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The man she thought she knew truly is a stranger. Swept away on their honeymoon, the stakes have never been higher.
Will his identity be their undoing, or will they rise together? Sadie has just discovered his monumental secret. The man she fell for is not who she thought after all. Can she look past the lie, and see the heart of the man beneath?
Despite the hurt and anger warring inside, she must put her feelings aside to handle the next steps of the Compulsory Marriage Program. Her genetic match is not what he seemed, but does that mean he can't be trusted to help her find her missing friend? With Josephine's life on the line, will he prove his loyalty to Sadie, or crush her dreams for good?
Will his identity be their undoing, or will they rise together? Sadie has just discovered his monumental secret. The man she fell for is not who she thought after all. Can she look past the lie, and see the heart of the man beneath?
Despite the hurt and anger warring inside, she must put her feelings aside to handle the next steps of the Compulsory Marriage Program. Her genetic match is not what he seemed, but does that mean he can't be trusted to help her find her missing friend? With Josephine's life on the line, will he prove his loyalty to Sadie, or crush her dreams for good?
228 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2022
457 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Gandy
19 books120 followersK. A. Gandy was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She is married with two babies of her own. K. A. has worked as a restaurant hostess, library book shelver, ranch hand, tour guide, Realtor, tech whiz, landlord, and small business consultant, all in addition to pursuing her passion of writing. As a person of many interests, her life has never been boring.
She likes to write late in the evenings and thinks drinking hot tea and baking great cookies fuels hopes and dreams.
She likes to write late in the evenings and thinks drinking hot tea and baking great cookies fuels hopes and dreams.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Read
June 1, 20224 stars // read May 2022
Possible RTC
Possible RTC
February 25, 2022
power
This could be the world we live in. Checks and balances giving too much power for the right reasons is still wrong
This could be the world we live in. Checks and balances giving too much power for the right reasons is still wrong
September 22, 2022
Good start to gimish
Keeps you wanting more. Excellent job in writing. I can't wait to read more. Glad I found this series , hard to put book dpwn
Keeps you wanting more. Excellent job in writing. I can't wait to read more. Glad I found this series , hard to put book dpwn
March 19, 2024
Introduces more horrific elements (or I suppose, reminds us of horrific elements), continues to fail to explore them.
I think perhaps how I view the world and how the author does are simply so incompatible that this series cannot make sense to me. The tragedy as presented by the novel, for instance, for the women tied down, kept sedated, and routinely impregnated via ivf is that they have children out there they will never know. The woman we (briefly) knew amongst these sedated women did not seem to want children or want to be involved in this. The tragedy, book, is the years lost and the consent ignored for the use of the government, not *the babies*, who you have assured us have been adopted because everyone good in this universe wants a child.
The tragedy is the exploited women. Get your head out of your ass and learn how to make actual cornbread while you're at it.
(further, the sheer hilarity of Sadie literally never doing anything cannot be topped. Usually these kinds of books at least find some token action for the lady main character: in this, Sadie literally just follows her husband and brother around like a doll)
I think perhaps how I view the world and how the author does are simply so incompatible that this series cannot make sense to me. The tragedy as presented by the novel, for instance, for the women tied down, kept sedated, and routinely impregnated via ivf is that they have children out there they will never know. The woman we (briefly) knew amongst these sedated women did not seem to want children or want to be involved in this. The tragedy, book, is the years lost and the consent ignored for the use of the government, not *the babies*, who you have assured us have been adopted because everyone good in this universe wants a child.
The tragedy is the exploited women. Get your head out of your ass and learn how to make actual cornbread while you're at it.
(further, the sheer hilarity of Sadie literally never doing anything cannot be topped. Usually these kinds of books at least find some token action for the lady main character: in this, Sadie literally just follows her husband and brother around like a doll)
May 8, 2025
2022 52 Book Challenge - Summer Genre Mini Challenge - 5) Young Adult
This is one of those books where the plot is progressing slowly, in small increments, and yet the book feels like it moves really quickly. Like, the book is a quick read.
It is quite an enjoyable read, though it does suffer from book 2 of a trilogy syndrome, in which it really has to work to bridge the gap between how the author finishes book 1 and how they want book 3 to start.
This is one of those books where the plot is progressing slowly, in small increments, and yet the book feels like it moves really quickly. Like, the book is a quick read.
