CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONESamantha 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 … 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.
more
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.
Jeannine Allison doesn’t disappoint. Ever. Her stories are the perfect balance of beautiful romance and hot as hell scenes—no mean feat, let me tell you. And her latest release, Unveiling Hope, (Unveiling #5), traverses the precarious line between sweet and sexy as though it’s the simplest thing in the world.
It’s not.
You see, many authors attempt to do this but fall short. They either litter their novels with so much sweetness you need a dental check up afterward, or so much sex, a fresh change of panties is in order. It’s beyond difficult to marry the two seamlessly, let alone build a well-crafted novel complete with three dimensional characters. But Allison does this, and she does it well. The relationship between Samantha and Derek is as complex as it is original, the plotline is slow-building and oh so engaging, and the reader is left exhaling a satisfied sigh when they finally reach the end.
Talent. That’s what Jeannine Allison has, a geometric tonne of literary talent. It’s a pleasure to read her books.
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!
“Hope can be a beautiful thing, but I think ultimately, it’s dangerous.”
I loved this book so much. It was so, so sweet. Absolutely fell head over heels in love with Derek. That man… demons and all, has such a beautiful soul. So much weight on his shoulders that prevent him from really living life the way it should be lived.
Then we have our Sam. That girl is beyond incredible. She is such a strong woman. No matter how much pain she has from her past, she refuses to let that pain to rule her emotions, turn them into hate. She has hope… and although it can be a dangerous thing, she refuses to give up on those she holds dear.
“It takes strength to put aside that anger and forgive someone. It takes courage to keep trying, not knowing if you’ll succeed.”
These two have always had a thing for one another. But, because of their mutual yet different fears, they never allowed themselves to explore their attraction. Derek being Gabe’s (Sam’s brother) best friend and 7 years her senior was one of the reasons that held him back. Sam, because of her self doubt and constant miscommunication, held her back and ultimately reached to that decision to leave town.
Once back together in the same place after a year apart, has this book filled with little steamy moments of “is he or isn’t he… is she or isn’t she…” it was so cute seeing these two go back and forth between their “harmless” flirting.
And when those sparks finally ignited?? HUGE FREAKING FIREWORKS! Man, this book was steamy… wipe my reading glasses a few times from all that steam. Aside from all that juiciness, it was beautiful to see these two help each other battle their pasts.
“Loving you was the only way this was ever going to end.” Can’t wait to see what else Jeannine Allison has in store for us!
“I love you. I miss you. Forever, Sam.”
This book is filled with the sweetness that is characteristic of this series. This author writes human emotion and realistic struggle so well. I have waited for Derek and Sam’s book and I am so pleased it’s finally here. It is sweet, intense and holds a depth of emotion that other authors struggle to capture in words. The plot is interesting with Derek being an underground fighter which brings up some obstacles for the couple to overcome and adds the right amount of intrigue. I really recommend this whole series and this book. Definitely a one click if you love sweet romance.
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.
I feel absolutely in love with Derek and Sam. Each novel Jeannine Allison releases is better than the last and her latest is by far my favorite.
We have met Derek and Sam in the previous Unveiling books and I am so happy to finally get their story. Sam has had a crush on Derek for quite awhile but being 7 years younger and Derek being her brothers best friend the chances of anything happening are slim. Especially when she overhears a conversation between Derek and her brother. Sam makes the choice to leave home for school but after a year away she returns home and realizes her feelings for Derek didnt fade over time or with the fact she now has a boyfriend.
Derek has had feelings for Sam for quite awhile. He knows with their age difference and his past getting involved with her is a mistake. But she is home now living with him and Derek does everything he can to keep his hands off of her – that is until he cant anymore. Now his past has caught up with him – can he keep the one women he has ever cared about safe?
