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Unveiling #5
Unveiling Hope
***CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE***
Samantha is aimless. A college dropout who’s just been kicked out of her house, she’s searching for herself. But she never thought she’d find herself moving into the apartment of the man she’s spent the last year trying to forget.
Derek has secrets. An underground fighter who acts first and thinks later, he’s determined to keep that part of his life hidden. But when he’s forced to offer Sam—the girl he can’t stop thinking about—a place to live, his carefully constructed lies unravel.
Everything is stacked against them. Yet neither can walk away.
She’s seven years younger.
She’s his best friend’s little sister.
She has a boyfriend.
There are lines you don’t cross… and they’re about to obliterate them.
Samantha is aimless. A college dropout who’s just been kicked out of her house, she’s searching for herself. But she never thought she’d find herself moving into the apartment of the man she’s spent the last year trying to forget.
Derek has secrets. An underground fighter who acts first and thinks later, he’s determined to keep that part of his life hidden. But when he’s forced to offer Sam—the girl he can’t stop thinking about—a place to live, his carefully constructed lies unravel.
Everything is stacked against them. Yet neither can walk away.
She’s seven years younger.
She’s his best friend’s little sister.
She has a boyfriend.
There are lines you don’t cross… and they’re about to obliterate them.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2018
89 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Jeannine Allison
13 books539 followersJeannine Allison is an author of contemporary and New Adult romance. After waffling between many degrees in college, she finally graduated with a BA in English Literature from Arizona State University.
She loves writing and reading -- obviously :) -- but when she's not she enjoys playing with her two dogs, obsessing over new makeup, drinking coffee, googling new tattoos, and pretty much anything else that allows her to wear yoga pants and a sweatshirt ;)
She is a big fan of being exactly who you are. Her favorite stories to write are about characters finding and loving who they are.
She loves writing and reading -- obviously :) -- but when she's not she enjoys playing with her two dogs, obsessing over new makeup, drinking coffee, googling new tattoos, and pretty much anything else that allows her to wear yoga pants and a sweatshirt ;)
She is a big fan of being exactly who you are. Her favorite stories to write are about characters finding and loving who they are.
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May 6, 2019★ LIVE and FREE with Kindle Unlimited ★
Amazon Universal BUY link: mybook.to/UnveilingHope
Samantha is aimless. A college dropout who's just been kicked out of her house, she's searching for herself. But she never thought she'd find herself moving into the apartment of the man she's spent the last year trying to forget.
Derek has secrets. An underground fighter who acts first and thinks later, he's determined to keep that part of his life hidden. But when he's forced to offer Sam—the girl he can't stop thinking about—a place to live, his carefully constructed lies unravel.
Everything is stacked against them. Yet neither can walk away.
She's seven years younger.
She's his best friend's little sister.
She has a boyfriend.
There are lines you don't cross… and they're about to obliterate them.
Amazon Universal BUY link: mybook.to/UnveilingHope
Samantha is aimless. A college dropout who's just been kicked out of her house, she's searching for herself. But she never thought she'd find herself moving into the apartment of the man she's spent the last year trying to forget.
Derek has secrets. An underground fighter who acts first and thinks later, he's determined to keep that part of his life hidden. But when he's forced to offer Sam—the girl he can't stop thinking about—a place to live, his carefully constructed lies unravel.
Everything is stacked against them. Yet neither can walk away.
She's seven years younger.
She's his best friend's little sister.
She has a boyfriend.
There are lines you don't cross… and they're about to obliterate them.
June 13, 2018
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a cute friends-to-lovers and even second chance romance about two lost souls that find their way through each other's unconditional support. I appreciated that it didn't focus so much on the taboo of their relationship (their age gap and Sam being Derek’s best friend's little sister), but focused more on what brought them together instead. They both experienced the loss of a parent, and they both have music as a big part of their memories with said parent — so when they connected with each other through music when they had avoided it with others, I felt like it showed that they were meant to be. I did have an issue with the separation they had, but it was all resolved well in the end. I also liked seeing the characters from the past books! It was nice getting a glimpse into their futures as well in the awesome epilogue. I do not think that it's crucial for one to read the other books to follow along in this book. BUT — I do think it would enhance your experience with this book though, because we had seen these two dancing around each other in the other books and it was building the anticipation for this one up!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sam and Derek’s story. They met through Sam’s brother, Gabe, moving in with Derek and becoming best friends. They have an instant attraction but the taboo aspect of her being ~7 years younger and Gabe’s little sister puts a roadblock in their way and they become best-friends as well. It isn't until they realize that they both have a connection through music and loss of parents that stronger feelings develop and they can no longer deny them. When Sam leaves for college across the country, Derek feels that he lost his chance at pursuing something more with her. When she returns many months later, they both have to face their feelings. They're both a little lost in what they want for their futures, there are some big changes in both of their lives, some hot sexy times, some suspenseful moments, and some sweet scenes…and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Sam and Derek’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I thought it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, but some feelings had already been developed when the story begins.
H rating: 4 stars. Derek. I liked him. I felt bad for his insecurities, but I appreciated how loyal he was to those he cared for and how he loved Sam.
h rating: 4 stars. Sam. I liked her. She was a little lost with losing her mom, but I could relate to the time when I lost mine. I appreciated her optimism and how she saw the best in people regardless of their actions at times.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed but there were some heavy moments.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not descriptive
Cheating: Yes IMO
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had an awesome epilogue that even allowed us to get a glimpse into the future of the other characters from the past books! I loved that they found their own form of happiness and that it didn't mean they became rich and famous — which always seems to be the case with musician mcs in romance books.
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
**I was a beta reader for this book and I also received an ARC version of this book before the release date in exchange for my honest opinion**
Overall Opinion: This was a cute friends-to-lovers and even second chance romance about two lost souls that find their way through each other's unconditional support. I appreciated that it didn't focus so much on the taboo of their relationship (their age gap and Sam being Derek’s best friend's little sister), but focused more on what brought them together instead. They both experienced the loss of a parent, and they both have music as a big part of their memories with said parent — so when they connected with each other through music when they had avoided it with others, I felt like it showed that they were meant to be. I did have an issue with the separation they had, but it was all resolved well in the end. I also liked seeing the characters from the past books! It was nice getting a glimpse into their futures as well in the awesome epilogue. I do not think that it's crucial for one to read the other books to follow along in this book. BUT — I do think it would enhance your experience with this book though, because we had seen these two dancing around each other in the other books and it was building the anticipation for this one up!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sam and Derek’s story. They met through Sam’s brother, Gabe, moving in with Derek and becoming best friends. They have an instant attraction but the taboo aspect of her being ~7 years younger and Gabe’s little sister puts a roadblock in their way and they become best-friends as well. It isn't until they realize that they both have a connection through music and loss of parents that stronger feelings develop and they can no longer deny them. When Sam leaves for college across the country, Derek feels that he lost his chance at pursuing something more with her. When she returns many months later, they both have to face their feelings. They're both a little lost in what they want for their futures, there are some big changes in both of their lives, some hot sexy times, some suspenseful moments, and some sweet scenes…and they get a HEA ending.
POV: This alternated between Sam and Derek’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I thought it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, but some feelings had already been developed when the story begins.
H rating: 4 stars. Derek. I liked him. I felt bad for his insecurities, but I appreciated how loyal he was to those he cared for and how he loved Sam.
h rating: 4 stars. Sam. I liked her. She was a little lost with losing her mom, but I could relate to the time when I lost mine. I appreciated her optimism and how she saw the best in people regardless of their actions at times.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed but there were some heavy moments.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Not descriptive
Cheating: Yes IMO
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had an awesome epilogue that even allowed us to get a glimpse into the future of the other characters from the past books! I loved that they found their own form of happiness and that it didn't mean they became rich and famous — which always seems to be the case with musician mcs in romance books.
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
**I was a beta reader for this book and I also received an ARC version of this book before the release date in exchange for my honest opinion**
June 8, 2018
Unveiling Hope was definitely worth the wait. Ever since I was introduced to Sam and Derek in Unveiling The Sky I knew their story was something special cause little tidbits about them were revealed in the other books in the series. Only adding more tension to their relationship. As a first time reader Unveiling Hope can easily be read as a standalone. Nothing is left out and the other characters relationships are explained. So just jump in and enjoy Sam and Derek.
Unveiling Hope oozes emotion from the get go. The prologue alone left me reeling and a little nervous about what’s to come. I’m pretty darn invested in Sam and Derek and the other characters from the Unveiling Universe so I had my expectations. Let me say the author Jeannine Allison delivers. Sam and Derek are characters that crawled under my skin and into my heart immediately. Their friendship especially how they comforted one another when they needed it was beautifully written. A certain scene where Derek sang to Sam had me unraveling cause the emotion was so poignant. That’s truly Jeannine Allison’s gift. She captures human interactions flawlessly and effortlessly. When Sam and Derek or any character for that matter speak or interact with one another they’re real and relatable.
Sam and Derek have both experienced loss and run away from what they truly wanted. Because of fear and what other people want or expect of them. They finally take a chance and follow their heart. Their journey towards love and putting themselves out there was everything and so much more than I expected. I not only got their story but also more of the other characters from the Unveiling universe. I went through every emotion and with that ending I can honestly say that I’m on cloud nine now.
The Unveiling series has come to an end and Jeannine Allison created the perfect ending. Not just for Derek and Sam but for everyone. I can feel her love for these people. Yes, they’re fictional but to me they’re friends and that’s truly because of the wonderfully writing and storytelling from Jeannine Allison.
5 BadAssDirtyFeelsGaloreStars
June 14, 2018
Unveiling Hope is the fifth novel in the Unveiling series and it can be read as a standalone. This novel is Sam and Derek’s love story. I wanted their story since I met them in the first novel of the Unveiling series. I couldn’t start Unveiling Hope fast enough and I devoured it! This book is beautiful, emotional, unique, addictive, hot and romantic.
Sam and Derek are amazing characters. Sam is a kind, caring, loyal, determined, talented and strong woman. Derek is a caring, strong, patient, reliable, talented and loving man. Sam and Derek have a special connection from the start and they have been friends ever since. They understand each other and they love spending time together. It took a while before Sam and Derek became a couple, but it was so worth the wait. I love them together and their chemistry!
Unveiling Hope is a fantastic book, just like every book in the Unveiling series! I’m sad that this book will be the last one of the series. I really can’t recommend the whole series enough. I’ll definitely reread it one day. The covers are gorgeous. I inhaled every book. My heart broke sometimes, but it also got mended every time. So many emotions. I loved every couple. All of them struggle at one point, but all of them got the happily ever after they deserve. Sam and Derek got a beautiful and perfect happily ever after.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
Sam and Derek are amazing characters. Sam is a kind, caring, loyal, determined, talented and strong woman. Derek is a caring, strong, patient, reliable, talented and loving man. Sam and Derek have a special connection from the start and they have been friends ever since. They understand each other and they love spending time together. It took a while before Sam and Derek became a couple, but it was so worth the wait. I love them together and their chemistry!
Unveiling Hope is a fantastic book, just like every book in the Unveiling series! I’m sad that this book will be the last one of the series. I really can’t recommend the whole series enough. I’ll definitely reread it one day. The covers are gorgeous. I inhaled every book. My heart broke sometimes, but it also got mended every time. So many emotions. I loved every couple. All of them struggle at one point, but all of them got the happily ever after they deserve. Sam and Derek got a beautiful and perfect happily ever after.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
June 14, 2018
I adore this book so so much!
Five Stars!
Five Stars!
dnf
June 13, 2018I'm really sad the author did this.
Hero not celibate while he was in love with the heroine. I've read reviews that heroine was with OM but I don't care about that I care that hero was in love with her and slept with OW. I was waiting for their book forever. So sad.
Hero not celibate while he was in love with the heroine. I've read reviews that heroine was with OM but I don't care about that I care that hero was in love with her and slept with OW. I was waiting for their book forever. So sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2018
Look at me, coming in hot. If you're checking in late to my party, I've been on a bit of an *Unveiling* binge read for the past few days. Here I am now... at the end of this series of interconnected standalones. (Side note: for anyone else who hasn't read any of the other books in this series, I think you could pick up Unveiling Hope and be absolutely fine. In my opinion, there isn't any significant back story that you're missing... and Ms. Allison explains things enough in the book (familial relationships, for example) that you wouldn't be lost without a map.)
I'm copying this next part from my review from Unveiling Fate... because well... it applied then and still applies now. As I've mentioned before... I spoke with the author and did my due diligence and present to you, a gift... Unveiling Hope-The Music I like to have the 'all-inclusive experience' of listening to the soundtrack of a playlist if an author includes it along with a book. So when I noticed the printed list of songs with the first book, I contacted Ms. Allison and politely inquired if she had a Spotify playlist for her books, she was super sweet about having a random person (me!), ask her out of the blue if she had playlists...and she did not, I didn't get nosy... I know, imagine that! So I asked permission to use her cover art, because holy cripes, have you looked at the covers for her books??? they are flat out *GORGEOUS*!
Again, I have to give thanks for Kindle Unlimited. Woohoo! The first 3 books I own on my kindle. Although, I must really be honest and say that I truthfully want to own all of these beauties on paperback because they are stunning and would make a delightful addition to my paperback collection.
My favorite part of review writing... that part where I quote the author's words, because obviously, they are way better at this writing gig than I am!
Because life-changing moments weren't always rooted in something complex. Sometimes they were simple, just tiny windows in time where you found yourself wondering... What am I here for?
"Don't hold on to the point of pain. If he doesn't treat you like you deserve, doesn't love you like you love him, let him go." (Preach it, sister!!!)
(and these lines in particular, resonate so much for me...)
Music was power. It made us feel--it reminded us of what it meant to be alive. To be human. "For the same reason I loved reading fairy tales." ... "It gives you a home when you have none, and a friend when you can't find one. It makes me feel less alone. It brings people together in a way that little else can. It can bring you to your knees, or lift you up higher than you thought imaginable."
82%.... I'm not quoting the entire passage, because... spoilers and all... but yeah, that whole passage. "Those six lines were enough..."
Now I'm down to the opinion part of my review. *blows out a big breath* I need Manny and Moscato and Godiva. *stomps to the blankie fort* I'm sad. No wait, before you misunderstand why I'm sad, let me explain. I'm sad that I'm leaving this cast of characters. I've grown rather attached to them, you see. Through Ms. Allison's descriptive and fluid prose I've become part of their lives... so I'm rather miffed that it's over.
Ok, my pity party is over. Sorta. Hmmph. Derek and Sam, I've been waiting for this book ... and not .. all at the same time. You see, this whole forbidden love thing, is *RIGHT* up my alley. I love the whole "older brother's best friend/ younger little sister" love trope, it is exactly in my wheelhouse.... and so I was decidedly apprehensive because all of the books preceding this (while all being extremely well-written) were sweet... even while dealing with some heavy duty subject matter. Ms. Allison hadn't really ramped up on the angst, which let's be honest, is sometimes required with the scenario we're talking about in this book. So I'm happy to report there was a bit more angst involved in this book. And not just angst for angst's sake... which when contrived and used as a plot point drives me bonkers. Still all the common things we've come to expect from Ms. Allison... excellent use of her ancillary characters, dialogue, the pacing was good... Gah, I can't believe it's over!
4 'Hope-ing that Fate allows the Ghosts of these loves to create beautiful Chaos across the Sky Forever' Stars. Thank you to Ms. Allison for writing this series and allowing me to live in your imaginary world for a while, I have enjoyed my time here. ❤
I'm copying this next part from my review from Unveiling Fate... because well... it applied then and still applies now. As I've mentioned before... I spoke with the author and did my due diligence and present to you, a gift... Unveiling Hope-The Music I like to have the 'all-inclusive experience' of listening to the soundtrack of a playlist if an author includes it along with a book. So when I noticed the printed list of songs with the first book, I contacted Ms. Allison and politely inquired if she had a Spotify playlist for her books, she was super sweet about having a random person (me!), ask her out of the blue if she had playlists...and she did not, I didn't get nosy... I know, imagine that! So I asked permission to use her cover art, because holy cripes, have you looked at the covers for her books??? they are flat out *GORGEOUS*!
Again, I have to give thanks for Kindle Unlimited. Woohoo! The first 3 books I own on my kindle. Although, I must really be honest and say that I truthfully want to own all of these beauties on paperback because they are stunning and would make a delightful addition to my paperback collection.
My favorite part of review writing... that part where I quote the author's words, because obviously, they are way better at this writing gig than I am!
Because life-changing moments weren't always rooted in something complex. Sometimes they were simple, just tiny windows in time where you found yourself wondering... What am I here for?
"Don't hold on to the point of pain. If he doesn't treat you like you deserve, doesn't love you like you love him, let him go." (Preach it, sister!!!)
(and these lines in particular, resonate so much for me...)
Music was power. It made us feel--it reminded us of what it meant to be alive. To be human. "For the same reason I loved reading fairy tales." ... "It gives you a home when you have none, and a friend when you can't find one. It makes me feel less alone. It brings people together in a way that little else can. It can bring you to your knees, or lift you up higher than you thought imaginable."
82%.... I'm not quoting the entire passage, because... spoilers and all... but yeah, that whole passage. "Those six lines were enough..."
Now I'm down to the opinion part of my review. *blows out a big breath* I need Manny and Moscato and Godiva. *stomps to the blankie fort* I'm sad. No wait, before you misunderstand why I'm sad, let me explain. I'm sad that I'm leaving this cast of characters. I've grown rather attached to them, you see. Through Ms. Allison's descriptive and fluid prose I've become part of their lives... so I'm rather miffed that it's over.
Ok, my pity party is over. Sorta. Hmmph. Derek and Sam, I've been waiting for this book ... and not .. all at the same time. You see, this whole forbidden love thing, is *RIGHT* up my alley. I love the whole "older brother's best friend/ younger little sister" love trope, it is exactly in my wheelhouse.... and so I was decidedly apprehensive because all of the books preceding this (while all being extremely well-written) were sweet... even while dealing with some heavy duty subject matter. Ms. Allison hadn't really ramped up on the angst, which let's be honest, is sometimes required with the scenario we're talking about in this book. So I'm happy to report there was a bit more angst involved in this book. And not just angst for angst's sake... which when contrived and used as a plot point drives me bonkers. Still all the common things we've come to expect from Ms. Allison... excellent use of her ancillary characters, dialogue, the pacing was good... Gah, I can't believe it's over!
4 'Hope-ing that Fate allows the Ghosts of these loves to create beautiful Chaos across the Sky Forever' Stars. Thank you to Ms. Allison for writing this series and allowing me to live in your imaginary world for a while, I have enjoyed my time here. ❤
June 3, 2018
Just finished my beta read & I cannot recommend this story enough. I have all the heart eyes for Derek the swoony bastard 😍😍
I have wanted this story for a long time & it was everything I hoped it would be!!! You know the feeling of comfort/happiness you get when you read a book from a favourite author - that was me today. It's a delicious slowburn, angst filled, older brother's best friend story & ticked all my boxes.
Slowburn ✅
Emotional ✅
Realistic Dialogue ✅
Desire to throw my IPad ✅
Sexy ✅
Smart ✅
Heartbreaking ✅
HEA ✅
This sentence sums up the connection between these characters perfectly - "Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
Highly recommend this story.
I have wanted this story for a long time & it was everything I hoped it would be!!! You know the feeling of comfort/happiness you get when you read a book from a favourite author - that was me today. It's a delicious slowburn, angst filled, older brother's best friend story & ticked all my boxes.
Slowburn ✅
Emotional ✅
Realistic Dialogue ✅
Desire to throw my IPad ✅
Sexy ✅
Smart ✅
Heartbreaking ✅
HEA ✅
This sentence sums up the connection between these characters perfectly - "Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
Highly recommend this story.
June 3, 2018
I have been waiting for this book since I finished Unveiling Forever a few months ago and HOLY HELL was the wait WORTH IT!!!!!
One of the things I absolutely love about Jeannine Allison's writing is that she has the ability to make you feel exactly what her characters are feeling. Her characters are strong, with problems that are common but not spoken about in everyday life.
Derek and Sam are no different... And they balance each other absolutely BEAUTIFULLY.
I laughed, I teared up, and I got irritable while reading this. My heart HURT. But oh my goodness it was so, so, SO WORTH IT. And I honestly thought my Kindle was going to melt from the steam...
You definitely need this book. I HIGHLY recommend it!
One of the things I absolutely love about Jeannine Allison's writing is that she has the ability to make you feel exactly what her characters are feeling. Her characters are strong, with problems that are common but not spoken about in everyday life.
Derek and Sam are no different... And they balance each other absolutely BEAUTIFULLY.
I laughed, I teared up, and I got irritable while reading this. My heart HURT. But oh my goodness it was so, so, SO WORTH IT. And I honestly thought my Kindle was going to melt from the steam...
You definitely need this book. I HIGHLY recommend it!
June 11, 2018
5 ALL. THE. FEELS. STARS ❤️❤️❤️
Honestly, I could not wait to get my hands on Sam and Derek’s story. I have thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series, Unveiling Hope was no different.
Sam is young, but not at all naïve. She has lived through some difficult transitions in life and has lost her way. She likes to make those around her happy and sometimes it comes at a cost…her happiness. How long do you continue to do what others expect of you and not do what you feel is right?!?! Sam needs to make some tough decisions and finding someone’s unwavering support is what she misses. Can she find that with Derek?
Derek is no stranger to struggle and heartache. He’s so loving and supportive, yet his self-esteem took a hit at an early age. He’s holding back in life and doesn’t even realize it. He’s afraid to takes risks, afraid he is going to fail so his vulnerability shines through every turn of the pages. Derek doubts himself and tends to pull away from people and things in life before he can get hurt. It’s his defense mechanism, but once Sam enters his life again those negative feelings slowly start to shift. There is a tether pulling Sam and Derek to one another. They understand and value each other without judgment. They listen to one another and despite their age difference, connect on a level that neither has experienced before.
Jeannine writes beautifully flawed characters that you have no choice but to fall in love with. Her stories are overflowing with heart, emotion, love, forgiveness, the list can go on and on. I know my heart will hurt and tears are inevitable, but I also know that Jeannine will put me back together with the best kind of TLC. She walks through this journey with us, I can feel the raw emotion she packs in the story. I feel my heart explode and I know hers does the same. That is writing that captures my attention, it’s honest and real.
Jeannine truly has a way of making you feel the happiness, heartache and suffering her characters go through. If you are looking for an author that doesn’t stick to a standard mold, Unveiling Hope is the book for you. This is a delicious slow burn that I would gladly relive over and over again. It’s about what you feel in the heart when you read a love story, and Jeannine has filled mine up time and time again with her magical storytelling.
Honestly, I could not wait to get my hands on Sam and Derek’s story. I have thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series, Unveiling Hope was no different.
Sam is young, but not at all naïve. She has lived through some difficult transitions in life and has lost her way. She likes to make those around her happy and sometimes it comes at a cost…her happiness. How long do you continue to do what others expect of you and not do what you feel is right?!?! Sam needs to make some tough decisions and finding someone’s unwavering support is what she misses. Can she find that with Derek?
Derek is no stranger to struggle and heartache. He’s so loving and supportive, yet his self-esteem took a hit at an early age. He’s holding back in life and doesn’t even realize it. He’s afraid to takes risks, afraid he is going to fail so his vulnerability shines through every turn of the pages. Derek doubts himself and tends to pull away from people and things in life before he can get hurt. It’s his defense mechanism, but once Sam enters his life again those negative feelings slowly start to shift. There is a tether pulling Sam and Derek to one another. They understand and value each other without judgment. They listen to one another and despite their age difference, connect on a level that neither has experienced before.
Jeannine writes beautifully flawed characters that you have no choice but to fall in love with. Her stories are overflowing with heart, emotion, love, forgiveness, the list can go on and on. I know my heart will hurt and tears are inevitable, but I also know that Jeannine will put me back together with the best kind of TLC. She walks through this journey with us, I can feel the raw emotion she packs in the story. I feel my heart explode and I know hers does the same. That is writing that captures my attention, it’s honest and real.
Jeannine truly has a way of making you feel the happiness, heartache and suffering her characters go through. If you are looking for an author that doesn’t stick to a standard mold, Unveiling Hope is the book for you. This is a delicious slow burn that I would gladly relive over and over again. It’s about what you feel in the heart when you read a love story, and Jeannine has filled mine up time and time again with her magical storytelling.
July 17, 2019
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved Unveiling Hope. Sam and Derek’s story truly was everything. My heart is so full right now. Jeannine amazes me with her talent to evoke such strong emotions from her readers.
It was such a bittersweet moment when I realized this would be the last book in the Unveiling series. I’m greedy because I want more, but I also know Jeannine will continue to give us great books (and book boyfriends) to obsess over.
I’ve always loved the big brother’s best friend trope. I live for these kind of books. If this is a trope you like, Unveiling Hope should be right up your alley. Plus it’s also a standalone, you don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy Sam and Derek’s story.
But the real question is why WOULDN’T you want to read the whole series? All the couples are amazing.
Jeannine’s writing is phenomenal. I highlighted so much! I was struggling with what quote to choose for my review. It’s so easy to get lost in her words.
Derek.
Derek.
Derek.
He was so swoon worthy and the sweetest man alive.
I can’t recommend this series enough. If you are ever in the mood to read something sweet, emotional with none of that unnecessary drama you have to start with the Unveiling series.
“Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
It was such a bittersweet moment when I realized this would be the last book in the Unveiling series. I’m greedy because I want more, but I also know Jeannine will continue to give us great books (and book boyfriends) to obsess over.
I’ve always loved the big brother’s best friend trope. I live for these kind of books. If this is a trope you like, Unveiling Hope should be right up your alley. Plus it’s also a standalone, you don’t have to read the other books in the series to enjoy Sam and Derek’s story.
But the real question is why WOULDN’T you want to read the whole series? All the couples are amazing.
Jeannine’s writing is phenomenal. I highlighted so much! I was struggling with what quote to choose for my review. It’s so easy to get lost in her words.
Derek.
Derek.
Derek.
He was so swoon worthy and the sweetest man alive.
I can’t recommend this series enough. If you are ever in the mood to read something sweet, emotional with none of that unnecessary drama you have to start with the Unveiling series.
June 8, 2018
5 Hope is Beautiful Stars
What more can I say about a series that is extraordinary? Every book in the Unveiling Series has been packed full of romance, life and love. Unveiling Hope is no different. Derek Donahue and Sam Moynaha’s story is one of joy, loss, heartache, forgiveness, healing, self-love and multi-layered emotions. Derek is loving, supportive, caring and also short on self esteem and belief that he is enough. He doesn’t need to be so doubtful, but sometimes we just don’t see ourselves as the good people we are. Sam is a beautiful, giving woman and loyal daughter. Trying to please a father that doesn’t deserve it, she doesn’t always make decisions that will make her happy. My heart just ached for both of them. And then there’s so much chemistry and attraction, the anticipation for them to act on it is as nerve-wracking as it is delicious. It’s a slow burn that drives you a little nuts, but well worth it. The characters are so real you want to be a part of their group and have more of their lives spill from the pages. It's a beautiful, sweeping story and time well invested.
What more can I say about a series that is extraordinary? Every book in the Unveiling Series has been packed full of romance, life and love. Unveiling Hope is no different. Derek Donahue and Sam Moynaha’s story is one of joy, loss, heartache, forgiveness, healing, self-love and multi-layered emotions. Derek is loving, supportive, caring and also short on self esteem and belief that he is enough. He doesn’t need to be so doubtful, but sometimes we just don’t see ourselves as the good people we are. Sam is a beautiful, giving woman and loyal daughter. Trying to please a father that doesn’t deserve it, she doesn’t always make decisions that will make her happy. My heart just ached for both of them. And then there’s so much chemistry and attraction, the anticipation for them to act on it is as nerve-wracking as it is delicious. It’s a slow burn that drives you a little nuts, but well worth it. The characters are so real you want to be a part of their group and have more of their lives spill from the pages. It's a beautiful, sweeping story and time well invested.
June 7, 2018
(Read this in beta form and squee!!!)
Well that was just beautiful.
Good lord Derek and Sam have had to deal with a lot of turmoil and have come so far as a result of it. I am so glad they finally got their story told and I am so happy for how it turned out.
I will admit, I am totally Team Derek all the way. I loved Sam, but while I understood why she made the choices she made - and they were justifiable, no denying that - my heart absolutely broke for Derek in parts of this book. Everything he's dealt with in his life and the one shot at happiness he finds and...good God it was painful to experience the loss of it. Especially since it compounded until he was nearly left with nothing. I was so thankful for Naomi's bossiness in being a good directing force for Derek.
And that epilogue...*swoon*
I loved hearing about their futures. Especially since I bugged Ms. Allison about a certain character hoping they'd go away (thank god they were not a big deal haha!) and then needing a resolution for Damien and Naomi as well. And I got it! Not to mention the time jump we're give. Talk about a good sense of closure. Loved it! Although ;)
Well that was just beautiful.
Good lord Derek and Sam have had to deal with a lot of turmoil and have come so far as a result of it. I am so glad they finally got their story told and I am so happy for how it turned out.
I will admit, I am totally Team Derek all the way. I loved Sam, but while I understood why she made the choices she made - and they were justifiable, no denying that - my heart absolutely broke for Derek in parts of this book. Everything he's dealt with in his life and the one shot at happiness he finds and...good God it was painful to experience the loss of it. Especially since it compounded until he was nearly left with nothing. I was so thankful for Naomi's bossiness in being a good directing force for Derek.
And that epilogue...*swoon*
I loved hearing about their futures. Especially since I bugged Ms. Allison about a certain character hoping they'd go away (thank god they were not a big deal haha!) and then needing a resolution for Damien and Naomi as well. And I got it! Not to mention the time jump we're give. Talk about a good sense of closure. Loved it! Although ;)
June 14, 2018
I feel like I’ve been waiting for Sam and Derek’s story for an eternity. I mentioned them in my July 2017 review of Unveiling Chaos, and here we are. I *should* be satisfied that I’ve gotten to read the story that I’ve coveted for nearly a year, but I can’t, and it’s all Jeannine Allison’s fault. (Proceeds to stomp feet like a petulant toddler.)
Because now that Sam and Derek’s story has been told, the Unveiling series is over, and I want more. I need to know what happens between Nevada and Essie. I want to check in on the others from time to time too and see how they’re doing, what they’re up to. Like a delicious dinner, although I’ve eaten my fill, I want another helping (apparently 5 wasn’t enough. I’m very demanding!). And maybe dessert too!
Let me be very clear: the issue isn’t Allison’s writing... sort of. She could write a 20 book series, and I would still feel the same way at the end. Sad. In mourning. Gluttonous. Grateful. She creates characters, places them in situations, and progresses them with the grace and ease of a veteran writer. And she does so in such a way that the reader’s soul grows in both strength and empathy.
This is a five star (stand-alone!) read that will leave you begging for more, just like its hot sex scenes. 😈 (fanning self)
Because now that Sam and Derek’s story has been told, the Unveiling series is over, and I want more. I need to know what happens between Nevada and Essie. I want to check in on the others from time to time too and see how they’re doing, what they’re up to. Like a delicious dinner, although I’ve eaten my fill, I want another helping (apparently 5 wasn’t enough. I’m very demanding!). And maybe dessert too!
Let me be very clear: the issue isn’t Allison’s writing... sort of. She could write a 20 book series, and I would still feel the same way at the end. Sad. In mourning. Gluttonous. Grateful. She creates characters, places them in situations, and progresses them with the grace and ease of a veteran writer. And she does so in such a way that the reader’s soul grows in both strength and empathy.
This is a five star (stand-alone!) read that will leave you begging for more, just like its hot sex scenes. 😈 (fanning self)
June 16, 2018
THIS. BOOK! 😈😍😭💙
If you stalk me then you know the Unveiling series is one of my FAVORITES! These characters are truly special to me and I love them all. I've waited long enough for this book and I AM SO EXCITED IT'S LIVE AND EVERYONE GETS TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC THAT IS DEREK AND SAM!!!!!
Here's a little of what I went through ever since 2016....
Reading Unveiling the Sky and loving Derek from the getgo:
Knowing Derek was getting his book:
Waiting for this book to be written and IN MY HANDS:
2 years later....
The moment I see Unveiling Hope sitting in my inbox waiting to be devoured:
Hitting that 55% mark: ;)
How I was with Derek and Sam in any scene:
Things Derek said that made me fall in love with him even more:
I also fell in love with all of these:
And my ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!!:
Written in true Jeannine Allison fashion, Sam and Derek's love story was epically beautiful and heartbreaking. I am all for age gaps, quiet heroines who grow continuously, musician heroes, and steamy (also funny) moments 😈. You know those flutters you feel in your stomach when you see your crush for the first time? Unveiling Hope will deliver them! Get ready for your cheeks to hurt from smiling, and your eyes to tear up. This book was 🙌🏼 and I'm so sad knowing this is the end for this group of friends. But I'm excited for all future books written by this author! 💙
**All books in this series can be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading them all (in order or whatever you feel like picking up first) to fully experience the amazingness of every couple.**
If you stalk me then you know the Unveiling series is one of my FAVORITES! These characters are truly special to me and I love them all. I've waited long enough for this book and I AM SO EXCITED IT'S LIVE AND EVERYONE GETS TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC THAT IS DEREK AND SAM!!!!!
Here's a little of what I went through ever since 2016....
Reading Unveiling the Sky and loving Derek from the getgo:
Knowing Derek was getting his book:
Waiting for this book to be written and IN MY HANDS:
2 years later....
The moment I see Unveiling Hope sitting in my inbox waiting to be devoured:
Hitting that 55% mark: ;)
How I was with Derek and Sam in any scene:
Things Derek said that made me fall in love with him even more:
“It wasn’t fair that the one person I’d wanted–when I’d spent my whole life never concerned about finding anyone–was a person I couldn’t have.”
“She fit too perfectly in my arms. How could she ever fit in someone else’s?”
“As sleep pulled me under, my last thought was…
Mine.”
“I want what he has.”
“When I said I want you, I meant everything, Sam.”
I also fell in love with all of these:
“Having good things didn’t erase our regrets. It simply put them in a different light, allowed us to appreciate that, while we may have still wanted this or wished we’d done that, our lives were ultimately shaping up in a the way that was best for us.”
“It seemed everyone around me was finding their place in life, and the person they were meant to experience it with. It wasn’t that I was unaware of what I wanted. In a perfect world I’d be creating music with Sam by my side. I knew what I wanted, but sometimes a person just wasn’t lucky enough to get what they desired.”
“What’s a shadow without its person?”
“Why do you play? Your mother may have signed up for piano lessons, but you stayed because you loved it. Why?”
Music had been a saving grace to a dying soul.
“For the same reason I loved reading fairy tales. It gives you a home when you have none, and a friend when you can’t find one. It makes me feel less alone. It brings people together in a way that little else can. It can bring you to your knees, or lift you up higher than you thought imaginable.”
“I want to mess up your lipstick. To strip all your clothes and rake my hands through your hair until it looks like you just rolled out of bed.” Derek’s hand cupped my cheek. “I love you made up.” He grinned. “Because I love unmaking you.”
And my ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!!:
“Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
Written in true Jeannine Allison fashion, Sam and Derek's love story was epically beautiful and heartbreaking. I am all for age gaps, quiet heroines who grow continuously, musician heroes, and steamy (also funny) moments 😈. You know those flutters you feel in your stomach when you see your crush for the first time? Unveiling Hope will deliver them! Get ready for your cheeks to hurt from smiling, and your eyes to tear up. This book was 🙌🏼 and I'm so sad knowing this is the end for this group of friends. But I'm excited for all future books written by this author! 💙
**All books in this series can be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading them all (in order or whatever you feel like picking up first) to fully experience the amazingness of every couple.**
August 13, 2018
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I knew Derek & Sam's story was going to be something special......but my heart was not fully prepared for what was in store for these beloved characters. I swooned. I laughed. I cried. Every emotion that you could feel, I felt. These characters were so real to me, that I almost felt like I was intruding on such private and intimate moments. Derek and Sam were just so connected from the minute they met, that I couldn't imagine them with anyone else. I truly love them more than any words can say.
If you haven't read from this author before......you are missing out on some of the most incredible stories you will ever read. The messages you get from her words are important, ones that needed to be shared; and I know I related to these characters more than I think I have any others.
The Unveiling Series has quickly become one of my all-time favorites and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I knew Derek & Sam's story was going to be something special......but my heart was not fully prepared for what was in store for these beloved characters. I swooned. I laughed. I cried. Every emotion that you could feel, I felt. These characters were so real to me, that I almost felt like I was intruding on such private and intimate moments. Derek and Sam were just so connected from the minute they met, that I couldn't imagine them with anyone else. I truly love them more than any words can say.
If you haven't read from this author before......you are missing out on some of the most incredible stories you will ever read. The messages you get from her words are important, ones that needed to be shared; and I know I related to these characters more than I think I have any others.
The Unveiling Series has quickly become one of my all-time favorites and will always hold a special place in my heart.
June 7, 2018
I discovered this amazing author in March. I binge read this entire series in days. I needed this author's words like I needed air to breathe. That is not an exaggeration. Every book has a way of writing scenarios that are real life and evoke emotions. Perhaps that is what draws me to her books. They are not only "normal" things that everyday people might experience but chances are the majority of her audience might have experienced it firsthand or know someone in a similar situation. Her heroes are not rich billionaires (not knocking those because I have a few of those as my BBFS) but instead could possibly be someone we would meet and have as our own. Her heroines are like me, or you, they might be shy, or snarky, or lack a filter. And like so many of us they harbor the same insecurities or demons that her characters do which makes them relatable on a larger scale.
I wanted Derek and Sam to have a story since Unveiling Ghosts, and after Unveiling Fate I was still convinced that I needed this story. I might have squealed out loud when she commented on Goodreads that this story was coming. I became her number one fan (I am claiming the title) and follow her on all social media. She is as real and wonderful as the characters she writes. I knew going in that this story was going to kick me in the feels. It didn't disappoint. This story is a slow burn of a story. The buildup and anticipation were needed in order to feel the underlying root of this story. Hope.
Derek (He is mine. I claimed him way back before his story was even announced) was everything I knew he would be. Protective, loyal, dedicated, and hotter than a summer day in Death Valley. Yet, he had abandonment issues that needed an outlet to feel numb because being numb was easier than feeling that hope that he could have and DESERVE his dreams. Sam. She was mature beyond her years, dealing with grief, and who felt alone and forgotten. She was inspiring and I wanted her to be my friend. There was steam but it was not the basis of the story (but when it happened it was HAWT). Together, these two were perfect to each other because they were able to offer each other the solace an support that they had otherwise been missing. They offer hope and therein shows the importance of this story.
It is easy to forget what is important, to give up your dreams, or get caught up in the "what ifs" but it is never too late to take that chance and go for what you are passionate about and just HOPE that the Universe hears you. I am so grateful to this author for giving these characters a chance to have their own story and write it in such a poignant way. I am so happy that the stars aligned and I discovered this author because her words have made me see the world in a brighter light. She is truly magic. If you haven't read this series yet. DO IT NOW!!!
And can we just talk about this STUNNING cover?
I wanted Derek and Sam to have a story since Unveiling Ghosts, and after Unveiling Fate I was still convinced that I needed this story. I might have squealed out loud when she commented on Goodreads that this story was coming. I became her number one fan (I am claiming the title) and follow her on all social media. She is as real and wonderful as the characters she writes. I knew going in that this story was going to kick me in the feels. It didn't disappoint. This story is a slow burn of a story. The buildup and anticipation were needed in order to feel the underlying root of this story. Hope.
Derek (He is mine. I claimed him way back before his story was even announced) was everything I knew he would be. Protective, loyal, dedicated, and hotter than a summer day in Death Valley. Yet, he had abandonment issues that needed an outlet to feel numb because being numb was easier than feeling that hope that he could have and DESERVE his dreams. Sam. She was mature beyond her years, dealing with grief, and who felt alone and forgotten. She was inspiring and I wanted her to be my friend. There was steam but it was not the basis of the story (but when it happened it was HAWT). Together, these two were perfect to each other because they were able to offer each other the solace an support that they had otherwise been missing. They offer hope and therein shows the importance of this story.
It is easy to forget what is important, to give up your dreams, or get caught up in the "what ifs" but it is never too late to take that chance and go for what you are passionate about and just HOPE that the Universe hears you. I am so grateful to this author for giving these characters a chance to have their own story and write it in such a poignant way. I am so happy that the stars aligned and I discovered this author because her words have made me see the world in a brighter light. She is truly magic. If you haven't read this series yet. DO IT NOW!!!
And can we just talk about this STUNNING cover?
June 14, 2018
*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 "One-of-a-kind" Stars!!!!!
Unveiling Hope hooked as soon as I read the prologue. I knew right then that this story was going to consume every part of me. I was transfixed, and nothing was going to stop me until I finished the book as soon as I started.
Sam was a character that was lost. Wanting to please her father in everything that was asked of her. But in doing so, she was living a life she didn't want. Forgoing the one passion that called to her heart, music. She's had enough though, tired of walking aimlessly and finally doing something about it. She decides to return home which also means running into the one person she hasn't stopped thinking about.
Derek was a character that captured my heart. I felt everything he was going through. I yearned to go through my screen and just give him a hug. Derek's been harboring feelings for his best friends sister for quite some time. And when he finally finds the courage to tell her she ends up leaving without giving him the chance to tell her. He then retreats and starts going down a destructive path. And in doing so, he stops playing music as well. But now that Sam is back home, will Derek finally tell her how he feels?
Sam and Derek were two characters both needing healing. Both knowing a lot about loss and how it affected them. And it was obvious Sam and Derek were meant for each other. They complimented one another extremely well. Their souls called to the other. They made beautiful music together. But the sweetest melody was their heartbeats matching the other, and ultimately beating as one.
“Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
4.5 "One-of-a-kind" Stars!!!!!
Unveiling Hope hooked as soon as I read the prologue. I knew right then that this story was going to consume every part of me. I was transfixed, and nothing was going to stop me until I finished the book as soon as I started.
Sam was a character that was lost. Wanting to please her father in everything that was asked of her. But in doing so, she was living a life she didn't want. Forgoing the one passion that called to her heart, music. She's had enough though, tired of walking aimlessly and finally doing something about it. She decides to return home which also means running into the one person she hasn't stopped thinking about.
Derek was a character that captured my heart. I felt everything he was going through. I yearned to go through my screen and just give him a hug. Derek's been harboring feelings for his best friends sister for quite some time. And when he finally finds the courage to tell her she ends up leaving without giving him the chance to tell her. He then retreats and starts going down a destructive path. And in doing so, he stops playing music as well. But now that Sam is back home, will Derek finally tell her how he feels?
Sam and Derek were two characters both needing healing. Both knowing a lot about loss and how it affected them. And it was obvious Sam and Derek were meant for each other. They complimented one another extremely well. Their souls called to the other. They made beautiful music together. But the sweetest melody was their heartbeats matching the other, and ultimately beating as one.
“Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
June 10, 2018
4.5 ⭐
Unveiling Hope was so worth the wait and is a beautiful completion to this series.
it's easy to dive right into this story because we already know Sam and Derek. These two are a beautiful couple. Sam is a little bit insecure and Derek is short on self esteem, he thinks he's not enough for Sam and her love. Then there's the age difference and Sams older brother and his best friend Gabe. A lot of things against there love!? But they are both so beautiful and adorable and so in love with each other for years and they deserve a love like this. Both have their package to carry. Sam wants to please her father and she wants his love, for him to show some emotions after her mother died. She doesn't want to loose another parent. And Derek was always there for his sister and his mother but never had someone to look after him. They both love music, because of the connection to one of their parents, but don't want to do it professional, they only want to make music together. athey only want to be together. Their connection is palpable through the story.
I love Jeannines books because her stories are emotional and there's always a HEA and she writes stories about "normal" people (no billionaires or millionaires or I don't know) and their struggles. She writes amazing characters and when I'm an adult I want to be like Derek because he's an exceptional person with the biggest heart on earth.
Thank you for sharing your words with us. 😍
Unveiling Hope was so worth the wait and is a beautiful completion to this series.
it's easy to dive right into this story because we already know Sam and Derek. These two are a beautiful couple. Sam is a little bit insecure and Derek is short on self esteem, he thinks he's not enough for Sam and her love. Then there's the age difference and Sams older brother and his best friend Gabe. A lot of things against there love!? But they are both so beautiful and adorable and so in love with each other for years and they deserve a love like this. Both have their package to carry. Sam wants to please her father and she wants his love, for him to show some emotions after her mother died. She doesn't want to loose another parent. And Derek was always there for his sister and his mother but never had someone to look after him. They both love music, because of the connection to one of their parents, but don't want to do it professional, they only want to make music together. athey only want to be together. Their connection is palpable through the story.
I love Jeannines books because her stories are emotional and there's always a HEA and she writes stories about "normal" people (no billionaires or millionaires or I don't know) and their struggles. She writes amazing characters and when I'm an adult I want to be like Derek because he's an exceptional person with the biggest heart on earth.
Thank you for sharing your words with us. 😍
June 15, 2018
Jeannine Allison is one of those hidden gems that more people NEED to read. She ALWAYS wows me with each and every one of her books with her flawless writing.
Going in I didn't know TOO much about Sam and Derek. I fell for those two HARD and FAST. It didn't help that Sam was unavailable to the point where the chemistry between them was UNDENIABLE. I found myself shouting at my kindle telling the two to FINALLY give in. There were some unexpected turns that made the story all the more profound.
While Unveiling Hope was the last of the series, I'm not too sad... YET. Since I got a late start I still have three more to go!! Once I finish those I'll be bawling like a baby. 😭 This was a MARVELOUS way to end a series.
Going in I didn't know TOO much about Sam and Derek. I fell for those two HARD and FAST. It didn't help that Sam was unavailable to the point where the chemistry between them was UNDENIABLE. I found myself shouting at my kindle telling the two to FINALLY give in. There were some unexpected turns that made the story all the more profound.
While Unveiling Hope was the last of the series, I'm not too sad... YET. Since I got a late start I still have three more to go!! Once I finish those I'll be bawling like a baby. 😭 This was a MARVELOUS way to end a series.
June 12, 2018
First off – I actually don’t really want to write this review, because then it means that this series is really over – and I am not ready for that.
I first became aware of Jeannine Allison a little over a year ago. Her first book I read, was the first book in this series and I was absolutely terrified of what the book was going to do to my psyche. I am a continued “survivor” of depression and anxiety. These books, and subsequently getting to know Jeannine, have helped me escape my own mind and see that empowerment and enrichment can be achieved even when you feel like you are drowning.
I want to write this review solely for this book, but I also wish I could write an overall review of the whole series somewhere….. maybe I will save that for my blog.
In every single book of Jeannine’s I find a section that hits me so profoundly. These sections sit so heavy on my heart and it is almost as if she has written that section specifically for me, for that particular moment in my life. It is quite bizarre and beautiful. And what makes it more special for me, is that these sections often have no impact on the main plot line. They seem completely separate.
Derek and Sam have held my attention right from the beginning, so was really excited to get in to their story. Like the previous books, Jeannine did not disappoint. Not only with their story, but also still giving us small glimpses into the lives of the other characters.
There is such intensity in Derek and Sam’s relationship that I felt it right in my gut. I got all those butterflies, the heart flutters and the squirms. Every ounce of this story was written just perfectly. From their first kiss and reckless abandon, to their moments of silence and adoring embraces.
I loved that this story was not necessarily just about the relationship between Sam and Derek, but also explored the relationship between Sam and her Dad; and Derek and his Mum. I also loved (but secretly hated – LOL) how we were introduced to some new characters too. Secretly hated because now we are left high and dry!
I am devastated that the Unveiling Series is over. I have adored these characters and have felt such a kinship with some of them. The amazing thing I get to take away from this amazing series though, is that I have got a very special woman now in my life, that I didn’t have 12 months ago. And whilst we live countries apart, she has already proven to me that she has my back, when I feel like I am going under.
She gets me…. And she sees me….
* I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book *
I first became aware of Jeannine Allison a little over a year ago. Her first book I read, was the first book in this series and I was absolutely terrified of what the book was going to do to my psyche. I am a continued “survivor” of depression and anxiety. These books, and subsequently getting to know Jeannine, have helped me escape my own mind and see that empowerment and enrichment can be achieved even when you feel like you are drowning.
I want to write this review solely for this book, but I also wish I could write an overall review of the whole series somewhere….. maybe I will save that for my blog.
In every single book of Jeannine’s I find a section that hits me so profoundly. These sections sit so heavy on my heart and it is almost as if she has written that section specifically for me, for that particular moment in my life. It is quite bizarre and beautiful. And what makes it more special for me, is that these sections often have no impact on the main plot line. They seem completely separate.
Derek and Sam have held my attention right from the beginning, so was really excited to get in to their story. Like the previous books, Jeannine did not disappoint. Not only with their story, but also still giving us small glimpses into the lives of the other characters.
There is such intensity in Derek and Sam’s relationship that I felt it right in my gut. I got all those butterflies, the heart flutters and the squirms. Every ounce of this story was written just perfectly. From their first kiss and reckless abandon, to their moments of silence and adoring embraces.
I loved that this story was not necessarily just about the relationship between Sam and Derek, but also explored the relationship between Sam and her Dad; and Derek and his Mum. I also loved (but secretly hated – LOL) how we were introduced to some new characters too. Secretly hated because now we are left high and dry!
I am devastated that the Unveiling Series is over. I have adored these characters and have felt such a kinship with some of them. The amazing thing I get to take away from this amazing series though, is that I have got a very special woman now in my life, that I didn’t have 12 months ago. And whilst we live countries apart, she has already proven to me that she has my back, when I feel like I am going under.
She gets me…. And she sees me….
* I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book *
June 17, 2018
3.5 stars
“She’s seven years younger. She his best friend’s little sister. She has boyfriend.” I couldn’t help but salivate a little reading this part of the blurb for Unveiling Hope, a taboo triple-threat novel by Author Jeannine Allison.
“If you really want something, you find a way to keep it. If you don’t, you find reasons to leave it. Destiny is what you make it.”
Derek and Sam were best of friends. They shared a love for music that appeared to grow into more. But then Sam left, breaking Derek’s heart and closing him off to his passion.
“This was how Derek and I came together. We crashed. We burned. We thrived.”
This was such a sweet story. Two people sharing unrequited love. Both feeling they are each other’s air, both needing the other to make their life complete. I loved that Derek had a hard exterior, but a soft heart for Sam. I loved that Sam let go of fear and clung to Derek. I also loved that their chemistry was sizzling hot, always ready to explode at any moment. There were some nice twists in the story that kept the pace moving forward, but never overshadowed the pure adoration of this couple.
“Hope is beautiful. Hope is dangerous. Hope is inescapable. It’s the product of being alive.”
Unveiling Hope was an uplifting and hope-filled novel of friends who became lovers and then became each other’s everything.
“Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
“She’s seven years younger. She his best friend’s little sister. She has boyfriend.” I couldn’t help but salivate a little reading this part of the blurb for Unveiling Hope, a taboo triple-threat novel by Author Jeannine Allison.
“If you really want something, you find a way to keep it. If you don’t, you find reasons to leave it. Destiny is what you make it.”
Derek and Sam were best of friends. They shared a love for music that appeared to grow into more. But then Sam left, breaking Derek’s heart and closing him off to his passion.
“This was how Derek and I came together. We crashed. We burned. We thrived.”
This was such a sweet story. Two people sharing unrequited love. Both feeling they are each other’s air, both needing the other to make their life complete. I loved that Derek had a hard exterior, but a soft heart for Sam. I loved that Sam let go of fear and clung to Derek. I also loved that their chemistry was sizzling hot, always ready to explode at any moment. There were some nice twists in the story that kept the pace moving forward, but never overshadowed the pure adoration of this couple.
“Hope is beautiful. Hope is dangerous. Hope is inescapable. It’s the product of being alive.”
Unveiling Hope was an uplifting and hope-filled novel of friends who became lovers and then became each other’s everything.
“Loving you was the only way this was going to end.”
June 9, 2018
I have no words. I have no feels left.
In Unveiling Hope, Jeannine Allison shares a beautiful story of a love worth fighting for.
The relationship between Derek and Samantha has been slowly building since we first meet them in Unveiling the Sky. Their glances and touches have had the slow burn going on for some time, and that time is now in Unveiling Hope.
Both Derek and Sam have some battles they are facing, internally and externally as well. Only together do they feel a sense of peace and completeness.
Sam feels she has lost her direction in life, and is trying to find who she is as a person. Derek knows what he wants from life but is afraid to go after it, and he also feels he is not worthy of good things happening.
I really enjoyed watching them grow individually as well as a couple.
I can not recommend this book, series, and author enough. If you have not read Jeannine Allison before you are truly missing out on something special.
In Unveiling Hope, Jeannine Allison shares a beautiful story of a love worth fighting for.
The relationship between Derek and Samantha has been slowly building since we first meet them in Unveiling the Sky. Their glances and touches have had the slow burn going on for some time, and that time is now in Unveiling Hope.
Both Derek and Sam have some battles they are facing, internally and externally as well. Only together do they feel a sense of peace and completeness.
Sam feels she has lost her direction in life, and is trying to find who she is as a person. Derek knows what he wants from life but is afraid to go after it, and he also feels he is not worthy of good things happening.
I really enjoyed watching them grow individually as well as a couple.
I can not recommend this book, series, and author enough. If you have not read Jeannine Allison before you are truly missing out on something special.
June 10, 2018
What a beautiful story!! Sam and Derek both complete opposites but waiting for the puzzle pieces to fit together. Sam’s life is crushing down on her but the one person who she never thought is there to pick her up Derek. Derek has a secret about his life but doesn’t want anyone to know until one day it’s too late. Push and pull in this book had me squealing with excitement I loved every word, page and didn’t want it to end. 5/5 stars
Want to read
March 20, 2018Why did I think this was coming out in March? I have to wait until May 😭
June 14, 2018
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
Unveiling Hope is the fifth and final standalone novel in the Unveiling series from Jeannine Allison. Featuring a friends-to-lovers and best friend's sister trope, Unveiling Hope tells the story of college dropout Samantha and her desire to figure out her life and the role she has in owning it without her father's misguided control. She finds herself living with Derek, her brother's best friend and the man she's had a secret crush on since she was a teen. Derek is just trying to make it through the day without hitting anyone besides the guys he spars with in an underground fighting ring. At night he bartends, by day he tries hard to fight the draw he feels towards Sam. With seven years between them and very different lifestyles, and Samantha's boyfriend making things even more difficult, the two discover that sometimes those differences are the perfect fit.
"Have we ever just been friends?"
I can't review this novel without mentioning the rest of the Unveiling series and the joy it has been to read Jeannine Allison's perfectly imperfect characters. Each novel focuses on two individuals overcoming serious obstacles and learning to rely on others, whether it is their friends or their significant other. They're realistic, romantic, and always enjoyable. I almost didn't want to read Unveiling Hope, I didn't want the stories to end, but I'm so glad to have gotten a whole book about Samantha and Derek. Like the previous novels, it is a standalone that features secondary characters from the entire series. Their romance is the tension filled kind, the sort of romance novel where you go into it unsure that the happy ending you're imaging will be what happy ending you get. Jeannine leaves you hanging for quite a bit of the novel, telling the story of Derek and Sam as individuals, leaving readers sitting on a teeter-totter wondering will they or won't they and if it finally happens will it be as easy as we could hope for? Of course not.
"How much temptation was I expected to walk away from?"
Samantha is an aimless heroine, she's not excitable and for the first part of the novel I wondered if she really would ever invest in any one thing she cared about. Turns out, music was the answer and Derek was the key to it. Derek is similar to many of my other favorite male characters, tough with a dark past and a heart made of pure gold. If you've read the previous novels you'll know of the two from reading their siblings individual stories, but Unveiling Hope is where we get the dirty details and the novel that will make you so invested in their happily ever after. I really enjoyed the push and pull between these two, especially when they sought comfort in one another or when they selfishly teased each other with their flirting. I wasn't sure where it would lead, the strength of Derek's friendship with Samantha's brother Gabe seemed too tight of a bond, but when the two finally throw caution to the wind it is explosive. We see a different side of both of them, revealing that each isn't as lost as they seem now that the final puzzle piece is in its spot. Sam and Derek seemed very different from the other characters for me and maybe that's because the sexual tension between them is undeniable and really is the first push towards them finally connecting as more than friends. It turns out Derek isn't the only dirty talker! ;) I really appreciated that Jeannine Allison managed to write a smut-filled novel without brushing over the more serious parts. Unfortunately, pasts have a way of coming back to haunt you and in Unveiling Hope it is no different. There's a twist in this novel, one I won't give away and that I never saw coming myself, but it certainly made me start reading faster to figure out the effect of it.
"And my tears spilled over. Because he made my name sound a lot like I love you would."
I have loved this series from the start and I'm sad to see it go, but also so happy to see each character end up right where they are supposed to be. Unveiling Hope not only focused on Sam and Derek overcoming their own personal demons, but also helping themselves and others in overcoming family battles that could've left them estranged forever. We also get to see the previous characters, each older and still battling to overcome the things that first held them back and introduced them to their friends and partner. It isn't a perfect world that Jeannine Allison created, but it's realistic and made for a fantastic contemporary roamnce series with unforgettable characters.
ARC provided.
Unveiling Hope is the fifth and final standalone novel in the Unveiling series from Jeannine Allison. Featuring a friends-to-lovers and best friend's sister trope, Unveiling Hope tells the story of college dropout Samantha and her desire to figure out her life and the role she has in owning it without her father's misguided control. She finds herself living with Derek, her brother's best friend and the man she's had a secret crush on since she was a teen. Derek is just trying to make it through the day without hitting anyone besides the guys he spars with in an underground fighting ring. At night he bartends, by day he tries hard to fight the draw he feels towards Sam. With seven years between them and very different lifestyles, and Samantha's boyfriend making things even more difficult, the two discover that sometimes those differences are the perfect fit.
"Have we ever just been friends?"
I can't review this novel without mentioning the rest of the Unveiling series and the joy it has been to read Jeannine Allison's perfectly imperfect characters. Each novel focuses on two individuals overcoming serious obstacles and learning to rely on others, whether it is their friends or their significant other. They're realistic, romantic, and always enjoyable. I almost didn't want to read Unveiling Hope, I didn't want the stories to end, but I'm so glad to have gotten a whole book about Samantha and Derek. Like the previous novels, it is a standalone that features secondary characters from the entire series. Their romance is the tension filled kind, the sort of romance novel where you go into it unsure that the happy ending you're imaging will be what happy ending you get. Jeannine leaves you hanging for quite a bit of the novel, telling the story of Derek and Sam as individuals, leaving readers sitting on a teeter-totter wondering will they or won't they and if it finally happens will it be as easy as we could hope for? Of course not.
"How much temptation was I expected to walk away from?"
Samantha is an aimless heroine, she's not excitable and for the first part of the novel I wondered if she really would ever invest in any one thing she cared about. Turns out, music was the answer and Derek was the key to it. Derek is similar to many of my other favorite male characters, tough with a dark past and a heart made of pure gold. If you've read the previous novels you'll know of the two from reading their siblings individual stories, but Unveiling Hope is where we get the dirty details and the novel that will make you so invested in their happily ever after. I really enjoyed the push and pull between these two, especially when they sought comfort in one another or when they selfishly teased each other with their flirting. I wasn't sure where it would lead, the strength of Derek's friendship with Samantha's brother Gabe seemed too tight of a bond, but when the two finally throw caution to the wind it is explosive. We see a different side of both of them, revealing that each isn't as lost as they seem now that the final puzzle piece is in its spot. Sam and Derek seemed very different from the other characters for me and maybe that's because the sexual tension between them is undeniable and really is the first push towards them finally connecting as more than friends. It turns out Derek isn't the only dirty talker! ;) I really appreciated that Jeannine Allison managed to write a smut-filled novel without brushing over the more serious parts. Unfortunately, pasts have a way of coming back to haunt you and in Unveiling Hope it is no different. There's a twist in this novel, one I won't give away and that I never saw coming myself, but it certainly made me start reading faster to figure out the effect of it.
"And my tears spilled over. Because he made my name sound a lot like I love you would."
I have loved this series from the start and I'm sad to see it go, but also so happy to see each character end up right where they are supposed to be. Unveiling Hope not only focused on Sam and Derek overcoming their own personal demons, but also helping themselves and others in overcoming family battles that could've left them estranged forever. We also get to see the previous characters, each older and still battling to overcome the things that first held them back and introduced them to their friends and partner. It isn't a perfect world that Jeannine Allison created, but it's realistic and made for a fantastic contemporary roamnce series with unforgettable characters.
ARC provided.
June 13, 2018
Wow... just wow! Unveiling Hope makes you just sigh out loud with happiness, with contentment... with love. Unveiling Hope is exactly why I read romance! It’s so full of normal, of everyday fears mixed with the purist and beautiful characters. Jeannine Allison’s writing is fluid and smooth like it completely reads itself. There are so many passages, thoughts, and quotes that touched my soul. I’m not big into highlighting what I read but I highlighted Unveiling Hope. I highlighted several passages that resonated in my heart. Now, it isn’t all just hearts and flowers. Ms. Allison write some scorching hot scenes. I may never look at a bathtub the same again guy after Derek and Sam.
They are parts of Unveiling Hope that seem completely like real life. Like when they have the fight after the fight club and and she scoots over and lifts the covers for Derek... it’s just a cute scene I can see that exact situation happening with my husband. Derek and Sam were fabulous characters. It’s always great to catch up with some previous book friends too!
Unveiling Hope is a touching slow burn romance between two people both struggling at pivotal points in their lives. I adore the subtle symbolism throughout the book and the conflicting situations with their thoughts and feelings. What is it about humans that makes us do the exact opposite of what we feel? Prepare yourself because it doesn’t matter how you slice up Unveiling Hope... you’re going to feel it right in the pit of your stomach.
A few of the quotes that I went back to several times. These made me feel. They made me think. A book that does both these things are my absolute favorites!!
“You get scared and decide that not even trying is safer than trying and failing, or trying and being rejected.”
“... but I saw this kind of peace envelop him.” Peacefulness is what we all need
“There’s more than one kind of trust, Derek. It’s not solely about keeping someone safe from other people. Trust me to hold your pain. Trust that I’ll care about you despite the mistakes you’ve made.“
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
They are parts of Unveiling Hope that seem completely like real life. Like when they have the fight after the fight club and and she scoots over and lifts the covers for Derek... it’s just a cute scene I can see that exact situation happening with my husband. Derek and Sam were fabulous characters. It’s always great to catch up with some previous book friends too!
Unveiling Hope is a touching slow burn romance between two people both struggling at pivotal points in their lives. I adore the subtle symbolism throughout the book and the conflicting situations with their thoughts and feelings. What is it about humans that makes us do the exact opposite of what we feel? Prepare yourself because it doesn’t matter how you slice up Unveiling Hope... you’re going to feel it right in the pit of your stomach.
A few of the quotes that I went back to several times. These made me feel. They made me think. A book that does both these things are my absolute favorites!!
“You get scared and decide that not even trying is safer than trying and failing, or trying and being rejected.”
“... but I saw this kind of peace envelop him.” Peacefulness is what we all need
“There’s more than one kind of trust, Derek. It’s not solely about keeping someone safe from other people. Trust me to hold your pain. Trust that I’ll care about you despite the mistakes you’ve made.“
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
June 13, 2018
Sam and Derek are so adorable together!!! 😍😍😍
This is the very classic tale of a brother's best friend story. Derek is 7 years older than Sam and friends with her brother. So of coarse there will be some apprehension in them getting together. Derek does what all of them do.... lied to her brother and telling him that she was just a friend and he only sees her as a kid. Sam did what all girls do... eavesdropped on the conversation and heard something she did not want to hear. They both have some serious self esteem issues that they each need to overcome. This book has all the feels! 🎶🎶🎶 Music brings them together once... and it can bring them together again! There were a couple times when I teared up while reading (which always sucks because who can read through tears???)
🌟🌟🌟I have only read 2 of the Unveiling books at this time (I think I have the other 3 on my kindle just haven't been able to get to them yet). But in what I have read I have found they they are written with some real emotion and all seem to have a fantastic lesson in them!🌟🌟🌟
Totally recommend that everyone read this book!
This is the very classic tale of a brother's best friend story. Derek is 7 years older than Sam and friends with her brother. So of coarse there will be some apprehension in them getting together. Derek does what all of them do.... lied to her brother and telling him that she was just a friend and he only sees her as a kid. Sam did what all girls do... eavesdropped on the conversation and heard something she did not want to hear. They both have some serious self esteem issues that they each need to overcome. This book has all the feels! 🎶🎶🎶 Music brings them together once... and it can bring them together again! There were a couple times when I teared up while reading (which always sucks because who can read through tears???)
🌟🌟🌟I have only read 2 of the Unveiling books at this time (I think I have the other 3 on my kindle just haven't been able to get to them yet). But in what I have read I have found they they are written with some real emotion and all seem to have a fantastic lesson in them!🌟🌟🌟
Totally recommend that everyone read this book!
June 13, 2018
Jeannine Allison has done it again! Sam and Derek’s story was everything and more. Watching these two work their way to each other and learning their way was an amazing journey. Jeannine Allison has such a way with words, they are so beautiful they boarder on poetry and yet weave a story that stays in your heart. Can’t wait to see what she writes next.
June 11, 2018
***Was given an ARC for an honest review***
What an amazing conclusion to the Unveling series! Unveling hope follows both Sam and Derek and their journey to finding love. This is not your typical falling for your best friend's younger sister story, because if you are familiar with Jeannine's writing you know her characters are more complex and so there is much more to them that you can't help but feel invested in their happiness.
Sam and Derek balance eachother out perfectly! The wonderful thing that I have come to appreciate about Jeannine Allison's writing is that she tackles issues that we all have dealt with in some way that we don't necessarily bring up so when we are able to put ourselves in the character's shoes it makes the book that more appealing. Sam and Derek are both dealing with personal issues from their respective pasts so watching them come together as a couple takes time but once they do there is not stoping their chemistry!!! :)
This book is filled with all the feels you will laugh, cry and experience anger at times, but one thing that will aways come cross is that there is aways hope that things are bound to get better. I would not only recommend this book, but the whole series without any hesitation!! Another great book Miss Allison!!
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