Jeannine Allison

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes there are books that connect with you in every single way and Unveiling The Sky was that book for me. I smiled with the characters, cried with the characters, and even got a little angry right alongside the characters. A lot of times I use the word to describe broken to describe a character, but that word just doesn't seem right anymore. Alara and Gabe believe themselves to be broken, but they weren't at all. They were a little lost, wandering through life, but definitely not broken. Jeannine Allison created two protagonists that were the most realistic characters I have ever read. With dual POV's the reader gets to know the charming Alara and the stubborn Gabe as they both deal with major life events that change the shapes of their lives forever. I adored both of them, I felt like I knew both of them, and I was so emotional this entire story as I felt every little thing they went through. I love that they found each other at what they believed to be the most unlikely time, but really they helped each other find out who they really could be.

"Sometims I feel fragmented, like all I have are a bunch of random pieces that don't fit together anymore. I want to give you all of me. But will you want all of me when you realize I'm in pieces?"

Unveiling The Sky could easily be described as a heavy book, possibly an ugly cry novel, or maybe even over the top if you're the kind of person that likes happiness, but what it really was for me was incredibly realistic. The book touches on everything from life, death, friendship, family, cancer, depression, acceptance, forgiveness, and more. Jeannine Allison did an incredible job of tackling the subject of depression, bringing it to life, describing it, but also showing so much hope. I didn't expect to relate to it so much, but from page one I understood both Gabe and Alara, their story had parts of my own story. I think every reader will find something in this book that touches them, that connects and resonates. There is a ton of dialogue in this book, but I think the dialogue is what progresses the story, shows the development, and really explains how complex each character is. On top of dealing with a lot of emotionally heavy subjects, we meet 5 friends and get to know them in different ways as well, we see everything from their eyes, and I can definitely say I am glad this is a series, because I want to get to know all of them.

"...We all need certain people in our life. Some make sense, some don't, and I don't know where she falls, but I can tell you need her." She stopped suddenly like something just occurred to her. "So maybe you don't need to understand her; maybe you just need to want to."

I highly suggest Unveiling The Sky for all readers, fan of any genre type. While it falls in the New Adult category, I think Jeannine Allison successfully wrote a novel that people will find understanding and compassion in, as well as understanding. I might have cried my way through this book (starting at 23%), but I also highlighted countless passages and when I got done I was smiling. This beautiful (not just the cover) novel is absolutely a new favorite and I cannot wait for book two, Naomi's story.

I could still believe that happy days were in my future; they were just waiting for me to find them.


*Definitely check out the playlist for this book*… (mais)

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Don't wear makeup when you read Unveiling Chaos and definitely don't read it around people, because they'll look at you like you're crazy when you start sniffling and crying.

Unveiling Chaos is the second novel in the Unveiling series, but can be read as a standalone. It is a honest and realistic look at the life of a group of friends, particularly that of Naomi and her friends with benefits relationship she starts with Damien. The POV alternated between Naomi and Damien, allowing us to revisit Naomi and her life she shares with friends we met previously in Unveiling the Sky and her growth as she comes to accept her emotions for Damien as he shows her a different outlook on life. Naomi is the polar opposite of her best friend Alara, she holds her emotions in, she has control of every aspect of life, and moving on from her ex and into a FWB situation is easy. Until that control starts to crumble as everything she's pushed aside starts to eat at her.

"I can give you time." I paused as her eyes flashed with temporary relief. "But I won't give you much."

Jeannine Allison's writing brings this story to life, the emotions flowing from the pages and into your heart. I felt the heartbreak, the hope, the lust, and the love just as Damien and Naomi did. What I love most though is that it wasn't a light, fluffy romance, it's got far more to the story than just the romance between the main characters. With topics related to addiction, motherhood, money, and friendship, Unveiling Chaos really reads true to how real life works. I loved every character; Naomi has a bit of a frozen heart, Damien is an alpha that's more sweetheart than controlling, and the secondary characters only make the story more well rounded. The characters lean on one another and push the others to be better, they aren't just flat characters put there to move along the two main character's story. Plus, there's the dialogue. Every character has a moment that they share with Naomi or Damien, or both, that really brings to perspective the events they are dealing with. I highlighted a lot, loved the entire story, cried a bit, and really felt for the characters from start to finish.

"You feel, Naomi, and then you hold onto that for as long as you can."

