Brilliant physics major Jill Kramer tutors jocks in math to pay her tuition. The college junior has big dreams—NASA. And if her self-centered ex taught her anything, it’s to never again let a guy distract her from her goals, especially the hottie failing calculus.
Former football star Mike Lewis hopes the cute calculus tutor will save his otherwise perfect GPA. Top grades will convince his demanding father that he’s still pursuing law school and not his real dream—the Broadway stage. Acting seems unachievable at the moment, with him hunched over crutches and in crippling pain from a past car accident, but after amputation surgery he’ll strut on state-of-the-art prosthetics.
Jill can’t help but fall for Mike—brains in his head, muscles in his chest, and vulnerability in his legs. Mike loves her determination and her refusal to pity him.
But when choices have to be made—family versus goals, dreams versus love—they both need to find strength to stand on their own, side-by-side.
Award winning author Kate Forest has worked in a psychiatric hospital, as a dating coach, and spent a disastrous summer selling above-ground swimming pools. But it was her over twenty-year career as a social worker that compelled her to write love stories with characters you don't typically get to read about. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, two kids, and a fierce corgi.
Standing Up is by Kate Forest. This book is so different than anything I have ever read. It is a romance, yes. But it is about so much more. I want to encourage you to first read the “About This Book” segment at the beginning. This really helped me understand the author’s thinking while writing this book.
Jill Kramer is a junior in college and is a physics major. Working towards her senior project and getting accepted to grad school are all that’s important to her. She has applied for a paid internship and is doing all she can do to get it. In the mean time, she tutors math students for extra money. One of the grad students in her program is also her ex-boyfriend who has something he is holding over Jill’s head. He uses this information to his advantage and pawns off his work on her constantly.
Jill is an only child, raised by two academic parents. They were always so wrapped up in their own professions that they rarely notice their daughter. They were not affectionate in any way. They were good parents, just not in a supportive way.
Mike Lewis is also a junior and is pre-law. But being a lawyer is not what Mike wants to do with his life. His love is with the theater and he is minoring in it. His father who is a judge would never continue to support his son if he knew he wasn’t planning to continue to pursue law after graduation. But right now he needs his father’s support. You see, Mike was in an auto accident in high school and permanently damaged his legs below the knees. He is in constant pain and uses crutches to get around. After the end of his junior year, he is opting for surgery to have his legs removed below the knees and use prosthetics. He can’t wait to have the procedure. He wants to stand tall and walk like the man he was meant to be. He can’t take the pain any longer. But right now he needs to pass calculus and he needs a tutor in order to do so. He wants to keep his GPA perfect. So he hires the best tutor the university has to offer and that is Jill Kramer.
These two hit it off immediately. Jill doesn’t offer Mike pity or beat around the bush. She asks him right out what happened. She is honest to the point it was almost rude. She was brilliant and sincere and funny and wonderful. But she also made it clear that her career was her priority, not dating. That’s okay, Mike liked a challenge.
“I wasn’t about to give up on my goals now. I hadn’t spent the last three years proving myself in a man’s world only to throw it all away for a man.”
It’s here that I have a few things to say. This love story is not an easy one. They did fall in love. At times I wondered if it was real love but later on I was convinced that it was. Where Jill was not raised with affection, Mike was, at least from his mom. Somehow, though, they just worked. Mike wanted someone who would challenge him, who would stand beside him, not try to coddle him.
But, there were times that I got so frustrated, and maybe even angry with Jill. Well, with Mike as well for the way he pushed her away. Jill struggled so much with her priorities and with trying to be there for Mike. It was a constant push and pull. There is a secondary character, Mike’s friend, Beth, who didn’t help matters either.
“How could I ever let my heart go to someone who had no idea how to hold it?”
This isn’t some sweet, warm and fuzzies, swoony love story. It is a real, full of nitty gritty, realistic picture of what life would have been like for these two. They had to make way too many adult decisions before they should have had to. This definitely isn’t the sort of book I usually choose for myself. But in between times when I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about them, scolding them, wanting to give them advice. These characters are definitely going to stay with me.
Whenever I finish a Kate Forest novel, like her newest one:STANDING UP, I have tears in my eyes and a smile on my face! This is a lovely story about Kate, a graduating physics major, heading for graduate school as an Astronomy major. She tutors calculus students for extra money. One of her new students this semester is Mike, a real handsome hunky, jock type, she notices when she enters the library. She likes him and he's definitely paying attention to the lesson. When he goes to get up, after their lesson, Jill sees that he's on crutches. This is not some temporary injury either, something happened to Mike. Whatever it was, both legs below the knees are crippled permanently. He doesn't ever act self-conscious or embarrassed (although he obviously is, at times); he's more the type to make jokes about himself! Jill makes a point of not dating anyone she tutors. Mike tells her that if he makes an A- on his mid-term, she has to let him take her to dinner. It won't be a date, just a meal. Who are they kidding? They've both recognized the spark of attraction between them! It's after their dinner date when things begin to heat up. Because of course, as most of us know, when there are sparks between two people......there's going to be fire!! So what's going to end up happening between Jill and Mike? Especially the following year when they both head to graduate schools? You're going to have to read this fantastic novel for yourself! Then you'll find out all the real romantic ups and downs that occur between these two! I hope you enjoy STANDING UP as much as I did!
If you're looking for a novel with a strong, intelligent female lead, you need to read STANDING UP. Jill has big goals and doesn't want a guy to stand in the way, but it was nice to see her character progress through the story and ultimately realize you can have love *and* a challenging career. I really enjoyed how the author introduces characters and plot lines you don't often see in romance, such as Mike's journey as an amputee. It's clear she did her research and the story definitely opened my eyes to the struggles people like Mike deal with every day.
I was sent this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, and honestly, I really loved it!
This book wasn't really what I expected. At the beginning I was a little hesitant and the New Adult style of writing took a little while to get used to, but I really started to fall in love with the story and the characters. It made me smile and laugh and at times it made me sad and frustrated, but I enjoyed the book so much. I read it all in a couple sittings.
Usually contemporaries don't take place over a long period of time, but the timeline in this book spans two years, which was something I really liked because we got to see the characters really grow and develop a genuine relationship.
What I really loved about this book was the characters and how I found both of them to be so relatable. With Jill, I really identified with how driven she was and also her relationship with her family. With Mike, I could relate to his dreams of being an performing artist and that struggle he has with doing what his parents want him to do and doing what he wants to do. Both are not without their flaws and imperfections, and both have significant character arcs throughout the story and I loved seeing them grow.
Another thing I really loved was reading about a disabled character. Throughout this book Mike is going through the process of becoming an amputee and getting prosthetics.We see how Mike's disability impacts his daily life, the way he sees himself, and his relationships with friends and family and Jill. I am not a disabled person, so I can't speak too much on the subject, but I think it was written well and realistically. It gave me a lot of insight into what someone who is disabled or going through that process may be experiencing and I really loved reading a book that is diverse in that aspect.
If you're looking for a diverse book, especially with a disabled main character, or if you are just looking for a fast contemporary, I definitely recommend you pick this up!
Steamy contemporary romance is really not my thing (hence only 3 stars), but in spite of that, I thought this was a great book. The tension between Jill and Mike felt real and textured and made for great conflict, and on top of that, the details of Mike's life with crutches (and then prosthetic legs) seemed very well researched. It made me think about things I hadn't considered before, things I take for granted.
By the way, don't be fooled by the cover -- this is not a sweet inspirational. Lots of sex. But a good book.
A high school football superstar is in a car accident. Without the use of his legs, he creates new goals in college and gains a new understanding of what it is to be a man. Sure he could still get girls to fall all over him, but not the one he wants, a brainy math tutor from the physics department.
This book doesn't whitewash the pain and difficulty both of these two experience while struggling to find their own dreams and being true to their hearts.
The author Kate Forest shows the dark side and the hope and optimism of a couple stuck in a difficult situation. I love this story.
Voilà un roman surprenant dont le roman touche encore plus que la romance mise en scène. Mike et ce que la vie a placé comme obstacles devant lui touche profondément et convainc totalement.
Mike est un ancien footballeur américain qui avait trouvé sa place dans l’équipe de son lycée avant qu’un accident de voiture ne le blesse gravement et ne bouleverse radicalement sa vie. Quelques années plus tard, il est à l’université et en difficulté en mathématiques. Il doit prendre des cours avec une tutrice qui va se révéler être une jeune étudiante de son âge. Jill étudie la physique dans le but de devenir astronome. Brillante, issue d’une famille d’intellectuelle, elle est entièrement dévouée à ses études et éprouve un vague mépris pour Mike. Pour elle, il incarne tout ce qu’elle n’aime pas : un beau gosse pas très futé. Mais elle va vite découvrir que le beau gosse a connu un gros coup dur et qu’il n’est pas stupide du tout.
Honnêtement, la romance entre Jill et Mike n’est pas la plus réussie que j’ai pu lire mais le personnage masculin incarné par Mike emporte totalement l’adhésion. En réalité, nous suivons le parcours de Jill et Mike qui ont tous deux un but très précis dans la vie. Jill est donc physicienne, brillante mais dans un milieu très masculin. La façon dont elle est traitée d’ailleurs par son professeur et mentor et par son ex, un autre étudiant remarquable montre toute la difficulté de sa position. Cela explique sa détermination qui restera sans faille alors que souvent l’amour détourne les héroïnes de leur but. Jill va devoir apprendre à composer et s’adapter. Mais Mike, lui, est parfait. Ce qui lui est arrivé est pourtant terrible.
Mike Lewis has it all a family that supports him, lots of friends, and a football star, until the accident. Jill is a Physics major she knows what she wants and is going for it. Using tutoring as a way to make money she tutors other students. Mike is one of them.
As the tutoring turns into friendship and more the struggles Mike has as an amputee is overwhelming. He wants one thing and his Father wants another for him. Jill has other dreams to follow. When it comes time move to the next level in their lives they have to choose which way to go.
This book is not what you would expect out of a romance. It deals with the feelings of a college student dealing with the fact he is an amputee and all the issues that comes with that. Especially when it is a big change and not something he was born with. It shows all his emotions and takes you on a journey. It also has a girl with a head on her shoulders that is also dealing with feelings she wasn't prepared to have.
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
Good points - Interesting storyline of someone taking drastic measures to improve their quality of life.
Good angst, the bittersweet feeling of longing
Good constructed world - I felt I was in the university and its bustle
Negative points:
It felt like it needed another drafting as there were jarring bit where it didn't run smoothly through the sections which left me feeling apart from the characters which would have made the difference of this being a good book to being a great book. Sort of a writing by numbers feel, there was a list of scenes and they were rigidly kept to even if the story wanted to breath on its own in places.
Overall
I enjoyed reading this book but could see it could have been even better.
This story is familiar, yet new. We all have disabilities that interfere with our ability to accept love and commitment- some are just more visible than others. This story is specific yet universal, and made me care about the characters without pitying either of the . Wonderful book!
This was an incredible story about two college students both dealing with their own struggles. Jill is a science student who gets dumped on by everyone in her laboratory and even blackmailed. On the other hand, Mike is a pre-law student who would rather be an actor... but his dreams are complicated by the fact that he needs crutches to help him walk.
I loved to see the way the characters dealt with their own struggles and the way that they found each other and came together. I was rooting for them the entire time. The author does an amazing job building rich characters that you really care about.
All in all, this was a very sweet love story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new adult romance with intriguing characters and a beautiful ending.
Sit down and read STANDING UP. The human spirit can shine light on any dark situation, and the hero in Standing Up does just that. He faces a terrible dilemma - not only about his health but also about his career - yet he's funny as heck, inspirational, and sexy as hell. The heroine is just as likable, someone who innately knows how to be a great friend, but she's facing her own demons, too. If she really wants to pursue a career at NASA, she might have to end up in a graduate program with a man who knows her darkest secrets...and he's the type who will use them against her.
If you like characters who have flaws that force them to dig deep for strength, this book delivers. Standing Up will inspire, entertain, and make you smile. Author Kate Forest definitely writes unique stories about unique characters who transform challenges into triumphs.
This is the first book I have read by Kate Forest and it was an enjoyable enough read.
This story begins with Jill being Mike's tutor and despite both characters having big aspirations and not wanting a relationship to change their dreams, slowly fall for each other. This is not a typical relationship; however, as Mike has lost the ability to use his legs due to a car accident.
This story really shows many of the obstacles each character has to overcome as Mike decides to amputate his lower legs to accommodate new prosthesis. Jill must learn to make time for a disabled boyfriend. With two very career-driven characters, struggles occur and Jill and Mike call it quits... or do they decide that these struggles are worth overcoming to be together?
This is a quick, fun read. The timeline did seem a little off as a lot more time seemed to pass between scenes than I anticipated, but overall was still a good read.
It is extremely rude to ask someone who has a disability why they have a disability. After being close friends with someone you can bring it up, but after a few tutoring sessions and simply to quell your curiosity...that is not okay.
Kate has crafted a great story with funny, strong, and dynamic characters. It's clear she has done a lot of research to get into their heads and hearts. The story is told from both character's points of view as they navigate their college years, their dreams and goals, and a unique relationship. At times the book deals with difficult subjects, but Kate does not shy away from confronting these themes head on and with a bit of humor, while challenging and trusting her readers to go along for the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What have I read? And more important WHY have I been reading it for several days??? Any hopes that the writing would go better were lost after the first few chapters... I think it was pure stubbornness. Meeee... 0,5 star and it goes to readers for their patience. I choose this book only because of similarities in the plot with Annabelle Costa’s My Perfect Ex-boyfriend. But these similarities were hit with bad realization. Just not my writing style. Opposite of it.
Kate Forest takes on the difficult task of writing a love story about a disabled young man facing the medical choice that will shape his future, and she handles the topic with sensitivity, humor, and grace. Mike calls his disability "a different ability" and the heroine's friend reassures Jill that her curiosity about his disfigured legs is natural. "If humans weren't curious, we'd never have discovered how to make fire, let alone wine." Ms. Forest's unique novel is well-crafted and romantic. **Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Tried the sampler which did not grab me. The heroine annoyed me. Not sure what the hero saw in her. Maybe later things changed. I would have kept reading if the book was not $3.99. For $.99 or KU I would have given it a try and bought it. The writing was mediocre.
I hate to give up on a hero who wants to be a Broadway star (insert jazz hands). But I’m just so bored. And I had a hard time even liking both Jill and Mike.