Scan barcode
lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
I am going to give this almost 4 stars. The book is well written and the plot is quite different with some unexpected twists and turns.
I enjoyed the story and, whilst the main characters (in fact all the characters ) were well rounded and believable. I just didn't fully engage /connect with them or 'feel' their emotion but that is a very subjective thing so please don't let that put you off a good book. This is why it doesn't get a higher rating from me.
Whilst I wasn't left with a feeling of having read an emotional or powerful book, at no point did I get bored or feel like putting the book down as a DNF.
The pace of the story is good, the chemistry between Addy and Simon is nicely portrayed, the narrative flows smoothly and the book is easy to read.
I enjoyed the story and, whilst the main characters (in fact all the characters ) were well rounded and believable. I just didn't fully engage /connect with them or 'feel' their emotion but that is a very subjective thing so please don't let that put you off a good book. This is why it doesn't get a higher rating from me.
Whilst I wasn't left with a feeling of having read an emotional or powerful book, at no point did I get bored or feel like putting the book down as a DNF.
The pace of the story is good, the chemistry between Addy and Simon is nicely portrayed, the narrative flows smoothly and the book is easy to read.
mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
3.0
Rise is a strong debut novel with a unique storyline. The two main characters Addie and Simon both have pasts they’d rather leave behind them. Addie is still suffering her father’s betrayal years later. A betrayal she and her family can’t seem to escape. Simon’s past has caught up to him, making him relive the guilt and betrayal caused by his mother.
“From the first time we met. I looked at you and felt like I could see a story in your eyes. One that was as sad as mine and I wanted to know it.”
Addie and Simon are drawn together – and while instantly attracted to each other – the trust issues caused by their parents make it difficult for them open up to one another, especially about their pasts.
“If I had dared to dream what falling in love would be like, I wouldn’t have dreamed anything as wonderful as what is has been with Simon. I’ve spent most of my life planning to be alone, and if not alone then without a true partner. Simon has walked into my life unexpectedly, and even though he didn’t make it easy, he showed me beauty beyond anything my heart could have imagined.”
The first half of the story is a bit too stilted, slow (This could be due in part to me getting used to the writing of a new author) angsty, and hot and cold for me, but the flow and action become much better for the remainder of the book. Simon and Addie’s courtship is not an easy one, and sometimes you’ll want to throw your book at the wall for all the hot and cold these two push on each other in the beginning. But when they finally get together and start to open up to each other – *dreamy sigh*
“I love you in a way I have never loved anyone before. You gave me hope I hadn’t dared to allow myself to have.”
But of course the author has to throw reader’s another curve ball before Simon and Addie can get their HEA. A French garden proposal in Grand Trianon - *swoon*.
While the story is nothing what I expected from the blurb, I’m satisfied (partially) as to where the author took us. Partially, because I am happy with Addie and Simon’s story arc but dissatisfied that the overall story arc – Addie’s father’s betrayal – is just gaining momentum when the story ends. I mistakenly thought Rise was a standalone but the story will continue with the POV of Milly, Addie’s sister. You will get a HEA for Addie and Simon, but be warned that the story is not over and not all issues are resolved in Rise.
Rise is a strong debut novel told in duel POV by Addie and Simon. It could defiantly use another thorough editing pass -numerous errors take away from the enjoyment of the book (*Note: I just found out that my copy was the same as the ARC so these mistakes may not appear in the final version). And I have a personal pet-peeve of the dates constantly appearing. I don’t need to know that it’s the same date when the POV switches. I don’t want to know the date every chapter unless we’re moving forward or skipping ahead. Overall, Rise gives you romance, definitely some sexy, drama, angst, friendship, family, intrigue, and most importantly (for me) an HEA.
“From the first time we met. I looked at you and felt like I could see a story in your eyes. One that was as sad as mine and I wanted to know it.”
