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Hope Over Fear
Today is the day – the day that the man I love marries someone else. I don’t deserve pity or sympathy. I’ve made my bed. I left Mason and ripped his heart to pieces as I ran away. The guilt and sorrow consume me, threatening to choke me everyday.
But today is a new beginning. Today is the day I will wake up with a renewed resolve and determination to do better … to be better … to be worthy. My name is Sara Preston, and this is my story about what happens after.
But today is a new beginning. Today is the day I will wake up with a renewed resolve and determination to do better … to be better … to be worthy. My name is Sara Preston, and this is my story about what happens after.
297 pages, Nook
First published July 28, 2014
388 people are currently reading
2427 people want to read
About the author
J.A. DeRouen
10 books1,288 followersJ.A. Derouen resides in South Louisiana with her husband, son (aptly nicknamed "The Professor"), and her furry friend, Scout. She has a bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing. When she's not writing or inhaling romance novels by the stack, she works as a women's health nurse. She’s been an avid reader and daydreamer since childhood, and she's never stopped turning the page to get to the next happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
February 2, 2015
Hope Over Fear is Sara’s story about how she is trying to move forward with her life after a bad breakup with her ex, Mason, the man she thought she would marry. She is consumed by guilt over how things ended between them. In the small town she lives in, her reputation has been ruined and everyone thinks they know what happened between her and Mason, but only a few people know the truth behind what actually happened that night.
Time has passed since Sara broke Mason’s heart and her own. He has moved on and is getting married so Sara decides it’s a good time to try something new. In addition to the nursing job she already has, she takes a volunteer position at a community outreach center helping with adoption work. At the center, she meets Adam, a fellow volunteer. Even though things initially start off rocky, with a misunderstanding and some hostility, Adam quickly shows his interest in Sara.
Adam and Sara have a great chemistry and it makes her hopeful for her future . She’s never felt passion or butterflies, which was part of the problem with Mason, so she’s excited to embark on this new relationship. Adam has a very complicated past and I really loved his background. I don’t want to spoil it for everyone, but I think it was a great setup that made me like him very quickly.
Unfortunately, I had a tough time with this book. The first 20-25% I was honestly bored with the story and some scenes seemed really out of place. Once Adam came into the story my interest definitely peaked and I was enjoying it. The middle, when Sara and Adam are starting to date was my favorite part and I really loved Adam. Until I didn’t. There is this “misunderstanding” that happens that completely ruined any good feelings I had built up for this book. The behavior was so bizarre to me and all the love I had for Adam evaporated. The things he said seemed completely out of character to me and I just could never get over it. I could not understand his actions and when we get his point of view and he makes excuses and starts talking about getting “his girl” right after, I hated him a little bit more. It honestly felt like the character I met was bipolar or had multiple personality disorder. I think part of problem for me was that between the time that Sara and Adam begin dating to the time when this “misunderstanding” happens, there is a time jump and we’re told it’s been months. In that time there must have been this build up of resentment and animosity for Sara not telling Adam her “secret.” But to me as the reader, the flow just did not work at all. One second they were beginning to date, the next we’re told they've been happy the last few months, then the next thing I know they have this huge blowout where Adam is the biggest asshole ever OUT OF NOWHERE and the grovel just didn’t do it for me.
Yes, yes you are, Adam.
Sara’s guilt also eventually drove me crazy. I honestly think she had no reason to feel guilty in the first place, so every time it was mentioned it felt so overdramatic and got annoying. Then when she comes out and says things like, “I would give anything to be worthy of him” it really made me start to dislike her and just not care anymore.
As much as I wanted to like this book, I just didn’t. The set up was there, but the execution did not work for me at all. Between the huge uncharacteristic changes in behavior by Adam, Sara’s constant overdramatic musing about her guilt and inadequacy, and the somewhat stiff writing I just never connected to the story or characters. I already have the next book in the series, so I’ll be giving it a try. Fingers crossed I’ll connect with that one better.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
“How dare I even ask for his forgiveness? I know I don’t deserve it, but I need it. To move forward with my life, his forgiveness is essential.”
Time has passed since Sara broke Mason’s heart and her own. He has moved on and is getting married so Sara decides it’s a good time to try something new. In addition to the nursing job she already has, she takes a volunteer position at a community outreach center helping with adoption work. At the center, she meets Adam, a fellow volunteer. Even though things initially start off rocky, with a misunderstanding and some hostility, Adam quickly shows his interest in Sara.
”Just give me a chance. I promise you won’t regret it, beautiful girl.”
…
There’s nothing tentative about his approach. He’s self-assured, knows what he wants, and takes it. I fucking love that.
Adam and Sara have a great chemistry and it makes her hopeful for her future . She’s never felt passion or butterflies, which was part of the problem with Mason, so she’s excited to embark on this new relationship. Adam has a very complicated past and I really loved his background. I don’t want to spoil it for everyone, but I think it was a great setup that made me like him very quickly.
This is what I’ve been waiting for. He is what I’ve been waiting for.
Unfortunately, I had a tough time with this book. The first 20-25% I was honestly bored with the story and some scenes seemed really out of place. Once Adam came into the story my interest definitely peaked and I was enjoying it. The middle, when Sara and Adam are starting to date was my favorite part and I really loved Adam. Until I didn’t. There is this “misunderstanding” that happens that completely ruined any good feelings I had built up for this book. The behavior was so bizarre to me and all the love I had for Adam evaporated. The things he said seemed completely out of character to me and I just could never get over it. I could not understand his actions and when we get his point of view and he makes excuses and starts talking about getting “his girl” right after, I hated him a little bit more. It honestly felt like the character I met was bipolar or had multiple personality disorder. I think part of problem for me was that between the time that Sara and Adam begin dating to the time when this “misunderstanding” happens, there is a time jump and we’re told it’s been months. In that time there must have been this build up of resentment and animosity for Sara not telling Adam her “secret.” But to me as the reader, the flow just did not work at all. One second they were beginning to date, the next we’re told they've been happy the last few months, then the next thing I know they have this huge blowout where Adam is the biggest asshole ever OUT OF NOWHERE and the grovel just didn’t do it for me.
Thinking about the look in her eyes when I saw her in my kitchen is unbearable. I did that. I’m such a fucking asshole.
Yes, yes you are, Adam.
Sara’s guilt also eventually drove me crazy. I honestly think she had no reason to feel guilty in the first place, so every time it was mentioned it felt so overdramatic and got annoying. Then when she comes out and says things like, “I would give anything to be worthy of him” it really made me start to dislike her and just not care anymore.
As much as I wanted to like this book, I just didn’t. The set up was there, but the execution did not work for me at all. Between the huge uncharacteristic changes in behavior by Adam, Sara’s constant overdramatic musing about her guilt and inadequacy, and the somewhat stiff writing I just never connected to the story or characters. I already have the next book in the series, so I’ll be giving it a try. Fingers crossed I’ll connect with that one better.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2014
☆ I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you hun!! ☆
Publication Date: July 28th, 2014
What a great read! I thought it was going to be a melodramatic or bittersweet romance but it turned out to be very sweet and at times funny. Who would have thought?
J.A. Derouen writes in a manner that is so uncanny and realistic. From the very beginning when we meet main protagonist, Sara Preston, J.A. paints her story and upheavals in such a solid and genuine narrative that you can’t help but live through her triumphs, heartbreaks and revelations, and all of the wonderful relationships she makes throughout this journey… including embracing a new romantic love interest!
Hope Over Fear was a beautifully relayed and unique story that definitely stunned me and makes me want more from this author!! It without doubt won me over! Seeing that this is indeed a series (although Sara's story is a standalone), I REALLY hope that J.A. touches on some of the characters that she introduces in HOF and allows them to have their own stories to come to life! Pretty please?
Great debut J.A. Derouen!
~Review to be posted on my blog on July 4th.~
Publication Date: July 28th, 2014
What a great read! I thought it was going to be a melodramatic or bittersweet romance but it turned out to be very sweet and at times funny. Who would have thought?
J.A. Derouen writes in a manner that is so uncanny and realistic. From the very beginning when we meet main protagonist, Sara Preston, J.A. paints her story and upheavals in such a solid and genuine narrative that you can’t help but live through her triumphs, heartbreaks and revelations, and all of the wonderful relationships she makes throughout this journey… including embracing a new romantic love interest!
Hope Over Fear was a beautifully relayed and unique story that definitely stunned me and makes me want more from this author!! It without doubt won me over! Seeing that this is indeed a series (although Sara's story is a standalone), I REALLY hope that J.A. touches on some of the characters that she introduces in HOF and allows them to have their own stories to come to life! Pretty please?
