Relevé

Four Point Universe #9

by Max Ellendale

Undercover assignments rarely have positive outcomes for anyone involved. For Maya, her successful mission might have brought her closer to her ultimate goal, but the price she paid left her with deep emotional wounds. On her first night back home after three months living the life of someone else, she finds herself alone and homeless in the streets of Seattle. When a compassionate stranger offers her refuge, Maya's affection toward the kind dancer becomes the only light she can see. As Vivian attempts to help Maya lift herself up from a life of frequent falls, the two begin to explore their deep connection to each other. With the support of her doting cousin, Nora, and her chosen family, Maya slowly begins to lower the tightly packed walls around her heart.

Editor: Deadra Krieger
Illustrator: Victoria Miller

Genres: LGBT, Lesbian

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2020

About the author

Max grew up just outside of New York City, spending most of her formative years outdoors creating wild ghost hunts with neighborhood kids, setting booby-traps to capture unwitting family members, and building clubhouses on top of ten-foot walls. Max wrote her first story at the age of twelve and titled it Circles of Friendship. Through the years, Max has written several short-stories and poems, all of which met the wrath of the “Not Good Enough” monster and ended in fiery demise.

Max regained her confidence when she began writing scholarly articles and research theses on her first trip through graduate school. It took several years for her to break the habit of the formal writing that marred her creativity. An additional Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing was Max’s biggest support in this. Max writes primarily sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult stories.

Reviews

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes

Now this one had me smiling and laughing. I missed the OG squad. And Vivian is such a sweetheart. The connection between the two mcs is really beautiful and sweet.

[XR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the dance references in this entertaining read, and the fact that this book included a few of my favourite characters. Nora's great as Maya's cousin/big sister and it was sweet to see Caroline soften towards Maya too. Vivian's a sweet character and patient as heck. Seeing glimpses of past characters and their kiddos was a bonus!

[Best Lesfic Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya, a cop with the Seattle PD, returns home from a three month long undercover operation and finds that she is homeless thanks to having trusted and depended on her careless father. Emotionally raw from the operation, Maya is at her lowest, skulking in an alley as she tries to grapple with the splinters of her life when she sees Vivian. They exchange a few words and turns out that Vivian teaches dance in the studio behind which Maya has taken refuge. After Vivian returns inside, Maya lays down right there and ends up napping. She’s woken by Vivian who offers her food, shelter and a phone, which Maya uses to call her cousin, Nora.


Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...

[Vee Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as the preorder went live for this book I bought it...

I want to start out by sharing a little bit about my Max Ellendale reading history, before I go in depth with the review...

Over the past 3 or 4 years I was a heavy kindle unlimited reader. I would read at least 5 -7 books a week, but was never truly satisfied. Thankfully, during that time, I found Max Ellendale! I found that instead of reading the newest arrivals to kindle unlimited I had a desire to reread her books. I've reread them so much that I took a break from my subscription to kindle unlimited and bought every e-book she's released.

Her books are so satisfying that I often need time to process my thoughts and feelings after the experience...and reluctantly...rejoin reality. (Side note: After reading Mermaid (my favorite...just saying) I didn't want to join reality ever again. If the day comes where I have the opportunity to live out a fictional romance I choose that! Side note over.)

Let's dive in...

For me as a reader my desire is to have an understanding/connection with the main characters. Even if I don't relate on a personal level I love to empathize and put myself in their shoes. To experience what they go through and the process as they live out their journey... this is my reason for reading...period. I'm a strong believer in growing on a personal level myself while reading fiction/romance that I love.

Maya is a character that I've had my eye on. She's been mentioned in previous books, so I was excited to see from her perspective. Which was brilliantly done in first person. Her cousin Nora has always had a soft spot in my heart for many reasons (Don't worry, I know I'm already over sharing...I won't go into details). I honestly loved seeing previous characters from the eyes of someone close to them. Her interactions with Caroline, Molly, and Rebecca were some of my favorite scenes. I also loved the new introductions that Maya had with well known characters from previous books.

