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Rise Above
Not yet published
Expected 12 Aug 26Aife’s entire career was built on helping others survive what she endured, medical trauma no one should have to experience. Her time as a social worker has been dedicated to changing the medical system, helping others heal, and hiding her own trauma behind shrewd professionalism and unphased control.
TJ’s focus has always been hockey; relief only coming when on the ice. Strength is an expectation, toughness a value, and any sign of weakness is a liability. Beneath his enforcer exterior, he longs for true connection, a sense of belonging beyond his family.
A friendly pick up soccer game changes everything. A reluctant friendship turns into something unexpected— slow, unwavering and very real.
Both know all too well how quickly a good thing can turn sour. Love takes work; it demands but it can also be patient, kind, and healing. Are Aife and TJ willing to rise above it?
TJ’s focus has always been hockey; relief only coming when on the ice. Strength is an expectation, toughness a value, and any sign of weakness is a liability. Beneath his enforcer exterior, he longs for true connection, a sense of belonging beyond his family.
A friendly pick up soccer game changes everything. A reluctant friendship turns into something unexpected— slow, unwavering and very real.
Both know all too well how quickly a good thing can turn sour. Love takes work; it demands but it can also be patient, kind, and healing. Are Aife and TJ willing to rise above it?
- GenresRomance
Paperback
Expected publication August 12, 2026
About the author
C.M. Stewart
7 books7 followersC.M. Stewart was born in Reno, Nevada. She studied at the University of North Texas and majored in photojournalism. Stewart studied at the University of Houston and earned a masters degree in social work. Stewart started writing in third grade when her sister and she created the Grannies, two crazy grandmothers who got up to even crazier anecdotes. Their stories and imagined games lead to the creation of multiple stories. While Stewart now spends most of her time advocating for social justice, she still continues to come back to writing. Writing has always been her main love, and she hopes her books will bring smiles to her readers' faces.
She writes trauma-informed fiction and non-fiction-- romance, dark fantasy, and reflective essays. Her works are grounded in clinical experience and emotional truth. All her stories try to stay centered on survival, compassion, power, and connection.
She writes trauma-informed fiction and non-fiction-- romance, dark fantasy, and reflective essays. Her works are grounded in clinical experience and emotional truth. All her stories try to stay centered on survival, compassion, power, and connection.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 11, 2026
Came for the thigh rides, stayed for the life lessons.
What can I say? This book touched on a lot of medical issues and traumas that, at this point, can trigger just about every woman who comes across it. I loved the way the author tackled medical trauma and how we can carry it with us for years, even after a million hours of therapy. It also demonstrates how found family can be even better than blood and how sometimes you just need the right people around you to help you heal and move forward.
Biggest takeaways: Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. Your chronic pain doesn’t define you or your worth. And while all these awful things can feel endless, they’re thankfully temporary, even when the healing takes 10+ years. Also, grief isn’t linear, and sometimes you just have to ride the wave. Which I totally agree and live by tbh.
I really enjoyed how diverse the cast was, how much hockey was woven into the story, how naturally the relationships developed, and the character growth throughout. It also shows that love—real love—doesn’t come with pain and heartache. It heals, it comforts, and it doesn’t add to your stress. Plus, the spice is just the cherry on top.
This one had me deep in my feelings and reminded me that after all my years fighting the medical system, it was worth staying here and not letting my demons win.
So if you made it this far and thought, huh, that sounds interesting, pick up the book. It won’t disappoint.
Also thank you C.M. Stewart for sharing a piece of your story in this beautiful story. 💜
What can I say? This book touched on a lot of medical issues and traumas that, at this point, can trigger just about every woman who comes across it. I loved the way the author tackled medical trauma and how we can carry it with us for years, even after a million hours of therapy. It also demonstrates how found family can be even better than blood and how sometimes you just need the right people around you to help you heal and move forward.
Biggest takeaways: Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. Your chronic pain doesn’t define you or your worth. And while all these awful things can feel endless, they’re thankfully temporary, even when the healing takes 10+ years. Also, grief isn’t linear, and sometimes you just have to ride the wave. Which I totally agree and live by tbh.
I really enjoyed how diverse the cast was, how much hockey was woven into the story, how naturally the relationships developed, and the character growth throughout. It also shows that love—real love—doesn’t come with pain and heartache. It heals, it comforts, and it doesn’t add to your stress. Plus, the spice is just the cherry on top.
