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A review by mycatismybookmark
Rise by Dylan Allen
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.