It is quite an enjoyable read, though it does suffer from book 2 of a trilogy syndrome, in which it really has to work to bridge the gap between how the author finishes book 1 and how they want book 3 to start.
Read
May 8, 2022Wow!
Fantastic and fascinating storyline. Action pack, romance and everything in between. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book.
Fantastic and fascinating storyline. Action pack, romance and everything in between. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book.
November 4, 2022
An improvement from book 1!
I was pleasantly surprised that this book was more exciting to read than book 1. Though I didn’t love book one, the author left me curious enough about the story to continue. I felt like the relationships pictured are very healthy which is a rarity that I’m kind of enjoying. This is considered “clean” which is a great option for a lot of people. My issue is that a lot of the dialogue between these young adult characters sounds soooooo cheesy. Like what a boomer thinks Gen Z kids sound like or just really over the top expressions to avoid swearing that I don’t think anyone on this planet has ever said.
I was pleasantly surprised that this book was more exciting to read than book 1. Though I didn’t love book one, the author left me curious enough about the story to continue. I felt like the relationships pictured are very healthy which is a rarity that I’m kind of enjoying. This is considered “clean” which is a great option for a lot of people. My issue is that a lot of the dialogue between these young adult characters sounds soooooo cheesy. Like what a boomer thinks Gen Z kids sound like or just really over the top expressions to avoid swearing that I don’t think anyone on this planet has ever said.
Want to read
March 15, 2021Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
November 9, 2021
Captivating
I've really enjoyed the series so far. It's easy to read and has an intriguing storyline that has kept my interest.
I've really enjoyed the series so far. It's easy to read and has an intriguing storyline that has kept my interest.
June 12, 2022
What is going on?
Sadie and Patrick are on their honeymoon. Life is changing daily for the two. Secrets are revealed to show even more Secrets. When it seems like things have reached a climax, a new situation arises. What is really happening to this couple? Great read and I must read the next book in this series.
Sadie and Patrick are on their honeymoon. Life is changing daily for the two. Secrets are revealed to show even more Secrets. When it seems like things have reached a climax, a new situation arises. What is really happening to this couple? Great read and I must read the next book in this series.
July 6, 2022
Babies
When all that matters is baby production, romance takes a back seat. Saddie and Patrick find love despite theodds. In a global population crisis an anomaly that could present a cure or hope for future generations to be more successful at reproduction is a hot commodity. So a trip makes the perfect opportunity for a kidnapping Saddie and Patrick. Said anomalies.
When all that matters is baby production, romance takes a back seat. Saddie and Patrick find love despite theodds. In a global population crisis an anomaly that could present a cure or hope for future generations to be more successful at reproduction is a hot commodity. So a trip makes the perfect opportunity for a kidnapping Saddie and Patrick. Said anomalies.
August 8, 2022
Loving this series and I can’t stop.
July 7, 2022
This book was too short! I love the story line, just like the first book. But I want more. I am excited to read the third and final book. There is a cliffhanger.
Read
September 19, 2022Good
Really, really good book. I am so hurried to get the next book I can't wait. This is a great book.
Really, really good book. I am so hurried to get the next book I can't wait. This is a great book.
January 31, 2024
Interesting 2nd installment, these are pretty short books.
July 22, 2022
Great read!
North America has been divided into 25 tri states and the population is dwindling . The area was covered with a sterilization formula a hundred years ago. People are starting to recover but not fast enough. The new government has instituted a marriage agreement that is mandatory for all women between 16 and 19. For men it is voluntary. The women must appear at an area and are genetically matched to men. If you are matched to more than one man you must choose the one you would like to marry. You must stay married for three years and produce at least one child in the first two years.
There are many more rules but I won't ruin the story for you. This is a great story and I have really gotten pulled into it. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves mystery, adventure, romance, and action. Be prepared to be shocked at what is being done to women in this future.
North America has been divided into 25 tri states and the population is dwindling . The area was covered with a sterilization formula a hundred years ago. People are starting to recover but not fast enough. The new government has instituted a marriage agreement that is mandatory for all women between 16 and 19. For men it is voluntary. The women must appear at an area and are genetically matched to men. If you are matched to more than one man you must choose the one you would like to marry. You must stay married for three years and produce at least one child in the first two years.
There are many more rules but I won't ruin the story for you. This is a great story and I have really gotten pulled into it. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves mystery, adventure, romance, and action. Be prepared to be shocked at what is being done to women in this future.
