefford has done it again!!

I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.

Ivy Nash was under the care of foster parents. Well, if you want to call them " parents." The foster mother was addicted to Meth and the foster father was a drunk and a pervert. You feel sorry for Ivy and you hope that somehow she finds a way to get out of the foster system.

Now years later, Ivy works for Children' s Protective Services. One day, Ivy is asked to go on a hostage situation and from there, Ivy's life changes so much. Ivy wants to protect Miguel, the boy involved in a possible shooting during the hostage situation.

John W. Mefford has once again drawn me into this incredible story. John W. Mefford always writes amazing books that keep you on the edge of your chair. Even in this stort story, he brings so much suspense and the characters have personalities that are so well developed and very likable.

I like a great mystery and this is by far, one of the best that I have read. I look forward to more books with the character, Ivy Nash, for John W. Mefford has created a fantastic character who seems so realistic and the stories are so well written.

In Defiance - An Ivy Nash Thriller, Book 1
By John W Medford

I was blown away by the first book in the Ivy Nash series! I loved the Alex Troutt series, but I think that this one is going to be even better. John Medford is polishing his skills as an author, and shows promise of taking his place among the best in this genre. He's done a good job of laying the foundation for this series and there is excellent character development. As always, it's well edited.

Ivy Nash has had a rough life. Growing up in a series of foster homes, she has seen and experienced the worst that life can throw at a child. Having lived it, she has made it her mission to rescue and protect children in similar situations. She has a group of good friends who offer support, both on and off the job. These relationships are an important part of the story line and I look forward to getting to know them better.

Warning: Ivy works in child protective services and the book contains descriptions of child abuse and sensual assault. While never gratuitous, it may be a trigger to those with a traumatic background.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read one book by this author previously and enjoyed it. It was part of the Alex Troutt Series. I loved the opportunity to be able to follow this section of the series from the beginning, and I also loved having the main character be a female.

I love the way that Mefford writes, seamlessly jumping between characters and time frames with no confusion, and he is extremely descriptive of the setting . You almost feel like you are watching a movie instead of reading a book!

For those that might be sensitive, be aware that there is some violence and language in this book. It fits the story and isn't overdone, but as I realize some people do have issues with this, I wanted to let you know.

According to the author, he will eventually wrap the story lines of the series' together in some way, but you definitely do not have to have read any of the Troutt books to understand this book. As far as I can tell, there is no overlap...yet.

Grabbing your attention from the first page, Mefford takes you on a wild ride of suspense through the entire story. You will not want to put it down and you will be anxiously awaiting the next book.

Pervasive abuse to women and children, and abuse of foster home problems story told by a gifted Author, John Mefford and gives an inside view of just how a few corrupt individuals more intent on white washing their agencies, are more than willing to lie, and cheat, and sacrifice a child than to tell the truth and handle the situations they are confronted with, well...all but Ivy Nash. Nash is the proverbial bulldog of truth and she refuses to let go, in spite of the abuse she endured herself at the hands of many foster care parents who were not vetted well enough. She takes it to a whole other level which had me having to stop reading every now and then to take a deep breath in order handle the truths she uncovers, along with some loyal co-workers and friends. Ive has it “going on”!! Heroine to all women and children. Great story. Great job telling it John Mefford, who ROCKS!! A MUST read.

IN Defiance starts right away with (triggering) action and does not slow down. I was gripped from the beginning to see what would happen and I hated putting the book down. (I fell asleep more than once with the book in my hands!)

The book starts with a quick peek into Ivy’s childhood and goes into a situation with one of her foster kids.

I love a good ‘puzzle’ and that was definitely what this was. While no one wants to think a kid did something wrong – like murder – sometimes evidence says otherwise. But when a child has a messed up childhood; psychology takes over.

There are a lot of shady characters and a lot of psychology. Plus there is Ivy’s background and a couple other seedy situations that left me turning pages.

I loved this book and cannot wait to read more in the Ivy Nash series. I have always been a fan of John Mefford’s writing and I think he’s getting better!

