Note from the There's Always Hope, is the first book in the Heartbroken inter-related series. It is based on character's from the previously released series, Heartbreak U. You must read that series first. Each book in this inter-related series will read like a stand-alone. Leaving the man you love is no easy feat, even when you know it’s the right thing to do. A man could have your whole world turning upside down or the earth crumbling beneath your soles yet, somehow, your heart would still yearn for him. Surely, the pain of a slow-splitting heart would ensue but what if Hope Washington could do it? What if this small town girl, who got pregnant by deceit, could finally get fed up and brave enough to leave? Could two souls flourish without their ordained counterparts? Could they find their way back? Would there always be Hope?
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, where she grew up on the outskirts of the city, Johnni Sherri has always been a true lover of the arts. As a natural born introvert, reading, writing and drawing had quickly become her favorite pass times. After graduating from East Carolina University with her bachelor’s degree, she remained in North Carolina where she currently resides with her husband and three beautiful children. And although today, she works in corporate America, she still continues to make time for one of her greatest passions, writing.
After secretly writing many short stories over the years, in 2016 Johnni Sherri began penning her first novel just for amusement. On a whim, she entered a short story contest in 2017 and won her first publishing contract. With this opportunity she was able to release her very first five star series titled, Protect My Sister’s Heart, which is set to be re-released in 2018. With her writing, she strives to detail the complex realities of young urban love in a way her readers can relate to. Her goal is always to paint a picture with every page, leaving booklovers yearning for more. However, fully understanding that Urban Fiction and African American Romance is not for everyone, she feels that if she can touch just one heart or mind with her work, than the late night typing is well worth it.
How it started: 🎶 So tonight, I'm gonna find a way to make it without you. Tonight, I'm gonna find a way to make it without you. I'm gonna hold on to the times that we had….. You know that I'll always be in love with you 🎶
How it ended: 🎶 Love me like I’m never gonna leave. Love me like I’m yours🎶
Hope and Meeko were my favorite couple in the “Heartbreak U” series so when I saw their story continued in a standalone, I was all over that thang and devoured it in one night!
Hope and Meeko are no longer in college and are settled into their life as a couple and parents to the sweetest little boy! For Meeko life’s good *in my Future voice* but for Hope there is something missing. Reading about the way these two navigated the highest of highs and lowest of lows in their relationship was everything. There was no questions that these two loved each other DEEP. Meeko was all Hope knew and for Meeko, Hope was his beginning middle and end. But what do you do when love isn’t enough and more is needed to see you through to the other side?! We shole found out in this book.
I loved that Hope finally found her voice and that she wasn’t going to allow Meeko to keep getting away with certain things. Hope stood on business and some things were successful while other aspects weren’t! I could have read about them forever and Johnni did a phenomenal job bringing their story to life!
I was not ready for the roller coaster ride of emotions this read took me on. Hope and Meeko are no longer high school kids. They're real adults with real adult problems. Meeko and Hope venture to Baltimore, they have new jobs and are struggling to keep things together in their new surroundings. When secrets are revealed things start to look bleak for my favorite couple, but this book holds true to it's title, "There's Always Hope". This author did a great job with keeping me engaged and vested in the storyline. I felt a range of emotions while reading, which is always a good thing. I can't wait to read the next book!
This book literally snatched so many emotions from me. There is not one single thing I didn't appreciate about this story! I am looking forward to so much more from this author. I am a Hope fan... in my mind, she's now my lil sister! 😂😂 Johnni you did this story so much justice! Well done! 💯🎉🎊🍾🥂
There’s Always Hope was seriously worth the wait. I counted.. 1. 2. 3! Times that I had tears in my eyes while reading. 😭❤️
This book is about Meeko and Hope’s life after college and how they juggle raising their son and their relationship. When Meeko informs Hope that they would need to relocate to Baltimore for a job opportunity it seemed that all hell broke loose.
