Sweet Hope

Sweet Home #3

by Tillie Cole

From the USA Today Bestselling Sweet Home Series, comes Sweet Hope.

My name is Ally Prince and I've always been unlucky in love. I don’t know why, I just always… have.

When all of my best friends were falling for their soul mates in College, I was left behind. I was Ally, the pretty cousin of superstar quarterback, Romeo Prince. I was Ally, the best friend to the most amazing group of girls I've ever known—a title I loved, but one I became tired of 'just' being. And I was Ally, the one on which they could all rely.

But to me, I was Ally, the girl with the heart no one had claimed... And I was, Ally, the girl, who underneath it all, was heart-breakingly lonely.

I LOVE love; the thought of it, the nervous excitement of falling for Mr. Right, the desire of someone becoming my entire world... of me becoming theirs. I’ve always wanted passion, heart-stopping, epic, life-changing romance... I’ve always wanted the fairytale… I’ve always wanted it all.

It just never seemed like I would get it.

For the past few years I've thrown myself into my career as a museum curator. I’m the best of the best, the person every museum wants to hire, so when an opportunity came up to move to Seattle, I jumped at the chance. My cousin and my best friend lived in Seattle and I needed a change.

I needed a new beginning.

I wasn't expecting to meet anyone in the Emerald City. I wasn't expecting to work closely with the reclusive new sculptor my all-important gallery design was centered around. And I certainly wasn't expecting to fall for him... heart-stopping, epic, life-changing love...
My real life fairytale come true.

But, like in every fairytale, there’s a villain, a dark and tortured soul... I just didn't know that the villain and the hero in my story would end up being one and the same.

New Adult Romance Novel—contains adult content, sexual situations and mature topics. Suited for ages 18 and up.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Emotional, Sports Romance

295 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2015

About the author

Amazon & USA Today Best Selling Author, Tillie Cole, is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother -- a farmer's daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.

Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.

One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.

Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!

After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ‘my hope, my light’ stars!



Tillie Cole presses my love buttons like no other author. She makes her way right to the top of my favorites list with every beautiful, emotional and stunning story she tells. Her writing is completely captivating and her stories move me like no other. I really thought there was no way any of the ‘Sweet Home’ books could compare to Sweet Fall for me. That book is so special and will always hold a place in my heart. I can happily say that this book was just as good as Sweet Fall. Just as beautiful, just as heart wrenching and just as moving. It wrecked me in the best possible way.

Ally Prince is now an art curator. It’s her dream job. And she just got the opportunity of a lifetime. To work with an artist that moves her. That she’s admired for a long time. For Elpidio.



Elpi is a man who’s made a lot of mistakes. He’s a broken hero. He’s trying to make changes in his life. Trying to redeem himself for the things he’s done in his past. He’s not sure if he can ever really make up for the wrong doings in his life, but he’s trying. He expresses his pain, his guilt, and all the things from his past he wants to remember and wants to forget through his sculptures. When he decides to show them, he wants it to be anonymous, hence the name Elpi. He never wants anyone to see him or know him as Elpi. But Ally does. She works her way in.

He was… dark. There was no other adjective I could think of to do him justice. Dark, aggressively tattooed, and absolutely yet unconventionally… beautiful.

For the first time ever, someone was sharing in this pain with me. A virtual stranger. And I didn’t know what the hell to do with how damn good that felt. I’d vowed to never let anyone in. I didn’t understand why I’d broken that vow with her.

Give me a broken boy, a damaged man and I am a happy reader. Elpi is so broken from his past. He has so much darkness he just wants to be free of. He wants to move on with his life and get over the things that have happened but becoming free from your past is not an easy task. He’s been living in darkness for so long. But now that Ally is in his life, now that he’s finally connected to someone for the first time in years, he has some light in the darkness. Some hope.

She was fucking perfection. She was light. A blazing golden light. When you’re locked in perpetual darkness, you’ll do anything to fucking chase that light.


I loved the broken hero in this story, but I’m going to just take a moment and completely gush over this heroine. Ally Prince is someone special. She is strong, she is sweet, she is compassionate and she see’s beyond the exterior. She sees the person Elpi is within. She is able to make him see his worth when no one else in the world can. She is able to pull him out of this darkness for a while. She made my heart happy. I love this heroine so much. She is the absolute best.

“You are worth your weight in gold, Elpi. You are someone, someone real special.”

Sweet Hope is a gorgeous romance, but it is so much more than that. It’s a story of healing. Of guilt, forgiveness, moving forward and acceptance. It’s a story of hope. This is a story that touched my heart. It’s been days since I’ve read and I can’t get it off my mind. I can’t wait for everyone else to read and really ‘meet’ Ally and Elpi. Yes, you see them in the other 3 books, but you don’t really know either of them. How beautiful their hearts are and the people they really are.