This one had me deep in my feelings and reminded me that after all my years fighting the medical system, it was worth staying here and not letting my demons win.
So if you made it this far and thought, huh, that sounds interesting, pick up the book. It won’t disappoint.
Also thank you C.M. Stewart for sharing a piece of your story in this beautiful story. 💜
June 22, 2026
“I wasn’t a burden; I was a survivor. I was a warrior. Illness did not define me.”
Such a slow burn, friends to lovers, and I’m all for it.
Watching Aife and Talon (Tj) grow both together and separately? Ugh it pulled at my heartstrings so damn much.
The two opening up to each other slowly and carefully just got me.
Aife, my badass. We have so much in common and I adore the hell out of you. Being chronically ill doesn’t mean you are any less of a person. That girl had a strong head on her shoulders despite her horrendous journey through life.
Plus her taste in music? Korn, slip it, avenged sevenfold? 🥰😍 YES MAM!
Talon.. that man. First off I’m obsessed with his name even if he hates it.
A true Texas gentleman. If his accent isn’t enough for you, you should definitely watch him play a hockey game. 🥵
He simply holds my heart in the palm of his hand.
Such a beautiful story. And such a quick read at that. C.M Stewart did such a phenomenal job at touching hard subjects with such a gorgeous voice. I’m forever a fan. 🫶🏻
5.0/5⭐️
Such a slow burn, friends to lovers, and I’m all for it.
Watching Aife and Talon (Tj) grow both together and separately? Ugh it pulled at my heartstrings so damn much.
The two opening up to each other slowly and carefully just got me.
Aife, my badass. We have so much in common and I adore the hell out of you. Being chronically ill doesn’t mean you are any less of a person. That girl had a strong head on her shoulders despite her horrendous journey through life.
Plus her taste in music? Korn, slip it, avenged sevenfold? 🥰😍 YES MAM!
Talon.. that man. First off I’m obsessed with his name even if he hates it.
A true Texas gentleman. If his accent isn’t enough for you, you should definitely watch him play a hockey game. 🥵
He simply holds my heart in the palm of his hand.
Such a beautiful story. And such a quick read at that. C.M Stewart did such a phenomenal job at touching hard subjects with such a gorgeous voice. I’m forever a fan. 🫶🏻
5.0/5⭐️
June 14, 2026
This book was really good it really dived deep in to some pretty hard hitting topics and it showed a romance on the deeper side where they truly opened up with each other. This book felt more like it lived in the real world rather than a fantasy and showcased the ups and downs of a real life relationship.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel so very privileged to have received this as an ARC, and would happily give it more than ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if I could.
📢“I wasn’t a burden; I was a survivor. I was a warrior. Illness did not define me.”
Although I have a different illness to the FMC, this hits hard - but acts as a timely reminder that we are more than our illnesses🥹.
I demolished this book in under 12 hours - I couldn't put my reader down!!! It felt like I was reading about people I knew, not some fictional characters - everyday people (albeit a few hockey stars), not overly glamourous, not overly rich, not overly anything but instantly relatable and likeable.
A small aside, the football team (or soccer⚽) I support here in the UK is also nicknamed the Hammers so that properly made me smile, and made the book feel even more personal. I'm not a huge hockey fan, but the descriptions of attending matches with your besties in the book is exactly the feeling I used to get going to a match with my football besties, alas never got to go for drinks or food with any of the players though 😆.
The MCs and their found family are all well written and you get a sense of just how tight knit their circle is - and the love they have for each other as friends (you'll have to read it to find out if it's anything more) is magical.
The MMC (TJ) is the epitome of a gentleman, strong, handsome, chivalrous, patient, understanding, and I was desperate for a HEA for him because he absolutely deserved it - he's firmly in my heart as a book boyfriend💖
The FMC (Aife) is such a strong character in her work role, yet her past continues to hold her back personally - and that slow burning romance just kept me internally screaming at her to go for it, he was perfect!!!!
There's some spicy bits, but nothing gratuitous, and they're absolutely of the kind that will make you squeal with delight and smile like an idiot at the inanimate object in your hand💗
It came as no surprise to discover that a lot of this book comes from personal experiences, so C.M Stewart thank you for sharing - this book has stolen my heart 🥹
For lovers of hockey romances, grumpy x grumpy, slow burners and found families do yourselves a favour and get this on your TBR 📖
📢“I wasn’t a burden; I was a survivor. I was a warrior. Illness did not define me.”
