Love isn’t for me.I don’t dream – I work. I don’t fall in love – I focus. I never let anything, or anyone distract me.Until I meet Simon.The gorgeous, brilliant young architect snares me with his dark eyes.He sets me aflame with his dirty, filthy mouth. He breaks down my defenses one sweet, sexy smile at a time. Suddenly, I find myself, breaking all my rules. I forget that only fools fall in …
I forget that only fools fall in love.
I don’t remember that dreams are just lies we tell ourselves.
All is do is dream… of his hands, his lips, his body.
Of a heart good enough…and a love strong enough
to make me believe in happily ever after.
When our pasts rear their ugly heads and our secrets start to be revealed,
we buckle under the weight of them.
Will we let them break us?
Or will we find the courage to rise to the challenge
and fight for our love?
more
Family is not always blood related. It is those who truly care for your well-being and choose to support you through the happiness and hardships of life. This is the resounding message Dylan Allen delivers in Rise.
I enjoyed this beautifully rich story of true and unexpected love. Simon and Addie are gorgeous and destined for each other. Their individual stories broke my heart. Their strength and determination to be something more than their circumstances inspired hope. Their mutual love and belief in each other was truly a bakm for my soul.
Rise’s many layers and its multi-cultural influences make is a book to be savored and relished. It made me think about so many different aspects of life. It made me grateful for the blessings in my world.
Dylan Allen’s writing style is passionate and intense. Rise is truly a treasure. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the lives of the characters in this family.
I luv this author !!
Dylan Allen has fast become one of my favourite authors her story’s are amazing. This is her first book in the Symbol of Love Series. I’ve seen these books but hadn’t gotten around to reading them. Then I seen a few girls talking about it in FB so I had to give it a go and wow. Again in kicking myself why have I got read this series sooner. I was hook from the first page the story was really good and unique I’ve not read anything with this type of story. I have to say it was really and good and a bit of an eye opener to.
The characters are brilliant I really liked Addie she is such a strong woman and the things she has dealt with are hard and she is still dealing with everything now. She can never get away with what has happen in her family. But she seems to be the one that isnt dealing well with it still after 13 years. Addie has work her backside off to be where she is right now it’s the only thing she cares about. Being in a relationship as not been important until she meets this gorgeous guy Simon. After meeting him she can’t get him out of her mind but he has secret that are just as big has hers.
Simon wow this guy is hot like really hot. He is so caring and kind it’s hard to believe what your reading at first i thought this guy was just to good. The things he has had to go through is terrible his family isn’t like normal families they had been through some bad times. But Simon has tried to make things better the guilt this guy carries around is horrible. He blames himself for so much but if he wasn’t this caring and kind person he wouldn’t be where is his right now. I luv him straight away yes he made mistake where it came to Eddie but I understand why he did it. The responsibility have had are crazy and the last thing he needs is drama. But Addie was special from the first look he got if her he knew it. He just didn’t deal very well with it.
I would highly recommend this book or actually any of her books to be honest. I’ve read 4 and I have to say she just keeps getting better and better. I fall into story and end up luving the character so much. I’m dying to read the next 2 books in this series. The Dennis sister are all very different and I know Milly’s book will be amazing.
What a intriguing story this was..
When I read the description for Rise I realised it’d be the kind of book I’d like to read and I was right.
Addie and Simon are so interesting. They’ve both been hurt, been abandoned by ones that they love and don’t know how to move past the hurt and anger they feel and it’s so sad to see just how much it has affected them both.
Their pasts are heartbreaking and devastating, things that should never happen to children that young. It has you feeling so much for them and loving how strong it’s made them both.
This story fascinated me, I drew me in and didn’t let go until I had read the final chapter. I loved every mintier of it, I can’t wait to hear more from them.
Dylan Allen is an incredible writer and I’m looking forward to reading more books from her in the future.
This is my third ARC from the author…
I’ve read The Rivers Wilde series—The Legacy and The Legend, and because of that, I signed up for this one’s ARC.
At first I wasn’t aware that this was kind of a re-release… I just went in and dove right away…
To be honest, I wasn’t really feeling the story. Not as much as the previous books I’ve read from hers… It took me a couple of days to finish… and I was contemplating whether or not to finish reading it but I’ve never not finished a book, ever.
The first few chapters were exciting… but somewhere before the middle, my excitement kind of dwindled down. I was asking myself if it was the story itself or was it just me?
I know for a fact that the author is awesome… like I’ve said, The Rivers Wilde series are a huge favorite of mine and I gave them 5-stars… those books were gripping… like page after page there is something new to anticipate… but this one… It didn’t hold my interest very long (but I still forged on).