As for Vivian...I wish I could quote a tweet that I sent while reading this book, but I don't want to mark this review as having spoilers...let's just say she has a beautiful heart and the way she loves and connects with Maya is very desirable...and if someone wanted to do that to me in real life I wouldn't say no....

I would definitely call this a fast romance. But, the healing is a slow burn that amplifies the love sparked from the fast ignition of their attraction and magnetic beginning...

There were some heavy moments in the book that I needed to process before continuing to read...but that's why I read... I want the heavy, because it helps me to grow as a person.

The intimacy (sexual and non-sexual) is outstanding! And that's a common feature when reading books written by Max Ellendale.

In conclusion... I highly recommend everything written by Max Ellendale.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one

I'm not sure Max Ellendale could write a bad book, even if she tried. This is yet another great read in the Four Point universe. I love how Ellendale adds characters and keeps building this wonderful, intertwined world. And even though her books have similar themes, each book is a fresh take. I love how you get to watch the two mains, Maya & Vivian, build this deep, loving relationship while Maya struggles to deal with recent events. A lot of previous characters make appearances, helping Maya navigate her internal struggles and find her feet again. You'll devour this book and anxiously await the next installment. And re-read the previous books while you wait. At least that's what I always end up doing. ;)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the book with a grin...

Max Ellendale delievers another beautiful story among the Four Point universe. Thoughtful, emotional, and physical in the way I've come to expect from one of my favorite authors. Love both main characters, and the way old favorites squeeze their way back in for quick glimpses into their lives is really special for me. I love the community and family feel of the series and I was left content and feeling kindof like I had a hug from an old friend.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Vicky R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Four Points best

Ooh. This one was awesome! Most of my favorite characters, and all the snark and wit I've come to love from them cultivated into what Ellendale does best. Raw emotion, powerful messages of positivity and love. Again, what she does best and what I've come to look forward to with every release. Btw... Did I mention the snarky, witty banter? Loved it!

[Alicia Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Ellendale

Relevé (Four Point Universe Book 9)

MC Maya & Vivian



The story opens up with Maya having a fight with her dad.  He took the money she gave him to pay her rent and used it to support his habit. She  was homeless, lost and upset. It was rainy, so she run into a alley way for shelter . After  realizing she broke her phone,  she began  to wonder what she would do. She  meets this young lady in a alleyway named Vivian who offers to let her use her phone.  Maya calls her cousin Nora who she used to be in the FBI with.


Side note,  Vivian was kind to Maya. She took her in out of the cold. Nora,  Maya’s  cousin let’s  her stay with her and figure out her life m. Maya finds new place to live.

The story is very interesting to see Maya go from the bottom to pulling herself back up.  She  keeps moving forward. She was happy to be back at work. Vivian’s ex boyfriend Ian is a complete Jerk .

Nora and Maya’s relationship was sweet. They  both had a rough childhood,  but turned out to be very kind and caring people.


The story was very heartfelt.  I enjoyed the story and I will definitely read more by the author.  It was my first book by the author. I highly recommend this book 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cindy Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returning from a 3-month undercover operation, Maya, a Seattle police officer, finds out her alcoholic father has spent her rent money and she is homeless. While sleeping in an alley, she meets Vivian, the owner of a dance studio and a former principal ballet dancer. After Vivian invites Maya into her studio, the two remain in contact and begin to build a relationship. But Maya is still unable to heal from the trauma of her time undercover and resists all offers of help.

This book, part of a larger series but also a standalone, is billed as New Adult, even though Maya is 29, the oldest age in that genre's range, and Vivian, who is 28, is written as much older and wiser. Still, the book is about Maya's arc of growing up and becoming an adult.