I felt this was a seamless transition from the Heartbreak U series and the characters were just as memorable as before. Hope, although still timid at times, surprised me especially when she stood up to Meeko. It was the mama bear role for me; Hope was not going to sit around and wait for Meeko to continue with his lies and uncertainty about their future. I was like, “yesss sis!” And Meeko just wanted to provide for his family but he went about things the wrong way. He more than made up for his transgressions in the end but it took a lot to get there. There was a few plot twists throughout the book but the one that took the cake included the Borrega family. I was ready to throw my kindle. I did not see that coming. Lawd, Johnni!!!😩
Beautiful story featuring two soulmates. I give it five stars. The flow was good. Lots of unexpected twists. I didn’t notice too many errors or discrepancies throughout the story. And I am looking forward to the next part with Asha. ❤️
This was so damn good! I enjoyed this so much and I hated to see it end. I like Hope and always have and I was glad to see her growth as a character. I still don't like Meeko but I loved how this story played out and I can't wait for what's next. I hope it's Frankie and Josh's story next.
Loved it. I have been waiting for this update and it did not disappoint. It was a rollercoaster ride for real because Hope and Meeko pissed me off badly each chapter. I laughed, I cried a few times and I saw it going completely different but was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t. I loved the plot twist and cameo’s from my fave characters of hers. Can’t wait for the next book. Great read.
Hope was one of my favorites from the Heartbreak U series so this follow up was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. Definitely experienced an array of emotions from beginning to end but I thoroughly enjoyed this journey.
This book was extremely good! The author did an excellent job of showing young love evolve to maturity. I love the bonds that are involved in this story.
Man, this book had my feelings and emotions all over the place. I initially wanted to strangle Meeko, but loved him in the end. This book revealed love, hurt, deceit, secrets and forgiveness and Johnni tackled each one with finesse. I absolutely loved the snippet on the Borrego family and would love to read more about them. Definitely looking forward to reading book two. A must read!
This book was well written and I appreciate that, but a couple of factors in the story line made me remove 1 star.
**Spoiler Alert
I love Hope’s purity and innocence, but Meeko gets too many passes. He slept with Kitty and is acting a fool because he assumed that Hope slept with Damien. I really hate that she didn’t really capitalize on her “space” from him. The long lost dad and brothers-this bomb was dropped and boom here’s your check🤷🏾♀️. I felt like some of the fluff of the vacation in Paris or turmoil about her working at the school could have been skipped and the family issue could have been explored more. Also, Hope was smart...but you’re draped in designer clothes, living in a penthouse, and driving a luxury car but you’re not digging deep to really see where your man is getting this money?🤔
I guess I wanted to see Hope really boss up for real, and the issues of the plot turned me off. The Heartbreak U series is one of my favorites, but Meeko got off easy in all books. He continues to get the good girl and be a trifling fool in my eyes.
This book had me in so many emotions!! I’m being honest hope and Meeko were my least favorite couple bc I literally hate Meeko ( still do) but I was proud to see hope for her own thing although it was brief. Malachi was my favorite but he is one lowdown nasty man idc that Ty was an informant he didn’t have to do that to him or his baby!!! I’m eager to see how that situation will play out when Paris’s book comes along bc I know she knew . Me being from Baltimore my favorite part of the book was reading about the different locations , restaurants etc that are in the city. All in all this was really good and fulfilled my heartbreak U series high. I can’t wait to read about Asha’s story since that is coming up next. But I will be the first in line when Paris’s book is released bc everyone in the Montgomery household needs their asses whooped
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had been patiently awaiting ( ok, I was not that patient, lol) the release of “ There’s Always Hope” by Johnni Sherri ever since reading the Heartbreak U duology early last year. “There’s Always Hope” is book one in the Heartbroken series. The Heartbroken series will follow the four main characters of “Heartbreak U.” This review will contain mild spoilers for those books so keep that in mind before proceeding.
