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Fall and Rise Duet #2
Rising
Cole’s feeling the pain of being separated from his family.
Brooke just wants to remember.
But when history repeats itself, and Kaia struggles with the loss of her father—Brooke’s left with no choice but to turn to Cole.
Does she really need to recover her memory to find a future with him?
Brooke just wants to remember.
But when history repeats itself, and Kaia struggles with the loss of her father—Brooke’s left with no choice but to turn to Cole.
Does she really need to recover her memory to find a future with him?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2018
160 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Smith
24 books162 followersWendy Smith published as Ariadne Wayne for three years before deciding she didn’t want to be someone else all the time. She’s an Apple Books and Nook bestselling author, whose book In the End, written as Ariadne Wayne, was named one of Apple’s best books of 2017. All her stories come with a quirky sense of humour, and she cries over everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 16, 2022
3 ehhh stars
This felt very rushed to me. The h forgave the H way to fast he was gone 4 years!! When you learned just how much the H's dad interfered it makes forgiving him a little easier but the dad never should of been forgiven!! And how fast they both forgave him was ridiculous!! I was also peeved at the H during the hospital scene where he called his parents and then introduced them to their daughter while the h was in surgery....like why would he do that after everything the dad did? He then even sent her home with them! Why not call the babysitter/ kinda grandma that the little girl is used too. Also talk about a well adjusted kid that has zero fear of strangers. Ok i changed my mind this is more a 2.5 star read. Im just glad this duet only cost me 2.99
This felt very rushed to me. The h forgave the H way to fast he was gone 4 years!! When you learned just how much the H's dad interfered it makes forgiving him a little easier but the dad never should of been forgiven!! And how fast they both forgave him was ridiculous!! I was also peeved at the H during the hospital scene where he called his parents and then introduced them to their daughter while the h was in surgery....like why would he do that after everything the dad did? He then even sent her home with them! Why not call the babysitter/ kinda grandma that the little girl is used too. Also talk about a well adjusted kid that has zero fear of strangers. Ok i changed my mind this is more a 2.5 star read. Im just glad this duet only cost me 2.99
July 31, 2018
Book 1 was great, and this is an amazing second half.
Rising picks up where Falling ended, with Brooke having suffered a severe head injury in an attack and loses the memories of her new relationship with her estranged husband, so, even though she believes him, she’s strengthened her mistrust of him, making him think he’s even worse off than before. To make matters worse, Kaia has already bonded with her Daddy, and is missing him completely.
I was also rapt to read some more of the history between Brooke and Cole, and some background to his fathers’ apparent and unjustified behaviour. Just like book 1, I was absolutely hooked to their story.
Again Cole was an impressive young man in his devotion to his wife and daughter, even though he is devastated with the distance Brooke put between them. But, to her credit, while she is mistrustful, in the end, it is Kaia’s needs that she puts first in allowing her access to her beloved Daddy and new found Grandparents. Best of all, Cole’s dad is eating crow!
I don’t know how Brooke can forgive the person who perpetrated the most epic of injustices upon her, because I’m damn sure I’d carry a grudge for about..........FOREVER! 5 Stars for a beautiful conclusion to a must-read duet.
Rising picks up where Falling ended, with Brooke having suffered a severe head injury in an attack and loses the memories of her new relationship with her estranged husband, so, even though she believes him, she’s strengthened her mistrust of him, making him think he’s even worse off than before. To make matters worse, Kaia has already bonded with her Daddy, and is missing him completely.
I was also rapt to read some more of the history between Brooke and Cole, and some background to his fathers’ apparent and unjustified behaviour. Just like book 1, I was absolutely hooked to their story.
Again Cole was an impressive young man in his devotion to his wife and daughter, even though he is devastated with the distance Brooke put between them. But, to her credit, while she is mistrustful, in the end, it is Kaia’s needs that she puts first in allowing her access to her beloved Daddy and new found Grandparents. Best of all, Cole’s dad is eating crow!
I don’t know how Brooke can forgive the person who perpetrated the most epic of injustices upon her, because I’m damn sure I’d carry a grudge for about..........FOREVER! 5 Stars for a beautiful conclusion to a must-read duet.
March 21, 2021
It was hard to see Brooke and Cole start all over again because of Brookes’ accident where she doesn’t remember him coming back into the picture. Cole needed to give them space again and show Brooke that he wasn’t going to walk out on her again.
