Raise the Bar

Love in 2C #2

by K.M. Gillis

Sometimes the reward is worth the risk.

Maggie Morales is a woman on a mission. She’s ended a toxic relationship and is ready to find Mr. Right—if she can stop getting distracted by a certain serial-dating Mr. Right Now.

Callum Gallagher, everyone’s favorite multi-millionaire, prefers to rack up successes in the boardroom and the bedroom. He has everything and wants nothing. So why can’t he stop thinking about a woman he can't have? And why does he keep going out of his way to be around her?

When Maggie decides to expand her esthetics line, Callum finds himself all too eager to help. An unlikely partnership forms and blurs the lines between business and pleasure, forcing a choice: Will they keep dancing around their undeniable chemistry? Or will they risk heartbreak for the chance of getting what they really want?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2023

About the author

K.M. Gillis writes contemporary romance novels with laughs, spice, and happily ever afters.
She lives with her husband and daughter in Prince Edward Island.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmgillisaut...

Reviews

[blumpkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

i wouldve been more excited to sit down and do nothing than read this book

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I KNEW I was gonna be obsessed with Callum and Maggie after their brief encounters in Running Into You, and I most definitely was!

📖 Raise the Bar
📝 K. M. Gillis
🗓️ 11/03/2023
💜 contemporary romance
📱 read on kindle
📚 book 2 • Love in 2C series

(can be read as a standalone, but you get a bit of Maggie’s backstory in book 1)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

💭 overall thoughts:
I just adored Maggie + Callum’s story!

🫶🏼 MCs:
Callum is a little lost, in both his career and really his love life (even though he claims not to want one).
Maggie is simply amazing, being bold enough to leave her horrible ex & driven in wanting to expand her business.

📖 story:
I love how Callum just keeps showing up for Maggie, even though he’s totally in denial that he wants more than friendship with her.
At first he helps her get out of terrible dates, and then with growing her business.

She’s hesitant to let him in, worried she’ll get hurt.
Really, they both don’t want to fall for one another.
But can they help it?

🤍side characters:
The strong female friendships we have between Betty, Maggie & even Rilla are something I love to see in romance!

tropes + topics:
💛 strangers to friends to lovers
📁 business coaching
🩵 reformed playboy
🧼 esthetician + soap maker/small business owner
🌀 cinnamon roll mmc
🤍 childhood trauma
🐢 slow burn
🇨🇦 Canadian author
💞 dual 1st person pov

🫶🏼 books with similar vibes:
♡ Exes and O’s by Amy Lea (reformed playboy, strangers to friends to lovers)

*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we got the ARCs for this.. I am pretty sure I zoned out of everything. Cinnamon roll heroes that remind me of a lab or golden retriever😭 Slow burn killed me but it was so worth it!

I have received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own.

[Melly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date: November 3rd

Thank you to K.M. Gillis for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. The author’s writing style is fantastic and she writes very relatable characters! This was a really cute story and the slow burn in this book is slow but I love that!!

loved Maggie she was so relatable and was such a sweet soul with a big heart! She is fresh out of a toxic relationship and is need of a date for her sister’s wedding, since her last relationship was so bad she has some expectations. Callum was the perfect cinnamon roll MMC! Adding him to the list of book boyfriends! He swore commitment off until he meets Maggie!

I love the character development for both characters! It was nice to see Maggie put herself first and realizing she isn’t hurting anyone by doing that. The mental health representation in this book was everything! 5/5 definitely recommend!

[sofie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was better than the first book and definitely more emotional (in a good way!)…Don’t tell anyone but I teared up a little a few times – this book had that ~trauma~ that adds a little bit of spice (not that kind of spice get your head out of the gutter)

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so cute and sweet. It lightly touches on topics of toxicity and trauma from their past relationships, but find healing (and much deserved) happiness with each other.

Also, where can I get myself a bar of these amazing soaps that Maggie sells?? Haha

[Zoe Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this isn’t the sweetest, most beautiful story I have ever read, I don’t know what is.

t is always so refreshing to see characters that are so human and relatable. Characters that are seeking help and healing, it’s a nice change.

All the characters are so greatly written with their own personality that complement each other.

One of my favourite things about reading a book is finding out the meaning of the title. And the meaning behind the title of this book is so sweet and beautiful

My favourite line: “she has the emotional maturity of an eggplant emoji.”