October 10, 2022
I’m hooked
Ok. I wasn’t all that impressed with the first book thinking it’s just another bachelor/bachelorette type of story line-you know, the writing is good, I’m just kind of tired of this type of storyline. But then book two has added in a lot of intrigue, adventure and mystery that I’m fully vested in the storyline now.
Ok. I wasn’t all that impressed with the first book thinking it’s just another bachelor/bachelorette type of story line-you know, the writing is good, I’m just kind of tired of this type of storyline. But then book two has added in a lot of intrigue, adventure and mystery that I’m fully vested in the storyline now.
January 11, 2022
Entertaining enough. Still do not like the main character much.
December 29, 2021
Rise, the second installment in The Population Crumble Series by K. A. Gandy was a solid 4 star read.
I do think the beginning was slow overall, however, it did its job in reestablishing the initially rocky relationship between Sadie and Patrick. I don't know though, I feel like maybe she could have questioned him a bit more. Like did he know he had matched with her that day in the hallway? Did he honestly earn his spot as a top match or did his family's money help edge him up?
As the story progressed, about a third of the way through, the action, deceit, and chaos began to kick into high gear. Our girl, Sadie really showed what she was made of with her wit and sass and even her kindness to those around her.
It was definitely cool to see some of the inner workings of the honeymoon resorts. It felt like the Handmaid's Tale but maybe a bit less severe.
And as for some of the twists along the way, they really were good and unexpected. I loved the ending. One review noted that she didn't like the cliffhanger ending but I didnt feel like it was any different than the second book of the Hunger Games.
Great read! Can't wait for the last one!
I do think the beginning was slow overall, however, it did its job in reestablishing the initially rocky relationship between Sadie and Patrick. I don't know though, I feel like maybe she could have questioned him a bit more. Like did he know he had matched with her that day in the hallway? Did he honestly earn his spot as a top match or did his family's money help edge him up?
As the story progressed, about a third of the way through, the action, deceit, and chaos began to kick into high gear. Our girl, Sadie really showed what she was made of with her wit and sass and even her kindness to those around her.
It was definitely cool to see some of the inner workings of the honeymoon resorts. It felt like the Handmaid's Tale but maybe a bit less severe.
And as for some of the twists along the way, they really were good and unexpected. I loved the ending. One review noted that she didn't like the cliffhanger ending but I didnt feel like it was any different than the second book of the Hunger Games.
Great read! Can't wait for the last one!
December 17, 2022
Second installment as engaging as the first. Unfortunately, the writing - specifically, the dialogue - has. not improved. Ends on another pulse-pounding cliffhanger so I'm off to download the third book and see how the trilogy wraps up.
December 25, 2022
I was really frustrated with the main character for the majority of this book. She's just too wishy washy for me. The story was a bit drawn out and I found myself skimming through some of it - particularly the middle. I will read the final book but I'm pretty sure I can guess the conclusion.
November 2, 2023
Rise is book 2 of the Populations Crumble series and it picks right where book 1 left off. These are not standalone novels and need to be read in order or you will be lost in the sauce.
Sadie and Patrick go on their honeymoon but Sadie is struggling with trusting him again after finding out about him lying to her. They are also dealing with the stress of the Compulsory Marriage Program wanting them to get pregnant while they are secretly searching for her missing friend.
Just like Dwindle, I loved this story. It does a great job at weaving romance in between all the action and tension. The world building continues as you slowly learn more about how the society is even more corrupt and rotten than you originally thought. You also learn more about Sadie and Patrick’s families that helps with their character development.
I read this book so fast and couldn’t get enough. It leaves on a cliffhanger and sets you up for book 3, Reign. Yes, I’m reading that one because I have to know what happens next!
Sadie and Patrick go on their honeymoon but Sadie is struggling with trusting him again after finding out about him lying to her. They are also dealing with the stress of the Compulsory Marriage Program wanting them to get pregnant while they are secretly searching for her missing friend.
Just like Dwindle, I loved this story. It does a great job at weaving romance in between all the action and tension. The world building continues as you slowly learn more about how the society is even more corrupt and rotten than you originally thought. You also learn more about Sadie and Patrick’s families that helps with their character development.
I read this book so fast and couldn’t get enough. It leaves on a cliffhanger and sets you up for book 3, Reign. Yes, I’m reading that one because I have to know what happens next!
November 25, 2023
The books just keep getting better!