The biggest problem with this book is that it is character-driven as opposed to plot driven. That's not a flaw unto itself, but it is difficult to pull off when the book, like this one, is very long. After the first third, I still didn't know what the book was about and kept waiting for some point of conflict.

The "universe" of this series is filled with lesbian couples, whose stories, I imagine, were told in earlier books. By the time we get to this one, it feels like everyone in Portland is a lesbian or bi woman. Not that that's a bad thing, but it's a bit too much.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another anticipated addition to the Four Point Universe. The story is told through the eyes of a new character Maya, recently back from an undercover operation, but finding herself homeless through no fault of her own. As with many of Ellendale's MC's, Maya is a strong woman who has been damaged by her life experiences, most recently by her undercover work. She meets Vivien, owner of a dance studio and their connection is almost instant. Maya does not trust easily, the only constant in her life being her cousin Nora, but in Vivien she has found someone she can trust and let down her walls and begin to heal.

It is very satisfying to read a little more about Nora and her partner Caroline who have featured fairly prominently in other books in the series, though never as main characters. As with all books in this series we get glimpses of other characters, such as Molly, best friend of the MC in Moonflower and Billie from Entanglement. We also get to reconnect with the irrepressible Sali James and her wife Maggie, always a bonus. It is a pleasure to read these books and become immersed in the the wonderful world of chosen family and friends that the author has created, and I look forward to the next installment.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Point Universe rocks again

“To love her was a gift that she allowed me, and to be loved by her, was an honor.”
+ • + • + • +

I swear, this series gets better with every book I read!! Its a unique & interesting storyline that makes this a very entertaining & captivating book. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & easily relatable & likeable characters made it an easy read. I would strongly recommend this book.

[Lesbian Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are BACK! This book was the best in the series so far. The characters within the Four Point Universe are interacting with each other.

Maya was an undercover cop for 3 months. When she came out, her apartment was no longer hers, her belongings were in storage. She was ready to sleep in an alley. Vivian was a dance studio owner unhappy with her dance partner and ex-boyfriend.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again...

I’m very satisfied with my purchase and very happy to check in on the crew. I tried to read slowly and enjoy the story so it took two days to finish instead of one.

However I’m not disappointed and continue to love this series.

Note to author: WTF? When did Mercy get a whole kid?

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im inlove with Sali!!!!! Love this series and beyond

Would love to see the next book and see Sali and Molly kindfully duke it out.... The Mermaid Pod and Grays Harbor galls need to get together.... Awesome book and story well done.. AGAIN!!!!!

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

Excellent!

I loved Releve’. It is great. We get to catch up with our favorites from the other books. While we get acquainted with a whole new generation of characters. Loved it. It will really help if you read the other books in the Four Point series before you read this one.

[Angelica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as great as the rest

Another one in the series and you won’t be disappointed. This is a younger cop than the rest and not as involved in the group but all interconnected and just as great. Read it and read her other works as well.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Mermaid Clan

Max just keeps bringing wonderfully written characters to light. You get so lost in her world building thru all her books. Laugh,cry all the emotions will make an appearance.

[Kelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel in the Four Point Universe

This is the story of Maya and Vivian. Some familiar characters also appear; Caroline, Nora, Sali, and Maggie. This story kept me interested and the characters were well written. This is another Max Ellendale hit out of the park.

[Margaret Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance for non-dancers

I loved the theme of dancing throughout this novel. It starts with Vivian going out on a limb and lending Maya a hand up when she was at a low point. Great read.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story About Personal Growth

Editing wasn’t as good as other Ellendale books. Great characters and story as usual though. Probably two of my favorite characters in the series.

[Valtorrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luv it

I loved this book especially getting to read about all be other characters from 4 horseman series. I wish book included the wedding lol

[MizLiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancer and a cop. They helped each other heal their wounds and create friendships with others. Good series.

[Megan Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

I enjoyed this one as much as the rest. I enjoy taking these journeys with the lovely women that are in it.