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lezreadalot's review
5.0
“Like a rose,” Vivian continued dreamily, smiling against Jules’s mouth, stroking over the burgundy fabric at Jules’s shoulder. “Petals and thorns. I want them both.”
Since this is a continuation of the first book, I obviously won't say too much about the plot to avoid spoilers. But clearly, I loved it. I adored this duet so much, and I'm really glad Sinclair decided to rework it and publish it, because otherwise I probably would not have gotten around to reading it. I loved this second book pretty much because I loved the first book? It is, after all, one complete story split into two parts.
And the thing is, this second part has a lot of flaws that would niggle at me in other books. The plot isn't super strong, there are perhaps some unnecessary love scenes, and not a lot, like, happens? But this is still 5stars! The author did such a good job of establishing the characters and the relationship in the first book, but there's still a lot of things they need to figure out, a lot of interpersonal conflict to be hashed out. I read this without my usual fear of having to contend with a stupid third act conflict, because I felt like this author knew her characters well enough, and the characters knew each other well enough that we wouldn't have to get bogged down with unnecessary drama.
“I needed you because you were there, and you were there because I needed you.”Again, that isn't to say that there is absolutely no conflict, because there is. Vivian and Jules misunderstand each other and miscommunicate as much as any other couple, and it felt real and cathartic and just so wonderful to go through that journey with them. I literally feel like I could read about these two characters watching paint dry, and if it's written in this distinctive way that clicks into their personalities so well, I'd still love it. It takes a certain amount of finesse to write characters in a committed relationship in a contemporary romance, still have enough material to make an entire book of it, and not resort to any overblown drama. I loved seeing them go through all of those little milestones that couples do; it truly made me giddy. I teared up at several moments, but that isn't a surprise to me. I'm so weepy these days and also... I love these women! I can't believe how much Vivian has grown on me from that first moment. And I mean, she's still very Vivian. Ice queen all the way. But she is mush for Jules in a way that feels absolutely authentic and wonderful. I felt the emotional connection between them so strongly. Gah.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden, and it was sublime as always. I'm usually a little bit picky about my 5 stars, and I guess this technically isn't perfect, but again, if I'm going based on my enjoyment, it's a complete winner. Some of the language in a couple of love scenes was perhaps a little bit cringey, but by the time I started feeling that way, I was absolutely head over heels, so I truly didn't care. Roslyn Sinclair is definitely an auto-buy author for me now. I loved this to bits.She kissed Vivian’s forehead and then her temple and then her cheek as Vivian kept her own lips pressed hard against Jules’s hand while she murmured her gratitude to—or for—the one who loved her best.
misthios_pat's review
5.0
I love Vivian so much! Gosh, how can a character be this awesome?
Looooord, this was sooo pleasing to read. I've barely slept this night because I couldn't put it down. Just like part 1, there was no heavy angst, dare I say, there is barely any angst [which if I need to choose, is always my go to for a good time], the couple is still figuring things out, juggling personal and professional life. So you worry about them, but not enough to think they aren't solid.
Because you see, Jules in a way is still insecure about things, but who can blame her? She's barely 26 and considering her world I'd be as concerned about things as her. But I love that she just doesn't give up on things, she takes the bull by the horn (after a bit of mulling haha) and it's great because that's a way to make Vivian open up. I, I really dig these two and their chemistry, they really fit together, I think they are perfetcly flawed. So I loved it and in addition to that was just as sexy as book one. ooooooof
I won't say much more because I'm still hungover from it, but I definitely wouldn't mind more, I'd follow them throughout 20 seasons of a show without a 2nd thought.
Looooord, this was sooo pleasing to read. I've barely slept this night because I couldn't put it down. Just like part 1, there was no heavy angst, dare I say, there is barely any angst [which if I need to choose, is always my go to for a good time], the couple is still figuring things out, juggling personal and professional life. So you worry about them, but not enough to think they aren't solid.
Because you see, Jules in a way is still insecure about things, but who can blame her? She's barely 26 and considering her world I'd be as concerned about things as her. But I love that she just doesn't give up on things, she takes the bull by the horn (after a bit of mulling haha) and it's great because that's a way to make Vivian open up. I, I really dig these two and their chemistry, they really fit together, I think they are perfetcly flawed. So I loved it and in addition to that was just as sexy as book one. ooooooof
I won't say much more because I'm still hungover from it, but I definitely wouldn't mind more, I'd follow them throughout 20 seasons of a show without a 2nd thought.
misha_ali's review
5.0
I really enjoyed the slow burn dynamic in the first book, as we move from a professional relationship to friendship and a thawing of relations, to an actual romantic dynamic. This book is really a natural part of the conflicts raised in the first, which I appreciated. There isn't any contrived drama, just the natural insecurity and difficultly juggling career and a romance, as well as the appearances of the dynamic to the outside world. I do appreciate that Vivian's character thaws a bit towards her person but otherwise remains intact and ruthless as ever.