Although I have a different illness to the FMC, this hits hard - but acts as a timely reminder that we are more than our illnesses🥹.
I demolished this book in under 12 hours - I couldn't put my reader down!!! It felt like I was reading about people I knew, not some fictional characters - everyday people (albeit a few hockey stars), not overly glamourous, not overly rich, not overly anything but instantly relatable and likeable.
A small aside, the football team (or soccer⚽) I support here in the UK is also nicknamed the Hammers so that properly made me smile, and made the book feel even more personal. I'm not a huge hockey fan, but the descriptions of attending matches with your besties in the book is exactly the feeling I used to get going to a match with my football besties, alas never got to go for drinks or food with any of the players though 😆.
The MCs and their found family are all well written and you get a sense of just how tight knit their circle is - and the love they have for each other as friends (you'll have to read it to find out if it's anything more) is magical.
The MMC (TJ) is the epitome of a gentleman, strong, handsome, chivalrous, patient, understanding, and I was desperate for a HEA for him because he absolutely deserved it - he's firmly in my heart as a book boyfriend💖
The FMC (Aife) is such a strong character in her work role, yet her past continues to hold her back personally - and that slow burning romance just kept me internally screaming at her to go for it, he was perfect!!!!
There's some spicy bits, but nothing gratuitous, and they're absolutely of the kind that will make you squeal with delight and smile like an idiot at the inanimate object in your hand💗
It came as no surprise to discover that a lot of this book comes from personal experiences, so C.M Stewart thank you for sharing - this book has stolen my heart 🥹
For lovers of hockey romances, grumpy x grumpy, slow burners and found families do yourselves a favour and get this on your TBR 📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of Rise Above in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a sweet, heartfelt romance with strong character development and an uplifting message about healing after trauma. Both Aife and TJ were likeable characters, and I enjoyed watching them slowly lower the walls they'd built around themselves.
One area I struggled with was Aife's emotional guardedness. I completely understood why she protected herself after everything she'd been through, especially considering how her family had made her feel like a burden. However, as someone who believes conversations around medical trauma can be incredibly healing, I found myself wishing she'd trusted the people who genuinely cared about her a little sooner. It sometimes felt like she carried everything alone even when she finally had a support system around her.
I also felt parts of the relationship progressed a little too quickly. TJ and Aife seemed to fall into each other's lives faster than I expected, and once she was invited into his world as an NHL player, the transition felt almost too seamless. Attending games and becoming part of that public side of his life would realistically bring attention, speculation, and rumours, particularly for someone who valued her privacy so deeply. I would have loved to see more of that adjustment and how they navigated it together before everything settled into place.
That said, the emotional core of the story was lovely. TJ was patient, supportive, and easy to root for, and I appreciated the emphasis on healthy communication, healing, and finding people who truly accept you.
Overall, Rise Above was a cute, emotional romance with engaging characters. While I wished the pacing had slowed down in a few places to let both the relationship and Aife's transition into TJ's very public life develop more naturally, I still enjoyed the journey and think readers who enjoy gentle, character-driven romances will too.
Overall, this was a sweet, heartfelt romance with strong character development and an uplifting message about healing after trauma. Both Aife and TJ were likeable characters, and I enjoyed watching them slowly lower the walls they'd built around themselves.
One area I struggled with was Aife's emotional guardedness. I completely understood why she protected herself after everything she'd been through, especially considering how her family had made her feel like a burden. However, as someone who believes conversations around medical trauma can be incredibly healing, I found myself wishing she'd trusted the people who genuinely cared about her a little sooner. It sometimes felt like she carried everything alone even when she finally had a support system around her.
I also felt parts of the relationship progressed a little too quickly. TJ and Aife seemed to fall into each other's lives faster than I expected, and once she was invited into his world as an NHL player, the transition felt almost too seamless. Attending games and becoming part of that public side of his life would realistically bring attention, speculation, and rumours, particularly for someone who valued her privacy so deeply. I would have loved to see more of that adjustment and how they navigated it together before everything settled into place.
That said, the emotional core of the story was lovely. TJ was patient, supportive, and easy to root for, and I appreciated the emphasis on healthy communication, healing, and finding people who truly accept you.
Overall, Rise Above was a cute, emotional romance with engaging characters. While I wished the pacing had slowed down in a few places to let both the relationship and Aife's transition into TJ's very public life develop more naturally, I still enjoyed the journey and think readers who enjoy gentle, character-driven romances will too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my very first ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better one to start with.