Addie and Simon are drawn together – and while instantly attracted to each other – the trust issues caused by their parents make it difficult for them open up to one another, especially about their pasts.
“If I had dared to dream what falling in love would be like, I wouldn’t have dreamed anything as wonderful as what is has been with Simon. I’ve spent most of my life planning to be alone, and if not alone then without a true partner. Simon has walked into my life unexpectedly, and even though he didn’t make it easy, he showed me beauty beyond anything my heart could have imagined.”
The first half of the story is a bit too stilted, slow (This could be due in part to me getting used to the writing of a new author) angsty, and hot and cold for me, but the flow and action become much better for the remainder of the book. Simon and Addie’s courtship is not an easy one, and sometimes you’ll want to throw your book at the wall for all the hot and cold these two push on each other in the beginning. But when they finally get together and start to open up to each other – *dreamy sigh*
“I love you in a way I have never loved anyone before. You gave me hope I hadn’t dared to allow myself to have.”
But of course the author has to throw reader’s another curve ball before Simon and Addie can get their HEA. A French garden proposal in Grand Trianon - *swoon*.
While the story is nothing what I expected from the blurb, I’m satisfied (partially) as to where the author took us. Partially, because I am happy with Addie and Simon’s story arc but dissatisfied that the overall story arc – Addie’s father’s betrayal – is just gaining momentum when the story ends. I mistakenly thought Rise was a standalone but the story will continue with the POV of Milly, Addie’s sister. You will get a HEA for Addie and Simon, but be warned that the story is not over and not all issues are resolved in Rise.
Rise is a strong debut novel told in duel POV by Addie and Simon. It could defiantly use another thorough editing pass -numerous errors take away from the enjoyment of the book (*Note: I just found out that my copy was the same as the ARC so these mistakes may not appear in the final version). And I have a personal pet-peeve of the dates constantly appearing. I don’t need to know that it’s the same date when the POV switches. I don’t want to know the date every chapter unless we’re moving forward or skipping ahead. Overall, Rise gives you romance, definitely some sexy, drama, angst, friendship, family, intrigue, and most importantly (for me) an HEA.
rme2020's review against another edition
5.0
This is a 5 star read for me. Not because I was lucky enough to get an ARC. This is a 5 star read for me because I had all the feels while reading this story!
I immediately hated Matthew, I was frustrated with Simon, I was sad for Addie, I felt for Kyle and what he had to overcome, I was tearfully happy with the ending and can't wait to read more in this series. Simon and Addie had great chemistry and their scenes were beyond hot. This story has everything I look for and more. I loved the secondary characters and the underlying background stories and found they were unexpected and definitely helped justify Simon's actions and Addie's reservations.
I immediately hated Matthew, I was frustrated with Simon, I was sad for Addie, I felt for Kyle and what he had to overcome, I was tearfully happy with the ending and can't wait to read more in this series. Simon and Addie had great chemistry and their scenes were beyond hot. This story has everything I look for and more. I loved the secondary characters and the underlying background stories and found they were unexpected and definitely helped justify Simon's actions and Addie's reservations.
s3c0ndbreakfast's review against another edition
2.0
Meh.
I really wanted to like this book. The premise was good but execution was definitely lacking. So much sex and masturbatory talk. Insane. More of that than actual story.
I'm no prude, but this was a bit much.
I really struggled to keep reading, like I said it was mostly sex, with bits of story thrown in instead of the other way around.
I won't be reading the second book. I really really liked the idea of this story, sad.
I really wanted to like this book. The premise was good but execution was definitely lacking. So much sex and masturbatory talk. Insane. More of that than actual story.
I'm no prude, but this was a bit much.
I really struggled to keep reading, like I said it was mostly sex, with bits of story thrown in instead of the other way around.
I won't be reading the second book. I really really liked the idea of this story, sad.
bibliophile90's review against another edition
5.0
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
"I think you might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I feel tormented by it."