Great debut J.A. Derouen!
~Review to be posted on my blog on July 4th.~
August 6, 2014
5 Fearless Stars
Review by Natasha Gentile
So I read the blurb and right away I’m sucked in. I think this is going to be a heart breaker. Tear jerker, even though I’ve never cried at a book before, but you know I’m trying my hardest. What I'm not expecting is to snort out laughing and get big grins on my face. Grins that a Cheshire Cat gets when he has the mouse in his mouth with the tail hanging out…This book was so refreshing. Ok enough, let me tell you about it.
Meet Sara. A delivery nurse; great friend; super shy and thinks she doesn't have a right to be happy especially after she broke her best friend/boyfriend's heart. I believe she ripped it out of his chest and ran away and stomped on it. Ok, maybe not that bad. But she lives with guilt, she’s feels guilty for hurting him and she needs to let it go.
When she invited her ex over to apologize to him for breaking his heart, she is the one who gets shocked. You see Mason is getting married..UMMMMM excuse me…Married, but how?? It’s too soon.
"No, it’s not too soon. I knew within the first month of being with Natalie where we were headed. I didn’t have to convince her to love me. She just did. Do you know how f#*king refreshing that was? To know that there’s someone in this world that adores me, to know that her day is better just because I’m part of it? Come to think of it, I guess you know that feeling, don’t you Sara?"
Wow, you can now have the knife back that you just put in my heart and save it for another day…Oh wait before I leave let me tell you one more thing.
“You know, no matter where we are or what were doing, you’ll always be my girl, Sara Marie Preston. You may not have turned out to be my forever, but you’re my girl just the same. Nothing changes that, okay?”
Ok, now that you've stabbed my heart and kicked me while I was down, you can so get married to that other girl…Seriously.
Luckily she’s got two of the best friends that ever existed; Marlo and Alex.
I’m glad to hear it, Sara, but I just want you to know that it’s okay…if you’re not doing great, I mean. I’m here for you in whatever capacity you need. Voodoo dolls and needles? I’m your girl. Angry chick music and whiskey? Sign me up. A bonfire and old love letter? I’ve got the matches in my pocket. Now, if you’re planning on storming the church with ugly girl tears and demanding Natalie hand over your man, you're on your own. That shit is just bad karma.”
I mean I seriously want them to call me. Who wouldn’t be friends with these girls? I want to hang with them. When she wants to wallow in self pity, they don’t let her. Hell No!
Good friends take you out. Get you drunk. Get you laid.
"A bad year? A whole 365 days since you’ve had sex? Baby girl, I believe you may be the only twenty-something-year-old woman I know with cobwebs in her vagina. That’s a damn shame!"
I mean she’s never had an orgasm from having her man go “downtown”…On second thought maybe it’s a good thing Mason left. I mean dude talk about being greedy.
So she sets off to finally be in the living again. She has the opportunity to volunteer at the local outreach clinic. She is so ready for this. She is going to rock this..UMM, who is that?? That my friend is Adam. OH ADAM..OH ADAM…did I mention Adam!!!
The man is sitting with one leg on the desk, leaning into her while whispering quietly with a smirk on his face. He is, in one word, beautiful. He has thick, black, bed head hair, chiseled cheekbones, broad shoulders, and a sex five o’clock shadow One look tells me all I need to know. He’s one of those guys-the type who remain eternally unaffected. Unaffected by everything and everyone around him. Unfortunately, that’s the kind of guy who always turns me into a blubbering mess. It’s as if their confidence is like a vacuum that sucks the self-esteem right out of my body. I become an awkward teenage girl who can’t form complete sentences. It’s humiliation, and I usually steer clear of those guys out of self-preservation, since I don’t particularly enjoy looking like an asshat.
What she doesn’t know is that Adam has his own secrets. Secrets that he guards and protects. Can she be the one who he lets in with those secrets and can he be the one who makes her feel like she is worthy of someone’s love?
"I see a girl who loved her best friend enough to let him go. Someone with the courage to not settle for the familiar and comfortable, but to hope for that all-encompassing love. The real question is do you love me enough?"
Simply hoping that you survive your fear.
Review by Natasha Gentile
So I read the blurb and right away I’m sucked in. I think this is going to be a heart breaker. Tear jerker, even though I’ve never cried at a book before, but you know I’m trying my hardest. What I'm not expecting is to snort out laughing and get big grins on my face. Grins that a Cheshire Cat gets when he has the mouse in his mouth with the tail hanging out…This book was so refreshing. Ok enough, let me tell you about it.
Meet Sara. A delivery nurse; great friend; super shy and thinks she doesn't have a right to be happy especially after she broke her best friend/boyfriend's heart. I believe she ripped it out of his chest and ran away and stomped on it. Ok, maybe not that bad. But she lives with guilt, she’s feels guilty for hurting him and she needs to let it go.
When she invited her ex over to apologize to him for breaking his heart, she is the one who gets shocked. You see Mason is getting married..UMMMMM excuse me…Married, but how?? It’s too soon.
"No, it’s not too soon. I knew within the first month of being with Natalie where we were headed. I didn’t have to convince her to love me. She just did. Do you know how f#*king refreshing that was? To know that there’s someone in this world that adores me, to know that her day is better just because I’m part of it? Come to think of it, I guess you know that feeling, don’t you Sara?"
Wow, you can now have the knife back that you just put in my heart and save it for another day…Oh wait before I leave let me tell you one more thing.
“You know, no matter where we are or what were doing, you’ll always be my girl, Sara Marie Preston. You may not have turned out to be my forever, but you’re my girl just the same. Nothing changes that, okay?”
Ok, now that you've stabbed my heart and kicked me while I was down, you can so get married to that other girl…Seriously.
Luckily she’s got two of the best friends that ever existed; Marlo and Alex.
I’m glad to hear it, Sara, but I just want you to know that it’s okay…if you’re not doing great, I mean. I’m here for you in whatever capacity you need. Voodoo dolls and needles? I’m your girl. Angry chick music and whiskey? Sign me up. A bonfire and old love letter? I’ve got the matches in my pocket. Now, if you’re planning on storming the church with ugly girl tears and demanding Natalie hand over your man, you're on your own. That shit is just bad karma.”
I mean I seriously want them to call me. Who wouldn’t be friends with these girls? I want to hang with them. When she wants to wallow in self pity, they don’t let her. Hell No!
Good friends take you out. Get you drunk. Get you laid.
"A bad year? A whole 365 days since you’ve had sex? Baby girl, I believe you may be the only twenty-something-year-old woman I know with cobwebs in her vagina. That’s a damn shame!"
I mean she’s never had an orgasm from having her man go “downtown”…On second thought maybe it’s a good thing Mason left. I mean dude talk about being greedy.
So she sets off to finally be in the living again. She has the opportunity to volunteer at the local outreach clinic. She is so ready for this. She is going to rock this..UMM, who is that?? That my friend is Adam. OH ADAM..OH ADAM…did I mention Adam!!!
The man is sitting with one leg on the desk, leaning into her while whispering quietly with a smirk on his face. He is, in one word, beautiful. He has thick, black, bed head hair, chiseled cheekbones, broad shoulders, and a sex five o’clock shadow One look tells me all I need to know. He’s one of those guys-the type who remain eternally unaffected. Unaffected by everything and everyone around him. Unfortunately, that’s the kind of guy who always turns me into a blubbering mess. It’s as if their confidence is like a vacuum that sucks the self-esteem right out of my body. I become an awkward teenage girl who can’t form complete sentences. It’s humiliation, and I usually steer clear of those guys out of self-preservation, since I don’t particularly enjoy looking like an asshat.
What she doesn’t know is that Adam has his own secrets. Secrets that he guards and protects. Can she be the one who he lets in with those secrets and can he be the one who makes her feel like she is worthy of someone’s love?
"I see a girl who loved her best friend enough to let him go. Someone with the courage to not settle for the familiar and comfortable, but to hope for that all-encompassing love. The real question is do you love me enough?"
Simply hoping that you survive your fear.
Want to read
July 1, 2014 I LOVE the sound of this!!! I just read the prologue and I desperately want more!! Can't wait til it goes live!!
Today is the day – the day that the man I love marries someone else. I don’t deserve pity or sympathy. I’ve made my bed. I left Mason and ripped his heart to pieces as I ran away. The guilt and sorrow consume me, threatening to choke me everyday.
But today is a new beginning. Today is the day I will wake up with a renewed resolve and determination to do better … to be better … to be worthy. My name is Sara Preston, and this is my story about what happens after.
Hope Over Fear can be read as a stand alone novel.