From the very first chapters, I felt deeply connected to the characters. And isn't that exactly what we’re all looking for when we dive into a story? A little bit of escapism, yes - but also that rare moment when a book makes you feel seen. This one did that for me.
I understood TJ’s pain on a personal level. I had to give up figure skating due to an injury, and it broke something in me that took years to heal. Reading his journey brought all of that back - not the physical pain, but the emotional weight of losing part of yourself. That kind of vulnerability is so hard to capture, but C.M. Stewart did it beautifully.
The characters are well-written. They’re raw, real, and unafraid to be soft in moments where it matters most. I loved watching Aife and Talon (TJ) navigate their own healing while slowly opening up to each other. The slow burn was perfect - it gave the relationship the time and space it needed to feel earned.
As someone who also writes, I know how challenging it is to balance heavy topics with romance and hope. This book handles it with such care and honesty. The writing is accessible too - simple, clean, and emotional without being overly complicated. For anyone who, like me, doesn’t have English as their first language, I can confidently say: don’t be afraid to pick this up. You’ll understand every bit of it, and you’ll feel it too.
If you love contemporary romance, sports romance, or just a beautifully told story about two people learning to trust again- this one is for you.
Thank you so much to the author for trusting me with this ARC. This book found a home in my heart, and I can't wait to read more from you.
From the very first chapters, I felt deeply connected to the characters. And isn't that exactly what we’re all looking for when we dive into a story? A little bit of escapism, yes - but also that rare moment when a book makes you feel seen. This one did that for me.
I understood TJ’s pain on a personal level. I had to give up figure skating due to an injury, and it broke something in me that took years to heal. Reading his journey brought all of that back - not the physical pain, but the emotional weight of losing part of yourself. That kind of vulnerability is so hard to capture, but C.M. Stewart did it beautifully.
The characters are well-written. They’re raw, real, and unafraid to be soft in moments where it matters most. I loved watching Aife and Talon (TJ) navigate their own healing while slowly opening up to each other. The slow burn was perfect - it gave the relationship the time and space it needed to feel earned.
As someone who also writes, I know how challenging it is to balance heavy topics with romance and hope. This book handles it with such care and honesty. The writing is accessible too - simple, clean, and emotional without being overly complicated. For anyone who, like me, doesn’t have English as their first language, I can confidently say: don’t be afraid to pick this up. You’ll understand every bit of it, and you’ll feel it too.
If you love contemporary romance, sports romance, or just a beautifully told story about two people learning to trust again- this one is for you.
Thank you so much to the author for trusting me with this ARC. This book found a home in my heart, and I can't wait to read more from you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first idiots to lovers romance, and when I first heard the trope I wasn't 100% sure what it actually meant. 🤣 Now I do... and I am so here for it.
This was such a lovely romance. The instant attraction and chemistry between Talon and Aife was so enjoyable to read. They're both complex characters carrying the weight of their own pasts—mental and medical struggles alike—and I slowly fell in love with both of them. They really are wonderful, and I can't wait for everyone else to meet them. You'll be hard-pressed not to adore them too.
I especially loved the friendship group and how fiercely they supported one another, even when a little tough love was needed (such is life!). And I always appreciate an epilogue, so getting to see what life looked like for them after the story ended was the perfect way to finish.
This was such an enjoyable read, and I'm definitely going to be buying the paperback when it's released.
Also... who knew thighs could be so hot?! 👀🤣
I'd only read one hockey romance before this, and honestly I didn't really enjoy it. So thank you, C.M, for restoring my faith that they're not all the same! 🤣 I think it's safe to say I'll be picking up a few more hockey romances now.
This was my first idiots to lovers romance, and when I first heard the trope I wasn't 100% sure what it actually meant. 🤣 Now I do... and I am so here for it.
This was such a lovely romance. The instant attraction and chemistry between Talon and Aife was so enjoyable to read. They're both complex characters carrying the weight of their own pasts—mental and medical struggles alike—and I slowly fell in love with both of them. They really are wonderful, and I can't wait for everyone else to meet them. You'll be hard-pressed not to adore them too.
I especially loved the friendship group and how fiercely they supported one another, even when a little tough love was needed (such is life!). And I always appreciate an epilogue, so getting to see what life looked like for them after the story ended was the perfect way to finish.