Some stories don't need all the bells and whistles to make it great. Sometimes the story is told in such a way that the simplicity of it with complex characters makes it perfect. Sometimes you don't need all the extra unnecessary drama or plot twists, sometimes the story is amazing the way it is. Rise was definitely a book that didn't need all of this. First of all this is the debut novel of Dylan Allen and WOW did she blow me away. She did it in a very subtle manner, the story and characters sneaked their way into my heart.
The pacing of the story was phenomenal. The author really took her time to tell a story. There was no rushing through or stretching of any scenes. This made it very easy for me to connect with the characters. Also the growth of the main characters Simon and Addie as a 'couple' felt very organic, it felt real. They both were flawed and were aware of it. They had their ups and downs but in a way that made sense. I get annoyed pretty fast in books when characters act a certain way that doesn't make sense, but that was definitely NOT the case for Rise. Everything they did they did with the best intentions in mind. They both went through some very heartbreaking things in the past and that showed in their way of living and actions in the present.
Also LOVED that they both Simon and Addie were biracial, we need more characters of color with different cultural backgrounds in books. I was born to immigrant parents so I know how it feels to be judged or looked down upon because of my background. The author took her time to include this in the book as well, which is in my opinion is very important (especially in these times). Simone and Addie were amazing characters, they were both very smart and driven. But also caring and protective. They were adults and acted in a very mature way. Like you see I haven't really touched upon the plot of the story, I don't think you need to know more than what is told in the blurb. I highly recommend you guys to give this book a try. It is one of my favorites of the year and you know how picky I am with my books.
"I think you might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I feel tormented by it."
Some stories don't need all the bells and whistles to make it great. Sometimes the story is told in such a way that the simplicity of it with complex characters makes it perfect. Sometimes you don't need all the extra unnecessary drama or plot twists, sometimes the story is amazing the way it is. Rise was definitely a book that didn't need all of this. First of all this is the debut novel of Dylan Allen and WOW did she blow me away. She did it in a very subtle manner, the story and characters sneaked their way into my heart.
The pacing of the story was phenomenal. The author really took her time to tell a story. There was no rushing through or stretching of any scenes. This made it very easy for me to connect with the characters. Also the growth of the main characters Simon and Addie as a 'couple' felt very organic, it felt real. They both were flawed and were aware of it. They had their ups and downs but in a way that made sense. I get annoyed pretty fast in books when characters act a certain way that doesn't make sense, but that was definitely NOT the case for Rise. Everything they did they did with the best intentions in mind. They both went through some very heartbreaking things in the past and that showed in their way of living and actions in the present.
Also LOVED that they both Simon and Addie were biracial, we need more characters of color with different cultural backgrounds in books. I was born to immigrant parents so I know how it feels to be judged or looked down upon because of my background. The author took her time to include this in the book as well, which is in my opinion is very important (especially in these times). Simone and Addie were amazing characters, they were both very smart and driven. But also caring and protective. They were adults and acted in a very mature way. Like you see I haven't really touched upon the plot of the story, I don't think you need to know more than what is told in the blurb. I highly recommend you guys to give this book a try. It is one of my favorites of the year and you know how picky I am with my books.
linzreadz13's review against another edition
5.0
How is this a debut novel?! It was so amazingly well written. With a strong message of how to live for yourself and not let your past define you, Ms. Allen was able to weave together the right amount of each ingredient of a captivating love story. The characters were so well developed I felt as if I knew them and walked through this story with them.
Addie’s father abandons her family when she is fairly young and she vows to always keep these two promised to herself:
She has worked hard to get where she is and I applaud her character development. She is strong, fierce, but also has a very passionate side. While we know some of her secrets right out of the gate, there are others that are revealed as we move through her story. She has become independent and a relationship is the last thing on her radar.
Then in walks Simon. Simon is young and rich. However, he has a past that he must come to terms with as well. At first, he wasn’t quite sure how to deal with his feelings for Addie and he is a bit cold and hot. Then bam! He figures it out and was amazing! He was just the right mix of sweet, protective, smart, and stubborn that makes a girl go ahhh. He was so swoon-worthy!