Sweet Hope is not a standalone. You should (at least) read Sweet Fall before you read this. If not the entire series. Trust me, they are worth while reads. This is a series that is just fantastic. I love all the books so much. I loved reading this and seeing all my favorite characters from the previous books. It made me so happy to see them all together and thriving.

I feel like I’m writing my own little book here so I’ll wrap it up. If you haven’t read this series read it!. And as soon as you do READ THIS BOOK! Another stunning story going to the top of my favorites list!

“I always wanted this. I always wanted this kind of love, this intense love… I just never realized it could be so much more… until you.”

[Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****FIVE STARS*****


"You are my hope, Ally. You're every hope I've ever dared to have...la mia luce."








I went into this book with low expectations after seeing several negative reviews. I also was hoping that the guy I despised from "Sweet Fall", was not going to be the love interest for Ally. I always liked Ally and hoped she would get a kick ass love interest. Well, to my utter surprise Mr Axel Carillo "aka" Elpi, was the PERFECT man for her!!!




The entire time I read this, I kept waiting for something to get on my nerves. It never happened. Yes, there is a lot of crying going on, but there were so many valid reasons for the tears. Elpi really made a mess of his life and almost ruined the lives of his two younger brothers. Add on top of that, the fact that he wasn't there when his momma died, this man has so much pain and guilt that he carries with him wherever he goes. He doesn't think he's worthy of redemption.




Tillie Cole is an amazing author because she made me completely forgive Axel. Once you learn of his suffering and all the things he did to try to protect his mom and little brothers, you can't help but fall for him. He also ends up learning how to sculpt while in prison. His marble sculptures get discovered by a very famous artist, who helps Elpi become somewhat of a celebrity in the art community. Ally is an art curator and is also one of Elpi's biggest fans. She lands the job as the art curator for Elpi's upcoming showcase in Seattle.




Ally and Elpi have an instant attraction to each other. Although Elpi tried to fight his feelings for Ally, he really never stood a chance. She ends up being his light, his hope. These two have some of the steamiest scenes ever.69 anyone???!!




So I thought what should I rate this book when I finished. I honestly enjoyed the entire story and I even shed a few tears. So many scenes grabbed a hold of my heart. I was rooting for Axel to have the loving bond with his brothers that they had when they were younger. I loved seeing the complete transformation of Axel and the Epilogue wrapped everything up so beautifully. This book gave me so many "feels" that I couldn't justify giving it anything less than a five star rating.

[Mysza · Rating 2 out of 5]

** 2,5 stars overall **

***** 5 stars for the story *****
* 1 star for the writing *



No, for real...



Because it was such a great series, I loved first 3 books and this one, to my utter astonishment, was such a disappointment. The story was powerful, it had great potential, it could have been brilliant. The reclusive, talented artist, trying so much to redeem himself, regretting his sins and all the wrongs he did, to the point that he didn't want anyone to know his identity because he felt he didn't deserve any attention, praise or a good word. The idea was excellent and this book could have been solid 5 star for me, if only written differently.

First, I think it was way too cheesy for my taste. The author probably wanted it to be perfect, but instead, I think she overdid it. Ok, Ally was his and he was hers lightning, la mia luce, their hearts and souls were fused, I get it, but when I'm reading about it for the tenth time, the shit gets old, you know?

Second, I can't understand a thing in Italian or Spanish for that matter and constant googling phrases started to get on my nerves...

Third, the crying, OMG, the crying, for real, why so much crying?











In the beginning, I thought "Ok, they are pretty emotional, I can deal."
And then "Oh, they really cry a lot"
And then "Shit, can they stop already?"
And then "For fucks sake, that's enough."
I am not exaggerating, at the end it was unbearable, I hardly finished. They cried in almost every paragraph the last 20% of the book.



And I'm just wondering, were there any beta readers? And if so, hell, I wouldn't want betas like that. It's simply not possible not to notice this thing while reading and not telling the author that it is a huge mistake. It's like not telling your girlfriend that she has lipstick on her teeth.

It makes me sad, because as I said before, the story was strong and the book could have been epic, but somewhere along the way the author exaggerated with big words and the crying fest.
Now, I just want a redo!

PS. I checked, the word "tear" was used 114 times in the book! Just sayin'....

Buddy read with lovely Nikki, Jennifer, Brandi and Leslie. <3

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Redeeming Stars.



Ally is a curator that fell in love with a sculptor work before meeting the artist himself. Hired to be the curator of his work in a exhibition in Seattle, she finally meets the man behind the art. And she falls in love with the broken and guilt-driven Elpidio.



Elpidio had a bad past, full of mistakes and bad-decisions. And although those decisions were made out of love and concern he strongly believes that aren’t enough rights in the world to ease his wrongs. When he meets Ally, the first person who truly understands him and his work, for the first time in his dark life he starts to see the light. But with their lives more entwined than they thought and with his ghosts still chasing him, how can he hold on to the hope that the only person who loved him in years and he loves back, will not run way when she found out who he was?