“There’s Always Hope” centers around Hope and Meeko and takes place about four years after the events of Heartbreak U. A new job opportunity sees them moving to Baltimore much to Hope’s opposition. When secrets are kept and power struggles ensue, will this couple be able to make it out unscathed?
The constant pull and push from these characters at times left me exasperated. Some scenes left my blood boiling and I had to put the book down to sort through my emotions. They definitely had me stressed. Even with all the stressful moments, I loved seeing their growth. Both were going through things and lacked the communication necessary to deal with it.
‘There’s Always Hope” features a great cast of supporting characters . I felt like I personally knew everybody. The pacing of the book was perfect. There was so much drama and action! The last twenty percent of the book had me feeling like Neo in the Matrix at every twist, turn, and reveal that was thrown my way! Johnni Sherri has penned a book that pulls the emotions right out of you. You will be angry, laugh, and even shed a few tears. Well, at least I know I did! I look forward to Asha’s book as well as the rest of the upcoming Heartbroken series.
I am from Baltimore, so I was loving the references accept for the fact that JS made it seem like there are no redeeming qualities to my city and that it's ALL HOOD.
This was a lot....I wish she had just stayed with the love theme for Meeko and Hope, but the crime ish was hard to read....especially the Ty/Brielle part. Like it really didn't have to go down that way...and Meeko forgave himself a little too easily for me. I don't know if I can read the installment for Malachi and Paris, if there is one, cuz I really don't like Malachi's character AT ALL. It was not the spin for this story I was anticipating. It would have been enough to just have the surprise plot twist about Meeko's father and brothers......
But, even though I didn't like the plot twists, I do like JS' style. It flows well. I liked the Heartbreak U installments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mannn I really loved the Heartbreak U series but honestly this grown up crew is soo much better. It was really good to see Hope pass being a church girl and coming into her own as a woman. Yes she is a mother and girlfriend but it was good to see her more than that because she needed that reassurance so that her and Meeko can have their happy ending. Now even though Meeko lied that did not take away from how mature and grown up he was. He was a great father and provider. The thing is he knew that he needed to be a different person than what he thought his father was and he did it with the help of his true love. Don't want to give spoilers but what happened with them was needed because it brought them to who their true selves are!!!! Cant wait for the next book
Johnni had my emotions in a whirlwind the entire book. I was sad, angry, nervous and happy. The ending was absolutely PERFECT and for a while I saw things going a totally different way. The jaw dropping plot twist literally had me hollering. It was super unexpected....the frequent appearances from Malachi Montgomery made the book THAT MUCH better because I just love that man. I can’t wait for Asha’s story next.... side note: the editing was on point 💕
This was a great spinoff from Johnni’s Heartbreak U series. It was definitely a few scenes where I was on the edge of my seat, and a few scenes where I had some thug tears in my eyes. 🤣 This book was definitely worth 5 stars. I can’t wait for the next story! 😁
Also, I loved the Borregos being in this book. Was shocked about what was revealed up the Borregos in this book as well. I hope a part 3 is coming one day! 🤣🤣
After listening to Heartbreak U on Audible I was so hype to read Heartbreak U The Finale, that I did it in two days. Then, seeing Hope's story had me equally hyped so I dedicated 2 days to this book as well, and while I wanted to love it and had such high hopes for it, I didn't love it. First, it was basically the Hope AND Paris book because Paris and Chi got almost a much time and shine as Hope and Meeko. And while these characters have all grown in age, some of the same irksome childish traits were very evident in them all. Meeko was very manipulative and often disguised it as undying love. Like this man professed how much he loved Hope all throughout the book, but the same as in Heartbreak U AND Heartbreak U the Finale, he slept with someone else all willy nilly as soon as his lil feelings got hurt. That is NOT love! And Hope continuously falling back into that trap made me unhappy with this authors stance. I was happy that Hope FINALLY got a taste of independence and also close but didn't cross the line with Damien, she needed that in her life. Also glad little Matty was OK and I didn't see that family secret coming, but the hood esthetics of this book were just too far fetched and again, Meeko just irked me with the lying, sleeping with another woman while saying he loves Hope and just his attitude about certain things. So, I know Asha's story is coming, but I was never a fan of her character, so I will probably just wait for Frankie and Josh's story since Paris doesn't really need one now since she was all up and through this one already.
