Rise

Where to start? I was afforded the opportunity to read an ARC of Rise, the first book from debut author Dylan Allen.After Addie's father abandons the family at a young age, she vows to live her life as self sufficiently as possible, not wanting to depend on anyone, especially not a man. Harvard Law. An up and coming position at one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, working in Project Management. A fabulous apartment in beautiful London. Accomplishing all of this took extreme focus, which Addie has in spades, until she meets Simon. That focus is shot to hell when she sees this tall, beautiful man that is built like Adonis. But Simon's secrets create this wall that goes up each time they see each other. A wall that becomes more difficult to erect each time they come together. What Simon doesn't know is that Addie has secrets of her own that are buried so deep that when they are unearthed, their whole world is dropped on its axis.Not everyone gets it right the first time around, but Dylan Allen nailed it! The initial lustful attraction between Addie and Simon quickly becomes this raw, unbridled, even NECESSARY connection when they realize that even life can't get in the way of the magnetism between them. Circumstances of friendship bring them together, but the circumstances of life continue to push them apart. There's not a lot of sex for most of the book, but the unrealized love and adoration that pours out of these characters will warm your heart! And wow, is Simon hot?!?! The way the author described him just made my panties melt. Don't get me wrong, I love the hotness factor, but the obstacles Addie and Simon encounter throughout the story and what they've dealt with in their past, could have easily been you or me.Trigger warnings: this book contains scenes revealing child abuse, neglect and drug abuse. I gave this 5 "rising above it all" stars!!!

For a debut novel, this book is freaking amazing! This is the kind of book I'm looking for to read. I was immediately hooked to the story. It's not rushing, I find myself enjoying everything in the book. Addie and Simon are the kind of heroine and hero I'm sure you want to meet. I caught myself in love with Kyle too on the way.Rise offers more than a romance story, there are also lessons in it that can be learned. This book sure is one you can't miss to read.

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!