Maybe it was the push and pull, maybe it was the angst… I don’t know… I just didn’t connect with them as a couple… as individuals they were strong and resilient characters but as a couple, I didn’t really feel them. I’m sorry 🙁
Rise the first book in this author’s Symbols of Love series and I enjoyed this story. There were some parts that I felt lacked enough detail but the overall story was worth the read.
This book revolves around secrets of the past and attempting to find a way to have a new life while guarding those secrets. There are parts that are raw and ugly but their love story brings so much brightness to the dark.
I still have a bunch of questions and I can’t wait to find out the answers in the next books. There were parts of this book that were pretty choppy and some that I had to go back to see if I missed something but it was still a book I recommend that you read!
This was a great debut by Dylan Allen. The prologue hooked me immediately. Also Addie’s and Simon’s background story was very intriguing. Their first meeting was fun and sexy. I would have appreciated, that their relationship was more slowly developed because I never got that deeper love or intense connection from them. Yes, I could feel their attraction towards one another but it was more insta-lust which was a shame. It had potential to be more if just it had taken its time.
I really enjoyed Simons relationship with his brother Kyle and their nephew Henry. Their support for one another, love and determination to be a family was a highlight for me. Also Addie and Kyle’s bantering was heartwarming and showed easy she fitted in with the two brothers and their nephew.
The story felt a little rushed towards the end but despite that I overall enjoyed Rise. I know there’s going to be a sequel which centers around Addie’s sister Millie but I also hope that Kyle will get his because he definitely made an impression on me.
3 BadAssDirtyFamilyFirstStars
This was such an enjoyable book! It took me a bit to get into it but once I did… it was on! The chemistry between Simon and Adelaide was intense and hot!! I thought this book proceeded with a fantastic pace. I was so happy to see that they were like real people and didn’t just tumble into bed together without looking first. I loved that they talked and knew where they were at first. Once they decided to go for it, they were all in.
The secondary characters also brought a fantastic level to this. Both Simon and Adelaide were more serious and goal driven people that they needed others in their lives that were a bit more carefree. I just adored Cara. Louis was fantastic too. I loved them together. I severely want Kyle’s story… like you HAVE to write his story. After his past, he deserves a happily ever after. I wouldn’t mind hearing Adelaide’s sister’s story either.
I took the star away for parts I wanted more information on. There are a few nagging questions left in my head. I’ll try to be vague as I don’t want to give the book away but I want people to know why I gave this great debut novel 4 stars. First, I don’t feel like I received an answer to Simon’s dilemma with his mother. I’m just curious what his and Kyle’s decision was there. Secondly, it also feels super off that Cara and Louis just disappear for two weeks and no one can get in touch with them. Cara and Adelaide are such close friends that I don’t think it feels authentic that she was just MIA for two weeks during one of the worst times in Ad’s life. Thirdly, I have no idea where this secondary dream of a woman’s help center (or whatever it was) came from. I had no idea and all of a sudden it was mentioned and then life goals were changed. I think if I heard more of it when she was volunteering I wouldn’t have been as shocked. Lastly, daddy issues… I want closure there. I need to know what happened. I need answers and don’t feel satisfied with how that ended.
NOTE: I did speak with the author about my last “issue” and it turns out that this is just the start of books for these people. So we might get some updates on this daddy issue. So I’d like to actually bump this up to a 4.25 stars. It’s nice to have an author seek you out and give insight on certain parts. Thanks Dylan!! I WISH Amazon would let you give half stars. I’m not going to give this book less than my 4.25 stars so I’m bumping it up to a 5 star on Amazon.
I totally think Dylan Allen has a hoard of books that she’s been writing hidden somewhere. It’s that hard to believe that this is her debut book. The writing was just flawless and this was such a great story. I’m hoping (like a lot) that we get more from these people. I love the strength Adelaide has. She’s a strong woman. The phrase “Rise to the challenge” was used throughout and I just think it’s a great phrase and everyone should aspire to that! Rise up! Don’t give up or back down! Simon was fan-friggin-tastic but Ad… Ad was perfection!!
I was so excited to read this book. I heard a lot of buzz surrounding it and the cover was amazing. #coverwhore. The story centers around Addie, who’s father turns her and her families lives upside down. Determined to make something out of her life despite her father’s mistakes she become a high power attorney for firm in London. She meets the tall, dark and handsome Simon who’s successful in his own right and who’s life has its own complications and past demons. When their two worlds collide the sexual tension is off the charts but there past fears keep them apart.
This book rose the occasion of sexy, diverse, and entertaining.