[Jamie Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this year I came across a reel on Instagram for an arc sign up, and the cover immediately grabbed my attention. In the reel was a book trailer if you will, I immediately signed up for it. That arc was Running Into You by the wildly talented KM Gillis. After reading that book and I fell in love with her writing style, and her story telling ways.

So when she announced she was writing a second book of the series I was beyond excited. Imagine to my surprise that she agreed to let me to beta read the Raise The Bar. She sent me that book on a Friday and I finished it by Sunday. I slept maybe 4 hours Saturday because I couldn’t put it down. No joke.

This book is different from the first book but it’s still as amazing. KM captures so much emotion in both of the characters, she shows growth in each of them along their journey. They evolved beautifully as the book continues. This book is funny, heartwarming and just a big hug wrapped in book form.

I am extremely blessed to have gotten to read it so early on. If you’re a fan of slow burns, cinnamon roll heroes, of friends to lovers and then this book is for you, as it absolutely hits every mark. Also, if you have read Running Into You the first in her series, then you might be excited to know that my favorite side character makes an appearance in the second book as well. This book comes out November 3rd. Don’t sleep on it, it’s the perfect romantic comedy. Thank you KM for trusting me to be your beta.

[SpankMeSmutty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute romcom! I ate it up as it's hard to put down! It was my first book by K.M. and I enjoyed the writing!

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

[Read Watch Crochet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was completing shipping these two from the moment they met.

📚 friends to lovers
📚 millionaire
📚 fake dating
📚 he falls first
📚 dual POV

🌶️🌶️

“You’re my favourite person. The moment you leave a room is the moment I start kissing you”

|Thoughts|
Love a good set of interconnected standalones. This is book 2 in the Love in 2C series.

This book continues with the strong theme of parental issues, which adds a nice layer to the story.

Always appreciate some good nicknames.

“Whoa, hold up a minute. You can’t just compare a man to Superman and then walk away from him.”

As aloof as Callum attempts to appear, love seeing how smitten he is with our heroine.

“I’m now experiencing jealous towards bake goods. It’s a new personal low”

“Goodnight, Clark”
“Sleep well, Lois”

Onto book 3!


🟢 For more bookish content follow me instagram.com/read_watch_crochet

[Adrienne Klassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5. It's not too often that I say I enjoyed the slow burn romance in a book, but this is the exception. Callum and Maggie kept to their true selves and grew in a way that each of them needed. Maggie with a toxic ex and lack of value in who she was, and Callum in his difficult past and fear of love. These two came together in perfect timing, even though it took some hurt in order to heal.
I always love reading the dedications and the authors notes of books I read, and this one was pure truth. "To everyone who carries it well. I know that it's still heavy." You can tell alot about the author by the dedications. Yes, some of them are just fun and cute, but sometimes they hit right where they need to, just like this.

[Linna • linnareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick read! Sometimes what you need is an under 300 page romance with likable characters. As the eldest daughter I released to the fmc with always trying to problem solve. The mmc was cute and flirty. Despite it being a quick read, the story was strong and helped build up the characters. Is one of those where you’re rooting for them to get together from the first interaction.

🤭 strangers to friends to lovers
💵 millionaire
🫶🏻 cinnamon roll mmc
❤️‍🔥slow-ish burn

dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
1.5/5 spice level 🌶️

[Valerie Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. Read enough romance books and they'll start to blend together, but Gillis manages to pull off a fresh take on the "millionaire" trope to the point that it's barely even noticeable. The characters were beautifully fleshed out and had clear arcs, and I absolutely loved watching Maggie come into her own and begin to go after what she wanted. I would have liked the evil ex to have gotten far more than what came to him, but that's just me. :) Highly recommend this one and book one in the series as well!

[El ✨☁️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc review - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was so honoured to receive an arc for this book last month and it did not disappoint, I read it in one sitting!

tropes:
🌷friends to lovers
🌷slow burn
🌷golden retriever mmc

Raise The Bar was an adorable and binge worthy romance book that I immediately fell in love with. The first thing I noticed about this book was how the characters also existed out of romantic relationships. Maggie is a level headed business woman that doesn’t feel the need to rely on a man, and her platonic relationships with her friends and family sometimes made my heart swell more than any of the romantic scenes. I’m sorry but Callum meeting her sister for the first time had me giggling and kicking my feet (I have never highlighted such a huge chunk of text)

This is one of those books that is so well written you forget you’re reading, with realistic characters and the cutest flirty banter that had me laughing out loud. Callum Gallagher is so witty I think I fell in love with him.