RELEASE DATE: JULY 28, 2014
Today is the day – the day that the man I love marries someone else. I don’t deserve pity or sympathy. I’ve made my bed. I left Mason and ripped his heart to pieces as I ran away. The guilt and sorrow consume me, threatening to choke me everyday.
But today is a new beginning. Today is the day I will wake up with a renewed resolve and determination to do better … to be better … to be worthy. My name is Sara Preston, and this is my story about what happens after.
Hope Over Fear can be read as a stand alone novel.
RELEASE DATE: JULY 28, 2014
July 1, 2018
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Hope Over Fear is FREE for a limited time!!! Grab it now ——> http://getbook.at/hopeoverfear
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Join my Facebook Group to get sneak peaks, teasers, and fabulous exclusive giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/15548...
February 6, 2015
A little bit of change up in the norm brought to us in this debut by J.A. Derouen. I liked this one and enjoyed reading it. The characters were interestingly drawn. Along with the main hero/heroine, there's definitely a mix of secondary characters who hint at a story of their own. The story is interesting - although a bit over dramatic at times. I didn't feel the "sin" was worth the punishment. Might have carried it a bit to the extreme.
The second book in the series is available now and I've already downloaded it to begin immediately.
Nice debut by a new-to-me-author. I like her writing voice, her diversity of characters, and refreshing storyline.
The second book in the series is available now and I've already downloaded it to begin immediately.
Nice debut by a new-to-me-author. I like her writing voice, her diversity of characters, and refreshing storyline.
January 15, 2015
A wonderful debut novel. It gave me sugar and spice and everything nice kind of feelings. It was also at times sad and I even got exasperated, but it mostly made me smile with its lightheartedness, sweet and sexy swoonyness.
Sara ended her relationship with her best friend and boyfriend Mason. But in doing so, she felt badly and underserving. When she learns that Mason can forgive her, has found happiness and is moving on, she feels she’s “finally ready to move forward.”
Even though I felt the story’s progression was on the leisurely side, it was never confusing with the flash from the past chapters which gave the plot a broader background. The story incorporated a very diverse and close-knit group of friends, who did wonderfully as supporting characters by adding humor and wisdom.
I seriously fell for the male lead. He had just the right amount of confidence and seduction
And at the same time a goodness and vulnerability that made him perfect for Sara. She felt free to express herself and find her inner voice with him.
Hope Over Fear is a nice change of pace for me. Even when I didn't identify with the protagonist, the narrative was such that I definitely empathized with her and I gladly accompanied her on a journey to a place of joy and happiness while going through pain, heartache and epiphanies along with her old and new friends and of course Mr. Makes my soul feel lighter himself.
This is the first book in the series Over and can be read as a standalone. But since this is a series, I wonder who will be next? And if there will be a connection within the group? I know I’ll enjoy reading about whoever J.A. chooses to be next.
Amazon Buy link -> http://amzn.to/14ZQJiJ
* I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review by the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
For more of my reviews and those of my best book buds, and updates Visit our blog
Stalk us on FaceBook
As well as Twitter
Sara ended her relationship with her best friend and boyfriend Mason. But in doing so, she felt badly and underserving. When she learns that Mason can forgive her, has found happiness and is moving on, she feels she’s “finally ready to move forward.”
“I’m a work in progress”
Even though I felt the story’s progression was on the leisurely side, it was never confusing with the flash from the past chapters which gave the plot a broader background. The story incorporated a very diverse and close-knit group of friends, who did wonderfully as supporting characters by adding humor and wisdom.
I seriously fell for the male lead. He had just the right amount of confidence and seduction
“Invite me in.” There’s no question. He’s not asking. It’s a gentle command.
And at the same time a goodness and vulnerability that made him perfect for Sara. She felt free to express herself and find her inner voice with him.
“My soul feels lighter at the mere sight of him. Complicated feels simple. Unlikely feels inevitable. Only he makes me feel this way – like I can climb whatever mountain life puts in our path.”
Hope Over Fear is a nice change of pace for me. Even when I didn't identify with the protagonist, the narrative was such that I definitely empathized with her and I gladly accompanied her on a journey to a place of joy and happiness while going through pain, heartache and epiphanies along with her old and new friends and of course Mr. Makes my soul feel lighter himself.
“Fall into me, Sara. Because God knows I’ve fallen into you.”
This is the first book in the series Over and can be read as a standalone. But since this is a series, I wonder who will be next? And if there will be a connection within the group? I know I’ll enjoy reading about whoever J.A. chooses to be next.
Amazon Buy link -> http://amzn.to/14ZQJiJ
* I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review by the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
For more of my reviews and those of my best book buds, and updates Visit our blog
Stalk us on FaceBook
As well as Twitter
December 10, 2014
4.5.knocking. Stars!!
People lets give J.A.Derouen a...
My God, this story...
I loved LOVED this debut novel, it touched my heart in so many different levels. The writing style is beautiful, i felt every single emotion that not only the hero and heroine felt but also the emotions of The supporting characters, i had this overwhelming need to protect some of them. I laughed and i cried in so many sad and happy scenes.
I was hooked from the moment i read the prologue and i just can’t wait for the next story .
** copy gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review **
People lets give J.A.Derouen a...
My God, this story...
I loved LOVED this debut novel, it touched my heart in so many different levels. The writing style is beautiful, i felt every single emotion that not only the hero and heroine felt but also the emotions of The supporting characters, i had this overwhelming need to protect some of them. I laughed and i cried in so many sad and happy scenes.
I was hooked from the moment i read the prologue and i just can’t wait for the next story .
** copy gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review **
September 8, 2014
I received an ARC from the author and although it has not been published yet i seriously can not wait till everyone else can read it!!!!
This book was fantastic- I giggled and even out right laughed at some of the antics and verbiage used- such a fun read as well as a good story line. I love a book that brings me through several emotions and this one did it for me!!! I am anxious to see what she has next in store for us!!!!
This book was fantastic- I giggled and even out right laughed at some of the antics and verbiage used- such a fun read as well as a good story line. I love a book that brings me through several emotions and this one did it for me!!! I am anxious to see what she has next in store for us!!!!
May 3, 2014
It was a really good book. I would certainly recommend anyone who likes a good romance to read this book. I can't wait until the next one comes out.
September 20, 2017
I read the Over Duet earlier this year (which is EXCELLENT by the way and I highly recommend it!) and knew that I wanted to go back and meet all the other amazing characters I was introduced to and find out their back stories as well. Hope Over Fear is Sara's story and I loved every heartbreaking and uplifting minute!
The characters and story hooked me from the start and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen and what kind of emotional baggage our hero and heroine were carrying. I loved having both Sara and Adam's points of view, though I did wish for a few more Adam chapters so we could have known what was going on inside his head! Some moments were extremely emotional and painful, while others were lighthearted and laugh out loud hilarious (man, I love Cain and Marlo!)
Sara and Adam have intense and incredible chemistry, but that kind of powerful and all consuming passion can also easily give way to anger and rip your heart out of your chest if given the chance. The issues they face were realistic and relatable and both of them had to grow and accept themselves and each other to really move forward. I loved the overall message that families come in all different shapes, sizes, and combinations, and that loving yourself is just as important as loving someone else. The secondary characters were just as amazing as Sara and Adam, and I can't wait to read Alex's story in the next book, Wings over Poppies!
The characters and story hooked me from the start and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen and what kind of emotional baggage our hero and heroine were carrying. I loved having both Sara and Adam's points of view, though I did wish for a few more Adam chapters so we could have known what was going on inside his head! Some moments were extremely emotional and painful, while others were lighthearted and laugh out loud hilarious (man, I love Cain and Marlo!)
Sara and Adam have intense and incredible chemistry, but that kind of powerful and all consuming passion can also easily give way to anger and rip your heart out of your chest if given the chance. The issues they face were realistic and relatable and both of them had to grow and accept themselves and each other to really move forward. I loved the overall message that families come in all different shapes, sizes, and combinations, and that loving yourself is just as important as loving someone else. The secondary characters were just as amazing as Sara and Adam, and I can't wait to read Alex's story in the next book, Wings over Poppies!
June 25, 2014
3.75-4 Stars
"You know no matter where we are or what we're doing, you'll always be my girl, Sara Marie Preston. You may not have turned into my forever, but you're my girl just the same."
After ending not only a best friendship, but also the relationship that developed from it, Sara Preston is trying to redevelop her life. For way too long, based on her wrong decisions, she has felt like the villain and that she doesn't deserve to be happy. But when her ex Mason moves on with someone else, she finally realizes it's time to rewrite her own life story and give herself a chance to find and be loved.