I can’t even begin to describe this book. Probably with the fact that made me very happy to find out that Elpidio was who I suspected him to be. I loved Ally in the former books so I was really excited about reading her story, and she did not disappoint. Yes, there was times when the story was a bit cheesy and cliché, but it wrapped up so well that you almost don’t notice it. In an amazingly written and engaging prose, this series end with a mix of feelings of fulfillment, happiness, and sadness in the knowledge that this book is the end of an era. But don't you worry, it ends with an amazing epilogue that will bring you to tears. (Any chance we can have little Levi story?)
If you haven’t start this series yet I strongly advise you to start now, you’re missing out in a set of utterly remarkable love stories.



Rating: 5 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved Ally! I mean, I had already love her in the previous books, but seeing her now, strong, sweet and confident it was great. She was truly an amazing heroine and her "happy & bubbly" personality complemented perfectly Elpidio's dark one.
Elpidio was also a pretty good hero. It was almost hard to see all the guilt he bear because of his past, how broken he was. But it was equally amazing seeing him slowly come to life again. I loved how he got to see more of the others and all they all become a strong family.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects: Violence. Drugs. REALLY low self-worth. Want more?
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!



One of my favorite books from last year was book 3 in this series Sweet Fall and though I was completely happy with that book, a few plot events that happened there made me see that a certain side character was practically screaming for a book, so I’m ecstatic that the author decided to write this one. But before I say anything else I have to stress that this book is not meant to be read as a standalone. You must read at least Sweet Fall beforehand. Now back to Sweet Hope...

I liked this book. It’s a passionate romance story that made my heart pound and had a sweet and loving heroine and a tormented, mysterious hero. Add that with this author’s great writing and the wonderful cast of side characters from previous books it really made this story shine. Along the way, I did take note of little things that were bothersome but at that point, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book much. In hindsight, I should’ve realized that all of these little things would accumulate and once I actually hit something I really didn’t like (which happened in the 2nd half of the book), they would become major problems for me because that’s what ended up happening.

The book started off strong – I love character-driven stories and this was definitely one of them. The heroine Ally Prince is a woman with ambitious career goals and she’s determined to curate an art display for the artist she’s long admired – the hero Elpidio. Even though she’s in love with his work, she’s even more intrigued with the man behind it. Quick observation here: it’s probably just me, but it was a little disturbing to read just how obsessed she was when she never met the guy prior to the exhibit. But in the end, I let that one slide because I can see why she was so fascinated – whenever Elpidio entered the scene, everything just got intense and I couldn’t help but be drawn to this man who was so tormented and could only communicate his emotions through his magnificent sculptures.



I think what made this book for me was Elpidio. Ally was a perfectly likable heroine and complemented his dark personality with her light, bubbly one, but I’m a sucker for ‘fallen angel’ characters and that’s exactly who Elpidio was. He’s made really, really bad choices in his past that he now regrets and has gone through so much it’s a wonder the man is still alive and kicking. But deep down, he’s just a guy who wanted nothing more than to protect his family and loved ones, and if playing dirty would keep them safe, he’d do it in a heartbeat.

The romance here definitely felt instantaneous to me, but I loved it anyways because the author wrote it in a way there were no doubts that Ally and Elpidio were each other’s soul mates. However, some events and plot devices happened soon that I wasn’t a fan of, and dragged down my rating:

The timeline was all over the place. While I didn’t have trouble keeping track where the story was at a certain point, I didn’t like the multiple time jumps. Combine that with the occasional flashback scene and I got annoyed by the time I was near the end of the book. This issue isn’t something I’m complaining about just for this book – just like some readers can’t stand cheating, I can’t stand time gaps, especially not ones where chapters in the story started off with ‘a few weeks later,’ ‘a year later,’ ‘fifteen years later,’ etc…Bottom line is, I like continuity in my stories.

Major character stupidity. Okay...this is the main problem I had with Elpidio and other side characters in the second half of the book. To avoid plot spoilers, I won’t list out the exact details but the root of the problem is miscommunication that drove a wedge between these characters and of course, running away is the first solution which leads to even more drama. This was in the final quarter of the book and at this point I kept thinking to myself haven’t these people gone through enough already?! Just get on with the romance!

From book 3 I already had a soft spot for the Carillo brothers (especially Austin), and seeing them in here at one crucial scene near the end made me cry. The epilogue was also one of the most beautiful book endings I’ve read and really wrapped up this story along with the entire series.



As for my rating, I wavered between 3.5 and 4 because I seriously adored this hero but wasn’t a fan of how the author executed the story from the halfway mark and on. In the end, I’m going with 3.5 stars as I did like it and would still recommend it but it didn’t leave an as memorable impression on me like Sweet Fall did.