Thank you so much K.M Gillis for letting me read this pre-release and I highly recommend everyone picking up a copy of this on November 3rd!

(although this was an arc read all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own x)

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

KM Gillis is just one of my favorites! This series started off amazing and it just continued with to be amazing with Raise the Bar! I loved Maggie and Callum and their slow burn chemistry! I could feel the tension between them from the very beginning! I felt like they were both very relatable characters and just felt realistic! There were so many funny moments all throughout: I really loved when Callum would show up and help Maggie when her dates always tended to go south, it always had me giggling! Overall, I just really enjoyed this story! I think it was so cute and just loved the characters (side characters included) to pieces!

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read Maggie’s and Callum’s story. This was pure comfort and I really loved it. A sweet, tender slow-burn about two people who deserved happiness. Maggie is such a realistic and well-balanced character. Callum was flawed, but very nice and charming. It was so easy to see both sides. The story was relatable and palpable.

[Hollie Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book - read it in one day! Written from the main characters POVs, this book was everything I wanted in a rom-com, with a little spice thrown in. 🌶️
I love good banter between the characters and Maggie and Callum’s was perfect. They were fun and relatable and I loved the slow burn between them.

If you’re looking for a cute easy read, watch for this one…to be released November 3! Highly recommend! ❤️

I have received this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

[Lauren Bridgeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Standard
4⭐️3🌶️
  
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:  
Best Friend’s Boyfriend’s Best Friend
Friends to Lovers
Business Coaching
Slow Burn to Steamy
  
𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬:  
K.M. Gillis did it again! I loved her first novel - Running Into You. A HUGE thank you for this ARC! Callum + Maggie are magnetic. The playful banter, sultry looks, and the adoration and friendship - I LOVED it all! Both MCs learn to rise above the pain of the past. Callum’s breaking point gutted me as did his big mistake with Maggie. I cannot say enough about Maggie’s strength and determination to create healthy expectations for herself, her future, and her relationships. She’s a girl boss and is chasing what she wants! I devoured this in a single day!

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬! 
 
𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 
Maggie Morales is finally out of a long lasting toxic relationship. The world is her oyster and yet she’s spent her life putting her wants and needs on the back burner. It’s time for a new challenge - enter the completely swoon worthy, serial eating bullion Callum Gallagher. There chemistry is off the charts, but they want different things. When business coaching turns into a steamy opportunity, will all her wildest dreams come true?

Callum Gallagher is charismatic, charming, and successful. He’s also seen first hand your line can turn sour. After making it big in business, he’s become numb without a fresh challenge. When this gorgeous dark haired beauty enters his orbit through mutual friends, his spark for life is revived. Will his aversion to relationships keep him from taking the chance on love?

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Cute Story From Gillis


Quote:📖
I don’t want to date her, but I don’t want to stop seeing her either. She’s woken me up from a dreamless slumber and I don’t want to go back to sleep. Life before her was a dull gray and now, everything is in technicolor.

Thoughts: 💡
This was a really cute story with a very slow, slow burn. Callum and Maggie’s relationship was the textbook definition of “take one step forward, two steps back”, but it was also really cute. There was some complexity to the story because of other characters and their relationships, but also those cheesy rom-com movie moments. I also loved the mental health representation in the story because there was real counseling and therapy and the work associated with it.

Writing Mechanics: ✍️
The writing was compelling with a moderate pace to the plot. The characters all had complex backgrounds and other important relationships outside of the main pairing, they had a purpose and weren’t just plot fixtures. I loved the banter and dialogue and there were some absolutely hilarious scenes with, “Oh no he didn’t!” moments.

Fun Bits:
💛 Friends to Lovers
💕 Slow Burn
🥈 Second Chances
😬 Horrible First Dates
💅 Girl Boss
💃🏾🕺🏼Biracial Couple
🥮 Cinnamon Rolls
❤️‍🔥 He Falls First
🧁 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🌻 Strong Relationships Outside The MCs
👋🏻 Cameos From Characters In Book One
🧼 Lots of Soap
🧸 And the Return of Carol The Pillow

Important Note:✨
This is books 2 in series of interconnected Standalones

Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Rom-Com📕
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Second Chances, He Falls First, Cinnamon Roll MMC 📘
POV: Dual 👩‍❤️‍👨

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

* Thankyou to the author for a copy of this ARC

"Standards are important, especially if they align with your values. You walked away from a relationship that wasn't meeting your needs. You wanted more and were no longer willing to accept what you were being given. Now is the time to raise the bar. Decide what you want and don't settle for less."

