This Above All

San Francisco #3

by Nicole Pyland

This is book # 3 in the San Francisco Series.

Hillary Robins had watched all of her friends couple off. Everyone in her group had their person now, while she’d turned into something like the eighth wheel. After Caroline had broken her heart, Hillary had always known that she’d be the last of her friends to find someone. Caroline had done a number on her. And, in many ways, she was still recovering.

Amara Simmons both loved and hated being a preacher’s daughter. She loved her father dearly. He was all she had left after her mother’s tragic death. But what her father and his protégé, Mark, taught in church was in direct opposition to what she felt about herself. She’d never had the courage to admit it out loud. She even dated Mark because it was what was right for her father and for their shared faith. Unfortunately for Amara, her secret – along with some family secrets – collide when she finally decides to come out of her shell.

Hillary had been staring at a beautiful, auburn-haired woman every week in her local café for over a year before circumstances finally give her the courage to take a chance and strike up a conversation. Amara had always thought Hillary was beautiful. She’d always wanted to talk to her, but she couldn’t. If she did, that would mean that thing she’d been hiding about herself might reveal itself. If it did, it would change everything.

Recommended order of reading the books in the series:

Checking the Right Box (in San Francisco Series) Keep Tahoe Blue (in Tahoe Series) Macon's Heart (in San Francisco Series) This Above All (in San Francisco Series)

Genres: Romance, Lesbian Romance, LGBT, Fiction, Lesbian, Lesbian Fiction, Adult

320 pages, ebook

First published July 11, 2019

About the author

Nicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance stand-alone novels and series like Chicago Series, Holiday Series, Royalty Series, Sports Series, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 60 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way.

Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.

Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Corporate Slave · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been jinxed ! I was having such a good streak, liking all the books I’ve been reading lately until this one !
So Nicole Pyland is one of the authors that I rarely have issues with. I love all her recent series they are so much fun and the MCs and supporting characters all blend in very well together.. this specific one didn’t do it at all for me! I thought it was a forced book as if Pyland had to deliver a book under a contract or sthg!
Maybe cuz I can’t handle the word “baby” on a first date and “I love you” a couple of weeks after? I could potentially handle it if I felt the connection, but that also didn’t come through right. again it was forced!
I also didn’t like Amara, one of the MCs. Then there were bits and pieces in the storyline that didn’t make any sense and it didn’t add anything. For ex: why add an ex GF in the story when it has nthg to do with the coming out story, or the Alcoholism, or self love.. I mean it’s enough for a book to address such heavy topics, why insert an ex in the middle?
Ok I’m ranting, it’s just that my frustration level is high because I was really looking forward to another book by Pyland!
Having said all of that, the sex scenes alone get the 2 points :)

[Bugs · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, since discovering her books, I haven't been disappointed with Nicole Pyland's stories because her writing style and word flow are just my cuppa. Always engaging and her conversational dialogues just seep into the consciousness ever so effortlessly, so her characters feel real and their stories relate and resonate. At least for me. "This Above All" was no exception. The third installment in the San Francisco Series, I knew it would become my favourite of the series as Pyland brilliantly weaved Amara and Hillary's story of self-discovery, love, reconciliation and hope with captivating and compelling fervour.

Ideally, according to Pyland, you should read the previous two installments, "Checking The Right Box" and "Macon's Heart," not to mention, Book 1 of the new Tahoe Series, "Keep Tahoe Blue," which should be read in-between Book 1 and Book 2 of the SF series, first. But if you're not particular about reading the stories in order, I don't think you'll miss out hugely when you read "This Above All" as a standalone. The only thing that's applicable to this book's MCs, Hillary and Amara, in terms of the previous installments, would be the scenes (very few) where Pyland described their so-called "encounters" and the back stories of Hillary's featured mates. No worries, though, because she summarised them in this book. So, you can always go back to read the previous ones just to get a clear picture plus discovering the love stories of Hillary's circle of friends, if you want. Nevertheless, Hillary, one of the MCs in this story, the lone single woman in her close-knit circle of friends finally got what she wished for this time around. Finding her one true love. Obviously, she'd been enamoured of this stranger whom she kept bumping into for the past year. In "Macon's Heart," she finally found out the name of the stranger who had so captured her attention and roused her attraction from the start. Amara.

Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This by far was the best romance in the San Francisco books. Book 1 was a little rocky, but book 2 was much better. Then came 3. Yes this one is good.

Hillary and Amara have been staring at each other for an entire year at the coffee shop they visit. Hillary's friends have been trying to encourage her to ask Amara out, but she wasn't ready. They FINALLY officially meet after Amara enrolls in one of Hillary's classes. Thank goodness! These two are so cute together. Each MC has their own set of issues. Hillary is dealing with issues from her last breakup and Amara is dealing with her faith and an ever present/over protective Father who happens to be a minister.