Sweet Hope is the final book in the Sweet Home series. You must read Sweet Fall first as the plot and characters are closely connected.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

P.S. I also think these characters cried too much but that's just me!

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★ ♡TOP READ of 2015♡

Now LIVE!
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1He0qqo
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1He0uXq

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

"The most beautiful art is often born from the most desperate of circumstances."

Ally Prince is a 27 years old museum curator. She lives for her love of art and when she lands her dream job curating an exhibition by her favourite artist, modern sculptor Elpidio, she is beyond happy and excited to be given the opportunity to showcase his sculptures after admiring them for so long.

"His works... They are both the saddest and most beautiful pieces of art I have ever seen.
Every curve of the marble comes from deep within the heart."

She flies from her home in LA and goes to stay with her cousin Rome and best friend Molly in Seattle, where the exhibition will take place.

Elpidio is a lonely and reclusive man who learnt his craft in prison. He sculpts to help curb the anger that lives inside his soul. When his mentor Vin Galanti arranges for his work to appear in a début exhibition, he is reluctant to share his pain and grief that his pieces represent, but when he discovers that the show will take place in Seattle, he decides that maybe it's the perfect time to face his past. - he has family that he let down terribly and needs to make amends with.

Elpi is lurking in the shadows watching the beautiful curator Aliyana Lucia arrange his sculptures in such a reverent way when he is spotted, something he never intended to happen, but Ally is determined to find out what inspired such sad and beautiful art. She simply cannot let him slink away and he can't seem to find it in him to escape her either.

"Fuck porn. A chick as hot as Aliyana Lucia sitting in front of me, hair ruffled in a messy knot and shirt gaping, talking to me in Spanish was the hottest thing I'd ever fucking seen."

They find themselves meeting every night in the cover of darkness, to talk about the art but discover they connect on a deeper level, which surprises them both.

"He's the most inspiring, courageous, beautifully dark, tortured, talented sculptor I've ever encountered..."

It's not long before they both discover that Elpidio and Aliyana are not quite who they made out to be and Ally discovers that not only was she unintentionally hiding her identity, but Elpidio was most definitely not the man she thought he was. The only trouble is, it may be too late now that he has taken root in her heart.


_ _ _ _

This book was so much more than a simple love story, it touched me so deeply how Elpi was so truly broken by his past sins, and how Ally vowed to show him that he was a good man who did bad things only to protect his family. She needed him to realise that he didn't know any better, that he was just a child who didn't have any other choices but to do bad things to survive.



Everything he did as a young teen was to protect and support his brothers. He doesn't believe he deserves anything good in life whatsoever, but Ally gives him the one thing he never imagined he'd have. Hope.

He cannot understand why Ally anything to do with him, he keeps warning her to stay away, that he is trouble and a bad person.

"And even crazier, she loved my work... the twisted, fucked-up sculptures from my mind."

But she sees him for the man he is today, a man who loves his family so unconditionally that he couldn't possibly have a black heart. She will fight for him, and with him, to bring him the redemption she believes he deserves.

For him, she is the light who makes his darkness go away

"Lei era speranza...She was hope. La mia luce... my light."

_ _ _ _

This book hit me right in the gut, it was so sad but full of hope at the same time. It was the perfect end to this series and by far the best book Tillie has ever written. Get your tissues ready for this one, it was an emotional one but heart-warming at the same time. This is a story about LOVE. FAMILY, HOPE and REDEMPTION.

I loved this book so much, it was just that good and it really touched my heart so deeply.

Told in dual POV, it is necessary to have read Sweet Fall first in order to truly understand the dynamics of the characters and the back story of Elpidio and Ally.

Sweet Fall Review

ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

”Hope is a fervent, silent wish that everything will turn out just as you dream…”



I LOVE this series but this story was a bit too cheesy and predictable for my tastes and not as gritty as I expected. Ally is a terrific character and I was so excited that her time to find love has arrived. Having it be with a hot broken artist to boot was a total extra bonus. (Speaking of his work, Colleen Hoover ruined me because I totally expected to see pictures of these pieces in this book.)

Ally is taken with Elpi’s work and stoked to be his curator for his first showing in Seattle. She flies out from New York to stay with Rome and Molly and get working on her dream job. Her deep feelings for each of his sculptures and excitement was fantastic. The artist and Ally’s connection and scenes were hot and steamy...still a bit farfetched how they got together in the first place (I kept waiting for Vic’s connection to the group- like a professor from Bama or something). All the art work was very well described as were this couples scenes together in his studio and the love they find in one another.

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I must be pretty cold hearted because there was way too much character crying going on in this story…



Still some scenes did yank on my heartstrings and I loved the family aspect of the story. Ally and Elpi’s relationship was sweet and how it affected the cast of characters in this series. At times the story was over the top dramatic and just didn’t wow me. However, I’m a huge fan of this series well beyond their years with Bama and would not be opposed to another book!