Another win for Ms. K.M. Gillis 👏

I loved this book so much! It's such a good read, and I'm really enjoying the series. I can't wait to read Rilla's story (I absolutely love her character and her quick wit).

This book covered so many tough topics while also making it an easy, quick read, with lots of laugh out loud moments. The characters are just so well written, loveable, and relatable.

You get:
• Who did this to you?
• Reformed bad boy
• Friends to lovers
• Insta love
• Spice
• Slow burn
• Mental health representation
• Toxic relationship

Now you are all in luck because today is PUB day, so you can get started on this series right away. I'm telling you now ... you won't want to miss out!

I even had to add them both to my book wishlist because I need hard copies for my trophy shelf! 🤣

"Alright then." I take my time, running my hands over his torso, marveling at the sight and feel of him. "How do you want me?"
"Fuck, Maggie," he grunts, dipping his head into my neck. "How don't I want you?"

[Nikita Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartwarming RomCom

Note: this is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone, but for the best reading experience it’s recommended to be read in sequence

What a wonderful and lighthearted read! Running into you was a great start to the series, and this story is right up there with it!

Maggie and Callum are such a great couple to read about, their story is fun and deep and wonderful!

These characters both experience real growth and are impossible not to love. Maggie is a people pleaser learning that it’s okay to put herself first and Callum is a lover learning how to love.

Their story is actually impossible to put down, and their journey is more than words on pages, it’s ab experience!

Their story is filled with humor, self-discovery, growth, yearning, dealing with trauma, intense chemistry, slow-burn spice and tenderness giving way to a beautiful HEA.

This story truly captures the heart, is well-rounded and features the most wonderful main and support characters.

I absolutely adored this couple and their journey!

I’m fortunate enough to have been on the ARC team for this book and not only leave this honest review voluntarily, but commend the author for another wonderful and captivating story!

I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for the next one, which will undoubtedly be amazing!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10000000 stars, I would! K.M Gillis has the ability to tell a story like no other. I feel like I’m there living it 100%. The banter on this story is complete and utter perfection. I cannot get enough of Maggie and Callum.

This story is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. I felt like I was watching my favorite rom com rather than reading it. I loved the slow burn in this because it was done perfectly. The dual POV of Maggie and Callum made the burn sooooo satisfying.

I must say, Running Into You has been in my Top 5 since I’ve read it. Now I feel like Raise the Bar is tied right there with it. I don’t know how I could ever pick between the two.

I laughed harder than I thought I would. Maggie and Callum’s story warmed my heart entirely.

After reading this, I will never clean my floors without belting out “WE WILL, WE WILL MOP YOU!” At the top of my lungs. 🫶🏻😂

Read this book if you like:
-BANTER FOR DAYS
-Sweet and Spicy vibes
-Cinnamon Rolls in all forms… including the MMC.
-Dual POV
-Rom Coms
- slow burn

Huge huge huge thank you to author KM Gillis for the absolute incredible opportunity to be an ARC reader for Raise the Bar! I loved it more than words could say.

[loosuntzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raise The Bar is the second book in the 'Love in 2C' series, following on from Running Into You. Raise The Bar follows Maggie, esthetician and soap-maker, and Callum, entrepeneur and womaniser, as they fall into an easy friendship. But, with such high levels of attraction to each other, is it possible to stay just friends?

I loved Running Into You, best friend's brother is a trope I'm a big fan of, but honestly I loved Raise The Bar even more. I was crushing on both Maggie and Callum throughout - Maggie with the curly hair and bubbly personality, and Callum with his easy charm, how could I resist? Also, seeing Betty and Josh enjoying their HEA was everything!

The storyline in this book was perfect and I adored the third act drama; it actually made sense and had a purpose, as opposed to the "oh no, we need to create excitement" third act drama that seem so common in romance books nowadays. Also, can I just say? April was so well-written - I disliked her from the start, but she reminded me just of some girls I knew in school, perfection.