Addie and Simon’s chemistry and the angsty parts made their relationship all the more realistic. I could feel the emotions as if I was there. I couldn’t help but root for them! I loved how the dual POV helped to They are in London after all and with that amazing background, how could you not root for true love?
This story was so wonderfully written. I loved the seamless plot and all of the characters only enhanced the way the story was told. Kyle, is one of my favorite secondary characters I think maybe of all time. Dylan, please tell me we get his story next!
If you love finding new authors, make sure to go give this one a try! You will truly enjoy it! Plus, then you can wait, impatiently, with me for more books by Dylan!
Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“I want to mark this woman and make sure she can’t forget me for a while.”
“Even when I hate him, I want him. I ache for him.”
“Dreams aren’t made of fairytales and romance, they are made of hard work and grit.”
“I think you might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I feel tormented by it.”
“In a city where dreams are made, mine is sitting across me, and I know wherever she goes, I will follow.”
Addie’s father abandons her family when she is fairly young and she vows to always keep these two promised to herself:
“1: I would never rely on anyone for anything.
2: I would never find a way to live in a country where no one would care who I had been “before”.”
She has worked hard to get where she is and I applaud her character development. She is strong, fierce, but also has a very passionate side. While we know some of her secrets right out of the gate, there are others that are revealed as we move through her story. She has become independent and a relationship is the last thing on her radar.
Then in walks Simon. Simon is young and rich. However, he has a past that he must come to terms with as well. At first, he wasn’t quite sure how to deal with his feelings for Addie and he is a bit cold and hot. Then bam! He figures it out and was amazing! He was just the right mix of sweet, protective, smart, and stubborn that makes a girl go ahhh. He was so swoon-worthy!
Addie and Simon’s chemistry and the angsty parts made their relationship all the more realistic. I could feel the emotions as if I was there. I couldn’t help but root for them! I loved how the dual POV helped to They are in London after all and with that amazing background, how could you not root for true love?
This story was so wonderfully written. I loved the seamless plot and all of the characters only enhanced the way the story was told. Kyle, is one of my favorite secondary characters I think maybe of all time. Dylan, please tell me we get his story next!
If you love finding new authors, make sure to go give this one a try! You will truly enjoy it! Plus, then you can wait, impatiently, with me for more books by Dylan!
Grateful to have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Few of My Favorite Quotes
“I want to mark this woman and make sure she can’t forget me for a while.”
“Even when I hate him, I want him. I ache for him.”
“Dreams aren’t made of fairytales and romance, they are made of hard work and grit.”
“I think you might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I feel tormented by it.”
“In a city where dreams are made, mine is sitting across me, and I know wherever she goes, I will follow.”
lawlesslandofbooks's review
5.0
This is one of those books I had to wallow in. Both during the actual reading and after. I had to take time to revisit all the feels it left with me......Dylan Allen knows how to give a romance reader what she/he wants. That doesn't surprise me in the least. I knew that in my gut from the moment I found out about the book.
The anticipation leading up to getting the ARC was incredible, but man the journey through the book itself.....just _______! The ups, the downs. The way she weaves the story together is as beautiful and amazing as a certain dress...you'll know the one I mean as soon as you read the book. I expected a good read....I did not necessarily know she was going to knock it OUT OF THE PARK on her very FIRST at bat. Is a baseball analogy ok here? I know there is no crying in baseball (supposedly) and there was definitely crying while reading this book.
She has an amazing ability coming right out of the gate with her Debut. The ability to connect us to the characters. To share some really hard topics with us.....to give us the feels for the situations.....the hurt, the anger, the hopelessness, the guilt, the confusion, the need for answers and then to flip the script and show us: .....there can be understanding.....there can be forgiveness....there can be a way forward.....there can be HOPE.....and Yes! There can be LOVE!