“You’re not the villain in this story, you’re the beautifully flawed hero. You’re the dark hero who has been sacrificing himself all along.”

Thanks for the Buddy Read Mysza, Brandi, Nikki & Leslie
❤ You Girls!

[Katy Loves Romance ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 Emotional final endings stars******

This is a spoiler free review but in order to understand this book please read first



This story effected me so deeply I'm not sure if it's because I have read this series pretty recently but for me this was the perfect ending to an Outstanding, Deep and Beautiful series.

I was excited to find out more about Ally, the striking and beautiful woman we read in the previous stories. When we read her tid bits from the previous books I saw how beautiful she was on the inside (giving the extra mile) as well as on the outside, yet she was lonely and wanted what her friends had. She didn't just want a relationship but she wanted to NEED her man, she wanted something deeper something that was for her and in that this story is about a true love a story that through unlikely sources finds something deeper and something that from the outside people judge yet from the inside is right.

Ally is an art curator, she is there at forefront to work with the artists to make the pieces look right, to make them look how the audience should see them for the beauty they are. She is employed to design the work of sculpture artist Elpido the reclusive who she has followed for years the artist no-one has ever met who knows nothing about, this is her dream job and here she is taking this opportunity with both hands to create something that will make Elpido proud of his work.




Elpi is a dark soul and comes to the gallery at night only to see how things are progressing in that Ally bumps into him, and slowly Ally begins to strip Eli of his troubles and try and understand what the pain in his pieces are all about. At night they begin to gain a friendship based on their loneliness.

Ally has watched her cousin (Rome) and best friend (Molly) fall in love and wants that for herself, she never expected to start to fall for a man that has a dark past yet she keeps going back to Elpi because there is just something so very special about him, something unique and different and something That she desperately wants.





Elpi has a darker past full of pain and he has done things that he's not proud of he is a broken man, a sinful man, a man that he thinks Ally should stay away from but again Elpi finds himself craving Ally likewise he has never felt like this before. These are two souls that want and crave each other, two people that find something in each other that nobody else can or has ever given them. Ally is Elpis light and what Elpi doesn't understand is Elpi is the same for Ally you can't help who you fall for. This is such a beautiful story about hope and chances about finding the right person for ourselves its about giving life a chance, giving ourselves a chance to breathe and believe that there is goodness in people who may look on the outside dangerous yet on the inside have hearts of gold.





This was a character driven story about possibilities, about family friendships and LOVE a different raw kind of love and these slightly darker stories are always worth the read in my opinion I connect to them much deeper but that's just me.




I urge anyone who hasn't started to read this series to start and give it a chance because for me this one of the best NA romances out there. I will forever keep all these characters close to my heart. Thank you Tillie for giving us stories that mean something for giving us something to think about something to cherish for giving us LOVE and for endings and healing I LOVED EVERY DAMN WORD, but most of all thank you for giving us characters that gripped my every core and made me FEEL.

That is all and thanks for reading my emotional review.

Read my Reviews for the rest of the series
SWEET HOME ~ http://bit.ly/1P2T2nt
SWEET ROME ~ http://bit.ly/1I7N1DX
SWEET FALL ~ http://bit.ly/1F6vKF8

ARC gifted via Have Book Will Read in exchange for an honest review

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Sweet Hope
Series: Sweet Home,#4
Author: Tillie Cole
Release date: 29th March, 2015
Rating: 3.5-4 "Lighting" stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes





Every time I read a book from Tillie Cole's Sweet Home Series it pretty much guarantees there will be an abundance of feels and tears. Sweet Hope does not disappoint, on this occasion the mass of emotion comes courtesy of Ally and Elpidio. Ally's role so far in this series has been that of sweet, loyal cousin and friend besides that, she's a bit of a mystery and I had been looking forward to learning more about her.

Working as a curator, Ally has just been afforded the opportunity that not only will be of professional development to her but also personally inspiring. The Artist in question is the mysterious Elpidio. Having followed and studied his work previously it's important to her to understand the man behind his creations.



Elpi is a tortured individual so weighed down by tremendous guilt and the mistakes of his past, he refuses to see any of the goodness Ally sees in him. She is the smooth to his rough edges, the light to his darkness. Rather than repel her, he speaks to her soul. Her faith in him is unrelenting. It's impossible to not warm to Ally, she becomes his main source of positivity and as a reader their best interests became mine.



The professional relationship blurs and sculpts into a a physical and emotional one. It's guilty of being a little corny at times and I dare say too intense for my fragile nature at times too. I would have liked to have seen some lighter times between them but at the same time I recognise the authors ability of staying honest to the story. To understand the depth of Sweet Hope you have to read Sweet Fall but I say, this series is too great to not read them all.