UGH was a nice slow burn. I was getting nervous on how it would wrap up with 9% left. But it did with no cliffhanger but with a second book of a sub characters where the story continues but not solely for the main ones of this book.
“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.
Wow! What a book.
Rise is so much more than I could have possibly hoped for. Rise has complex characters with dark pasts filled with pain and regret, Addie and Simon try to find ways past their tightly built defenses and find happiness.
This story was so interesting and got me hooked from the very beginning with the news of Addie’s father fleeing the country becoming a fugitive. Addie in the future was such a complex character and you can see the impact her father had on her. Addie is closed off from almost everyone and has built walls that are indestructible until she meets Simon. Addie has turned cold towards her mother and sisters who she feels weren’t there for her and have forgiven their father for his transgressions. She refuses to let anyone deceive and hurt her the way her father did. She is purely focused on her career. Simon makes Addie feel things she never thought possible and she does the same for him. Simon’s life is very complicated and he carries the guilt of his childhood and the responsibility of caring for his family. He feels that its all he has time for.
I loved these characters. They were suffering so much and felt that love and happiness was not in the cards for them despite the budding attraction they feel. I mean whenever they were together it was hot and sparks were flying. Even though I felt so frustrated with Addie for thinking being alone was better than having love, I understood where she was coming from and I desperately wanted her to know love and happiness. And Simon got such a crappy hand at life and made something of himself. I commend him for the responsibility he took on, but I love his brother for setting Simon straight and telling him he deserved Addie. I was all soo great.
Another thing that I want to hug and kiss Dylan for is not only that she made both of these characters black, but shed a spotlight on the racism that exists in not only American, but in the UK as well. I respected that the author didn’t sugar coat things and even showed Addie’s struggle with not having immigrant parents and not exactly looking black to some. I loved this.
I definitely recommend this book. I have found a new author whose books I will definitely continue to read more of in the future. So good.
One of THE BEST romance stories I’ve read in a while, Rise had me reading at all hours of the night. I couldn’t put this book down, but never wanted it to end. The story of Addie and Simon is beautifully told and is perfectly elaborate. Addie is the quintessential heroine – strong, independent, but not without flaws. Because of her less than stellar upbringing, love is never on her radar; and in fact she never really pictures herself growing old with anyone. Immersing herself in her career, and excelling on a professional level has always been her priority. However, meeting Simon, proves to be a challenge, creating a stir in her life that she is not prepared for. He has his own skeletons and both are not sure if getting involved is ideal. Rise is the ultimate push/pull story. As I read, there were many times that my heart sunk, not knowing if this bump in the road would lead to their demise. Other times, I cried because Addie was very relatable. I could feel my anger rise for her, and I could feel Simon’s insecurities leap off the page. Dylan Allen’s debut is PHENOMENAL! I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS! Truly! I was romanced by the charm of the cities highlighted, and whisked away by the combustible heat between Addie and Simon. Trust me when I say that this book is “thigh-squeezingly” on point. If you are on the fence – DON’T BE! You will fall in love with this author, this story, and these characters.
I’m really rather speechless right now.
I’ll be honest. I have put off reading Dylan’s Symbols of Love series for a while now thinking to myself “Oh, I’ll get to it. I’ll get to it.” I’ll get to it came this weekend when I desperately wanted Dylan’s company and a wonderful book to fall into. See, I’m very fortunate that I get to call this wonderfully talented woman “friend” outside of the book world. Rise and Dylan’s sense of humor, love of angst and masterful words were waiting for me.
I started Rise and immediately fell into a world of intrigue, sadness, anger, sensual softness and determination. A family of four beautiful women – a mother and her three daughters – facing the biggest and seemingly the most insurmountable challenge of their lives… surviving a husband and father’s betrayal. It’s the story of a young man who learns hard lessons at an early age and takes on the responsibility of family before he may have been ready. It’s a story of two broken people finding their way toward healing and doing it together.
Addie has spent her life trying to fight to be more than her tragic past. Simon has fought everyday to be the man his brother and nephew needs him to be, to not let their parents mistakes damage their future. When these two scarred souls meet, they just know the other and it only takes one look. But the past with all its baggage can be tough to overcome.
I simply loved everything about Addie and Simon. She is tough and beautiful and it is easy to understand why Addie’s walls are so high and her heart is so protected. Simon is proof that a tough beginning in life doesn’t have to define who you are, what your dreams can be and how those dreams can be achieved. The magic these two people share…. sigh worthy, heartbreaking, soul mending. But at its core, Rise is a story of family. How precious it is, how vital it is and how shapes and molds who a person will become.
So wonderfully and beautifully done, Dylan. FIVE RISING STARS!