She makes us not just care for the characters as they have each of these feelings... She makes us FEEL them. She takes us to places we may or may not ever get to ourselves: literally in the physical world and figuratively in our emotional world.
We are a part of Addie and Simon on this journey. Our hearts pound, our fists clench, our breaths catch, our stomachs drop, our hearts constrict as we feel the fear, the anger, the hope, the desire, the love and so many more emotions than can be named here.
This is what will keep us coming back for more. Dylan Allen is a star that is going to Rise in the Romance World: Remember her name. Recommendation Status: Did you just read the reveiw? Then you know the status....READ THIS....Yesterday!
The anticipation leading up to getting the ARC was incredible, but man the journey through the book itself.....just _______! The ups, the downs. The way she weaves the story together is as beautiful and amazing as a certain dress...you'll know the one I mean as soon as you read the book. I expected a good read....I did not necessarily know she was going to knock it OUT OF THE PARK on her very FIRST at bat. Is a baseball analogy ok here? I know there is no crying in baseball (supposedly) and there was definitely crying while reading this book.
She has an amazing ability coming right out of the gate with her Debut. The ability to connect us to the characters. To share some really hard topics with us.....to give us the feels for the situations.....the hurt, the anger, the hopelessness, the guilt, the confusion, the need for answers and then to flip the script and show us: .....there can be understanding.....there can be forgiveness....there can be a way forward.....there can be HOPE.....and Yes! There can be LOVE!
She makes us not just care for the characters as they have each of these feelings... She makes us FEEL them. She takes us to places we may or may not ever get to ourselves: literally in the physical world and figuratively in our emotional world.
We are a part of Addie and Simon on this journey. Our hearts pound, our fists clench, our breaths catch, our stomachs drop, our hearts constrict as we feel the fear, the anger, the hope, the desire, the love and so many more emotions than can be named here.
This is what will keep us coming back for more. Dylan Allen is a star that is going to Rise in the Romance World: Remember her name. Recommendation Status: Did you just read the reveiw? Then you know the status....READ THIS....Yesterday!
raciethereader's review against another edition
4.0
I started hearing about this book several weeks ago from my trusted book friends and one of my favorite author. I was immediately intrigued because the book has diverse characters and is set in London. Knowing this is a debut author, I was a bit nervous, despite hearing such good things. Through my book friends, I was offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Adelaide Hassan on the day her life falls apart at the age of 13. Her father is implicated in stealing millions and disappears, leaving Addie, her mom, and her sisters to deal with the media fallout. We catch up with Addie fresh out of law school and working a dream job in London. Her name has been changed to Adelaide Dennis and she is trying to distance herself from anything to do with her father who is still in hiding.
By chance, Addie meets Simon through mutual friends. There is instant attraction. Simon knows he has no room in his life for dating however. Simon has just gained custody of an infant nephew burned to his drug addicted sister in jail. Simon and his brother are doing their best to care for Henry, while also dealing with their memories of neglect from their mother who is also incarcerated.
The romance between Addie and Simon involves a bit of angst as they both deal with their feelings toward each other and the complications n their lives. My favorite thing to see in books is character growth and development and we get that from Addie and Simon. The romance is sweet, and Simon is a dirty talker so the sex scenes are hot.
We meet Adelaide Hassan on the day her life falls apart at the age of 13. Her father is implicated in stealing millions and disappears, leaving Addie, her mom, and her sisters to deal with the media fallout. We catch up with Addie fresh out of law school and working a dream job in London. Her name has been changed to Adelaide Dennis and she is trying to distance herself from anything to do with her father who is still in hiding.
By chance, Addie meets Simon through mutual friends. There is instant attraction. Simon knows he has no room in his life for dating however. Simon has just gained custody of an infant nephew burned to his drug addicted sister in jail. Simon and his brother are doing their best to care for Henry, while also dealing with their memories of neglect from their mother who is also incarcerated.