I really enjoyed this debut novel by J.A. Derouen. The story flowed smoothly and wasn't confusing or choppy even when there were flash backs. The only part that I wasn’t crazy about was the road trip that Sara and one of her friends went on to try and heal her heart. It didn’t seem fitting for single ladies in their twenties and was just a bit odd over all.
J.A. wrote a great core group of supporting characters and their development was solid, not to mention they were all hilarious. My favorites were Cain and of course Marlo- she was the perfect mix of snarky meets bitchy; I seriously hope these two get their own books (HINT HINT).
“Look, I’ve had a healthy helping of conniving little bitch for the day, so you can move along… My patience is thin, ad my hand is twitchy. Don’t make me do something about it” - Marlo
Sara’s new love interest (who shall remain nameless for now) was a strong male lead, with a very a good heart! He was also super sexy, an amazing friend, and the few chapters that we got of his POV were the best!
“I’m very affected by you, Sara Preston.” His lick quickly turns into a bite as he turns his baseball cap backward I open my mouth as his tongue expertly collides with mine.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a funny, sweet, love story. It is a series, but this book ends with Sara’s story and I am guessing (and hoping) that the series will continue with some of the other characters in the book.
"You know no matter where we are or what we're doing, you'll always be my girl, Sara Marie Preston. You may not have turned into my forever, but you're my girl just the same."
After ending not only a best friendship, but also the relationship that developed from it, Sara Preston is trying to redevelop her life. For way too long, based on her wrong decisions, she has felt like the villain and that she doesn't deserve to be happy. But when her ex Mason moves on with someone else, she finally realizes it's time to rewrite her own life story and give herself a chance to find and be loved.
I really enjoyed this debut novel by J.A. Derouen. The story flowed smoothly and wasn't confusing or choppy even when there were flash backs. The only part that I wasn’t crazy about was the road trip that Sara and one of her friends went on to try and heal her heart. It didn’t seem fitting for single ladies in their twenties and was just a bit odd over all.
J.A. wrote a great core group of supporting characters and their development was solid, not to mention they were all hilarious. My favorites were Cain and of course Marlo- she was the perfect mix of snarky meets bitchy; I seriously hope these two get their own books (HINT HINT).
“Look, I’ve had a healthy helping of conniving little bitch for the day, so you can move along… My patience is thin, ad my hand is twitchy. Don’t make me do something about it” - Marlo
Sara’s new love interest (who shall remain nameless for now) was a strong male lead, with a very a good heart! He was also super sexy, an amazing friend, and the few chapters that we got of his POV were the best!
“I’m very affected by you, Sara Preston.” His lick quickly turns into a bite as he turns his baseball cap backward I open my mouth as his tongue expertly collides with mine.
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a funny, sweet, love story. It is a series, but this book ends with Sara’s story and I am guessing (and hoping) that the series will continue with some of the other characters in the book.
July 29, 2014
Hope Over Fear is a fantastic debut novel. It was written very well, the storyline kept me hooked, and well…the music in the book made me love it even more. I mean…the book has Gavin DeGraw songs in it…SOLD!
After breaking up with not only her boyfriend but also her best friend, Sara just about put her life on hold. When she broke up with Mason, she did it for reasons that many don’t understand, but hey, I honestly commend her for what she did. She knew that they weren’t each other’s forever, that there should be fireworks not fizzle. She finally gets a kick in her rear, when Mason announces to her that he is getting married. This kick in the butt, sets Sara onto a path to finding her forever or more aptly, her fireworks.
“Don’t you see beautiful girl, I’m knocking.”
Once Sara starts her volunteering at New Horizons Outreach Program, she meets Adam. At first, Sara is convinced he has a girlfriend and is a bit of a jerk. But, alas, things aren’t always as they seem. Once she finally allows herself to open up to Adam things get hot. There were times I wanted to scream at her…like, why didn’t she tell him upfront about her relationship and the backstory with Mason? There is another thing that upset me a bit but it contains a bit of a spoiler. There is also a softer, caring side to Sara. Her budding friendship, with a girl she meets at the Center is very endearing.
“I fear no fate for you are my fate, my sweet.”
Adam has a lot on his plate and has many reasons for being a bit guarded with starting a relationship. Did I mention that he sings and plays guitar? Yep, he sings Gavin DeGraw songs too! Oh, and he is hot when it comes to the “good stuff”. Again, there was a point in the book where I literally wanted to slap him in the face, I almost felt as betrayed as Sara. Though it is completely understandable as to why he does things the way he does. But hell, when he is in, he is all in! Last swoonworthy thing…I love all the tattoos he gave Sara.
The chemistry between both of them is totally hot…J.A Derouen totally knows how to write some seriously sexy scenes. I loved all of the supporting characters in this book as well. You can tell that this group of people totally love each other and view themselves as a family. I cannot wait to get my hands on Alex’s story! I also think there may be a budding relationship between some of the characters but I’ll leave it at that.
“I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart.”
Like I said above, this was a great debut novel. I recommend you read this book. It literally is all about finding your true love and letting your heart lead the way.
After breaking up with not only her boyfriend but also her best friend, Sara just about put her life on hold. When she broke up with Mason, she did it for reasons that many don’t understand, but hey, I honestly commend her for what she did. She knew that they weren’t each other’s forever, that there should be fireworks not fizzle. She finally gets a kick in her rear, when Mason announces to her that he is getting married. This kick in the butt, sets Sara onto a path to finding her forever or more aptly, her fireworks.
“Don’t you see beautiful girl, I’m knocking.”
Once Sara starts her volunteering at New Horizons Outreach Program, she meets Adam. At first, Sara is convinced he has a girlfriend and is a bit of a jerk. But, alas, things aren’t always as they seem. Once she finally allows herself to open up to Adam things get hot. There were times I wanted to scream at her…like, why didn’t she tell him upfront about her relationship and the backstory with Mason? There is another thing that upset me a bit but it contains a bit of a spoiler. There is also a softer, caring side to Sara. Her budding friendship, with a girl she meets at the Center is very endearing.
“I fear no fate for you are my fate, my sweet.”
Adam has a lot on his plate and has many reasons for being a bit guarded with starting a relationship. Did I mention that he sings and plays guitar? Yep, he sings Gavin DeGraw songs too! Oh, and he is hot when it comes to the “good stuff”. Again, there was a point in the book where I literally wanted to slap him in the face, I almost felt as betrayed as Sara. Though it is completely understandable as to why he does things the way he does. But hell, when he is in, he is all in! Last swoonworthy thing…I love all the tattoos he gave Sara.
The chemistry between both of them is totally hot…J.A Derouen totally knows how to write some seriously sexy scenes. I loved all of the supporting characters in this book as well. You can tell that this group of people totally love each other and view themselves as a family. I cannot wait to get my hands on Alex’s story! I also think there may be a budding relationship between some of the characters but I’ll leave it at that.
“I carry your heart with me. I carry it in my heart.”
Like I said above, this was a great debut novel. I recommend you read this book. It literally is all about finding your true love and letting your heart lead the way.
August 8, 2014
** JEN'S 3.5 STAR REVIEW **
Sometimes in life we do things that we don’t really want to or we feel like it’s something we are supposed to do. Either because we feel like we are being pressured or because we are more concerned about hurting someone else’s feelings. This is one of those stories that is just that. A woman who felt trapped in the sense where she was too afraid to hurt someone she loved. Going through the emotions as one would do when they are in a committed relationship is only natural right? Except when you wake up one day realizing that it never really felt right to you.
Hope Over Fear is a story about Sarah’s journey dealing with her guilt, sorrow, insecurities and ultimately finding the forgiveness she so needs so she can move onto something bigger and better. Forgiving yourself can be such a tough thing and for Sarah it’s the one thing that has almost crippled her.
I have to say I really loved meeting Adam. He’s a very complex character and his story brought out a range of emotions in me. Being a single father is hard and trying to do the right thing can sometimes cost you but he finds a way to make things work. Adam for me was the star of the show. Yeah he’s pretty sexy, however I really felt for him and honestly fell in love with his strength and determination to do what was right. He truly is an exceptional man.
Sarah and Adam’s relationship isn’t an easy one especially when Adam keeps her at arm’s length. He is determined to do right by his kids so mixing his love life with his family life isn’t something he is willing to do. How can Sarah move beyond her lies and guilt to prove she is worthy? You’d have to read to find out.
This was a really good first time novel. Not much in the way of angst but you’ll feel sad for some of the characters, laugh with others, swoon a few times and you may even want to throat punch one. I really enjoyed meeting all the different types of characters in this story. J.A Derouen really did a good job mixing in the different personalities and honestly they really added to the story. There are more secrets brewing amongst them and I’m looking forward to finding out what is going on with them.