This was such an enjoyable read, and I'm definitely going to be buying the paperback when it's released.
Also... who knew thighs could be so hot?! 👀🤣
I'd only read one hockey romance before this, and honestly I didn't really enjoy it. So thank you, C.M, for restoring my faith that they're not all the same! 🤣 I think it's safe to say I'll be picking up a few more hockey romances now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Y’allllllll I love a sports romance…. BUT a sports romance & a social work PhD student?! Heaven.
This story follows Aife & TJ on their “I definitely don’t want a relationship journey”. TJ is a professional hockey player who is at the top of his game. Aife is a bad ass social worker who is in school for her social work PhD while working in the Nuero unit of a hospital. Aife and TJ meet through mutual friends and are both absolutely adamant that they don’t want a relationship. The more they get to know each other and the more they spend time together, the harder the connection is to resist. This book is everything I want in a sports romance. A real connection, the vulnerability of healing from the past, and some spice at all the right times. This book is sooo relatable and hits so close to home as a social worker. Thank you for not shying away from the hard topics in mental health and for handling the topics with so much care.
I highly recommend it. If you like a hockey romance, this book is for you. 🥹
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Y’allllllll I love a sports romance…. BUT a sports romance & a social work PhD student?! Heaven.
This story follows Aife & TJ on their “I definitely don’t want a relationship journey”. TJ is a professional hockey player who is at the top of his game. Aife is a bad ass social worker who is in school for her social work PhD while working in the Nuero unit of a hospital. Aife and TJ meet through mutual friends and are both absolutely adamant that they don’t want a relationship. The more they get to know each other and the more they spend time together, the harder the connection is to resist. This book is everything I want in a sports romance. A real connection, the vulnerability of healing from the past, and some spice at all the right times. This book is sooo relatable and hits so close to home as a social worker. Thank you for not shying away from the hard topics in mental health and for handling the topics with so much care.
I highly recommend it. If you like a hockey romance, this book is for you. 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to receive an ARC from C.M.Stewart.
An FMC social worker who loves soccer...yes!
The story is about Aife and TJ.
Aife's passion is helping others. She's a social worker whose past health experience opened her eyes to the failures within the medical system. She wants to change things for the better. Aife is focused on her career. She doesn't have time for dating.
TJ's passion is hockey. He finds his peace on the ice. He's just getting over an ugly breakup and isn't ready to put his heart out there again.
But one pick up soccer game changes everything.
He falls first.
Both are trying to move on from past situations and heal. Can they heal together?
I came for the romance but stayed for the life lessons. The focus on the medical piece was refreshing. Much of which were pulled from the authors real life experiences.
"Recovery is never linear."
❤️🔥Slow Burn
💞Friends to Lovers
🏒Hockey romance
🎗️Social Worker Rep
💛Found Family
🩺Medical/Trauma
An FMC social worker who loves soccer...yes!
The story is about Aife and TJ.
Aife's passion is helping others. She's a social worker whose past health experience opened her eyes to the failures within the medical system. She wants to change things for the better. Aife is focused on her career. She doesn't have time for dating.
TJ's passion is hockey. He finds his peace on the ice. He's just getting over an ugly breakup and isn't ready to put his heart out there again.
But one pick up soccer game changes everything.
He falls first.
Both are trying to move on from past situations and heal. Can they heal together?
I came for the romance but stayed for the life lessons. The focus on the medical piece was refreshing. Much of which were pulled from the authors real life experiences.
"Recovery is never linear."
❤️🔥Slow Burn
💞Friends to Lovers
🏒Hockey romance
🎗️Social Worker Rep
💛Found Family
🩺Medical/Trauma
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an advanced reader copy from the author!
I absolutely loved Aife & Talon's story. Their love was sweet and kind, built from two people who had fear and heartbreak in their past for different sources but healing together.
I sat and read this in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! I loved the informative and factual nature of the medical side of things, the representation of medical trauma and the difficulty that women have in dealing with anything medical, and being a woman with chronic illness and disabilities, I felt seen and heard in Aife's story.
A huge thank you to C.M. Stewart for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Rise Above, for a beautiful story and for Talon's thighs!
I absolutely loved Aife & Talon's story. Their love was sweet and kind, built from two people who had fear and heartbreak in their past for different sources but healing together.