I love Ms Allison’s writing style, her authenticity, and her character development. She writes Derek and Sam with such honesty that I found myself enthralled with their story. Told from dual POV’s we get to see both sides of the story – including all the heartache and joy that Derek and Sam finally get. We also get to see the gang from the previous books in the series but I really enjoy hanging out with Gabe and Alara more. Especially Gabe. This story is all Derek and Sam though and a great payoff for those who have been patiently waiting for their story like I have.
Words can not describe how much I love this book. I honestly don’t think I could’ve made it without the Chocolate, tissues, and my fuzzy blanket. This is definitely an emotional read. I’m so blown away with how powerful Jeannine’s writing. Her stories really touch you, and leaves you with wanting so much more.
This book is about Derek and Sam. I will not go into detail about this because I feel like everyone should just dive in. Just know there story is flawed. Can they be mended? I strongly recommend this author.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read such an amazing story early. You are extremely talented author. There is no way I couldn’t buy my own copy. You are definitely my one click buy
All the time and sleep I lost was worth it. Unveiling Hope is one of my anticipated releases this year and it was unputdownable, I was immediately hooked to Sam and Derek’s story as soon as I started reading. Jeannine’s books are truly something else. This series in particular is my favorite, one that I will highly recommend to everyone.
I absolutely hands down loved this book, it was well written, and her characters were well defined…. The story line just pulled you in from the first page. I gave it a 5 star read. She is one of my all time favorite authors…
“Hope can be a beautiful thing, but I think ultimately, it’s dangerous.
I loved this book so much. It was so, so sweet. Absolutely fell head over heels in love with Derek.
That man… demons and all, has such a beautiful soul. So much weight on his shoulders that prevent him from really living life the way it should be lived.
Then we have our Sam. That girl is beyond incredible. She is such a strong woman. No matter how much pain she has from her past, she refuses to let that pain to rule her emotions, turn them into hate. She has hope… and although it can be a dangerous thing, she refuses to give up on those she holds dear.
“It takes strength to put aside that anger and forgive someone. It takes courage to keep trying, not knowing if you’ll succeed.”
These two have always had a thing for one another. But, because of their mutual yet different fears, they never allowed themselves to explore their attraction. Derek being Gabe’s (Sam’s brother) best friend and 7 years her senior was one of the reasons that held him back. Sam, because of her self doubt and constant miscommunication, held her back and ultimately reached to that decision to leave town.
Once back together in the same place after a year apart, has this book filled with little steamy moments of “is he or isn’t he… is she or isn’t she…” it was so cute seeing these two go back and forth between their “harmless” flirting.
And when those sparks finally ignited?? HUGE FREAKING FIREWORKS!
Man, this book was steamy… wipe my reading glasses a few times from all that steam.
Aside from all that juiciness, it was beautiful to see these two help each other battle their pasts. “Loving you was the only way this was ever going to end.”
Can’t wait to see what else Jeannine Allison has in store for us!
“I love you. I miss you. Forever, Sam.”
I knew I would love this story before this book was even released. I have been patiently waiting for Derek and Sam’s story and the wait was well worth it.
I have to say I think this is my FAVORITE of the whole series. Don’t get me wrong each book has a special place in my heart but this one was just a bit more for me.
The author has gone over some pretty heavy real life issues in each of the stories she has told for these characters but I feel Derek and Sam’s hit as close to home for myself.
These two have been fighting their feelings for years. Sam was so young when they met and Derek was her brother’s best friend which means something in the Bro Code. They tried to deny it and a little break should have helped, but it only intensified for both of them. Now that they are finally able to admit their feelings for one another will the decisions of their past come back and tear them apart?
I know I will eventually re-read this whole series now that it has been released so I would highly recommend this to anyone who will listen. Keep and open mind and imerse yourself in the Unveinling series and buckle up for an emotional journey.
I could not wait for Derek and Sam’s story. I knew that it was going to be amazing and let me tell you It was worth the wait!
This is a beautifully written slow burn story of the older brother’s best friend.
Sam and Derek story is about life, loss, friendship, love and forgiveness.