Sometimes in life we do things that we don’t really want to or we feel like it’s something we are supposed to do. Either because we feel like we are being pressured or because we are more concerned about hurting someone else’s feelings. This is one of those stories that is just that. A woman who felt trapped in the sense where she was too afraid to hurt someone she loved. Going through the emotions as one would do when they are in a committed relationship is only natural right? Except when you wake up one day realizing that it never really felt right to you.
Hope Over Fear is a story about Sarah’s journey dealing with her guilt, sorrow, insecurities and ultimately finding the forgiveness she so needs so she can move onto something bigger and better. Forgiving yourself can be such a tough thing and for Sarah it’s the one thing that has almost crippled her.
I have to say I really loved meeting Adam. He’s a very complex character and his story brought out a range of emotions in me. Being a single father is hard and trying to do the right thing can sometimes cost you but he finds a way to make things work. Adam for me was the star of the show. Yeah he’s pretty sexy, however I really felt for him and honestly fell in love with his strength and determination to do what was right. He truly is an exceptional man.
Sarah and Adam’s relationship isn’t an easy one especially when Adam keeps her at arm’s length. He is determined to do right by his kids so mixing his love life with his family life isn’t something he is willing to do. How can Sarah move beyond her lies and guilt to prove she is worthy? You’d have to read to find out.
This was a really good first time novel. Not much in the way of angst but you’ll feel sad for some of the characters, laugh with others, swoon a few times and you may even want to throat punch one. I really enjoyed meeting all the different types of characters in this story. J.A Derouen really did a good job mixing in the different personalities and honestly they really added to the story. There are more secrets brewing amongst them and I’m looking forward to finding out what is going on with them.
July 16, 2014
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided by the lovely author for an honest review via blog tour.
3.75 to 4 stars.
Cover: 10
Plot: 8
Heroine: 6
Hero: 6
Ending: HEA (Happy Ever After)
Series or stand-alone: Series but can be read as a stand-alone
I just want to thank the lovely author J.A. Derouen for the chance to read & review her debut novel Hope Over Fear.
This was a refreshing and well written debut novel about what happens after heartbreak. I felt very connect to the plot/storyline of the novel because I know how Sara felt, I know what she went through. But I also felt that I needed more details why Sara left Mason.
I just loved all the secondary characters, man they were hilarious. I would love to hear more about them. But I want to talk about Adam my god, Adam I just made a new book boyfriend but I just loved him from the start how cocky but sweet and caring he is. And I related more to him than I did with Sara honestly. You just felt every emotion from him and to be honest I cried a lot with scenes with him in it. It was so touching I can't get into much detail because I really don't want to spoil anything for anyone. But the scene with him and Sara together in bed was so touching and so heartfelt that I fell for him in every single way.
This book took me by surprise on how good it was. It was beautifully written and was so unique and different. That I do highly recommend this book. And it also has a HEA (Happy ever after) that most people enjoy. This is a book that you shouldn't miss. This kinda book just stays with you forever.
3.75 to 4 stars.
Cover: 10
Plot: 8
Heroine: 6
Hero: 6
Ending: HEA (Happy Ever After)
Series or stand-alone: Series but can be read as a stand-alone
I just want to thank the lovely author J.A. Derouen for the chance to read & review her debut novel Hope Over Fear.
This was a refreshing and well written debut novel about what happens after heartbreak. I felt very connect to the plot/storyline of the novel because I know how Sara felt, I know what she went through. But I also felt that I needed more details why Sara left Mason.
I just loved all the secondary characters, man they were hilarious. I would love to hear more about them. But I want to talk about Adam my god, Adam I just made a new book boyfriend but I just loved him from the start how cocky but sweet and caring he is. And I related more to him than I did with Sara honestly. You just felt every emotion from him and to be honest I cried a lot with scenes with him in it. It was so touching I can't get into much detail because I really don't want to spoil anything for anyone. But the scene with him and Sara together in bed was so touching and so heartfelt that I fell for him in every single way.
This book took me by surprise on how good it was. It was beautifully written and was so unique and different. That I do highly recommend this book. And it also has a HEA (Happy ever after) that most people enjoy. This is a book that you shouldn't miss. This kinda book just stays with you forever.
September 14, 2015
I’d like to start off by saying that I loved that every chapter of this book started off with a song or two that was written into the text of the chapter! It was such a wonder contribution to this book and very different. I really enjoyed that and listened to a lot of these songs while reading. And that cover! LOVE!
I really enjoy this book. You meet a whole team of characters and you fall for them all, which is great because this series continues with other characters from Hope Over Fear. The two main characters for this book are Sara and Adam. Sara has a past relationship that has her talked about around town and she doesn’t defend herself. Sara’s character is such a sweetheart that lives her life helping others. She is a woman you want to be, always helping but never a pushover. Adam is her sexy co-worker who also has a rocky past with his walls built high. You just really fall for these main characters along with their friends that keep you hooked while reading.
This book can be read as a standalone but the series continues and I’m hoping to read more about Adam and Sara in the rest. Although there are some struggles I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a wonderful book that is lighthearted and really enjoyable. The next book in the series is Wings Over Poppies that follows a friend from Hope Over Fear, Alexandra. Can’t wait to continue!
I really enjoy this book. You meet a whole team of characters and you fall for them all, which is great because this series continues with other characters from Hope Over Fear. The two main characters for this book are Sara and Adam. Sara has a past relationship that has her talked about around town and she doesn’t defend herself. Sara’s character is such a sweetheart that lives her life helping others. She is a woman you want to be, always helping but never a pushover. Adam is her sexy co-worker who also has a rocky past with his walls built high. You just really fall for these main characters along with their friends that keep you hooked while reading.
This book can be read as a standalone but the series continues and I’m hoping to read more about Adam and Sara in the rest. Although there are some struggles I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a wonderful book that is lighthearted and really enjoyable. The next book in the series is Wings Over Poppies that follows a friend from Hope Over Fear, Alexandra. Can’t wait to continue!
August 5, 2014
OMG this was a fantastic story! The characters deal with emotional turmoil, there’s plenty of humor, and the sex scenes are on fire! The supporting characters were just as fantastic and left the groundwork for more great books in the series. This was a definite page turner.
Adam and Sara have some emotional scars in their past. Even though they were both on their individual roads to healing, it became obvious pretty quickly how much they helped each other learn how to be happy again. They both had awesome personalities and the witty banter that they often engaged in with each other as well as their friends had me laughing so many times I can’t even count. I instantly became attached to theses characters after starting this book. I was rooting for them from the very beginning.
The story line had my rapt attention from page one and I couldn’t put it down. I started it later in the evening with the intention of finishing it the next day but I was so glued to my tablet and the story that I stayed up until 3 AM just so I could find out how it finished. It flowed really smoothly and the scene descriptions were excellent. I was completely immersed in Adam and Sara’s world. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 5 out of 5 stars!
Adam and Sara have some emotional scars in their past. Even though they were both on their individual roads to healing, it became obvious pretty quickly how much they helped each other learn how to be happy again. They both had awesome personalities and the witty banter that they often engaged in with each other as well as their friends had me laughing so many times I can’t even count. I instantly became attached to theses characters after starting this book. I was rooting for them from the very beginning.
The story line had my rapt attention from page one and I couldn’t put it down. I started it later in the evening with the intention of finishing it the next day but I was so glued to my tablet and the story that I stayed up until 3 AM just so I could find out how it finished. It flowed really smoothly and the scene descriptions were excellent. I was completely immersed in Adam and Sara’s world. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 5 out of 5 stars!
October 26, 2014
Overall rating: 4 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
In this book, you have Sara, the heroine who is trying to start over after a bad breakup. In this case, it was HER that did the breaking up, but once you hear what happened, you understand why even though it's still heartbreaking. Her ex-boyfriend/best friend is now moving on and getting married, so now Sara feels like it's her turn. She ends up meeting our hero, Adam, at her new volunteer job. He is a great guy. There is a twist that I won't say so I don't spoil anything, but he is hiding something and you can just feel it early on.
I didn't really have any issues with this book at all. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is - 1. I wanted a longer epilogue!!! 2. I wishes for more interaction with .
Overall, this was a pleasantly sweet romances with no major angst or drama :)
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
In this book, you have Sara, the heroine who is trying to start over after a bad breakup. In this case, it was HER that did the breaking up, but once you hear what happened, you understand why even though it's still heartbreaking. Her ex-boyfriend/best friend is now moving on and getting married, so now Sara feels like it's her turn. She ends up meeting our hero, Adam, at her new volunteer job. He is a great guy. There is a twist that I won't say so I don't spoil anything, but he is hiding something and you can just feel it early on.
I didn't really have any issues with this book at all. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is - 1. I wanted a longer epilogue!!! 2. I wishes for more interaction with .
Overall, this was a pleasantly sweet romances with no major angst or drama :)
January 13, 2015
A really nice story. I thought the author did a great job making it sweet and tender with a nice amount of steam. Loved Sara and Adam together. Very well written.
January 14, 2015
Loved this one and all the characters, can't wait to read more from this author.
July 7, 2017
I fell in love with JA DeRouen's writing when I read the Over Duet last year. I've been wanting to read this series of spinoffs since then and I'm so glad I finally got around to starting at the beginning!! I just love this whole cast of characters, her witty writing and i loooooved seeing Marlo again!! There were so many lol lines and I loved Sara and Adam's story. Except for one part where I wanted to strangle him! But the rest of the time I was swooning and loving him and his tattoo doodles. Diving into Wings Over Poppies next!! Binge read ahead :)
August 4, 2014
What can you say about a book that you can’t even pick your favorite part or line because you loved every minute of it? Well you call it Hope Over Fear By J.A. Derouen. This book was amazing. It had me on the verge of tears and then bawling my eyes out while lughing till it hurt. This is a story of starting over and discovering who you really are and not judging a book by its cover. The author did a wonderful job of sucking me into every single characters life, no matter how small a part they played. I couldn’t believe the amount of heart she was able to pour into this book and not become an overtly big cry fest. Is there moments your chest aches with pain? Yes. Is there moments of super sexiness? Oh yeah. But I found the moments of sheer joy to just make this book perfected. Those moments of wow that is beautiful were all through this book, even in its darkest moments you were able to smile at the beautiful story it told of shaping the people into who they are.
Sara is a nurse at one of the most magical and heartbreaking parts of the hospital, the labour and delivery ward. The highs are extreme but the lows are heartbreaking and unimaginable. She also has a past that everyone thinks they know but only a select few really know the truth of what happened between her and her ex Mason. Even though everyone doesn’t know the truth she carries the guilt and burden that not correcting people bares. She has shaped her life and put herself in self-imposed exile of the dating world. But the day Mason marries who she knows is the love of his life she decides it’s time for her to start living, and giving herself permission to feel and fall in love again. That happens faster than she thought would be possible the day she starts volunteering at New Horizons Outreach. That is where she meets Adam.
Adam is sex on a stick, he’s tall, tattooed and well just plain old pick your jaw up off the floor and stop drooling worthy. They end up dating after a minor misjudgment but just when they are getting cozy, two lil bambinos come running up to Adam yelling “daddy.” Sara is shocked but decided the connection they have is too real to not try. The only problem is Adam carries his own secrets and demons. And for them to work he has to see past them and then see who Sara really is behind the rumours that are flying around like wildfire around them
Adam is an amazing father and friend and would lay his life down for everyone around him. The only problem is that he has built walls so high that Sara feels like she is a stranger on the other side begging to get in with his family. The journey of discovery that these two travel on together will have you laughing, fanning yourself and out right bawling so make sure and have some tissue.
“I don’t want that for you. That’s the last thing I would ever want to happen. Please, don’t fall into yourself. Fall into me, Sara. Because god knows I’ve fallen into you.”
Now onto the rest of the crew we meet and I hope get to read more about them all because holy crap the group of friends that Sara and Adam have are gonna be great to read about, they have their own secrets that are touched upon and well they had me in stiches laughing too. Let’s just say there is a comparison for knocking on doors that still has me giggling and I don’t think I will ever be able to knock on a door without giggle snorting.
Cheers J.A. Derouen to a beautiful story and a good laugh along the way thank you for sharing Adam and Sara with us!!
Sara is a nurse at one of the most magical and heartbreaking parts of the hospital, the labour and delivery ward. The highs are extreme but the lows are heartbreaking and unimaginable. She also has a past that everyone thinks they know but only a select few really know the truth of what happened between her and her ex Mason. Even though everyone doesn’t know the truth she carries the guilt and burden that not correcting people bares. She has shaped her life and put herself in self-imposed exile of the dating world. But the day Mason marries who she knows is the love of his life she decides it’s time for her to start living, and giving herself permission to feel and fall in love again. That happens faster than she thought would be possible the day she starts volunteering at New Horizons Outreach. That is where she meets Adam.
Adam is sex on a stick, he’s tall, tattooed and well just plain old pick your jaw up off the floor and stop drooling worthy. They end up dating after a minor misjudgment but just when they are getting cozy, two lil bambinos come running up to Adam yelling “daddy.” Sara is shocked but decided the connection they have is too real to not try. The only problem is Adam carries his own secrets and demons. And for them to work he has to see past them and then see who Sara really is behind the rumours that are flying around like wildfire around them
Adam is an amazing father and friend and would lay his life down for everyone around him. The only problem is that he has built walls so high that Sara feels like she is a stranger on the other side begging to get in with his family. The journey of discovery that these two travel on together will have you laughing, fanning yourself and out right bawling so make sure and have some tissue.
“I don’t want that for you. That’s the last thing I would ever want to happen. Please, don’t fall into yourself. Fall into me, Sara. Because god knows I’ve fallen into you.”
Now onto the rest of the crew we meet and I hope get to read more about them all because holy crap the group of friends that Sara and Adam have are gonna be great to read about, they have their own secrets that are touched upon and well they had me in stiches laughing too. Let’s just say there is a comparison for knocking on doors that still has me giggling and I don’t think I will ever be able to knock on a door without giggle snorting.
Cheers J.A. Derouen to a beautiful story and a good laugh along the way thank you for sharing Adam and Sara with us!!
August 12, 2014
*****A Touching Read******
I was not sure what to expect from this book but I have to say I was disappointed. The story is very down to earth, real and true to life. The characters are all relatable and something about one of their situation will resonate with you no matter who you are.
Sara has being through a lot and has been down on herself pretty hard, but after a year of solitude she decides to face her fears and get her life back on track.
First on her agenda is finally approaching a volunteering position with New Horizon (A charity centre that deals with many different issues from Adoption to domestic violence to the mentally impaired) The work they do is really touching and each member of staff has their own story is will break your heart.
Adam is a 24 year old single dad of twins he works at the centre for his own personal redemption He runs the Domestic Violence unit; he was unable to save someone close to him and this is his way of saving others from that fatal fate.
Sara and Adam meets on her first day at the centre, even though it was not the best first meeting something sparkled between them and its not long before they are exploring each other and the possibility of more.
Sara has worked hard to forgive herself for something that she was misguided into believing was entirely her fault , as a result she cut her self off from life and truly living not believing she is worthy of a happy ending.
Now Sara is passed all that and looking forward to future of happiness, things come crashing down around her once again.
Adam has is own fears where his relationship with Sara is concerned especially with his two kids to think of . He is confided in her and told her every thing their is to know about his the good the bad and the down right ugly but he feels she is still keeping a wall between them because she is not so forth coming about her past. which leads to a lot heartache for both parties involved.
Adam has made some pretty wrong assumptions about Sara's past and her character out of anger which is hindering their relationship and any chance they have at a life together.
Will Sara ever be free from her past and live a life in hope and not fear?
Once Adam has realised just how wrong he got things and the mistakes he made with Sara will she be able to forgive him and move on? Will he finally face his fears and hope for the future of let fear cripple his relationship with Sara.
Overall a really good book that is very well written and flows perfectly together. The story held my attention right to the very end and the written words reached in and touched my heart. The author covered a few sensitive subjects and I must commend her efforts because she pulled them off with the up most respect and care.
I would 100% recommend This touching story.
4/5 stars for Natasha (Scandalous Book Blog)
I was not sure what to expect from this book but I have to say I was disappointed. The story is very down to earth, real and true to life. The characters are all relatable and something about one of their situation will resonate with you no matter who you are.
Sara has being through a lot and has been down on herself pretty hard, but after a year of solitude she decides to face her fears and get her life back on track.
First on her agenda is finally approaching a volunteering position with New Horizon (A charity centre that deals with many different issues from Adoption to domestic violence to the mentally impaired) The work they do is really touching and each member of staff has their own story is will break your heart.
Adam is a 24 year old single dad of twins he works at the centre for his own personal redemption He runs the Domestic Violence unit; he was unable to save someone close to him and this is his way of saving others from that fatal fate.
Sara and Adam meets on her first day at the centre, even though it was not the best first meeting something sparkled between them and its not long before they are exploring each other and the possibility of more.
Sara has worked hard to forgive herself for something that she was misguided into believing was entirely her fault , as a result she cut her self off from life and truly living not believing she is worthy of a happy ending.
Now Sara is passed all that and looking forward to future of happiness, things come crashing down around her once again.
Adam has is own fears where his relationship with Sara is concerned especially with his two kids to think of . He is confided in her and told her every thing their is to know about his the good the bad and the down right ugly but he feels she is still keeping a wall between them because she is not so forth coming about her past. which leads to a lot heartache for both parties involved.
Adam has made some pretty wrong assumptions about Sara's past and her character out of anger which is hindering their relationship and any chance they have at a life together.
Will Sara ever be free from her past and live a life in hope and not fear?
Once Adam has realised just how wrong he got things and the mistakes he made with Sara will she be able to forgive him and move on? Will he finally face his fears and hope for the future of let fear cripple his relationship with Sara.
Overall a really good book that is very well written and flows perfectly together. The story held my attention right to the very end and the written words reached in and touched my heart. The author covered a few sensitive subjects and I must commend her efforts because she pulled them off with the up most respect and care.
I would 100% recommend This touching story.
4/5 stars for Natasha (Scandalous Book Blog)
February 24, 2015
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sara Preston shattered the heart of her best friend, Mason. She left him in pieces. And didn’t look back. She loved him enough to let him go. But even as she watches Mason move on and fall in love with someone else, she carries a lot of guilt. Even with Mason finding happiness, Sara doesn’t feel worthy of happiness. When Sara meets Adam Hunt, the spark she is missing seems to be found in him.
“I don’t want to run. And that’s the best fucking feeling in the world.”
Your heart will feel for Sara and the heavy feeling she lives with on her chest because of what she did to Mason. You will also understand that she couldn’t just settle. While she loved Mason with her entire being, there was no light in their relationship. Adam is different. She feels a connection with him. It’s natural, not overbearing. They simply work. They find them selves falling slowly, effortlessly for the other. But Adam’s heart is not so ready to let Sara all the way in.
“When he looks at me, I feel confident, beautiful, and completely inhabited.”
Sara and Adam’s story is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Without giving anything away, they truly demonstrate the power in love and how it can shatter yet put someone and their pieces back together again. There is this indescribable chemistry between Sara and Adam. You feel their heartbeats change rhythm the moment they meet. These two harbor guilt, although differently, they find that in order to truly love again, they must choose hope over fear. That you don’t run away from love, you simply run straight into it, head on. No inhibitions. Because it is only then that you truly begin to fall.
“Please don’t fall into yourself. Fall into me, Sara. Because God knows I’ve fallen into you.”
Hope Over Fear is a beautiful story about love and never settling. It’s about knowing the love you know you deserve and not accepting any less. It is not the easiest love story, but it is heartfelt. You watch two people put their happiness first, for once. You will live their story. You will tear up, you will also laugh. I am a bit surprised that this was a debut novel. The author effortlessly wrote a heartfelt story with unforgettable characters.
Sara Preston shattered the heart of her best friend, Mason. She left him in pieces. And didn’t look back. She loved him enough to let him go. But even as she watches Mason move on and fall in love with someone else, she carries a lot of guilt. Even with Mason finding happiness, Sara doesn’t feel worthy of happiness. When Sara meets Adam Hunt, the spark she is missing seems to be found in him.
“I don’t want to run. And that’s the best fucking feeling in the world.”
Your heart will feel for Sara and the heavy feeling she lives with on her chest because of what she did to Mason. You will also understand that she couldn’t just settle. While she loved Mason with her entire being, there was no light in their relationship. Adam is different. She feels a connection with him. It’s natural, not overbearing. They simply work. They find them selves falling slowly, effortlessly for the other. But Adam’s heart is not so ready to let Sara all the way in.
“When he looks at me, I feel confident, beautiful, and completely inhabited.”
Sara and Adam’s story is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Without giving anything away, they truly demonstrate the power in love and how it can shatter yet put someone and their pieces back together again. There is this indescribable chemistry between Sara and Adam. You feel their heartbeats change rhythm the moment they meet. These two harbor guilt, although differently, they find that in order to truly love again, they must choose hope over fear. That you don’t run away from love, you simply run straight into it, head on. No inhibitions. Because it is only then that you truly begin to fall.
“Please don’t fall into yourself. Fall into me, Sara. Because God knows I’ve fallen into you.”
Hope Over Fear is a beautiful story about love and never settling. It’s about knowing the love you know you deserve and not accepting any less. It is not the easiest love story, but it is heartfelt. You watch two people put their happiness first, for once. You will live their story. You will tear up, you will also laugh. I am a bit surprised that this was a debut novel. The author effortlessly wrote a heartfelt story with unforgettable characters.
July 29, 2014
This was a really great read. Sara is a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Providence, LA. Sara's exboyfriend and the boy she loved is getting married to another woman in the beginning of this book. With the wedding, she finally believes it is time for her to start forgiving herself and moving forward. Mason was her best friend throughout college but he was in love with Sara and wanted more. He pushed and pushed and she finally gave it a try but all throughout their relationship Sarah felt like she was on a road to the future and somewhere she just didn't feel that she belonged. So she finally just did something to make it end and set Mason free. She didn't want to hurt him like that and cause him pain but he wouldn't listen otherwise and sometimes you gotta do those things. Sara only sees herself as the villain in the story of Mason.
The man in this story is wonderful but his anger sometimes gets in the way. He does some really sweet and caring things but when he's hurt or unsure of things - the words come out. But the things that he's done and things he's seen make him such a wonderful character and protective. He's taken on things that not many people in his situation would do but he has and it makes him even better. Sara is a character that was put in a bad situation and she did what she had to do to get out of it. She loved Mason and knew that she needed to set him free so she did it even if it meant that she would lose her best friend in the process. Just because you love someone doesn't mean that you are in love with them or that you are right for them. Some people would stay in that situation because it was comfortable but she knew and did what she had to do. She's made some mistakes but in the end she did the right things even if it ruined her reputation.
Also, this author is awesome because she put EE Cummings Poem in it - I Carry Your Heart With Me. I just love that poem. She did it in such a meaningful and significant way.
This book is definitely worth reading and I'm just going to wait for the next book - Alex's story.
The man in this story is wonderful but his anger sometimes gets in the way. He does some really sweet and caring things but when he's hurt or unsure of things - the words come out. But the things that he's done and things he's seen make him such a wonderful character and protective. He's taken on things that not many people in his situation would do but he has and it makes him even better. Sara is a character that was put in a bad situation and she did what she had to do to get out of it. She loved Mason and knew that she needed to set him free so she did it even if it meant that she would lose her best friend in the process. Just because you love someone doesn't mean that you are in love with them or that you are right for them. Some people would stay in that situation because it was comfortable but she knew and did what she had to do. She's made some mistakes but in the end she did the right things even if it ruined her reputation.
Also, this author is awesome because she put EE Cummings Poem in it - I Carry Your Heart With Me. I just love that poem. She did it in such a meaningful and significant way.
This book is definitely worth reading and I'm just going to wait for the next book - Alex's story.
December 30, 2014
This book was AMAZING. I enjoyed every single page of this book. J.A Derouen writing was flawless and this story flowed effortlessly. I love this type of New Adult books, but she did her's with a little spin.
First, I loved how the characters were a little older, they were career established, and you got the feeling each one wanted to make a difference in other's lives. Very refreshing.
Second, I love the incorporation of music with this book, it gave such a personal and greater dept to what you were reading. You felt the emotion perfectly transcend into the story.
I just adored Sara, she was refreshing as well. She was care-free, selfless, loving, loyal, and her one major flaw was not knowing how amazing she was. I loved her interactions with Alex and Marlo...Those girls were a hoot. I love that Sara did not back down, she was intelligent, and Strong. I wanted to be her. When She meets Adam, she was so patient with him. I loved watching a female character not go CRAZY CRAZY for once.
Sometimes, I must admit that Adam drove me crazy,I was feeling so frustrated right along with Sara...Seriously she was the best girl..You will just have to read the book to get what I'm saying. But what I loved about what JA Derouen did was when I thought my level of frustration with Adam was maxed. I would start the next chapter In Adam POV, and completely understand.. Bravo for perfect timing.
I loved watching (reading) Sara and Adams relationship grow, I loved watching it heal, and of course it was the perfect mixture of HOT and sexy, just how I like it!!!
If I had time I would completely re read this book, I loved it so much. Definitely going on my 5 Star list!
First, I loved how the characters were a little older, they were career established, and you got the feeling each one wanted to make a difference in other's lives. Very refreshing.
Second, I love the incorporation of music with this book, it gave such a personal and greater dept to what you were reading. You felt the emotion perfectly transcend into the story.
I just adored Sara, she was refreshing as well. She was care-free, selfless, loving, loyal, and her one major flaw was not knowing how amazing she was. I loved her interactions with Alex and Marlo...Those girls were a hoot. I love that Sara did not back down, she was intelligent, and Strong. I wanted to be her. When She meets Adam, she was so patient with him. I loved watching a female character not go CRAZY CRAZY for once.
Sometimes, I must admit that Adam drove me crazy,I was feeling so frustrated right along with Sara...Seriously she was the best girl..You will just have to read the book to get what I'm saying. But what I loved about what JA Derouen did was when I thought my level of frustration with Adam was maxed. I would start the next chapter In Adam POV, and completely understand.. Bravo for perfect timing.
I loved watching (reading) Sara and Adams relationship grow, I loved watching it heal, and of course it was the perfect mixture of HOT and sexy, just how I like it!!!
If I had time I would completely re read this book, I loved it so much. Definitely going on my 5 Star list!
November 16, 2014
Ever since Sara broke up with her boyfriend/best friend she has been dealing with the hurt, rumors, and pain of that decision. She doesn't know if she deserves a chance at love. However she throws herself into her career. With the support of her friends she moves on with her life. Enters Adam. She meets him at the New Horizons Outreach Program where is volunteering. Adam has struggles in his life and is cautious in entering a relationship. However the sparks between them fly.
I loved the character development in this story. Sara and Adam are two genuine people who are trying to find love with everything going on in their lives. There friends are the type of friends that anyone would want to have. You will live the fun times they have together right along with them. This story even covers some of the people that Sara assists at New Horizons Outreach Program.
The storyline is about friendship and second chance at love but is not with out some angst. You will laugh and cry right along with the characters. There are even some times you want to yell and scream at them too. We don't find out what happened between Sara and her ex Mason until late into the book but when you find out it will explain a lot.
I loved that at the beginning of each chapter Ms. DeRouen lists the songs that inspired that chapter. Loved it!! This is a great story of two people that needed to love themselves before they had a chance at true love.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed for Kylie's Addiction Fiction.
I loved the character development in this story. Sara and Adam are two genuine people who are trying to find love with everything going on in their lives. There friends are the type of friends that anyone would want to have. You will live the fun times they have together right along with them. This story even covers some of the people that Sara assists at New Horizons Outreach Program.
The storyline is about friendship and second chance at love but is not with out some angst. You will laugh and cry right along with the characters. There are even some times you want to yell and scream at them too. We don't find out what happened between Sara and her ex Mason until late into the book but when you find out it will explain a lot.
I loved that at the beginning of each chapter Ms. DeRouen lists the songs that inspired that chapter. Loved it!! This is a great story of two people that needed to love themselves before they had a chance at true love.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed for Kylie's Addiction Fiction.
January 18, 2015
***arc given in exchange for honest review***
4.5 Stars
I started this book after reading the mixed reviews on it. I loved this story. I loved it because it was real. This could actually happen.
I loved Sara because she was real. Yes, she could of handled the situation with Mason better but you know what she tired and he refused to listen. So for all the reviews that stated there was no communication , there was plenty of it. She didn't have any other choice and I would of did the same if it meant I was doing a good thing even if it broke my heart. In the end all was well!
Adam. I loved Adam. He was an a**hole at first and I felt offended for Sara, How dare he! but he was too adorable afterwards to stay mad at. I loved how he brought Sara back to life, to learn that she wasn't an evil person she thought she was. I loved how much he protected and adored Lily and Gage. He was perfectly imperfect.
I loved Cain, Cece, Alex Marlo and even Caroline! they were great supporting characters . I even loved Natalie and Mason.
This book was about losing your love, your best friend but healing and finding love all over again even when you feel you don't deserve it.
"We are Learning about ourselves and changing every day. Don't ever feel like you have to apologize for taking time to figure it out. When we stop evolving and improving, that's when life is over. We are all works in progress"
Happy Reading!
-A
4.5 Stars
I started this book after reading the mixed reviews on it. I loved this story. I loved it because it was real. This could actually happen.
I loved Sara because she was real. Yes, she could of handled the situation with Mason better but you know what she tired and he refused to listen. So for all the reviews that stated there was no communication , there was plenty of it. She didn't have any other choice and I would of did the same if it meant I was doing a good thing even if it broke my heart. In the end all was well!
Adam. I loved Adam. He was an a**hole at first and I felt offended for Sara, How dare he! but he was too adorable afterwards to stay mad at. I loved how he brought Sara back to life, to learn that she wasn't an evil person she thought she was. I loved how much he protected and adored Lily and Gage. He was perfectly imperfect.
I loved Cain, Cece, Alex Marlo and even Caroline! they were great supporting characters . I even loved Natalie and Mason.
This book was about losing your love, your best friend but healing and finding love all over again even when you feel you don't deserve it.
"We are Learning about ourselves and changing every day. Don't ever feel like you have to apologize for taking time to figure it out. When we stop evolving and improving, that's when life is over. We are all works in progress"
Happy Reading!
-A
January 19, 2016
It's a sweet, second chance novel with a good story that was pretty easy to read.
However, it wasn't without minor problems. There were grammar issues, mostly in quotation marks. Some of the dialogue felt stilted, but that seemed to flow better as the novel progressed. It was hard to tell who was speaking when the dialogue involved more than two people in some places. But again, I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to these kinds of issues.
I see that this was the first novel for this author, so everything I just listed should be overlooked in the grand scheme of things. In fact, this is a pretty impressive novel for a first timer. I look forward to reading the subsequent related stories of Sara's squad. None of the above really got in the way of the enjoyment of the storyline. At most, it removed one star from the overall rating.
Sadly, though, the other star loss was from Adam. I really liked him until he, in the heat of the moment, did something really jerk-faced. Can I understand why he did it? Rationally, yes, but my heart can't let it go. Honestly, it's not that terrible, so I think it's more a testament to Sara that she forgives him than my opinion; her forgiveness is what should be the focus.
Quick and easy reads are never terrible choices.
However, it wasn't without minor problems. There were grammar issues, mostly in quotation marks. Some of the dialogue felt stilted, but that seemed to flow better as the novel progressed. It was hard to tell who was speaking when the dialogue involved more than two people in some places. But again, I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to these kinds of issues.
I see that this was the first novel for this author, so everything I just listed should be overlooked in the grand scheme of things. In fact, this is a pretty impressive novel for a first timer. I look forward to reading the subsequent related stories of Sara's squad. None of the above really got in the way of the enjoyment of the storyline. At most, it removed one star from the overall rating.
Sadly, though, the other star loss was from Adam. I really liked him until he, in the heat of the moment, did something really jerk-faced. Can I understand why he did it? Rationally, yes, but my heart can't let it go. Honestly, it's not that terrible, so I think it's more a testament to Sara that she forgives him than my opinion; her forgiveness is what should be the focus.
Quick and easy reads are never terrible choices.
July 3, 2014
4 to 4.5 Stars.
I loved this debut novel of J.A. DEROUEN. It had just about everything I was looking for. A sweet romance, kickass friends, a strong heroine and a good hearted, sexy hero who was just what the heroine needed. She was just what HE needed. They completed one another and blossomed. Together they are a power to be reckoned with. They were each others hope that their fears kept driving away. The title is PERFECT meaning to this story. This a journey to being true to yourself and not letting your fears overrule you. To grab on to your wishes and blow them hard until they reach the sky and shine light to your wishes, your dreams and your heart.
The writing was so refreshingly different. I loved it. I loved how her words formed this beautiful picture in my mind. Time stops for a bit so I can linger over the words and inhale them into my mind that devours words that create such meaning to me. There was deep means behind every sentence. I'm in love.
I can't wait for more books from her! Sign me up for more books. This just feels the beginning to an amazing relationship of me stalking her for more! LOL.
I loved this debut novel of J.A. DEROUEN. It had just about everything I was looking for. A sweet romance, kickass friends, a strong heroine and a good hearted, sexy hero who was just what the heroine needed. She was just what HE needed. They completed one another and blossomed. Together they are a power to be reckoned with. They were each others hope that their fears kept driving away. The title is PERFECT meaning to this story. This a journey to being true to yourself and not letting your fears overrule you. To grab on to your wishes and blow them hard until they reach the sky and shine light to your wishes, your dreams and your heart.
The writing was so refreshingly different. I loved it. I loved how her words formed this beautiful picture in my mind. Time stops for a bit so I can linger over the words and inhale them into my mind that devours words that create such meaning to me. There was deep means behind every sentence. I'm in love.
I can't wait for more books from her! Sign me up for more books. This just feels the beginning to an amazing relationship of me stalking her for more! LOL.
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