I sat and read this in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! I loved the informative and factual nature of the medical side of things, the representation of medical trauma and the difficulty that women have in dealing with anything medical, and being a woman with chronic illness and disabilities, I felt seen and heard in Aife's story.
A huge thank you to C.M. Stewart for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Rise Above, for a beautiful story and for Talon's thighs!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hockey romance is definitely my thing and this didn't disappoint. The FMC was multifaceted- smart, athletic and caring while also being insecure about her past and that pulled me in. I loved that this started as grumpy vs grumpy but was more guarded vs guarded- because they were grumpy for "good" reasons so in a way it was refreshing and realistic. The author showed that relationships are give and take and that BOTH partners need to give their all each day- with grand gestures or just actively listening.
I'm hoping the author expands the series and dives into the relationships of the other characters.
I'm hoping the author expands the series and dives into the relationships of the other characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to C.M. for the ARC opportunity!
This was a beautiful read about love, trauma, and being finding out it's ok to ask for help.
C.M. not only was able to create a story that showcased chronic illness and detailed medical knowledge, but the after effects of how a person and the people around them handle those effects. The love between Aife and TJ was so much fun to watch as well. They had great chemisty and I absolutely adored these two.
The writing was on point, the story itself was phenomenal and I absolutely loved every page of this!
This was a beautiful read about love, trauma, and being finding out it's ok to ask for help.
C.M. not only was able to create a story that showcased chronic illness and detailed medical knowledge, but the after effects of how a person and the people around them handle those effects. The love between Aife and TJ was so much fun to watch as well. They had great chemisty and I absolutely adored these two.
The writing was on point, the story itself was phenomenal and I absolutely loved every page of this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Idiots to lovers is officially the best trope
GOD theyre idiots and I want to strangle them and love them at the same time.
THE THIGHS
This is a HARD binge read… pick it up and you won’t put it down until you get to that epilogue
The slow burn
The idiots
The trauma
The healing
The real chemistry REALISTICALLY morphing into genuine love and affection.
I just want to eat the book it triggered my cute aggression so hard AHABAHANANBHJVGE
AND SHE’S TATTED I love a tatted baddie
GOD theyre idiots and I want to strangle them and love them at the same time.
THE THIGHS
This is a HARD binge read… pick it up and you won’t put it down until you get to that epilogue
The slow burn
The idiots
The trauma
The healing
The real chemistry REALISTICALLY morphing into genuine love and affection.
I just want to eat the book it triggered my cute aggression so hard AHABAHANANBHJVGE
AND SHE’S TATTED I love a tatted baddie
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great story about Aife and TJ. You could tell that C.M. Stewart did a lot of research in talking about the various surgeries and lofe experiences along with the characters thoughts and feelings that both had gone through. This was a quick read that I instantly fell in love with the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rise Above was everything I wanted and so much more.
I read this book cover to cover in 24 hours and I enjoyed it so much!
Aife and TJ are meant to be - They have an undeniable pull to each other and it was so refreshing to read this story.
I loved the medical parts of this book - it made it so much more believable and I hope there is more to come in this series because I am hooked!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rise Above was everything I wanted and so much more.
I read this book cover to cover in 24 hours and I enjoyed it so much!
Aife and TJ are meant to be - They have an undeniable pull to each other and it was so refreshing to read this story.
I loved the medical parts of this book - it made it so much more believable and I hope there is more to come in this series because I am hooked!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rise Above is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read. The dramatic moments hit hard and the emotions run high, the character work fits nicely as romance builds, and there’s some spice as well.
Aife and TJ’s own stories make them easy to connect to, the author doing a fabulous job allowing us to feel a part of their world. Well done!
Aife and TJ’s own stories make them easy to connect to, the author doing a fabulous job allowing us to feel a part of their world. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall good book. Some parts did repeat and there were several large time jumps. The last 3rd of the books feels a bit rushed compared to the rest but not in an awful way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Slow burn, very sweet, loved the dynamic and how it covered some hard topics. The spice was spicing at the end but it was well earned.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was not necessarily an enthusiastic read. There are a few moments of tell, not show that also felt not real for what we know of the characters. Like she says she is a social worker so people always expect her to be there for them. Except up to that point and after none of her big group of friends are like that. Also, there is a lot of her saying she is a social worker.... As it defines who she is. It's not bad, but it felt a bit flat a lot of times. I also didn't feel the chemistry between MC'S.
This was an ARC and this review is my honest opinion.
This was an ARC and this review is my honest opinion.
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