Kaia is what does mostly for Brooke. Seeing her daughter suffer and miss her dad was hard for her especially when she doesn’t remember sharing her, but she takes it one day at a time.
She’s sees Cole in a different light and realizes that he is sorry and learning that part of the blame was on Cole’s father as well. The ending made me so happy for both of them.
Kaia is what does mostly for Brooke. Seeing her daughter suffer and miss her dad was hard for her especially when she doesn’t remember sharing her, but she takes it one day at a time.
She’s sees Cole in a different light and realizes that he is sorry and learning that part of the blame was on Cole’s father as well. The ending made me so happy for both of them.
September 17, 2023
Good conclusion to this duet, however it didn't need to be a duet, These two books could have easily been combined into one book as they were not overly long. I'm glad Brooke came to her senses and let Cole back in. This was an easy read.
July 7, 2018
Yasssssssssss!! A wonderful conclusion to this duet!
Full review to come soon!!!!
Full review to come soon!!!!
August 6, 2018
Good conclusion to this duet.
July 8, 2018
A heartfelt sequel to Falling, Rising tugged at my heart strings in all the right places and left me wanting more. I read it in just one sitting as I simply could not put it down! Amazing 💜
April 11, 2024
I really wasn't sure how Rising would work, but it most certainly did. I enjoyed it even more than Falling. Wow this book had all the feels and is such a wonderful and well written story of love and forgiveness. Falling must be read before this, otherwise this book will really make no sense. I really do recommend this duet as not to be missed.
The Fall and Rise Duet are refreshingly different in both their plot and their execution. These books are genuinely better than the majority of those on the contemporary romance market. The author doesn't write characters, she writes people. You feel their emotions, their pain, their hope and their happiness. They become important to you and you want to know everything about them, as well as see them get their HEA.
There is no soap opera style melodrama, instead we have realistic situations with believable responses to them. I read the book in one go. Yes this is a novella, so a shorter read, but I quite simply couldn't put it down until I'd finished every word. The love between Brooke, Cole and Kaia was simply amazing and touched my heart.
The Fall and Rise Duet are refreshingly different in both their plot and their execution. These books are genuinely better than the majority of those on the contemporary romance market. The author doesn't write characters, she writes people. You feel their emotions, their pain, their hope and their happiness. They become important to you and you want to know everything about them, as well as see them get their HEA.
There is no soap opera style melodrama, instead we have realistic situations with believable responses to them. I read the book in one go. Yes this is a novella, so a shorter read, but I quite simply couldn't put it down until I'd finished every word. The love between Brooke, Cole and Kaia was simply amazing and touched my heart.
September 28, 2020
PERFECT ENDING.
I LOVED this duet. It was the perfect ending to a somewhat imperfect love story between Cole and Brooke. Their little girl Kaia is cuteness overload. When she cries for her Daddy because she misses him I cried right along with her. I have to say that I was not surprised by the reveal of Brooke's attacker. I had my suspicions and then I had my doubts but I was right the first time. Lol. The sex scenes are so freakin Smokin Hot I thought my Kindle was gonna catch on fire. When Cole's father shows up for his talk it was so heartwarming I started crying again . Lol. The only way this ending could have been any better would be if it hadn't ended. I would loved to have more of their life together and more involvement with Cole's parents. I highly recommend this duet to everyone.
December 31, 2018
Sweet second chance love story
This was an okay love story. It was hard to connect to this story. It was a little off. While Cole stayed away he should have contacted Brooke directly to inquire on child support and the welfare of his daughter. He was immature and left that responsibility to his father. All while he lived his own dream and forgot about Brooke and her dreams and their vows.
This was an okay love story. It was hard to connect to this story. It was a little off. While Cole stayed away he should have contacted Brooke directly to inquire on child support and the welfare of his daughter. He was immature and left that responsibility to his father. All while he lived his own dream and forgot about Brooke and her dreams and their vows.