If you're looking for a romance that's realistic and got just the right amount of angst, plus incredibly well-developed characters, Unveiling Chaos by Jeannine Allison is definitely one I suggest. The story was engaging and the topic of love and acceptance that is weaved through out the story was profound.

Once again, And all at once, I fell. I soared. It was chaos. It was perfect.… (mais)

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Sherry lost everything four years ago, she was ready to give up hope on her one hold to the past, but a single alert to her phone changes everything. Hunter is back. Desperate to see him, to get her answers, she returns home hoping that their love story still is just as strong as it was four years ago. Hunter never lost sight of Sherry, he was protecting her from himself, but seeing her again shows him that he could never be without her. His father's death gives them an opportunity, but when the truth is revealed Hunter isn't sure their love story will have the positive ending they hoped for.

Oh second chance romance, how I love thee. A standalone in the Unveiling series, Unveiling Ghosts is Sherry and Hunter's story. Entirely believable, Jeannine Allison weaves a story of love, loss, and heartbreak as two characters finally come together and face the events that left both alone and missing each other. Four years did nothing to change Sherry or Hunter's emotions and I rooted for them from the very start. Sherry is a unique character, held back by her grief from truly living despite going through the motions. Hunter is more like a force to be reckoned with, succeeding at living life but holding onto an emotion he believes in and the girl that makes him feel that way. Together they are a beautiful couple, but don't go thinking that it's as easy as it sounds. Jeannine Allison stays true to how life really works, allowing the two to only enjoy their feelings for one another for a moment before forcing them to dive into the truths of the past. The history between these two is revealed over the course of the novel, as each character's POV chapter switches between the present and their youth starting at age 10. Readers don't just hear about their past, but see it play out.

Unveiling Ghosts is a fairly heavy novel when it comes to playing with the emotions. I absolutely teared up a time or two, got a bit angry at each character's situation, and felt all the swoon-y love as they reconnected and revisited their friendship turned love story. The pacing is slower and the novel is lengthy, but it is worth the time to read with how realistic it is. Jeannine Allison is an author I can never say no to, this series continuously shows her skill at writing true human emotions and connections.… (mais)

5 Stars
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Nicholas Blake is hardened and distrustful, he excepts only the worst, and knows everything comes with a price. After a nearly-fatal car accident, he finds himself in need of a kidney transplant and his spot on the list isn't very high. When a young woman offers her kidney, he knows she has to want something, he just isn't sure what. Iris Chamberlain is beautiful, smart, and kind, but even after spending all their time together he cannot find it in himself to trust her. He cannot see how anyone can be so happy, so good, so pure. When their relationship forms into a friendship and later a romance, their bond is tested by secrets that might break Nick for the last time.

"I choose to see the good in people because too many people see the bad."

Pure Hearts is a sweet read with a bit of an angsty-punch. Jeannine Allison built the story up in layers, introducing us to each character, each person's background, a little at a time. It's a relatable story with a profound, but simple message; see the good in all you can. Main characters Iris and Nick meet by chance, drawn together by Iris' goodwill and natural calling to help. Nick's skepticism would push anyone away, but not Iris, and not his mother that sees something more could be brewing. Their relationship is a slow build, it is anything but love at first sight, but it makes for engaging dialogue, natural progression, and encounters that would make anyone think they had found their soulmate. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle, Iris bringing out the once-buried happiness in Nick's life. Even the secondary characters carry the story forward, with Nick's mom encouraging his growth and Iris' family caring for her in ways she never even realized they did. I felt connected to the characters from the start and found myself cheering right alongside Nick's mom for the good to outweigh Nick's heavy heart.

"Because I was beginning to think that the thing I was going to live for, the thing my heart would beat for, and the thing worth finding...I'd already found. She was standing right in front of me."

I am a massive fan of Jeannine Allison, from her first release to this most recent novel, she writes characters that are honest and inspiring, story lines that are real, and books that break the mold. They're engaging, well-written, and inspiring in ways you wouldn't expect. Pure Hearts made me want to be an Iris, her personality is infection and her outlook on the world is refreshing. It's an emotional story with a sweet ending and a life lesson that we all should remember. It's about trust, love, and forgiveness and I think readers will find themselves in love with it just as I am.

"Anger was the easiest mask to slip on, the most readily available. It was bulletproof-nearly indestructible. Little could penetrate it. Not grief, reason, or love."… (mais)