This Above All has chemistry, passion, love and some nice hot steamy sex. :) I do love me a romance where the MC's can express themselves in the bedroom. Pyland does a good job incorporating some heavy topics in this one without it being overwhelming. I am hoping that the next Tahoe romance can be as good as this one!

4.25 stars.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Interesting enough to hold my interest. Not as good as Book 2 but alas....I’m brought back down from a high. The attraction between Hillary and Amara had me going up until the point when they consummate their love. There’s only so much of ‘Babe’ (term of endearment often used) and jumping on each other bones that I can stomach 😐 Horny much? 🤪

[MaxDisaster · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
This wasn't bad, but because of my fundamental lack of understanding of a society that's so deeply immersed in christian faith (most of the citizens of my country are atheists) I can't fully empathise with the clash of faith and sexuality that Amara's going through.
Otherwise this was an average book. Nothing groundbreaking, but not that bad either.

[Harrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

“We kept coming back to one another, Amara. We’d never spoken or had any indication that this could work, but we kept coming back.”

Amara and Hillary had a crush on each other for over a year without ever talking to each other and then they got together. Imagine being that lucky. The MCs fit so well together. They got together too fast and i was sure it was gonna get boring but they were way too cute to let that happen.

'“You want me?”
Since I first saw you.”
“But, back then, I was–”
“Hot,” Amara finished for her. “I know you started working out a while ago, and that you think this attention you’ve been getting recently is because of that. Maybe it is; I don’t know. But I do know that I’ve always found you attractive”'.

I love that Amara noticed her before she started gym. And how considerate Hillary was with Amara after she shared her situation and how she let her set the pace. Hillary was pretty much perfect. Amara's character hit close to home and her mother's story was so sad.


'“Tell me what you want.” Hillary took her hand and stared down at it. “Just say it.”
“No one’s ever really asked me that before.”
“I am.”'

They are the definition of healthy relationship. It's like author made up the nicest characters possible and made them fall in love. It was over 200 pages of fluff.

[XR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really hot and sexy.

Amara is such an endearing a likeable character. On the one hand she's mature and put together and on the other, she's quite innocent. I didn't realise the history that Hilary went through and the abuse she had to endure with her ex... that's so debilitating to have the person you love treat you less than.

I really loved this story, it's probably my favourite of all the San Francisco series.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an introduction to Pyland's writing, this series has been really fun. I am now starting with What Happened Afters... so I have some things to go in this series.

Book 3 might be my least favourite. Hillary is one of the friends that are introduced in book 1 Checking the Right Box, but we don't really get to know her in the same way we do any of the other friends, she is always on the periphery of everything. I think this is addressed in this book as well, she feels this way herself as well. Although the author does a good job I do feel like it somehow isn't enough? I don't know know how else to explain it. Her love interest is someone we also know of from the other books. It's the woman in the cafe, Amara. Amara has her own struggles and I do feel like we get to know this character well.

This book had a lot of things I just didn't quite understand. Quick I-love-yous and not to mention the sex. This is by far the steamiest book of the series and for me, it doesn't make the most sense. I even thought the first sex scene was a dream...
Anyway, I did enjoy it, but not as much as the others.

[Marty Preslar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perceptive, Powerful, and Passionate

This third and final volume in the San Francisco Series covers some heavy topics, such as emotional abuse, self-esteem issues, fear of being oneself, bisexual discrimination, and that murky area where religion and sexuality meet. Given that, you might think that it is a very serious story all the way through, but that would be wrong. Nicole Pyland manages to address these rather heavy topics while maintaining a fairly lighthearted tone through most of the story, not to mention having some of the funniest scenes in the series, as well as a few that are more steamy than you might expect.

As always, the character development and chemistry between the leading ladies is superb and the supporting cast, which has mostly been introduced in earlier books in the series, but a couple of whom are new characters, are well written and developed as well. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC copy of this book.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great story for Hillary and Amara

I'm sad the series has ended but it was a great series just like her others. Any fan will enjoy this one. Looking forward to the next one in the Tahoe series!

[bookster · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I was really anxious to read this book because I love this series and I also really wanted to know when Hillary would talk to Amara.
I really enjoyed this book, not as much as the others, but I did. I think it had too much drama for one book.
I like it to go through Amara finding herself and her father finding out about her, but I don't know, I think he become okay with it too quickly, coming out to homophobic parents it's not that easy, so I got a little disappointed with that, because I was really hoping to see what would happen since it's not something that I usually read about.
Also, Hillary and Amara are so comprehensive with each other, it felt a little fake, I don't know, I missed a little bit of lesbian drama, it would be way better than injecting an crazy alcoholic ex.
But well, I can't wait to see more of Nicole's, because she's one of my favorites and she writes very well.