We were first introduced to Hope & Meeko in the "Heartbreak U" series. At the end of the heartbreak finale we left this couple reconciling but knowing that Meeko's secret was bound to have some blow back on there relationship. Well in "There's Always Hope" the blow back happens. Having moved from a place that has become a home for Hope and her family, she finds herself moving to Baltimore because of a job opportunity for Meeko.
From the beginning you can definitely see the maturity of Hope she's no more the church girl under her daddies control. She is a women whose grown through her relationship with Meeko and motherhood but you know old habits are hard to let go of and when Meeko secret comes to light she is left to navigate how to gain her independence.
What can I say about Meeko? One his love for Hope and his family was clear. But I not going to lie he got on my nerves with his downright childish behavior. In not 100% he put in the work to really deserve Hopes forgiveness but hey not my story. I also say with the last chapter I don't know how I feel about Malachi. Overall, I definitely say I enjoyed the book and recommend to others just don't forget to read Heartbreak U first. Look forward to Asha next
Johnni Sherri has done it again! This was such a great book! In “There’s Always Hope” we follow the lives of Meeko and Hope. Meeko and Hope have definitely grown up since their college days. Hope is no longer the timid, fish out of water young lady that we met in the Heartbreak U series! She’s a GROWN woman now. She dresses different, talks different, and really embraced her sensuality. Her and Meekos relationship is definitely rocky. The love they have for each other is wonderful but yet they can’t seem to see eye to eye. Hope has been holding Meeko down and uprooting her own life to accommodate his wants and needs but at the expense of her own independence and happiness. Throughout this story you definitely see Hope evolving and realizing her own strength and worth. Meeko worked my nerves with his selfishness. I guess sometimes it takes losing the love of your life to change your ways. Amazing story, amazing character development! Highly recommended!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️story!
This is what I have been waiting for and it didn't disappoint one bit!!
Besides Frankie and Josh, Meeko and Hope were my favorite couple out of the group. Starting them off was perfect considering how things ended the last time we saw the crew together. There were many times were Meeko pissed me off with how he was treating Hope considering all that she gave up for him. I was happy to see Hope truly step out of her shell and become the woman she desired to be. The drama that was in this was more than enough to keep wondering if they would ever get back together. I was happy to get sneak peeks of what's to come with Paris, Malachi, Franki, Josh, and their other friend. The last few chapters are going to blow your mind!! If this is what we have to look forward to in the rest of the books for this series, then I'm going to buy each and everyone of them!!!
There’s Always Hope: Heartbroken Series book 1 by Johnni Sherri is a amazing and wonderful story. The storyline is on point. Johnni Sherri does a good job.
Hope and Meeko are no longer as college students. They are becoming an adult. They are struggling with their communication skills, understanding, and loyalty to each other in the beginning. Each of them have their own dirty laundry.
I’m happy that Hope and Meeko are coming together as team, and working on their forgiveness and unconditional love to each other. I’m shocked and surprised about Meeko and Damien.
I can’t wait to read about Asha.
Good Read! Book Nerd ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️♠️
Mrs. Johnni Sherri’s storytelling is always captivating and time consuming. Having waited forever for this story, especially with my favorite couple from the Heartbreak U series I was not dissatisfied at all. Of course my only complaint being I wish it was longer or the other books available just so it didn’t have to end. Hope’s journey was admirable as well as extremely relatable. The drama, although there was entertaining and unpredictable without it being overbearing or unrealistic. I would go on with this review but I don’t want to give too much away. As always, bravo Mrs. Sherri, you’ve done it again. I can’t wait for more of your work, please don’t make us wait too long!
