Rise Again

Shadow Grove #2

by Kate Cross

Celeste Smith doesn't need saving. She commands stadiums, headlines world tours, and leads Umbra like a queen crowned in smoke and light. When her longtime bodyguard goes on maternity leave, it's supposed to be a simple substitution.

Instead, she's told the replacement will be the man who shattered her heart.

Lucian Sterling is a former FBI agent and survivor of a car bomb that cost him his leg and changed the trajectory of his life. In the aftermath, grief hollowed him out, and trauma convinced him he was no longer the man she deserved.

But when someone breaks into her rig in the middle of the night, and she's attacked while on a trail, the glittering illusion of tour life shatters. The world tour is canceled, and suddenly Celeste isn't surrounded by lights and noise-she's retreating to the small town where it all began, with danger no longer hypothetical and secrets clawing their way to the surface.

410 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2026

About the author

Kate is a Midwest native who found home—and family—by accident in the South. A lifelong daydreamer, she spent years writing stories in her head before finally putting them on paper.
Her debut novel was born somewhere between late-night nursing sessions, friendships with other writers, and crying at All Too Well (10 Minute Version) live at the Eras Tour.
When she’s not writing or chasing after her two kids (and two dogs), she’s plotting twists, dreaming up spice, and building out the rest of the Shadow Grove (and Umbra) universe

Reviews

[Elizabeth Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the characters and the story!!!! The cliffhanger was brutal and had me shocked!!! I loved the romance and the spice.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate does it again with a fantastic romantic suspense. I love a strong FMC, and Celeste is that and so much more. She’s strong and relatable, which is a weird thing to say because I don’t think any of us are secret rockstars!!!

Kate nailed it with writing a hunky, strong MMC who is also vulnerable in the best ways. I wish all men were as open to healing as Lucien!

I don’t want to say too much and spoil the book, but you will fall in love with all of Celeste’s family- both blood and chosen. You will constantly be wondering “who done it,” and you will 100% feel the need to throw your book and curse Kate at the end.

I fully recommend Rise Again, and if you haven’t read Begin Again, do yourself a favor and read that too!!!

[BigAzzReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate, you done did it again? Was I aggressively highlighting every “Ope” and “Rowan”? Yes. Yes I was.

And was I giggling with every throwback to Begin Again? Also yes.

Lemme tell you, I had no idea who our sus was until about 80% into the book and I was like… wait… the kjnes were connecting in my brain after that.

Don’t even get me STARTED on that epilogue. Not today, Kate!

I thoroughly enjoyed my read, though, and I’m chomping at the bits for the next one. Seriously. Hurry up in the nicest and most easy going way. But also take your time because Rise Again? Chef’s fucking kiss. So was Begin Again but we’re not talking about that one right now lol. Well done, Kate!!

[Hannah Nerenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words yet so many words to describe this book. It is poetic. It is suspense. It is beautifully soft and yet sharp and witty. It will break your heart but also mend it. Kate has such a gift for writing - plot, suspense, soft romance, everything - and displays it beautifully every line and page of this book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good! I loved the dynamic between the band. You can tell Lucien and Celeste were clearly made for each other. When Celeste finally forgave him it made my heart so happy! The twist at the end made me sad and it was completely unexpected. It makes me hope for a 3rd book from that character POV and the ending of this book is actually a case of mistake identity.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the main characters! I love the idea of Umbra as a band and their whole concept. I want to hear their music!!
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
SPOILERS BELOW
As a physical therapist I cannot be a fan of the plot twist 😂😂

[SaraBeth Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! An incredible addition to the Shadow Grove series!! I am obsessing over romantic suspense right now and this book checked all the boxes!! I lovedddd Lucien so much and the way he carried out so many acts of service for Celeste… obsessed. But the ENDING I need another book immediately.

[Anna Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate!! I don’t know how you always seem to write books with things I least expect!!! I love Lucian so much and how he loves so deeply as a “tough guy”. Always keeping me on my toes with the suspense.