Ivy Nash is a counselor with Child Protective Services. One who knows first hand what the foster care system is like. She was a foster child and was in seventeen different foster homes before she ran away. She knows all about the abuse that happens in many of these homes.

Having escaped the abuse of her last foster home, after her foster father fell from the attic door and died while chasing after her. She ran away and grew up. she put herself through college so she could advocate for those in the foster system. She has vowed to make a difference in the lives of foster kids and to be the person that she wishes she had had while in foster care herself.

A hostage situation involving one of her "kids" goes terribly wrong and he is accused of killing his foster brother. Even though the 10 year old Miguel has admitted to committing the crime, Ivy doesn't believe it. Something in her gut tells her things are not as they seem.

She and Stan her police officer partner work the case to figure out the truth. Who really killed the boy and why? As they dig deeper into the lives of the foster family, things just don't add up. Enlisting the help of her best friend Z and a streetwise 17 year old named Cristina, they slowly reveal the dark underside of the seemingly perfect foster family.

As they get closer to the truth, someone begins to threaten Ivy. Who is it and why are they threatening her?

This was a fast-paced thriller. One that was un-put-downable. I wanted to read this all in one go, but alas work and real life interfered.

All the characters within this book were interesting and well-formed. I found Ivy a fascinating character, fierce and strong when fighting for the rights of her "kids" and vulnerable and broken in many ways also.

Her best friend Z is the type of person anyone would cherish as a friend. No nonsense, she tells Ivy like it is, even when Ivy doesn't want to hear it. Stan, the gruff and hardened San Antonio detective with a heart of gold.

And last but definitely not least, is Cristina. A streetwise teen with grit and gumption. The kind of person that won't take any guff from anyone. She knows her way around the underbelly of society, where the street kids and drug dealers are found. And can get information that no one else can get.

The author kept me guessing right up to the end. And he left me wanting to get to know these fascinating characters even better. Thankfully this is just the first in a series.

I received this book free from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I have been following John Mefford’s work ever since I read his Booker series. When I discovered that, he would be releasing a new series I could not wait to find out more about his new heroine Ivy Nash. She is a special investigator for Child Protective Services, who is a firm believer in fighting for the wellbeing of children. These beliefs were due to the poor treatment she received as a child. She grew up in a variety of foster homes, which led to her having first-hand experience as to what children who grew up in the same conditions had to face.
Ivy is one of those characters that readers of this genre would love. She is strong, independent, and not one to back down at the first sign of trouble. She was determined not to allow the pain from her past to dictate her present. These traits were demonstrated when she went above and beyond to prove the innocence of a ten-year-old boy who had confessed to murder. Was he guilty or was he just another victim who fell prey to his circumstances?
From the moment, I began the story I knew it was going an entertaining read. I found the story to be interesting, well written and thought provoking. It highlighted the problems of foster care, where children instead of feeling safe, find themselves in abusive situations and facing a variety of atrocities. In addition to the thrilling ride, there were some heart-breaking moments. This seems to be a worldwide epidemic.) This was quite the page-turner, which had me guessing from one moment to the next. There were tense moments that had me on the edge of my seat while I anxiously awaited the outcome.

There are several stories taking place that appears unrelated, however, as the story progressed the connection became evident. This is a great start to what appears to be another exciting series by Mr. Mefford. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment.

John Mefford is a powerful writer, able to conjure up very visual description of both place and character. His Alex Troutt six book series was a pleasure to read and I was sad to say goodbye to her when the last book was finished. However, this new series about Ivy Nash and her friends' attempts to ensure help and justice for endangered children looks as if it, too, will be one not to miss.
Although still pursued by personal demons from her early years, Ivy is a strong, even headstrong, woman undeterred by threats from those in authority over her - especially where a child's wellbeing is concerned. In this book she defies her bosses (and logic) to prove the innocence of a ten years old boy who has confessed to the fatal shooting of another child before witnesses. It is an intriguing story line, well written, and as always the character development is such that the main protagonists take form as real people.