Hope and Meeko were my favorite couple from the Heartbreak U series but he truly disappointed me in this book. He was selfish, inconsiderate and allowed his insecurities to keep him from being the best man for Hope. I loved how she finally found her independence but not let it interfere with her love for Meeko.. I wish we could’ve got more about Keisha & Mookie they’re story seems interesting. Poor Ty and Brielle that broke my heart, and If I didn’t hate Malachi previously i definitely do now!! I hope when He & Paris ‘s book comes around he experiences great pain and misery for his part in her tragedy 😢
He was so good. I can’t help but remember Hope in her college days. She was so country and sweet. Not much has changed. I remember being so mad at Meeks in the Heartbreak U series for having the audacity to not make an honest woman out of this little holy roly sweet girl especially after he trapped her! So this book was such a treat to pick up on that vibe and show the tension, strain, and thoughts on marriage or the lack there of from Meeks and Hope. There were so many delightfully unexpected twists as well as emotional surprises. Love seeing other characters from heartbreak u and Borrego brothers. Great read!
Where do I begin. These two gave me hope when their unconditional love. Hope love for her family was amazing, she was a great mom and wife. She was a people pleaser and didn't like other upset with her. I love how she carried herself with her family and her in-laws. Meeko was the man when he walked through. I had to side eye his tail with Kitty, men are a trip they can slang from the East to the West Coast but don't let her sniff a ping he ready to leave. When my Borrego men appeared was on the edge of my seat but hubby the author wrote the heck out that. I can't wait for the other releases.
Innocent Hope has grown up since her A&T days! I am proud to see her seek out her independence and come into her own. And the way that Meeko loved her… only few could be so lucky to experience such an intense love. Even though they were clearly meant for each other and Meeko was coming from a place of love and wanting to take care of his family, I am glad that Hope found the strength to make the decision she did. In the end, it served to make their relationship and their love even stronger. And I always like a little jealousy-induced drama thrown into the mix too to spice things up. I can’t wait to read the other couples continued stories.
There was so much action packed into this book. Every time I caught my breath from one crazy twist, something else would get thrown at me. This was an intense story. I was really happy to see Hope’s growth. Seeing her shed the shy country girl persona was really nice. For most of the book, I wanted to choke Meeko. It felt like he’d never grow up. I forgot how much I liked Paris. I’m looking forward to reading more about her. We didn’t get much of Franki and Asha in this book, but I was glad to get an update on them. The final chapter was perfect. It had me feeling so emotional. I’m ready to see what comes next for these folks!
Although coming to an end, and emotions are high. I feel complete. Complete because these two individuals went through hell and back. But with a love so strong and communication, were there ever a time to call it quits? No! So many hidden secrets and revelations. (Must read) I love seeing the girls friendships still being solid; even after college. The message in this book was deeper than I can imagine. Charge it to the game sadly. And let’s embrace this new found journey.... Next up Asha girl.
Admittedly Hope and Meeko were not my favorite couple from the Heartbreak U series, however that has quickly changed. Although they both irked my nerves because their lack of communication skills with each other (a lot of their problems could have been solved a lot easier than they were), they quickly made up for it with all the good. This standalone was exhilarating and exhausting but in a good way. There were so many twists and turns and oh he!! no moments but it was a pleasant journey and honestly I'm so glad I got to experience it.
I love that Johnni Sherri decided to write Hope and Meeko's story! they were the couple I was most invested in from the Heartbreak U series. They are no longer freshmen, but young adults navigating life with all the craziness that comes with it. I loved seeing Hope's progression! She showed the most growth and I loved seeing the young woman she became! I read that she was going to write stories on the other ladies but (as usual) praying to the literary godssss that she continues their story! Would love to hear about Meeko's new familial relationships!