The romance between Addie and Simon involves a bit of angst as they both deal with their feelings toward each other and the complications n their lives. My favorite thing to see in books is character growth and development and we get that from Addie and Simon. The romance is sweet, and Simon is a dirty talker so the sex scenes are hot.
emgibson77's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautiful love story of Addie and Simon! It really gave me all the feels!
I couldn’t put it down!
I couldn’t put it down!
prettymessreading's review against another edition
4.0
Click here for an interview with Dylan Allen and a giveaway of a signed copy of Rise - Book 1 of this amazing series! https://wp.me/p7ZSCH-3gc
Unfiltered review here... https://prettymessreading.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/rise-by-dylan-allen/
What a beautiful story! You have a beautiful, mocha, fierce and sexy woman. Now, let’s add a sexy as hell, sex on wheels chocolate man. I mean come on. What more do you need?
– Well, of course, we need some damn good writing. Hello, folks, let me introduce Rise.
Addie’s life wasn’t easy or normal, it was hard and gritty. Addie had to face challenges that others couldn’t imagine. With a father who broke her heart and a mother she saw as weak, she made it her mission to never depend on anyone. And, love? That was out of the question. A life without love and family isn’t really a life, but a life that mimicked her mother’s was out of the question. She never wanted to love a man so much and risk him leaving her the way her father left. To her, her mother was weak, Addie never wanted to be weak.
On the outside it looked as though Simon had everything but in truth, his world was spiraling out of control. With new responsibilities colliding with those of the past, the possibility of love didn’t fit into his new world. Simon didn’t want to be like his father, who abandoned him as a child. He wanted to be better, which is great. . .but not enough.
Simon didn’t want to want Addie just as much as Addie didn’t want to want Simon. Instead, they both must choose what is more important. Is it love or loneliness?
Do I recommend this book? Yes, I truly do. It was a good read.
Will I read more books by Dylan Allen? Yes, I will. The best part is that I look forward to it. I mean, think about it. If her debut book was this good, the next will be amazing.
Follow all things messy...
Follow all my crazy....
Instagram www.instagram.com/prettymessreading/
Facebook www.facebook.com/prettymessreading/
Twitter www.twitter.com/prettymessread
Unfiltered review here... https://prettymessreading.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/rise-by-dylan-allen/
What a beautiful story! You have a beautiful, mocha, fierce and sexy woman. Now, let’s add a sexy as hell, sex on wheels chocolate man. I mean come on. What more do you need?
– Well, of course, we need some damn good writing. Hello, folks, let me introduce Rise.
Addie’s life wasn’t easy or normal, it was hard and gritty. Addie had to face challenges that others couldn’t imagine. With a father who broke her heart and a mother she saw as weak, she made it her mission to never depend on anyone. And, love? That was out of the question. A life without love and family isn’t really a life, but a life that mimicked her mother’s was out of the question. She never wanted to love a man so much and risk him leaving her the way her father left. To her, her mother was weak, Addie never wanted to be weak.
On the outside it looked as though Simon had everything but in truth, his world was spiraling out of control. With new responsibilities colliding with those of the past, the possibility of love didn’t fit into his new world. Simon didn’t want to be like his father, who abandoned him as a child. He wanted to be better, which is great. . .but not enough.
Simon didn’t want to want Addie just as much as Addie didn’t want to want Simon. Instead, they both must choose what is more important. Is it love or loneliness?
“I think you might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I feel tormented by it.” – Simon
Do I recommend this book? Yes, I truly do. It was a good read.
Will I read more books by Dylan Allen? Yes, I will. The best part is that I look forward to it. I mean, think about it. If her debut book was this good, the next will be amazing.
Follow all things messy...
Follow all my crazy....
Instagram www.instagram.com/prettymessreading/
Facebook www.facebook.com/prettymessreading/
Twitter www.twitter.com/prettymessread