However, certain aspects concerned me and distracted from my full enjoyment of the story. Firstly, and this might simply be a difference in the ways in which British child social services are run, a social worker has so many cases to juggle in their daily work life, a conscientious woman has barely enough time to keep up with so many cases she would be truly derelict in her duty spending so much - in fact all - of her time personally chasing after a single case. Yet, apart from one single mention of other files to process, Ivy seems to have all the time she wants to devote to a single case followup, both alone and socialising with friends.
My other concern is more of a query and one which may well be resolved in later books, namely how did a frightened thirteen years old girl on the run further her education and qualifications to become a child protection social worker in the first place, when so many teenaged children fell foul of street life, drugs and generally became lost souls?

Now that this introductory book has set the scene for future stories, I look forward to Ivy's further adventures and finding out more about this intriguing character and her friends, especially the guitar playing street kid, Christina. If the Alex Troutt series is anything to go by, these books will just keep getting better and better

Ivy Nash did not enjoy her childhood. She was in thirteen different foster homes and some were the worst of the worst. Now Ivy stands for the children in the system especially the ones in danger of falling through the cracks. Her last foster home the "father" had set up a love nest for her and him. She left that home and never looked back.

Ivy Nash is someone that knows all the faults of the foster care system. She is still trying to champion the children and help make foster care something good. She is not totally over her exerience but she so wants to do better for the children. She has a ragtag band of followers and people that help her with her cause. Ivy is intelligent but not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She will fight at her own peril sometimes. I can't wait to read more about her cause.

Having been privileged to read the "At" series, I was excited to read this first book of the "In" series. Ivy Nash is a strong character! She grew up an abused child, unwanted and fallen through the cracks as she was shoved into home after home. Rising through the pain, she wound up a Child Protection Service's worker.

While I'm rooting away for her, as she overcomes her past, she starts going over the top. That starts upsetting her superiors, but how can she not?
How can they ignore her life experience and her inside-looking out views? The catch is, what if she is right? What if her case didn't commit murder and is being framed? With her passion, her life, her job and everything that makes her Ivy on the line, can right this evil wrong?

Super read. I really connected to Ivy and drawn deeply into her story and her mission. Book two is going to pick up where this one ended and I'm looking forward to read it! There are other characters, but I am very drawn to Ivy.

My copy came from the author. I wasn't required to leave a review. I have done so of my very own free volition. My thoughts and my opinions are my own.

As a former social worker (although I never worked in the child welfare system), I found "In Defiance" to be a great read and a great description of the world of the foster child. Having met many, I know that there are great foster parents who provide a great deal of help, but those depicted in this novel also exist. They are in it for the money and for the opportunity to exploit children. Ivy Nash survives a childhood characterized by a series of lousy foster placements to grow up to become a child welfare worker herself, determined to make life better for the children assigned to her. Mefford is a marvelous writer, who creates believable characters and strong plot lines. I thoroughly enjoyed this first in a series and look forward to the next books in the series.

Although I found the book to be very engaging and drew me in, there were a couple of requirements to suspend disbelief. For example, I don't think it is very realistic to portray a child welfare worker with enough time to spend on one case. Most of them have so many cases that they have difficulty even getting the basics done. However, the novel is so well written and constructed one can overlook that minor point. I highly recommend the book and found it to be worth the time!

Once again John Mefford has brought us a tough gritty edge of your seat thriller! Once again his character Ivy Nash is believable and someone everyone would want on her children's side! Ivy grew up in foster care and has become an advocate for children with having seen the "bad" side of foster care. She cares too much in some peoples eyes and yet doesn't stop when she "feels" the evidence isn't correct.
I hate reviews which give readers all the spoilers to a book so will close with the following: I love John Mefford's characters and in my opinion Ivy Nash is amazing! If you want fast paced action and intrigue READ this book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review but would have bought this book anyway as John Mefford's work is at the top of my list to read!