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[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars



This has been an enjoyable series, with Sweet Fall being my favorite. Ally and Elpidio story made for a quick read, but maybe a little to sappy for me. There was some instalove and a fair amount of cheesiness. That said, it was easy to pull for Ally and Elpi, I enjoyed both characters. And Elpi, my heart broke for him a few times, but overall the story was a little too predictable. So while it had its moments, this wasn't an epic story for me. It was nice to catch up with the Sweet Home gang, but these people were constantly crying, and it drove me nuts. Seriously, someone always had tears in their eyes, or running down their face...and I guess I'm an unfeeling bitch, because not one tear did I shed.



Thanks, Jennifer, Mysza, Nikki, and Leslie for the BR. <33

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something so beautiful and unique about Tillie’s writing. Whether it’s a motorcycle club, a college football player, or an troubled artist I can’t help but fall in love.

I have liked Ally since we first met her in Sweet Home. She was the beautiful, popular cheerleader who was just a good person. She loves her friends, family and is crazy loyal, so I couldn’t wait to finally read her story. Speculating and guessing as to who her mystery guy would be was half the fun and I was so pleased to learn who her love interest would be.

I had an insatiable need to know more. I didn’t know Elpidio, not at all. But something inside me wanted to help him heal.

Elpidio is a famous artist, but no one knows the man behind his alias. Ally is so excited when she lands the curator position for his show in Seattle. His pieces have inspired and evoked so much emotion in her, and she is in love with his work before she ever lays eyes on the man behind it.



It is an odd feeling to have fans who love and adore you when you hate yourself and that is exactly how Elpidio feels. He doesn’t feel comfortable with his success, but it’s an unstoppable force. Like most artist, he didn’t get into art for the money or fame, it’s his way of working through his many emotions, mainly regret and fear.

When Ally and Elpidio meet for the first time they have no idea their pasts are linked together. It has been a long time and they’re faraway from home. So without any outside influences they are able to get to know each other and form a connection.

She was fucking perfection. She was light. A blazing golden light. When you’re locked in perpetual darkness, you’ll do anything to fucking chase that light.

I loved this time they had together, it was sweet and sexy. But what I really enjoyed was the build up, because as the reader you know their connection and can only speculate as to how things will play out. I was on the edge of my seat dying to see what would happen, wanting them to further their connection, but also wanting the truth known…I was torn.



Sweet Hope broke my heart. I loved every aspect of this story. Seeing them meet and get to know each other was sweet and heartwarming. Then to see the aftermath of their identities, watching them fall apart and deciding on where to go next broke my heart.

It was the most intense and meaningful moment of my life. Here, deep inside this woman who only knew the man I was now, not the unfeeling bastard I was before, was my more.

This is a story of redemption, forgiveness and love. Not just love between a man and woman, but love for your family and friends. I loved watching the love story, I mean that’s why I read books, but watching them grow as people had me full of emotions. Seeing the struggles and remains of a relationships, then to see them rebuilt…absolutely beautiful!



I am aware of the intense fan-girling I am doing over this book, but I absolutely love books that make me feel. I love a damaged hero and I love a strong heroine, Sweet Hope had both. I highly recommend this fantastic read.

“I always wanted this. I always wanted this kind of love, this intense love… I just never realized it could be so much more… until you.”

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Low Lightning Stars

Sooooooo, I have been more than ready for this book for quite some time.



As in the moment-I-was-done-with-Sweet Fall-ready.



The fact that Ally's love interest was kept super secret and mysteriously mentioned in the last book's epilogue?

Color me even more intrigued.



I made sure not to read ANY reviews of this book before picking it up, because I didn't want to ruin the big "reveal" for myself.

Cause I was super excited.



So imagine my horror surprise when at 12% in I realize that this book really is going to be about...art.



Now, there is nothing wrong with art, per say, it's just...



This...uncertainty was then exponetially heightened when I read that the proposed love interst's name was...

...Elpidio.

Which, I'm sorry not sorry, sounds a little too much like epilator - as in - HAIR REMOVAL epilator



Now, I know this is probably just me - no one else could possibly be this nucking futs - but, it made it hard for me to get into "certain scenes" when, instead of hearing a name being screamed out in passion, I hear the buzzing of a hair removal tool and have smarting sympathy pain in my arm pits...

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Just sayin.'

But I digress.

Thankfully, Tillie Cole is a goddess and this story ended up being everything I wanted it to be.

I don't want to get too much into the story line, because I think going into this one blind - not knowing who Ally's man ends up being until it's revealed - really adds something to the story.

But I will say this:

This story was about more than art (even though that aspect of the story turned out to be pretty badass).

"The most beautiful art is often born in the most desperate circumstances."

Now, constant crying and some random OTT-ness aside, this was a book that touched on a lot of good themes.