May 24, 2021
Contradicting Story
I don’t understand how she could remember how Cole’s dad treated her, that she had sex with Cole when she realized she was pregnant but nothing else?? The Author could’ve done better than she did with the memory loss...I liked the storyline but again there were way too many contradictions...☹️☹️
I don’t understand how she could remember how Cole’s dad treated her, that she had sex with Cole when she realized she was pregnant but nothing else?? The Author could’ve done better than she did with the memory loss...I liked the storyline but again there were way too many contradictions...☹️☹️
June 18, 2019
This one brought about things to a good end between Cole and Brooke. It also addressed the fears that Brooke had about the past. The ending made me smile, was very happy that these two could find their happy ending as they had been through so much and want it so bad.
April 6, 2023
Two best friends since the age of five, when they pinky swore, to be friends forever. At school, people didn’t like, Brooke because she came, from the wrong side of town. She went to Cole’s school because her mom wanted more for her. Her dress may be new, but her shoes were at least, three times hand-me-downs. It wasn't until prom night, their senior year that they took that one step more. And in nine months they come, to find out they will be expecting.
Turns out that their moms want them married, and bim-bam thank you, ma’am they are married. And three months after, Kaia is born he bails. Thinking he has his father, taking care of everything. That his wife and baby would live in the home his father bought for them, and she would be paid support from his trust fund, so they wouldn’t want for anything. Well, I’m here, to tell you from book one that didn't happen. His SOB dad kicks her and the baby, out of the house, the next day. That’s right, the day after he leaves to go, to another state, to go to college. He refuses, to give her one penny without, a DNA test proving that the baby is, Cole’s.
Now, four years have passed. He has made his amends in the last book, and she has forgiven him. They are truly becoming a family. He still can’t get her, to quit her two jobs. One as a receptionist, to a female lawyer who is a dragon lady, and her night job, to a misogynistic a-hole who allows his buddy, to manhandle his female staff, plus he’s a grump. But, she’s afraid that if , Cole pulls the rug out from under her again, she has her own security. On this one night though she had just gotten off work, and, Brooke is closing up when she is attacked by someone, who has gotten in while she is securing, the money in the safe. When she is running away from the man, she runs head-on with a car that hits her. Cole is at her apartment waiting for her with, Kaia. But, when too much time has passed as, to when she would normally be home, he gets worried. He wakes, Kaia, and they go out looking for her. The police, and, ambulance are on the scene when they figure out, it’s Brooke.
After surgery, on her brain and after several days in the hospital, she wakes, but she doesn't remember reuniting with, Cole. Brooke is pissed, to see him and wants, to know where her daughter is. When she finds out his parents took her, to the hospital cafe she starts, to freak out. Brooke’s first sentences that come out are, “You can't take my daughter away from me. I won’t let you.” That's when he realizes this is going, to be worse than the last time. When he was trying, to win back her trust.
This was a good story. Cole proved himself to Brooke by not pushing her into a corner and trying to make her remember. The attempted attack was foiled thank goodness. But, it could be a trigger. I do like the characters.
Turns out that their moms want them married, and bim-bam thank you, ma’am they are married. And three months after, Kaia is born he bails. Thinking he has his father, taking care of everything. That his wife and baby would live in the home his father bought for them, and she would be paid support from his trust fund, so they wouldn’t want for anything. Well, I’m here, to tell you from book one that didn't happen. His SOB dad kicks her and the baby, out of the house, the next day. That’s right, the day after he leaves to go, to another state, to go to college. He refuses, to give her one penny without, a DNA test proving that the baby is, Cole’s.
Now, four years have passed. He has made his amends in the last book, and she has forgiven him. They are truly becoming a family. He still can’t get her, to quit her two jobs. One as a receptionist, to a female lawyer who is a dragon lady, and her night job, to a misogynistic a-hole who allows his buddy, to manhandle his female staff, plus he’s a grump. But, she’s afraid that if , Cole pulls the rug out from under her again, she has her own security. On this one night though she had just gotten off work, and, Brooke is closing up when she is attacked by someone, who has gotten in while she is securing, the money in the safe. When she is running away from the man, she runs head-on with a car that hits her. Cole is at her apartment waiting for her with, Kaia. But, when too much time has passed as, to when she would normally be home, he gets worried. He wakes, Kaia, and they go out looking for her. The police, and, ambulance are on the scene when they figure out, it’s Brooke.
After surgery, on her brain and after several days in the hospital, she wakes, but she doesn't remember reuniting with, Cole. Brooke is pissed, to see him and wants, to know where her daughter is. When she finds out his parents took her, to the hospital cafe she starts, to freak out. Brooke’s first sentences that come out are, “You can't take my daughter away from me. I won’t let you.” That's when he realizes this is going, to be worse than the last time. When he was trying, to win back her trust.