Overall, I loved this book from start to finish, and can't wait for Rilla's story!

[D. L. Foley | My Last Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author.

General Thoughts: I feel so bad for being late to reading this ARC, especially since I love the author and loved the prior book in the series, but life was life-ing hard.

So finally getting to read this yesterday was a real treat! I loved Callum as a character so much, just like I knew I would and same with Maggie. K.M.'s writing style is delightful. I fall in love with her books every time. I binged this late into the hours of the night yesterday because I couldn't put it down. It was amazing. I definitely recommend for fans of the contemporary romance who like friends to lovers. This is a slow burn, but don't worry there's steam there for sure. I can't wait to read more by the author.

Steam Meter: ❤️‍🔥.5 Steamy but not overly steamy.

Romantic Tropes
-friends to lovers
-dual POV
-friends to lovers
-slow burn to steamy
-bf's boyfriend's bf

You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Raise The Bar” is the second installment in the Love in 2C romantic comedy series. This book follows the story of Maggie Morales, a determined woman on a quest to find her Mr. Right, and Callum Gallagher, a multi-millionaire who prefers the thrill of short-lived relationships.

It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, even if you (like me) haven't read the first book in the Love in 2C series. The author does a good job of ensuring that readers can jump into the story without feeling lost or missing background information.

It also offers the advantage of being a quick read, I finished it in a few hours. It's a great choice for those moments when you want a brief escape into the world of romance and comedy without getting bogged down in a lengthy narrative.

I loved the playlist that aligns with the narrative. The music selections perfectly match the mood of the scenes, it’s a brilliant touch.

I rated this book 3.5 out of 5. While the author’s storytelling is engaging and the story was cute, there are some aspects of the book that didn't resonate with me as I had hoped. It is a truly enjoyable romantic comedy, but it did not offer a unique experience for me. If you're a fan of the genre and appreciate a dose of humor with romance, "Raise The Bar" will be a great choice for you!

[Savannah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is everything!!

i was super excited about reading this when i first saw it, as it has some of my favorite tropes and it just seemed so cute! this was such a fun read and i’ve truly fallen in love with the authors writing. it was fast paced, making me want to keep reading, while still having a slower, not to fast pace of the relationship forming between the two main characters, which is something that is really important to me! these characters were sooo relatable. maggie had me laughing multiple times and i literally need her to exist so i can be friends with her. this may be one of my favorite arcs i’ve had the opportunity to read this year and im so excited to read more by this incredibly talented author!

[ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Life before her was a dull gray and now, everything is in technicolor.”

I was honored to have received an ARC copy for “Raise the Bar” This book is a feel good love story. Self growth and self empowerment. Learning that you can grow if you allow yourself to. Maggie is learning that she is in control of her life that no one else can make those choices for her.

Callum learns that he is more than just his past. He loves, and he loves hard when he allows himself to. Callum is your cinnamon roll dough boy and Maggie is a fierce firecracker. The ending was very cute, and made me fall in love with them.

🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

*I received an ARC copy for a review*

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything K.M Gillis puts out!!! I loved the first book in this series and the second is just as good. I was salivating for Callum and Maggies story and it did not disappoint. We get to follow along with Maggie and Callums journey as they both overcome their past to be able to move forward with each other. We see so much growth from both of them and I found their characters to be very relatable and real!

You'll love this if you enjoy
*Cinnamon rolls
*Slow burn
*Friends to lovers
*Dual POV
*Indie authors

[Joanna MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was once again swept away for a few hours, this time by Maggie and Callum, who we met in Book 1 “Running Into You”. It’s a slow burn friends to lovers, which I adore. It is witty and clever, heartwarming, and spicy🔥. I loved how it brought the main characters from the first book as supporting characters in this one. I blocked out the world and I am already looking forward to reading more by this author! 5🌟

[Sukaina Majeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better because one could read about the female character,her identity and how she discovered the decisions she wants to take for herself. Apart from the steamy romance I really liked how Callum goes back in time with his family which didn't put the onus on the girl and there was some figuring out on your own which gave space to both the protagonists to express and I loved the healthy family relationships that the author introduces through Maggie 's family and girl bonding through rilla, Maggie. The romance was so much more and that's what I loved about the book. Definitely go for it. Thanks author for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC READER for the book. Can't wait for book three.