Making mistakes.

Seeking forgiveness.

Wanting redemption.

Finding hope.

True friendship.

True family.

And, of course true love.



But more than anything it was really fun to catch up with all my favorite Bama friends - especially Rome and Molly.

[• Jodi Bibliophile • · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eyes are puffy.

My nose is blocked.

I have a fucking headache.

And I'm speechless.

I have no words.

One of the most beautiful books I have EVER read.

[Jenny - TotallybookedBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ Stars
PLEASE NOTE: SWEET FALL should be read before reading SWEET HOPE


‘Lei era speranza…She was hope. La mia luce…my light.’

Sweet Hope is one of those stories where if we could give it an infinite number of stars we would. This book is perfection and on an emotional level we don’t read and experience often. The writing is once again of the flawless and evocative calibre that is the signature of Tillie Cole. She grabbed our hearts once more with her words right from the onset and still hasn’t let go. We will never forget this story Sweet Hope has left an incredible impression on our hearts. No words we say can possible do Tillie Cole any justice here.

“You’re not the villain in this story, you’re the beautifully flawed hero. You’re the dark hero who has been sacrificing himself all along.”

Now; we are very aware that this story can be very easy to spoil for future readers. Tillie Cole herself has asked for non-spoiler reviews and we wholeheartedly agree. What a shame it would be for readers not to go into this one ‘blind’. So; we will not talk about the story in any detail, instead we will tell you how we felt. After all we read to feel and be shocked, surprised and overcome with emotion. That is the very essence of why we read and so it should be.

“The most beautiful art is often born from the most desperate of circumstances.”

We had so many phone conversations whilst reading Sweet Hope; it’s the kind of raw almost poetic story that swallows you up and spits you out emotionally exhausted at the end. We both sat reading with constant tears in our eyes and cried on the phone to each other. Many coffees were consumed and yeah both of us got stress headaches from the crying. Did it ease up? No, the emotion overwhelmed us right till the end building steadily to a crescendo that had us on our knees unable to breathe. And you know what? We’d read it again just to feel the power of Tillie Cole’s words.

‘He was living, breathing poetry. Not love poetry, but the poetry which tears out your heart, rips it to shreds, pushes it back into your chest, and makes you question what the hell just obliterated your soul.’

Her characters have such depth and intensity we’ve taken them into our hearts in an everlasting embrace. What a way to finish a series with an epilogue that had us smiling, laughing and crying in equal measure. Heartbreakingly beautiful in every way possible. Surprising and astounding as every single character from this series had us riveted and remembering moments whilst experiencing thoughts and feelings all over again. THIS is why we read – pure book magic.

“…with you…I feel…I feel…everything, every-fucking-thing…right here…”

Ally is without question one of our favourite heroines in fiction. Her understanding, compassion, intelligence, maturity and capacity for love is immense. She’s a fighter and displays such strength emotionally it was an awe inspiring experience. Her loyalty and passion is unwavering and her beliefs cemented and fought for.

‘She was fucking perfection. She was light. A blazing golden light. When you’re locked in perpetual darkness, you’ll do anything to fucking chase that light.’

When Ally gives her heart it is not done half-heartedly. Ally finds the love she’s been waiting for in the most unlikely of places – she falls for the passion and soul of another. She sees him before being faced with the man himself and it was incredibly powerful.

‘I wanted to forget who I was for a while…at least for tonight. Forget it all. The last few weeks, the last few years…everything…just for a fucking while.’

Elpidio the dangerous and intense mystery, the artist – the broken man who speaks from his soul through his hands. A man with a past so tragic and violent. Our hearts bled for him. His place in the world is one he no longer understands, his past a constant darkness surrounding him. A darkness he doesn’t take lightly and accepts as his fate. His karma. This man stands in the face of adversity – a storm in which he is the eye, knowingly feeling the weight of his actions and their consequences. But this man carries within him a heart-breaking acceptance, a loyalty so fierce brought on by a devoted love and protection. Elpidio brings his entire heart to the table as well as his penance.

“His work….it’s my soul. It’s life, death, love, tragedy, and everything in between, every human condition….everything.”

This love did not come quietly. This love came like a ferocious storm which picked up all the pieces and changed fates forever. A love that spread its wings and enveloped more than just Ally and Elpidio. It was an incredible experience that will stay with us forever. THIS…..this is how you bring your readers to their knees and reminds them why they love to read! A standing ovation by us to Tillie Cole.

“He’s my more, my bolt of lightning, the one I’ve been waiting for all my life.”

**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author, with thanks**

OUR SWEET FALL REVIEW
SWEET HOME REVIEW at TB



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[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Hmm I'll be here all day if I had to list what went wrong with this book for me. So I'd rather not. I have seen a lot of GR buddies enjoy this a lot more than I did.