I love a good thriller book. John W Mefford always delivers a great read and this was no different. I finished another series of his not too long ago and am excited I get to read to this one as well. Ivy Nash is not your average child protective services worker. She has a background that was hard to read about but makes her so much better at her job. She is a perfect heroine for this series and I really connected with her.
I as dragged into the book and did not want to stop reading. It starts out with action and does not slow down. This made it fun and fast read for me. The mystery Ivy has to solve is interesting and I really wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I loved the book! I did receive an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Marvelous intro to the new series! Mefford has, once again, brought us a strong female character in whom we can believe. He is excellent at developing complex, intriguing, and realistic characters and meaty storylines which actually make sense. I do agree that he asks the reader for a large suspension of belief about the amount of freedom the "common" Social Worker has to concentrate on a single case in their usually very over-stressed caseload (hence the 4 stars). "In Defiance" again shows the dedication Mefford brings to the writing of all his books, as well as the amount of research which he does in preparation. I am looking forward to the development of Ivy Nash and this new series and would heartily recommend Mefford's books to thriller lovers everywhere.

I absolutely loved 'IN Defiance'. I literally could not put it down. From the very first page to the last I was hooked. Ivy's story has so many incredibly frustrating scenarios, which is a good thing. I felt like I knew Ivy personally and every thing that happened, happened right in front of me. Full of suspense, action, thrilling scenes, great characters and great dialogue. The characters were a great, diverse group. I love Christina's attitude. I can't wait to read more. A must add to your tbr list.

A gripping start to another series by Mefford.
This book grabs you from the start & just when you think you can set back & relax, it has you right back on the edge of your seat! But it also tackles a much needed subject in society today. Unlike her co workers who care too little about the children under the auspices of CPS, Ivy Nash purportedly cares too much about the children in the system she is all too familiar with having been in foster care herself.......
This is a well written book with a fast pace & well developed characters & thought out plot.
I can't wait for the next chapter in Ivy's life...
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

John Mefford has given us a new heroine by introducing Ivy Nash. She's compassionate and realistic and very very human. Despite a terrible childhood and being part of "the system" herself, Ivy is a special investigator with CPS in San Antonio, Texas. Being one of the advocates who really does put the child first can cause some problems for Ivy and for her cohort on the SFPD, Stan.
This is a complicated/convoluted story - from the murder investigation involving a 10 year old foster child Ivy had placed, to the young homeless teenager trying to keep herself safe and out of trouble, to the stalker who wants Ivy dead. IN DEFIANCE will definitely keep you entertained and probably reading long after your bedtime.

What a great start to a new series. The development of Ivy Nash is excellent and holds you until the suspenseful ending. Highly recommended novel that covers the important area of child protection. John W. Mefford (author) produces another thoughtful, exciting thriller.

I'm writing this review after receiving an ARC of the book.
I read the Alex Trout series and wondered how this new series would compare. It doesn't disappoint. Love Ivy! This book made me sad, upset, hopeful, scared, but never bored. I will definitely read more!

Mefford writes an intriguing storyline and intense lead female character. The characters draw you in and you won't want to put the book down. The dramatic twists and turns will draw you in and keep you hooked. I love this new series and can't wait for the next book!

There were twists and turns that kept the story moving well but the twists sometimes head me up the side of my head! I at first thought this series was going to be a yawner-I'm happy to say that I was wrong, and happily so. I give this read a heartfelt 5 stars.

Ivy Nash is a riviting character who has a complicated background. This is another of John Mefford's masterpieces. It is a great mystery that is spellbinding from the first page to the last. Keep them coming. I am looking forward to the sequel.

WOW What a thriller! Ivy Nash is a character that evokes all kinds of emotions. Through excellent character development we learn how her background has shaped her present day attitude and personality. Coupled with a plot full of surprises, this is a must read. Mefford has another winner here.

Another great one! This time a new leading character. Ivy comes from a very checkered past and is drawn into another similar one. I don't do spoilers so suffice to say it's got an Alex Trout kind of feel to it. I highly recommend.

As always John Mefford fills our eyes and mind with thrills and surprises with his gifted ability to write. I am a fairly new follower and have been impressed with each book I have read. Always anxious to get started with any new book he writes.