Excellent characterization once again, great relationship dynamic, and very natural hurdles to overcome in this follow up. The duology is absolutely A+.
Excellent characterization once again, great relationship dynamic, and very natural hurdles to overcome in this follow up. The duology is absolutely A+.
netgyrl's review
5.0
5 Stars - kindle edition
I mean, OF COURSE, I am going to give this 5 stars. I just love this story so much. It takes some more turns away from the fanfic continuing to paid homage but being it's own story too. I definitely got a few giggles out of their first trying to "come out" as a couple foray. Vivian's exasperation was hilarious. If you are a fan of the original, I don't know how you couldn't also love this version.
I mean, OF COURSE, I am going to give this 5 stars. I just love this story so much. It takes some more turns away from the fanfic continuing to paid homage but being it's own story too. I definitely got a few giggles out of their first trying to "come out" as a couple foray. Vivian's exasperation was hilarious. If you are a fan of the original, I don't know how you couldn't also love this version.
00leah00's review
4.0
“Above All Things” by Roslyn Sinclair is the second in the Carlisle two-book series. It picks up right where “Truth and Measure” leaves off. It is my opinion that these two books be read back-to-back to really appreciate the full story.
This is even steamier than the first book and still features an age-gap romance.
What I liked about this was that we get to see the thawing of our ice queen, Vivian. In the first book, we don’t really see a lot of that, even in regards to Jules so it helped warming me up to Vivian quite a bit. I also liked how here sense of humor comes out now that she’s comfortable being with Jules. In regards to Jules, I really liked seeing her coming into her own with Vivian and standing up for herself. As her assistant in the first book, she had to follow Vivian’s word no matter what. And that carried over into their relationship where she had a hard time sticking up for herself. It made me happy to see them be equals here.
This book deals with relationship drama now that they’re together. Jules’s family isn’t happy with the relationship that she’s dating a much older and pregnant woman. She’s also trying to figure out her dreams of being a writer without riding Vivian’s coattails. Vivian is trying to keep her job from a backstabbing CEO while also dealing with her pregnancy and being in a relationship with a woman for the first time. I really enjoyed these aspects and how it showed how their relationship was changing. It highlighted how relationships are work and had a more realistic feel to it that I enjoyed.
I think if you enjoy age-gap, ice-queen romances, you’ll love this little series.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This is even steamier than the first book and still features an age-gap romance.
What I liked about this was that we get to see the thawing of our ice queen, Vivian. In the first book, we don’t really see a lot of that, even in regards to Jules so it helped warming me up to Vivian quite a bit. I also liked how here sense of humor comes out now that she’s comfortable being with Jules. In regards to Jules, I really liked seeing her coming into her own with Vivian and standing up for herself. As her assistant in the first book, she had to follow Vivian’s word no matter what. And that carried over into their relationship where she had a hard time sticking up for herself. It made me happy to see them be equals here.
This book deals with relationship drama now that they’re together. Jules’s family isn’t happy with the relationship that she’s dating a much older and pregnant woman. She’s also trying to figure out her dreams of being a writer without riding Vivian’s coattails. Vivian is trying to keep her job from a backstabbing CEO while also dealing with her pregnancy and being in a relationship with a woman for the first time. I really enjoyed these aspects and how it showed how their relationship was changing. It highlighted how relationships are work and had a more realistic feel to it that I enjoyed.
I think if you enjoy age-gap, ice-queen romances, you’ll love this little series.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
guardianrock's review
5.0
Complex and enthralling ice queen? Check. Smart but somewhat naive and lovable younger woman? Check. Love scenes that are incredible? Check, check, and check. Yes. get this book. If you love wlw age gap romances and ice queens, this is the book for you. This is the perfect conclusion to an amazing series! You absolutely need to read the first book, no doubt about it. But it will be worth it!
Jules and Vivian have the easy chemistry that makes each page fly by. I couldn't get enough of them. Roslyn Sinclair is the queen of ice queens. She just knows how to write them with such depth and care. I'm in awe of her talent.
Jules and Vivian have the easy chemistry that makes each page fly by. I couldn't get enough of them. Roslyn Sinclair is the queen of ice queens. She just knows how to write them with such depth and care. I'm in awe of her talent.
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