This was a good story. Cole proved himself to Brooke by not pushing her into a corner and trying to make her remember. The attempted attack was foiled thank goodness. But, it could be a trigger. I do like the characters.
June 16, 2021
Should have been just one book
These were each novella length and could have just been one book.
The story was predictable but good. Descriptions of places and people were lacking.
The dialog at times was very repetitive. I read both stories in a day.
*spoilers*
Boy and girl grow up together. Girl falls in love, they have an accidental pregnancy and get married at 18/19. Boy leaves to go to college and his father promises to send money/look after girl and baby.
Fast forward 4 years and the boy is looking for the girl.
Brooke is a single mom (still married though) working 2 jobs after Cole leaves her when their daughter is just 3 months old. He discovers his father has never paid child support (from his trust fund) to Brooke and threw her out after he left. They work through things and begin getting back together, then Brooke has a horrible accident and can't remember him coming back. They work through it and get their HEA.
These were each novella length and could have just been one book.
The story was predictable but good. Descriptions of places and people were lacking.
The dialog at times was very repetitive. I read both stories in a day.
*spoilers*
Boy and girl grow up together. Girl falls in love, they have an accidental pregnancy and get married at 18/19. Boy leaves to go to college and his father promises to send money/look after girl and baby.
Fast forward 4 years and the boy is looking for the girl.
Brooke is a single mom (still married though) working 2 jobs after Cole leaves her when their daughter is just 3 months old. He discovers his father has never paid child support (from his trust fund) to Brooke and threw her out after he left. They work through things and begin getting back together, then Brooke has a horrible accident and can't remember him coming back. They work through it and get their HEA.
September 13, 2018
This book picks up where the first book ends. Brooke doesn't trust Cole, especially where their daughter is concerned. Cole has to start all over again in making Brooke fall in love with him again. Brooke feels frustrated that she can't regain her memories but there are times when she gets a sense of deja vu about certain places or things. When Cole's father makes a surprise visit, she discovers that Cole had been telling her the truth all along. Cole keeps trying to convince her to move in with him and when that doesn't work, he tries his best to make her feel safe. After another incident at the bar she works at, Brooke regains her memory about the accident and who she was running away from. When Cole comes through for her once again, she realizes that she still loves Cole and wants to become a real family. This book is a quick read and the love story is a romantic one to read.
April 5, 2019
An awesome book duet, perfect HEA
This conclusion to Brooke and Cole's story was awesome on all counts. Such a rocky relationship from the beginning of pinky promises to be best friends at age 5, to a rollercoaster ride after a long 4-5 year split to another wave of highs, lows, and highest highs. Just when things seemed right, a tragedy strikes and Brooke loses her memory. All the strides toward becoming a solid family are lost along with Brooke's memory of having fallen in love again with Cole. And despite the despair, Cole's patience and efforts to be joined with his family again never wain. Brooke eventually recalls some of what happened that tragic night of her accident, and realizes it is Cole alone who can make her whole and be by her and their daughter, Kaia's side. What a terrific ending to a real romance.
This conclusion to Brooke and Cole's story was awesome on all counts. Such a rocky relationship from the beginning of pinky promises to be best friends at age 5, to a rollercoaster ride after a long 4-5 year split to another wave of highs, lows, and highest highs. Just when things seemed right, a tragedy strikes and Brooke loses her memory. All the strides toward becoming a solid family are lost along with Brooke's memory of having fallen in love again with Cole. And despite the despair, Cole's patience and efforts to be joined with his family again never wain. Brooke eventually recalls some of what happened that tragic night of her accident, and realizes it is Cole alone who can make her whole and be by her and their daughter, Kaia's side. What a terrific ending to a real romance.
September 19, 2018
OK, I don't want to slap Cole anymore.
He is a good guy, and he knows he made a huge mistake.
Life was getting on pretty well, Kaia was happy with her dada and bang Broke lost her memory on that f* attack!!!
Noooooo. I can't. My heart! Wendy is no fair! O.M.G.
Poor Cole, Broke can't remember anything that happened in the past weeks, and sweet Kaia is suffering.
Cole is such a good dad, even though his heart is bleeding he still looking after his family.