From the start to read about Ivy Nash's childhood I was captured. John Mefford has yet another major hit. Ivy Nash is as real as they get. If you are just finding John Mefford you need to read ALL his works. You will never regret buying his books.

I just finished reading Defiance. Mr. Medford has started a new series and introduces Ivy Nash. She has a troubled foster child experience and now she is out to help the children as a trained adult. Her character development and story line is well developed. This looks like a good series and I would like to read future Ivy Nash books.

I love all of John Mefford's books especially Alex Trout. Ivy Nash is thinking about the children and so she goes gung ho into a situation that.... can't divulge, may ruin your reading. She is stubborn to a fault but for good cause. I had to keep reading as the suspense was too much to put the book down. Congrats to John for this exceptionally new character. Looking forward to more!!!!!

Ivy Nash, a special investigator for Child Protective Services, will do anything for the children. This story involves a hostage situation at a foster home. Ivy spent her childhood in foster homes and her memories and experiences keep coming back to her. This is a great story I think you will enjoy. John Mefford grabs your interest early on and I am looking forward to his next book.

John Mefford is an awesome writer! He writes really strong women characters who have lots of issues yet they manage to perservere through multiple obstacles and come out even stronger! It's really great to see kick ass women that can also have a soft side instead of fluffy headed bimbos that rely on men to take care of them. Loved the Alex Troutt series and am really looking forward to more of the Ivy Nash series. Great complex characters, great action, mystery and even a little romance thrown in. Wonderful reading!!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

I loved this latest book by John Mefford. The character development was good and you continue to learn more about the main character's past as the book progresses. The action is fast paced. I found myself imagining future happenings when "slam" the book was over! I wanted more, I wanted revenge for Ivy. I want the next book quickly while I'm still basking in the glow of this one!

This is the first book in this series starring Ivy Nash who is a children's advocate working with the police department. She is a unique, strong-willed woman who keeps digging into threatening situations in order to find the truth and to protect those unable to help themselves. Mr. Mefford is a writer whom I enjoy reading very much and I look forward to reading more about Ivy Nash.

I was confident about In Defiance, as have been John Medford fan for quite awhile.
I was Not disappointed! Ivy will be someone to follow, and I will! My favorite books are series with well layed out background history and have strong characters to continue consistency thru out series.
Well written, well paced and kept Me engrossed.
Well done John!

A thriller that will keep you hooked till the last page. John Medford has done it yet again wrote a fantastic thriller. I have grown to love his stories. They really grab my attention.

The story line is really intense and keeps me wanting to read more. Great characters and a lot of great mystery, and action. I am looking forward to reading more :)

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
This book was THRILLING!!!! From the very first page it grabs your attention and glues you to the pages until the very end. I could not put it down! Can't wait for the next book.
You would not regret buying this book, that is a guarantee if you love thrillers and action as much as I do.

I really enjoyed this first Ivy book. The character's quirks work well together and the life experiences of the various characters adds some depth. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series to see what becomes of team ECHO, and the creepy sociopath obsessed with Ivy.

I was caught up in this book immediatly. Fast paced but difficult to read because it was emotional in some parts. I love ivy nash . She is so real. The story grabs you right from the start and holds your attention the whole time you are reading. I definitely recommend this book

What a great start to a new series. The development of Ivy Nash is excellent and holds you until the suspenseful ending. Highly recommended novel that covers the important area of child protection. John W. Mefford (author) produces another thoughtful, exciting thriller.

I'm writing this review after receiving an ARC of the book.
I read the Alex Trout series and wondered how this new series would compare. It doesn't disappoint. Love Ivy! This book made me sad, upset, hopeful, scared, but never bored. I will definitely read more!

Mefford writes an intriguing storyline and intense lead female character. The characters draw you in and you won't want to put the book down. The dramatic twists and turns will draw you in and keep you hooked. I love this new series and can't wait for the next book!

There were twists and turns that kept the story moving well but the twists sometimes head me up the side of my head! I at first thought this series was going to be a yawner-I'm happy to say that I was wrong, and happily so. I give this read a heartfelt 5 stars.