Handmaids Tale meets Hunger Games! Action packed, the story moves along with twists and turns in the plot. Like all other women Sadie must marry to save the human race. But romance isn’t the goal only genetic matches that offer a chance for babies. Sadie thinks she has hit the jackpot and found a match and love, but nothing is ever that easy. Now she finds herself in the middle of lies and coverups. She is the prize they all seek and with her new husbands position they are the couple everyone wants but for who’s benefit? Can the end really justify the means? I can’t wait to dive back into book 3 and see where Sadie’s journey takes me.
Handmaids Tale meets Hunger Games! Action packed, the story moves along with twists and turns in the plot. Like all other women Sadie must marry to save the human race. But romance isn’t the goal only genetic matches that offer a chance for babies. Sadie thinks she has hit the jackpot and found a match and love, but nothing is ever that easy. Now she finds herself in the middle of lies and coverups. She is the prize they all seek and with her new husbands position they are the couple everyone wants but for who’s benefit? Can the end really justify the means? I can’t wait to dive back into book 3 and see where Sadie’s journey takes me.
April 22, 2024
Per usual, #1 was better. I am still annoyed by the main character just due to the cheesy writing (like why are there so many mentions of cheese danishes... and seriously weird brother sister relationships...I feel like if the main character was not written as a country bumpkin who can't wake up the mornings, it'd be so much better) but I'm still entertained and read it quickly so I guess it's a win. Overall I leave this book thinking the concept is good, but it needed to be explored with a different character, perhaps we need the lady on the cover to be Sadie instead... 😂 The written Sadie character does not resemble this person on the cover at all. Seriously who is that? This red dressed person was not in the book...
January 9, 2024
The second book in the Populations Crumble series was just as good as the first. With the huge secret being revealed at the end of the last book, Sadie is left questioning so much and needs to figure out how to move forward in her relationship all while trying to find her missing friend. Of course there is another intense cliffhanger at the end of this book, K. A. Grandy seems to do them well. She leaves you needing to find out what happens next.
January 29, 2024
Extremely boring. The plot of this story is bare bones. What could have been a really cool world setup is lackluster and glossed over for an insipid romance between two equally boring people. A possibly really cool subplot with is put on the back burner and not prioritized at all in favor of the day to day life of our main couple. We see them eat together so many times, and the meals are always described more deeply than anything else.
March 2, 2024
Wow! What a story!
Sadie and Patrick arrive at the honeymoon resort. I liked the way the author let's their relationship evolve. Running parallel to their love story is the political impact his father's new position as King has on them. That pales in importance to the fact that they are married strangers who have an agenda - to find Josephine. Oh, the intrigue, the drama, the twists and turns that keep me reading!
Sadie and Patrick arrive at the honeymoon resort. I liked the way the author let's their relationship evolve. Running parallel to their love story is the political impact his father's new position as King has on them. That pales in importance to the fact that they are married strangers who have an agenda - to find Josephine. Oh, the intrigue, the drama, the twists and turns that keep me reading!
March 6, 2024
Review of book one :
I read this entire series in a matter of a week! The first book is fantastic and if you enjoy a dystopian twist definitely read this! I would say it is a cross between handmaids tail and hunger game! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters through-out the series! Cant wait for more from this author!
The second book is a great add on to the first! The complexity of the characters grow, and the relationships build! Really great series.
I read this entire series in a matter of a week! The first book is fantastic and if you enjoy a dystopian twist definitely read this! I would say it is a cross between handmaids tail and hunger game! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters through-out the series! Cant wait for more from this author!
The second book is a great add on to the first! The complexity of the characters grow, and the relationships build! Really great series.
August 28, 2023
the adventure Continues
While this was an interesting read, it honestly made almost no forward progress until nearly the end. It felt like this was just a filler part of the trilogy to allow the romance to grow between the two main characters, but with nearly no forward movement. I would've liked to see more adventure in this one
While this was an interesting read, it honestly made almost no forward progress until nearly the end. It felt like this was just a filler part of the trilogy to allow the romance to grow between the two main characters, but with nearly no forward movement. I would've liked to see more adventure in this one
January 9, 2024
So I loved the way we are now seeing the more dark side of the society. In the first book I kind of understood why things were the way they were it was sad but I understood which made it not so much dystopian but this book we are finally seeing it for that! The love and the turmoils I am here for it! I needed the third book right away
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews