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S.J. Sylvis
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Good Girls Never Rise: A Dark Boarding School Romance (St. Mary's Book 1) Kindle Edition

by S.J. Sylvis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,312 ratings
★ DUET NOW COMPLETE! ★

USA TODAY bestselling author, SJ Sylvis, brings a forbidden and edgy boarding school romance set in a deliciously dark world where the bad boy gets the good girl even when she's off-limits.

Gemma:
We were from two completely different worlds.
I was molded to follow the rules. I was the good girl living the sheltered life at St. Mary's Boarding School.

But fate brought us together. Somewhere along the way, following the rules became a choice. The lines became blurred, and I was given a taste of rebellion in a package of wild blue eyes and hot, lingering touches. Our plan was set. I would escape St. Mary's, and he would stay.

Isaiah warned me that we'd go up in flames if we veered from our plan.
Except, there was no we about it.
Isaiah Underwood let me fall right into the ashes.


Good Girls Never Rise is book one in the St. Mary's Duet and ends on a cliffhanger. Good Girls Never Rise is intended for readers 18+ and deals with subjects that some may find triggering. Please note that book two WILL end in an HEA!
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    St. Mary's
  2. Print length
    503 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 16, 2021
  5. File size
    5.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “I love it because it means you trust me enough to be yourself, and even though I’m probably unworthy of a girl like you trusting someone like me, I’ll take it anyway.”
    Highlighted by 496 Kindle readers
  2. “Does it scare you when I say things like that? Because if there is anything I’m willing to give up my humanity for, it may be you.”
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From the Publisher

Blue & gray overlay of girl's mouth and quote
SJ sylvis St. Mary's crest over school
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Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★★
A twisted, captivating, angsty read that will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat up until the cliffy boner, I just could not put S.J.'s latest dark romance down. With beautiful imagery and vivid description, she transports you to this world of St. Mary's where nothing is as it seems and no one is who they say they are.(...) I cannot wait for book two, and you should pick this up IMMEDIATELY! 5 stars! -Best Selling Author, Carrie Aarons

★★★★★
This story was phenomenal, it kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. It grabbed my interest from page 1 and kept it until the very last word. I just couldn't put it down, seriously it was THAT good. -Sofia, Goodreads

★★★★★
This book!! If you're new to SJ Sylvis she is the queen of high school romance. She writes amazing bad boys and her characters have intense chemistry. Gemma & Isaiah are no exception-in fact they might be my favorite couple from her so far! -Kate Reads Romance, Goodreads

★★★★★
This book grabbed me and hit me right in the heart so intensely! This dark prep school romance has so many incredibly well done elements within it that made me feel an array of emotions. (...) S.J. has blown me away with this book! -Angelica Bailey, Goodreads

★★★★★
"I freaking loved this book. It was so good. It was incredible. It was phenomenal. It was absolutely amazing. The characters, the storyline, the writing style, I can't even tell you how much I loved it. (...) It was probably this author's best book. The ending is unbeliveable. -Vedika Sheth, Goodreads

★★★★★
There is an intensity to this book which is irresistible! - Alica, Goodreads

★★★★★
This duet! Just WOW!
I have a hard time finding the right words; these books are unlike any boarding school (or prep school, academy, you name it) romance I've ever read. (...) S.J. Sylvis has created a world that is will blow your mind. A definite MUST READ for all dark romance lovers. - Author Danah Logan

★★★★★
S.J.'s writing is next level and from the prologue I was hooked. -Ellie Henderson, Goodreads

From the Author

I hope that you fall in love with the St. Mary's world just as deeply as I have. Isaiah and Gemma's story is full of so much chemistry (hello slow-burn) and really packs a punch with the suspense. I set out writing this book with the intention of truly creating a vivid setting that my characters can live and breathe in and I hope that when you read it, you can live and breathe it too. It's a slow-burn but trust me when I tell you to be paitent. ;)

Enjoy! xoxo, SJ

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09FJDP4JB
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 16, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 503 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ St. Mary's
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,312 ratings

About the author

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S.J. Sylvis

S.J. Sylvis

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S.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book!

Visit her at sjsylvis.com or on Instagram: @authorsjsylvis

For upcoming info on new releases, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2153735321533942/

 

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,312 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging, with one mentioning they were enthralled from the first page. The plot receives positive feedback for its dramatic cliffhanger endings and many twists and turns, while the writing style is compelling. Customers appreciate the emotional content, with one describing it as pure heart-pounding perfection, and they like the main characters, particularly Isaiah and Gemma. The pacing receives mixed reviews, with several customers noting the beginning was slow.

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13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with one customer noting they were enthralled from the first page, while another mentions loving the characters Sloane, Cade, and Shiner.

"...I was enthralled from the first page and couldn’t stop reading. I’m eager to find out how Gemma and Isaiah’s lives are connected...." Read more

"I love a good prep book. So I went in super excited and i stayed pretty excited. Good Girls Never Rise was an interesting read...." Read more

"...However, book two was better, and the story moved faster; it was more on point...." Read more

"...I was living for it. This book is on another level and I need more of it!!..." Read more

11 customers mention "Plot twists"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot twists in the book, particularly the dramatic cliffhanger ending, with one customer describing it as a deliciously slow burn romance.

"...But also the story is so good I need to know what happens next." Read more

"...But the second book is out! But also the story is so good I need to know what happens next. Can't wait to start book 2- Bad Boys Never Fall." Read more

"I liked the plot and the main characters. The beginning was a slow read; it took me time to get into the story. I had to skim throughout the book...." Read more

"...This book is hauntingly dark and twisted and it had me at the edge of my seat. I literally wanted to wrap Gemma up in a hug, I hate her uncle...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it compelling and bravely told, with one customer noting its descriptive style.

"...about 3 chapters in that this book was going to be for me, the author writes so good and is very descriptive, so the world at St. Mary's is very..." Read more

"...Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch that will leave you reeling...." Read more

"...However, book two was better, and the story moved faster; it was more on point...." Read more

"...This is my first book by S.J. Sylvis and I am loving her writing. This book is hauntingly dark and twisted and it had me at the edge of my seat...." Read more

6 customers mention "Emotional content"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with one review describing it as pure heart-pounding perfection.

"...go from reluctantly working together, to friends, to having strong feelings for each other...." Read more

"...and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch that will leave you reeling. I caught myself holding my breath again and again...." Read more

"What a ride! This book will have you feeling all the emotions...." Read more

"...is THICC and there are so many twists and turns, questions, and jaw dropping moments...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how the characters create dark and twisty vibes.

"I liked the plot and the main characters. The beginning was a slow read; it took me time to get into the story. I had to skim throughout the book...." Read more

"...from the school to the location, and all the characters gave me dark and twisty vibes that I loved...." Read more

"...These characters are full of secrets, surprisingly the male is the more emotional one which adds a great twist to a lot of the book...." Read more

"...than what I've been reading lately but I automatically fell in love with the main characters! The ending has me heart broken...." Read more

3 customers mention "Love for gemma"3 positive0 negative

Customers express positive feelings about Gemma, with one mentioning their love for both Gemma and Isaiah.

"I really liked the way this book was written. I loved Gemma and Isaiah!!..." Read more

"...I be started a must die list! I love Isaiah and Gemma! They deserve happiness! A must read book and a must read series." Read more

"...It wasn’t perfect by any means, but what it was- captivating. Loved Isaiah and Gemma. Loved Sloane and Cade and Shiner too...." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book unsatisfactory, with several mentioning that the beginning is slow and one customer noting that it takes forever to finish.

"I liked the plot and the main characters. The beginning was a slow read; it took me time to get into the story. I had to skim throughout the book...." Read more

"This book is a slow start, it took me longer to get into it but it was very compelling...." Read more

"The romance is good even if it keeps slowing for no reason. The outside plot is all over the place. It makes no sense...." Read more

Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch!
5 out of 5 stars
Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch!
“Now that I’ve had a taste of the good girl, all I want to do is corrupt her.” Oh my, Author SJ Sylvis’ St. Mary’s Boarding School series slays! Good Girls Never Rise is pure heart-pounding perfection! Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch that will leave you reeling. I caught myself holding my breath again and again. Isaiah … oh my! Complex, possessive, tender, smoldering, and all the heart-throbbing, this hero is everything! Isaiah owned every ounce of me. Gemma is as brave as she is beautiful, a heroine to admire. The chemistry raged but the unexpected tenderness from the hero held my heart the hardest. Broken sees broken, and Isaiah and Gemma help make each other whole. Soulmates with an undeniable connection that burns from the pages. My heart raced from the very first page and never stopped. I was so bewitched by this book, a heady rush of pain and pleasure that was my high. An all-addicting, take no prisoners tale of suspense, seduction, and soulmates that I couldn’t … wouldn’t put down. Nothing else mattered. This tale fed my dark romance loving heart as it stormed my soul, burning with fire and feels, blowing me away. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ burning stars
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Katie K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Girls Never Rise
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Gemma has been extremely sheltered her whole life. Her “uncle” has kept her hidden and under his abusive control until he was forced to send her to school, which is how she ended up at St. Mary’s.

    Isaiah is St. Mary’s reigning bad boy. He is at school under his criminal father’s orders, to keep an eye on a fellow student. Facing expulsion, and worse consequences from his father, Isaiah asks for Gemma’s help and to be his alibi as needed.

    As they grow closer, they start to realize that their lives are even more intertwined than they could have realized.

    I love how Isaiah and Gemma are complete opposites, but they work so well together. They go from reluctantly working together, to friends, to having strong feelings for each other. It is so sweet to watch bad boy Isaiah fall for the good girl. He’s protective and possessive of her and determined not to let her get dragged into his life. Gemma finally has a taste of freedom and she’s determined to break away from her overly strict “uncle” and all of his lies. I enjoyed watching her grow into herself and realize that it’s ok to be happy and want more from life. I was enthralled from the first page and couldn’t stop reading. I’m eager to find out how Gemma and Isaiah’s lives are connected. There are so many secrets to uncover at St. Mary’s. 💙
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Autumn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cant wait for the next book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love a good prep book. So I went in super excited and i stayed pretty excited.

    Good Girls Never Rise was an interesting read. I felt like it laid all these bread crumbs of darkness for the second book in the duet. It opens with a traumatic scene that was slightly vague and really I feel like a lot of the trauma that Gemma endured was off the page and left me assuming the worst. As the book progressed I realized that maybe I'm a little messed up in the head and assumed more than I should have BUT it's not been openly discussed so possibly I'm still right but i highly doubt it.

    Gemma isn't the only one who endured trauma. Isaiah has his share of trauma but he's the opposite of Gemma. Wheres, she is timid and afraid of her own shadow. Isaiah is fearless. Together he will help her come out of her shell and he will change in his own ways.

    Good GIrls Never Rise ended in a tiny cliffhanger. But the second book should be out soon and even with my memory, I have a feeling I won't be lost. I'll be reaching for it for a few reasons. And honestly, the teaser at the end for more twists and turns (there weren't many but I saw plenty of setups) has me super intrigued. But also the story is so good I need to know what happens next.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Brandi Blanton @Bookish.Brandi
    5.0 out of 5 stars love this
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Good Girls Never Rise is book one of three in the St.Mary's series. This series is by Sj Sylvis and this was my first book by her. I knew about 3 chapters in that this book was going to be for me, the author writes so good and is very descriptive, so the world at St. Mary's is very easy to picture!

    Good Girls Never Rise laid all clues to the darkness that was Isaiah and Gemma. It opens with a traumatic but vague scene. Through the book you see that Gemma faced a lot of abuse but it's not super defined so your using your imagination as the worst!

    Gemma is taken in by a judge who isn't a good man and says he's her uncle, you learn that Gemma's mom was also under this judges finger for a time, she had a brother who is now also gone, judge had groomed Gemma into being a good girl, do what your told or you'll be punished etc and she's looking for a way out.

    Gemma isn't the only one who endured trauma. Isaiah has his share of trauma. Gemma's trauma has made her shy and timid, always afraid her uncle will find out. Isaiah is the opposite he knows what he's been through but keeps going for his little brother and is very fearless!

    Together, they can be stronger. They can learn from each other and survive!

    Good Girl's Never Rise ended in a cliffhanger. But the second book is out! But also the story is so good I need to know what happens next.
    Can't wait to start book 2- Bad Boys Never Fall.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Karen McVino
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    “Now that I’ve had a taste of the good girl, all I want to do is corrupt her.”

    Oh my, Author SJ Sylvis’ St. Mary’s Boarding School series slays! Good Girls Never Rise is pure heart-pounding perfection! Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch that will leave you reeling. I caught myself holding my breath again and again.

    Isaiah … oh my! Complex, possessive, tender, smoldering, and all the heart-throbbing, this hero is everything! Isaiah owned every ounce of me. Gemma is as brave as she is beautiful, a heroine to admire. The chemistry raged but the unexpected tenderness from the hero held my heart the hardest. Broken sees broken, and Isaiah and Gemma help make each other whole. Soulmates with an undeniable connection that burns from the pages.

    My heart raced from the very first page and never stopped. I was so bewitched by this book, a heady rush of pain and pleasure that was my high. An all-addicting, take no prisoners tale of suspense, seduction, and soulmates that I couldn’t … wouldn’t put down. Nothing else mattered. This tale fed my dark romance loving heart as it stormed my soul, burning with fire and feels, blowing me away.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ burning stars
    Customer image
    Karen McVino
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch!

    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2022
    “Now that I’ve had a taste of the good girl, all I want to do is corrupt her.”

    Oh my, Author SJ Sylvis’ St. Mary’s Boarding School series slays! Good Girls Never Rise is pure heart-pounding perfection! Beautifully broken and bravely told, this book packs an emotional punch that will leave you reeling. I caught myself holding my breath again and again.

    Isaiah … oh my! Complex, possessive, tender, smoldering, and all the heart-throbbing, this hero is everything! Isaiah owned every ounce of me. Gemma is as brave as she is beautiful, a heroine to admire. The chemistry raged but the unexpected tenderness from the hero held my heart the hardest. Broken sees broken, and Isaiah and Gemma help make each other whole. Soulmates with an undeniable connection that burns from the pages.