Perfect HEA for this Duet
Ok, I love Cole.
5 Amazing Rising Stars
He is a good guy, and he knows he made a huge mistake.
Life was getting on pretty well, Kaia was happy with her dada and bang Broke lost her memory on that f* attack!!!
Noooooo. I can't. My heart! Wendy is no fair! O.M.G.
Poor Cole, Broke can't remember anything that happened in the past weeks, and sweet Kaia is suffering.
Cole is such a good dad, even though his heart is bleeding he still looking after his family.
Perfect HEA for this Duet
Ok, I love Cole.
5 Amazing Rising Stars
May 19, 2021
Pinky Promise...
The beautiful ending to Cole and Brooke’s story was absolutely wonderful. I was so enthralled by their love story that I finished both books in 48 hours. Totally worth the read and so much fullness to this story. Brooke loses her memory and Cole has to regain her love and trust all over again, but what’s meant to be will always be and they find their way back and sweet Kaia is an aid in the process.
The beautiful ending to Cole and Brooke’s story was absolutely wonderful. I was so enthralled by their love story that I finished both books in 48 hours. Totally worth the read and so much fullness to this story. Brooke loses her memory and Cole has to regain her love and trust all over again, but what’s meant to be will always be and they find their way back and sweet Kaia is an aid in the process.
October 7, 2018
AN ENJOYABLE NOVEL
Book 2 of this duet series was a sweetly romantic read. Having read book 1 “Falling” I was able to see the growth of the main characters Brooke & Cole. The novel was written via alternate POV, that of Brooke & Cole. The plot wasn’t very complex, although the novel kept me reading. Were Brooke & Cole going to make it as a couple?
Read both novels to find out.
Book 2 of this duet series was a sweetly romantic read. Having read book 1 “Falling” I was able to see the growth of the main characters Brooke & Cole. The novel was written via alternate POV, that of Brooke & Cole. The plot wasn’t very complex, although the novel kept me reading. Were Brooke & Cole going to make it as a couple?
Read both novels to find out.
February 24, 2019
This duet was okay, but it felt like it followed a formula. Insert random drama here, find conflict here, have sex here... there was no connection to the book or characters for me, because it felt so scripted and like pieces were plugged together. It didn’t flow. Unfortunately this one wasn’t for me.
March 1, 2019
After reading Falling, I wanted so badly to read Rising that I immediately downloaded it. Although this book is good, it didn’t give me the same feeling the previous book did. I find the wait in two books for some reveal, to be ‘No, this can’t be it’ moment. Most of the storyline was good and I would recommend the series.
July 20, 2018
Part 2 of the Fall and Rise Duet and yet another of Wendy's stories that I absolutely love.
Rising is the continuation of Cole and Brooke’s story and the answers to the questions Falling left you with.
Rising is the continuation of Cole and Brooke’s story and the answers to the questions Falling left you with.
May 30, 2021
Could have ended earlier
Though the ending of Cole and Brookes story is bittersweet, the story could have ended in Falling. Seems like Rising was just a way to get more money out of readers and waste time.
Though the ending of Cole and Brookes story is bittersweet, the story could have ended in Falling. Seems like Rising was just a way to get more money out of readers and waste time.
October 12, 2018
Awesome
Second book just as good as the first book. Cole and Brooke, Kaias makes a beautiful family. Book was well written. Love it. Want more like this.
Second book just as good as the first book. Cole and Brooke, Kaias makes a beautiful family. Book was well written. Love it. Want more like this.
October 17, 2018
First time read from this author and I have to say I loved it! There was drama, romance and everything in between. Great job!
May 2, 2019
A better book ending
I wasn't happy with how the first book ended. It was so abrupt. The ending to this second book is much more palatable. A good story line, too.
I wasn't happy with how the first book ended. It was so abrupt. The ending to this second book is much more palatable. A good story line, too.
August 4, 2019
A lovely ending to the duet. Cole and Brooke still have some obstacles to overcome in this book.
Very sweet easy read.
Very sweet easy read.
December 6, 2020
This was a great finish to Cole and Brooke’s story.
May 17, 2021
Review
I didn’t like that the book was in two parts, otherwise it was a good book. Gave both sides of the story.
I didn’t like that the book was in two parts, otherwise it was a good book. Gave both sides of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews