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Discovering Me #3

Uniting Hearts

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Can their hard-won romance survive a new test of love and devotion?

Cole Alston’s only goal when he returned to his rural hometown was to offload his inherited property and leave. Now, he’s very much in love with Jeremy, and he’s determined to make his own career goals mesh with the life he wants to build here. But an unexpected announcement from Jeremy throws Cole’s carefully ordered life completely off track.

Adjusting to their new normal isn’t easy, but Jeremy Collins is determined to make things work. To build the life he’s always wanted with Cole by his side. Reality doesn’t always place nice with dreams, though, and it will take both men’s strength and love to truly unite as a family.

This is a brand-new conclusion to the Discovering Me trilogy.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2020

22 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

A.M. Arthur

89 books1,236 followers
No stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com

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5 stars
55 (44%)
4 stars
47 (38%)
3 stars
12 (9%)
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5 (4%)
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4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,878 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2021
Cole and Jeremy
Book Three, the final of a series. There’s are a lot of looking backs at what happened before so it can be read as a stand-alone.
I must say the situation here isn’t a favorite of mine. A jealous woman playing best friend with one of the main characters, trying to get rid of the other and the first doesn’t acknowledge and is even ignorant ugh.
I felt sorry for Cole and had trouble to read further.
Bethann has a big part in this story, for my joy a bit too much.

After Jeremy agreed to take full custody of Annabeth Jeremy and Cole their lives will never be the same.
We see them struggle and trying hard to do right. There are secrets and pain to overcome.
A kind story I had trouble with, but that’s all on me. The writing was wonderfully done.
The development was just in the right way to understand the whole picture. Still, I wish I read the previous stories too.
Profile Image for Jenn (not Lily).
4,819 reviews28 followers
June 8, 2021
Yeah, there's the HEA I was looking for! Completely worth the time I took to read all three books today -- I feel a little badly for anyone who hard to wait years for the last one to come out. Happy fluff and happy sigh!
5,704 reviews39 followers
June 9, 2020
sweet story.. heartbreaking and loving... heartwarming and put me back together.. love and angst.. i really enjoyed it
Profile Image for Maureen.
3,769 reviews39 followers
August 26, 2021
And so the story of Cole and Jeremy ends, after three gorgeous books. This one more angst and surprises, our two lovely men approach a major hurdle with varying ideas. Jeremy's friend Bethann once again throws them into turmoil, I just didn't like her, with friends like her who needs enemies. Just as enjoyable as the previous two tales this was a lovely conclusion to their story.
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
June 30, 2020
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**


Uniting Hearts is the third and final book in the Discovering Me series. It needs to be read in the order that the author intended and cannot be read as a standalone.

Uniting Hearts picks up where Understand Jeremy leaves you and Bethann is in labor. Jeremy has stood by her side throughout the pregnancy. Bethann is still unsure at this point if she is keeping the baby. After birth she refuses to hold the little girl, she doesn’t want it to sway her decision. Cole and Bethann have had a rocky friendship since she admitted she’s in love with Jeremy. Jeremy made it clear he loves Cole but jealously is a hard thing to navigate.

Jeremy and Cole have difficult decisions to make regarding their future. When Cole’s family property sells he is finally able to move his life in the direction he’s always wanted it to go. Will Jeremy be on board with those decisions or will Cole end their relationship?

I loved the conclusion to this series. It’s the ending Cole and Jeremy deserve in every way.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Lidia.
2,651 reviews30 followers
August 9, 2020
I like the love story between Cole and Jeremy, but this third installment with a mean and jealous Bethann in the picture made everything a bit sour , especially for Cole...and Jeremy's behavior isn't stellar. So the end that could be so sweet is also bitter because it is been impose on Cole ...I don't know , I'm been feeling so sad and angry throught the reading.
Profile Image for Heather York.
Author 5 books53 followers
August 21, 2024
I was researching an upcoming post when I stumbled upon Uniting Hearts by AM Arthur and then I read the blurb and realized: HOLY HANNAH BATMAN! Cole and Jeremy? I love Cole and Jeremy! How? . . . When? . . . Why? . . . I never knew the author turned the duology into a trilogy. Needless to say I 1-clicked the heck out of that and couldn't wait to jump in. I saw the release date was summer 2020, well that explains so much as in 2020 I found myself turning to more viewing forms of entertainment for distraction during Covid. No matter, so it took 4 years for me to discover Discovering Me #3, I was just happy I found it.

Even though it had been nearly 9 years since I first met Cole and Jeremy in their respectively titled stories, Unearthing Cole & Understanding Jeremy, I loved the pair so much that I remember it all. My heart completely shattered over Cole's story and Jeremy's journey wasn't exactly a walk in the park either. The peace and joy these two found in each other was heartwarming and uplifting. But what did the future hold?

And that brings us to Uniting Hearts.

Not quite a year into coupledom, Cole still struggles at times but each day seems to make him smile a little more and Jeremy loves seeing that smile on his partner's face which in turn helps him move forward as well. In Uniting they are not only facing their future but the possibility of an additional hurdle threatens to upset the apple cart.

I won't spoil said apple cart by divulging too much for those who are like me and just found this concluding trilogy entry. Just know that even though you can see it coming almost right away the story centers on what dynamics it brings to their journey. I love how the author explores their individual struggles with internal monologues like a peak into their souls. Cole getting stronger day by day and yet there is no easy fix to the soul-crushing abuse at the hands of his former boyfriend. Jeremy trying to balance support with protection and finally realizing doing too much of either can have just as adverse effects as doing too little.

Okay, I'm going to end there before I spill too much. To put it simply: Uniting Hearts is a beautifully crafted tale of moving forward, some days being three steps forward & two steps back and other days just the opposite. It may seem cliche but life truly is a balancing act. I can't think of a better way to conclude Cole and Jeremy's individual and coupledom journeys. I say "concludes" but if the author were to ever write a Discovering Me holiday novella, I'd be first in line to read it😉😉.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,821 reviews32 followers
June 8, 2020
Finally, Cole and Jeremy get the HEA they, and their fans, have been waiting for.

In a lot of ways, I'm really glad that I hadn't read the first two book in the Discovering Me series before I received my ARC of Uniting Hearts. I've had them in my library for five years but just never got around to reading them. While each of the first two books had a decent HFN, I really wanted to know more about Cole and Jeremy.

If you haven't read books one and two you can still enjoy Uniting Hearts. A.M. Arthur does a great job of recapping information necessary to understand Uniting Hearts even without reading the first two stories. If you are like me, however, you will want to read them in order so that you will know the nitty gritty details about Cole and Jeremy's relationship. The books are novella length so they don't take very long to read.

Uniting Hearts picks up shortly after the end of Understanding Jeremy. One of the things from that book that was kind of left hanging, pretty much becomes the focus of this story. I'm not sure how I can really review this book without giving spoilers for book two. While I usually don't do spoilers in my review I am warning now that this review contains one for book two…

Jeremy's best friend, Bethann, gives birth to her baby right off the bat in this story and how that affects Cole and Jeremy's relationship is the main theme of Uniting Hearts. There are several ways this could go and I'm not going to say more because I don't want to spoil it. Just know that there are a few rough patches coming for all concerned. My eyes leaked more than once while reading this one.

Trust issues for Cole come up again but it is a romance and A.M. Arthur gives Cole and Jeremy a wonderful HEA with a beautiful epilogue set three years into their future. BTW, fans of A.M.'s Neighborhood Shindig series will be happy with a couple of scenes in this book. 😊

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
July 18, 2020


Check out our UNITING HEARTS post on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Uniting Hearts is the third and final book in the Discovering Me series. It needs to be read in the order that the author intended and cannot be read as a standalone.

Uniting Hearts picks up where Understanding Jeremy left you, and Bethann is in labor. Jeremy has stood by her side throughout the pregnancy. Bethann is still unsure at this point if she is keeping the baby. After birth, she refuses to hold the little girl, she doesn’t want it to sway her decision. Cole and Bethann have had a rocky friendship since she admitted she’s in love with Jeremy. Jeremy made it clear he loves Cole, but jealously is a hard thing to navigate.

Jeremy and Cole have difficult decisions to make regarding their future. When Cole’s family property sells, he is finally able to move his life in the direction he’s always wanted it to go. Will Jeremy be on board with those decisions or will Cole end their relationship?

I loved the conclusion to this series. It’s the ending Cole and Jeremy deserve in every way.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Amy Stauffer.
820 reviews39 followers
June 10, 2020
Jeremy and Cole have been through a lot, both individually, and as a couple. Their relationship is still solidifying when life stumbles up, saying ‘Here; hold my beer.’ This is the third, and last, book in the Discovering Me series, and it is told in alternating POVs.

Both men have dealt with losses, and hurt, in different ways. It’s shaped them into who they are, but over time they have to decide what place the hurts of the past have on their future together and in their own individual lives. Despite their own journeys, they are connected by a love they cannot deny any longer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, and I fell in love with Jeremy and Cole. Their struggles felt like my own, and I was cheering for them at every little, and big, accomplishment they each made. They had me at the moment they introduced themselves and shook hands in Unearthing Cole, and they kept me enraptured until the final word written in Uniting Hearts. I have A.M. Arthur to thank for that.

This book is not a standalone. Unearthing Cole and Understanding Jeremy must be read first, or you will not know what’s going on or why these men think and behave the way they do. You would also miss out on seeing their relationship begin and build into where they’re at, currently. I highly recommend this beautifully written series. It will tug at your heart long after you’re done reading.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***  
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
June 9, 2020
4.5 Stars

Uniting Hearts is the third book in AM Arthur's Discovering Me series. It's a fantastic ending for these two men who I have come to love. I am thrilled to finally get to read this long awaited series wrap-up.

I love these men and their story. Their love is real, and they fight hard to get their happy life.

This book starts off with Bethann in labor, leading to some ups and downs for these men.

It's been a while, but Cole is still influenced by his past, which includes abuse by an ex and neglect due to his parents being hoarders.

The author explores personal growth, trust issues, and the power of making one's own choices. And it's wonderful. Everything is intriguing as Cole still suffers from PTSD, Bethann is still getting between the men, and more.

Told in alternating 1st person pov, the reader gets to understand what both men are thinking throughout. AM Arthur is a long time author in the world of m/m romance, and she once again leaves me happily satisfied with another wonderful series.

Uniting Hearts is a fabulous conclusion to the Discovering Me series. I definitely recommend these three books to anyone looking for a heart-felt series that features the same couple throughout.
Profile Image for AshPenny37 .
1,035 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2020
Uniting Hearts is the long-awaited conclusion to Cole and Jeremy's story. There are enough recaps on the book to make it work as a standalone, though, so don't worry if you haven't read the first two books in the Discovering Me series.

On the whole, Uniting Hearts is a quick, sweet read and I was cheering when Cole and Jeremy l got their HEA, though there were a few bumps in the road as both men were still compensating for the things that happened in the past. There were just a couple of things that didn't quite sit right for me, too. I know I'm supposed to be sympathetic to Bethann's plight but, given the level of her past manipulations, I just couldn't get there...I guess that makes Cole a better person than me, then! 😊 Also, I didn't really buy when Cole had an emotional outpouring to a complete stranger...seemed a bit out of character to me.

Those minor issues aside, the quality of storytelling is everything you would expect from an A.M. Arthur book and it felt like a very fitting end to Jeremy and Cole's tale. 4*

I received an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Staphysagria.
581 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2021
brilliant as expected, A.M.Arthur is one of the few authors I can blindly click and buy, you just can' t go wrong with her. This story deals with two gay men in a small town, the difficulty to be " different" especially if 90% of the town know you since childhood and have expectations and plenty of prejudice. The two MCs have met in book no. 1, this is the third, and a lot of stuff happens in between. Despite it being set in a small town and nothing of world-changing importance happens there, it is never boring,because the author's characters are -as always- extensively layered and carefully fleshed out, so you really delve into their psyche. In the end it feels like your friendly neigbours you' ve known for years. And you also get to meet loveable side characters.
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2020
This is a sweet, fun, quick and entertaining conclusion to a wonderful series with great characters and an intriguing storyline. I love Cole and Jeremy together as they have an amazing connection and chemistry. They are settling into their life together and Cole is finally leaving his past behind him. They do have a few issues to deal with but they finally complete their family and get the HEA they richly deserve. I have read many books by A.M. Arthur over the years and I have enjoyed every single one of them and this is one of my favorites.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
June 15, 2020
What a beautiful and necessary conclusion for Cole and Jeremy's story.  These guys are so strong, yet have areas where the insecurities create a fragility and needed the light and time to heal and thereby strengthening their love, partnership and family. The writing is beautiful and flowed so nicely.  The pacing was good and 

These MC's will touch your heart.  Their journey is about learning to love and accept all of yourself and your partner.   It is a story of triumph and love.  

This is the third book in the Discovering Me series and should be read as part of the series.   

I was gifted this book by the author and I freely give my honest opinion and review.   
Profile Image for Sharon.
925 reviews
June 25, 2020
I did not read the first 2 books of this series. That being said there was enough look backs for me to work out the depth of pain, grief, anger and insecurities riddled through this relationship.

I found their story heartbreaking and heartwarming. Both men recognize they have something special. Both men are willing to fight for it. As each of them deal with drowning in their own traumas they work hard at trying to keep their relationship at the forefront.

Then we have the best friend/I'm really in love with you friend to bring a completely different type of drama.

I think this story was told well and it worked out well. These guys deserved their HEA.
Profile Image for Caipi.
1,252 reviews33 followers
February 4, 2023
Great ending to this series. I'm so happy that Cole and Jeremy found each other, that they managed to make their relationship work and built a common future. Loved them together!

It might be possible to read this part as a standalone since the author did quite some recapping of the two previous books during this book (which annoyed me) but I'm really glad that I read the whole series in a row and also would recommend it to read them all. Otherwise a lot of emotions would get lost.

This part 4 stars,
the trilogy as a whole 4.5 stars for me.
3,567 reviews38 followers
June 7, 2020
Read this and fall in love!

I loved the conclusion to this wonderful series.

You'll find your heart 'happier' as you watch the two men compromise. They allow their love for each other to guide their future. Something all of us need to do.

A.M. has written another story that will make you cry through your smiles.

This series must be read in order to fully appreciate the journey Cole and Jeremy have undertaken.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,667 reviews
June 8, 2020
Cole and Jeremy went through a lot to become the couple they are now, but each is still not one hundred percent convinced that the other is in it forever. This installment has more tests for the men to overcome, as secrets are revealed, other people's choices affect them, and they have to decide if they can truly become the family they dream of being. This is a very good, emotional conclusion to the series.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,776 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2020
Triumphant ending to an emotionally compelling series

I started this series and was immediately hooked.
A. M. Arthur has an exceptional talent for for portraying the harsh reality of day to day life in the most positive light.
I truly enjoyed Jeremy and Cole's journey and seeing them both struggling with their individual pasts and come through on the other side stronger and better for knowing each other was absolutely beautiful.
Profile Image for JD Crittendon.
1,170 reviews11 followers
September 9, 2021
Life Offers Unexpected Surprises!

This is the soap-operatic final to (possible college student) Cole’s & Antiques Dealer Jeremy’s romantic journey. There are no surprises here, but a bit of pins & needles, though. I kept wondering when another shoe would drop in regards to the baby and the baby’s mama drama. Obviously, the story had me engaged which is a compliment to the writer. This is a good series, good stand-alone tales, and interesting enough characters.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
January 15, 2022
Another 3.5 star read

I received this as an ARC last year but I was in a bad place and had stopped taking review requests. But I’ve finally found the time to read it.

I’m kind of disappointed that I already knew what would happen in this book when I read book two. At least no one died to make it happen. Some of the events that strengthened their connection were good but the pressures the author chose to put on an 8 month old relationship made it too hard to believe in.
758 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2020
I love how this story is told in both Cole and Jeremy’s perspective as they go to a more formal relationship and figuring their way out. It’s fast-paced, full of just the right kind of angst and growth. It’s still romantic and hot and sexy, but there’s more of the every day stuff they have to figure out. I definitely recommend it and the series.
Profile Image for Audrey Pott.
680 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2020
I loved this trilogy, such a fitting end, left me smiling and a big sigh. Words flowed I was their with Cole and Jeremy, through each blow, to each fulfilling moment, I have loved this couple.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book and series.
2,016 reviews25 followers
June 15, 2020
I love this series so much that I had to go back and reread all three of them again. Cole and Jeremy finally get their happily ever after everything that happen to them. All the characters are likable and I love the fact that wanted to raise the baby. There love story was great and I'm probably to read the again. You will love it.
Profile Image for Patricia Nelson.
1,739 reviews20 followers
June 16, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, bittersweet, amazing, heartfelt, incredible, powerful, steamy, fantastic, tug-at-your-heartstrings, and totally awesome end to a marvelous series. This magnificent series pulled me in from the very first page, and the NEW ending was well worth the emotional rollercoaster ride. I would recommend getting this gem ASAP.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,410 reviews42 followers
September 3, 2021
I knew it! I just knew where this one was going and couldn't have been happier! These two have had their ups and downs, but Cole pushed through his self-doubts and Jeremy was his rock! Add a "little" surprise (that I figured out in the last book!) and all is well! New friends were made and old friends redeemed themselves... life is as it should be for these two most deserving people!
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
June 8, 2020
Uniting Hearts by AM Arthur is the third book and conclusion to the Discovering Me series. I absolutely love the story of love and building a family that is captured here in Cole and Jeremy's lovestory. Emotional and wonderful I highly recommend this book and series - its beautiful.
328 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2020
One of the most satisfying series I’ve read to date. Following Jeremy and Cole thru true life problems, seeing their compromises to make their relationship work was truly my pleasure.

Highly recommended...please do this book justice by reading it last in the series!
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,308 reviews17 followers
June 8, 2020
I absolutely loved this conclusion to Cole and Jeremy's story. Their journey to their happy ending was an emotional one filled with pain, loss, and family. I ended up bingeing all three books and I enjoyed every minute.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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