I almost forgot, the sex is AWESOME, I love it how Nicole writes it, I was hoping a little more sexy times at the end, but well, it's a hot book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second one is still my favorite, but this was definitely better than the first. Hillary and Amara were prophesied since book one, so that helps with the instant love that happens, because they move fast, but is an interesting story and plot.

[Michelle Schuler]

This Above All

Nicole Pyland is extremely talented. The way she pairs her MCs is brilliant. I enjoyed this series and look forward to more books.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely finale (apart from NP’s excellent follow-up to series What happened after) though a little neat which was fine for an old romantic like me! 🤓 Recommended series.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I'm so happy for Hillary. Macon's Heart and This Above All are my favorite of the San Francisco series. The 2 main characters did a lot of growing together. They make a perfect t couple. Can wait for the Tahoe series to continue. I feel like a part of their lives. I've read all the books from the beginning and love how they all come together.

[Robert M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not quite 4*. I read this one a while back and totally forgot to review it. Then i went back to see what i had highlighted and it wasn't too much. So i started reading some of my highlights - oh yeah, this one wasn't that great. For some reason, i didn't really click with the main characters. Everyone is so damaged and had so much to work through. Even the relationship had to start with hiccups. I did read the whole thing to try to get to the HEA which was alright. I love Hawaii, too bad we didn't get any scenes there.
I did read the whole thing at one point. I remember being confused for a while by the fact that there are two characters with the same name in the book. There is a reason, but i had to re-read parts to clear up some confusion as i sorta started speed reading. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story

Hillary and Amara frequent the same coffee shop for over a year, never met, just stealing glances at each other. Until one day… Call it destiny, fate, kismet, whatever you like, but these 2 women had been showing up not only at the coffee shop, but other places. We know Hillary from other books in the series. Both women suffer from a lack of confidence, each for their own reasons, and both really want to get over it and approach the other. Amara hasn’t been with a man or a woman. She’s dated men and found she wasn’t interested. Hillary finally works up the courage to talk to Amara, and their story continues.

[charles clayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this series. I especially like the way that you are consistent about involving members of the preceding books as a means of involving your readers in the progression of key members of previous books and how they fit into the present circumstances pertinent to the story that is evolving at the present time😍.
Letting Amara learn of her own mother struggle with the same inner struggles and biased indifference. Was just the driving force Amara needed to reinforce her and confirm in her the much needed confidence❗

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of the books in the San Francisco series. In this particular book, the third in the series, I liked that it featured a queer woman with a religious background. It is a common issue in the queer community to not be accepted by a religious family or be afraid to come out because you're not sure if they will accept you, so I'm sure plenty of readers could relate to it. I also liked that it included a woman in her late 20's that had only previously dated men. At times the story felt a bit too slow which is why it got 4 stars instead of 5.

[Steffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this book, this book!!! I don know exactly where to begin. It hit so close to home. It is a great story of love concurring all. I could hardly put this book down when reading about Amara and Hillary. How can one woman be so understanding and supportive ? Hillary is amazing in this story of helping Amara understand who she’s been all along.

I can’t even I just loved it.

[j good · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series

The San Francisco Series has been fantastic. Book 3 with Hillary and Amara is so good. I really admire Amara's determination to live her own life.

I'm going to read "What Happened After" because it's book four and because I always wonder what happened to a couple after I finished a book.

[Rolande Vien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry to see this series coming to an end. Really enjoyed the series just like the Chicago series. I have read all of this author books and they are well written. Looking forward to other books from This author

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I loved This above all. A great continuation of the series. An adult woman coming to terms with her sexuality can be difficult. When you add the stress from your family, your church and society in general, it can be quite a struggle.

[cathey dejager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adventurous ,exciting and explosive love story .

Getting to know all of the caricatures in this story is exciting and watching the friends coming together is a fun adventure , but what brings it all together is the romance and love they all have for each other.

[Shannon Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

It’s great to see Hillary finally get her HEA and with the woman she’s been crushing on for a year. Hillary and Amara both helped each other be brave and finally be who they both needed to be.

[Cameo Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found one of my all time favorite paragraphs in a book. More because it really resonates for me and it happened in this book. Hillary is totally amazing and badass at dealing with parents. Amara is like so many other people, which makes you love her even more.

[sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

This book was really good. I still think book #2 (Macons heart) is my favorite from this series, but this one was really sweet, and the drama wasn't too extra. Would definitely recommend.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read...love the tile more than the book! 😳 Kinda dislike the book simply bc my own personal story DID NOT turn out like this. I still got the girl...but own fam disowned me! So I guess ...yes...just jealous of this ending. Lol