    My heart raced from the very first page and never stopped. I was so bewitched by this book, a heady rush of pain and pleasure that was my high. An all-addicting, take no prisoners tale of suspense, seduction, and soulmates that I couldn’t … wouldn’t put down. Nothing else mattered. This tale fed my dark romance loving heart as it stormed my soul, burning with fire and feels, blowing me away.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ burning stars
    Images in this review
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  • London
    3.0 out of 5 stars Gemma and Isaiah
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the plot and the main characters. The beginning was a slow read; it took me time to get into the story. I had to skim throughout the book. The author is too long in describing certain events, and the reading becomes tedious. Book one seemed it did not move forward, and it took forever to finish. However, book two was better, and the story moved faster; it was more on point. I liked all the characters in the book and I believe each characters will have their own book.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Fiction Vixen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a wild ride
    Reviewed in India on November 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I am in shock as to how good this book was. It was so well written, captured attention immediately and left wanting more.
    I cant wait for the second book to release because the cliffhanger!!!!
    Report
  • lisa wilson
    3.0 out of 5 stars A bit too long for the plot
    Reviewed in Australia on April 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Good beginning, kept you wondering where each characters trust issues came from. Just when it starts to get interesting the forming of Isaiah and Gemma's relationship, just goes on way too long. I found myself skimming over it. I found myself wanting to know more about their backgrounds more than their actual relationship.
    Report
  • Kuj_20
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new favourite dark romance!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Damn life kept getting in the way of me reading this book the way it deserved. I should have been able to devour this whole because I really really wanted to.
    The storyline most definitely captured my attention and had all the dark, suspenseful, push and pull, spicy moments that make for an excellent bully romance.

    I didn’t know if I could ever love one of Sammi’s book couples as much as I love Hayley and Christian but apparently Isaiah and Gemma are the ones I didn’t know I was waiting for.
    This book has some incredibly dark themes so please check the trigger warnings. Both characters have been through a hell of a lot in their short lives - Gemma in particular has had a very traumatising past (and present) that includes many forms of abuse. She’s such a strong character to even still be standing after all she’s endured and I’m glad that St Mary’s provided her a place of safety, while also leading her to Isaiah (swoon 😍).
    They are perfect for one another, they bring out their best sides and feelings that neither thought they were capable of.
    I did not like the ending (cliffhanger anyone) but I’m so happy I can dive straight into the second part of their duet.
    This is a long book - not a problem for me but just a warning to others.
    The ‘Bully’ part I would say doesn’t really last long - it becomes more of them trying to stay away from each other. But the story still carries and I think it would have been too dark if Gemma was continuously bullied on top of everything else.

    ⚠️ TW ⚠️
    I usually list them here but I feel I should just say if you are triggered at all by any form of abuse, then read with extreme caution or avoid all together.

    Looking forward to book 2! I NEED their HEA like now 😬

    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 bully loving stars from me!
    Report
  • nicola thorpe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!!!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    These books are incredible! This is my first book ever by this author and I am embarrassed by how long it sat on my TBR list. And man do I regret that. I was hooked from the beginning. Read this in one sitting and instantly downloaded and started book two once I was finished. I am now back reviewing book one after reading and reviewing book two. That’s how fast I ran to Amazon to get book two on my kindle. I went into this book completely blind. As in I added it to my TBR months ago after seeing a Instagram reel about it and thought that sounds good. It was so long ago I forgot what the book was about. I just knew I wanted to read it. And I am so glad I picked it now. The slow burn between Isaiah and Gemma is so good. His possessiveness over her. And her troubled/dark past. Her usually timid personality which comes out so strong and sassy whenever Isaiah is around is everything. I love these two and the second book in this duet will mess with your head with all the twist and turns. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. One of the twist I even figured out before hand but while I was waiting for it to be revealed my heart was still pounding and I audibly gasped once it was. These books will completely consume you and all your time until you finish them. And that’s exactly what I want from a book. Five stars all around and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out.
    Report
  • Sma
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4-4.5 Good Girls Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this one. Just finished this, so it's all fresh in my mind.
    St Mary's is a prestigious boarding school, where Gemma, the h, who is very sheltered and abused, is sent to. She meets swoony Isaiah there, the bad boy. He has his own issues, both of them keeping their secrets close: Gemma about her past and Isaiah about his future.
    Isaiah needs Gemma to cover for him when he needs to break the rules to keep him from being expelled and in return, Gemma needs money and a fake ID to dissapear.
    This is an impossible love that they have, both knowing it can't last, but still their connection is so sweet and my heart hurts for them. I am so here to see how they'll manage to stay together and overcome all the scary obstacles they now face.

    This is a slow burn and the reason why i dropped the rating, i felt like it was too slow. But i promise you, once it starts....damn! 🔥

    Overall, i recommend this, loved the author's writing style.
    Report

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