If you love upper young adult romance with high emotional stakes, morally gray love interests, and a heroine discovering her strength in a corrupt world, buckle up—Dissent by Josephine Lamont is your next obsession. This dystopian romantasy is packed with action, angst, and just enough romance to keep you turning pages late into the night.

Whether you're here for the slow burn romance, the love triangle, or the found family vibes, Dissent brings all the tropes you crave wrapped in a gritty, high-stakes plot that will leave you desperate for the next book.

Synopsis: Secrets, Rebels, and a Girl Caught Between Worlds

Set in a fractured future where the United States has collapsed and risen as the United Factions of America, Dissent follows 17-year-old Mara de la Puente, the illegitimate daughter of a ruthless dictator. Trapped in a gilded cage, Mara dreams of freedom—but when she's kidnapped by rebels, she discovers the truth isn't as black and white as she'd believed.

As Mara struggles to navigate this dangerous new world, she finds herself torn between two rebels: Matias, the protective soldier with a heart of gold, and Wes, the sharp-tongued enemy who’s harder to read—and harder to resist. With secrets unraveling and loyalties tested, Mara must decide who she can trust, who she loves, and what she’s willing to fight for.

5 Reasons to Read this Dystopian Romantasy

1. A Love Triangle That Actually Works

Let’s face it: love triangles can be hit or miss—but this one? Chef’s kiss. The emotional depth and tension between Mara, Matias, and Wes are utterly addictive. Matias is the cinnamon roll rebel leader with soft touches and big heart energy. Wes? He’s your classic brooding bad boy with razor-sharp wit and a serious case of "touch her and die." The result? A slow burn romance that will emotionally ruin you in the best way.

2. A Fierce Heroine Worth Rooting For

Mara isn’t just a pawn in someone else’s game—she’s a heroine with agency, grit, and real growth. Watching her evolve from a sheltered political pawn into a force to be reckoned with is empowering, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

3. Romantasy Meets Dystopia

If you love your new adult romance with rebellion, danger, and a sprinkle of fantastical intrigue, Dissent checks every box. The dystopian backdrop isn’t just window dressing—it’s a full-blown power play of politics, war, and revolution that raises the stakes on every emotional beat.

4. Found Family Vibes and Complex Friendships

The side characters are more than just background noise—they’re richly developed, flawed, and unforgettable. From fellow rebels to unlikely allies, the bonds formed under pressure are some of the most compelling parts of the story. If you’re a sucker for found family, this one’s for you.

5. That Addictive "One More Chapter" Energy

Lamont’s writing is fast-paced and cinematic, with cliffhangers that’ll have you swearing at your Kindle at 2 a.m. The tension builds beautifully—romantically, emotionally, and politically—so there’s never a dull moment.

The Author: Josephine Lamont

Josephine Lamont is an author known for creating captivating tales steeped in emotional depth. Her writing combines engaging characters with compelling plots. Readers often find themselves lost in the worlds she crafts. If you're looking for a fresh voice in upper young adult romance, look no further. Lamont's work promises to leave a lasting impression.

Themes Explored in Dissent

Diving deeper into Dissent, we see several overarching themes. The struggle for identity is central to Mara's journey. She battles against the expectations that come with her lineage. Another theme is the moral ambiguity of characters. They exist in shades of gray, often making choices you might never expect. Love blooms in unexpected places, further complicating loyalties.

Who Should Read Dissent?

This book is perfect for readers who love:

• New adult fantasy romance with emotional depth

• Dystopian romance filled with rebellion and political intrigue

• Slow burn love triangles that will wreck your soul in the best way

• Enemies-to-lovers and he falls first dynamics

• Found family and strong female leads

  
  

But if you’re not into:

• Romantic tension that takes its time to develop

• Dark themes including captivity and violence

• Characters with morally gray motivations

  
  

...then Dissent might not be your cup of rebellion.

Final Thoughts

Dissent by Josephine Lamont is a gritty, emotional ride with swoony romance, explosive secrets, and characters you won’t forget. With its blend of NA romance, dystopian stakes, and unforgettable chemistry, it’s a must-read for fans of The Hunger Games, Shatter Me, Silver Elite, and Red Queen. Even better? The series continues with Resist, and trust me—you’ll want to keep going.

Ready to meet your next favorite fictional obsession? Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Snag your copy of Dissent here.