Jeannine has an amazing talent with her writing and making her characters come to life.
Derek and Sams story had me laughing, crying, swooning and left me with a heart full of love and happiness.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and it has become one of my all time favourites!
This book was EVERYTHING! The feels, the emotions, the interaction between the characters, aye, everything was SPOT ON. (Yes the capitals are necessary).
Jeannine Allison has joined a very VERY small group of authors who have made me cry. The way Allison uses descriptive language to explain hardship and emotion is astounding. She does it so effortlessly and with such grace. It reads fluidly and eloquently.
I LOVED Derek and Sam. They are such beautiful souls and I fell hard for both of them. They’re individual journeys were heartbreaking and their joint one wasn’t easy, but they held onto hope and it was beautiful.
I loved the intermittent letters throughout the book. They were truly special and gave the book another dimension. A beauty by Allison.
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….
Finally getting Derek and Sam’s story. Next to Sherry and Hunter, Derek and Sam are a favorite of mine. What a beautiful book to end a series, although I’m saddened at the same time. If you give this series a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
Unveiling Hope by Jeannine Allison is the 5th and final book in the Unveiling series!! Although it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning!! You’ll see a lot of previous couples from other books and it’s a great way to see where they are in life after their own novel.
Unveiling Hope gave me everything I could ever want in a novel… major slow burn, forbidden romance, a bit of angst with just the right amount of feels!!
I absolutely loved Derek and he quickly became one of my favorite men from this series! “Loving you was the only way this was going to end.” Que all the swooning!!! Sam was a character I found myself rooting for! In the beginning, my heart broke right along with hers!! I’m so proud of her that she finally stood up and did the right thing for herself!! The chemistry between these two characters is explosive and you could feel the tension when they weren’t together!
Great ending to a perfect series!!! Can’t wait to see what the author has lined up next!!!
Unveiling Hope is the 5th and final book in the Unveiling series. There aren’t enough words to express how much I loved this story. I’ve anxiously awaited Derek and Sam’s story and Jeannine Allison did not disappoint. This book was worth the wait.
Their novel was well-written and full of emotions. OMG…I just could not get enough. You could feel the emotions throughout the story. The characters both strong yet flawed in their own way, were so well-developed and you were rooting for everything to just work out well for them. These two had a connection from the start of this series and their chemistry just grew more intense. I loved that we also got the characters from the previous novels in this story.
This page turner was another phenomenal read and you will not be able to put it down. With steamy scenes, a fantastic storyline and a HEA ending I absolutely loved this novel and I would highly recommend it.
I have been waiting for Derek and Sam’s story since Unveiling the Sky. There were so many hints that something was going on but you had to constantly guess what was happening. Now we know! This book takes you through so many emotions. You feel like you’re Derek or Sam. I loved their story and was not disappointed! The best is that Jeannine doesn’t leave you hanging. I love the flash forwards at the end!
***4.75 Stars***
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
So, I’ve been a Jeannine Allison fan for quite a while now but I have to honestly say this is her best work to date.
Sam and Derek stole my heart! This book is technically part of a series but CAN be read as a standalone but if you have kept up with the series you’ll know that this is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance. Sam and Derek have waited so long for their romance and it was absolutely worth the wait!!
I really loved both of these characters. Sam is a sweetheart and what might seem like her weaknesses are actually her biggest strengths. I admired her so much. It took her a while to finally stand up for whatshe wanted but once she did, she made no apologies for how she chose to live her life.
I adored Derek!! He actually respected Sam which, unfortunately, is sometimes hard to find in this genre. Derek had just the right amount of alpha-male without him coming across as a misogynistic caveman. Oh, and their sex scenes were STEAMY!!!
I loved this book so much and I really don’t want to give too much away!!! It’s definitely my favorite Jeannine Allison novel so far! Novels like this are why I love reading romance. DO NOT miss out on this outstanding read!