I'm glad I got closure though. Sweet Fall still remains my favourite and this book cannot be read as a standalone.

#instalove
#cheesydialogue
#shouldhavelistenedtoFeifeiswarning

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY LIVE!!! - http://amzn.to/1ESpjVT

5 Speranzoso Hopeful Stars

I have a girl crush. I’m crushing on Tillie Cole. I get to meet her in May and when I do, I’m going to tackle her and fan-girl hardcore.

I LOVE Tillie Cole’s writing and I LOVE Sweet Hope!!!

Lei era speranza… She was hope. La mia luce… my light.

Sweet Hope is a standalone and is part of the Sweet Home series.

Ally Prince is Romeo’s cousin. All of her friends are married and in love and Ally is still single. She has one passion and its art. She’s a museum curator and goes to Seattle for her next assignment. It’s also where her friends and family lives.
Elpidio is a new artist. He creates exquisite marble sculptures.

He’s a tortured artist with a gift. He literally hammers his frustrations and agony into his pieces. He doesn’t understand why there’s so much buzz centered on his work. His passion is creating. He’s not obsessed with his work. It’s his form of outlet.

Elpi is the Hero and Villain all in one.

You are worth your weight in gold, Elpi. You are someone, someone real special

I love Elpi. I love his darkness, I love his discomfort and I love his reaction towards people. Elpi struggles with moving forward when his past haunts him daily and it’s constantly reminding him of his past actions. He’s recluse, broody and sexy as heck. People should fear Elpi. He doesn’t look like the nice guy, but Ally sees past all that.

How do you exist in this world without having to fight? Without pain?

The connection between Ally and Elpi is indescribable. There is not a lot of angst but plenty of tension. It’s an emotionally filled book, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I enjoyed the inner monologues. I wanted to know what Ally was thinking. I wanted to feel Elpi’s pain and remorse.

I can’t stress how much I enjoyed Ally and Elpi’s interactions. Ally brings the light towards Elpi’s gloom. I love Ally. She’s a strong Heroine. She stands by her man no matter what and it’s refreshing to see such a resilient character.

She was …perfection. She was light. A blazing golden light. When you’re locked in perpetual darkness, you’ll do anything to …chase that light. La mia luce...

As far as I was concerned, I deserved to spend the rest of my life miserable for what I’d done. But here, deep inside the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, the woman who just got me, I was bartering with God to let me keep her
I love the pace. Sweet Hope reads well. It reads straight forward with a few memories sprinkled throughout. I wouldn’t call them flashbacks, but just tiny moments.

You also get plenty of the gang, Romeo, Molly, Austin and Lexi. They all play a pivotal role in the story and I’m happy to read how much the couples have grown. It’s super cute.
Sweet Hope is a beautiful story about regrets, guilt and redemption. I crave these books. I long and lust for these books. Thank you Tillie Cole for writing this brilliant piece. It was perfection.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars xx

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading this book I shouldnt be left only wondering one thing.... Why the fuck did EVERYONE cry so much??!!
I mean tha fuck?
Football players cried

Ex gangsters cried
Ex cheerleaders cried

A 19 yr old angsty male teen cried
A footballer, ex gangster and angsty teen all cried together
Pregnant chicks were crying, and everyone was pregnant it seemed
Mouthy pregnant chick cried
You name it and that character was crying
There were bucketfuls of tears

I have to say that this wasnt my favorite book in the series. All the emotional break downs took away from the story, for me anyways. I
I get the Carillo brothers had a shit life. I get it. Really.
I liked the spin of Axel and the artist, but that was short lived and glossed over for me. There was a lot going on with all the other characters as well. Molly&Rome has stuff going on. Lexi&Austin had stuff. Levi was going through issues. It just seemed like the last book should have been about Ally & Axel but it was everyone else all thrown in. A nice tidy Epi about all of them would have sufficed for me.
Rome is still my fave.

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5 stars]

Continued the buddy-read with my lovely Sara! ❤️

Fuckin hell, these books are emotional and draining as hell, but it's so damn good and worth it. Honestly, I am at loss for words.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Because I am a Emotional Mess Stars * * * *

First... Have I given this book lots of stars because it is perfect... Hell no! Were there things which could cause you to think I really have to suspend my disbelief... yes...did I care overall... no. And here is why...I just loved the essence of it all. I had just stayed up and read in one sitting Sweet Fall (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) because in order to appreciate this book... you must read the other. The impact and emotions from that read were still very fresh when starting this, so I was primed and ready for what was to come.

This is primarily Ally's Love Story but as it unfolds, it becomes much much more. She was always watching all her friends fall in love... the type of can't breathe without you love. Molly and her cousin Rome had it; then came Austin and Lexie. Even Cassie and J.D. fell hard for each other....Fast forward and all the crew are living their lives. Rome is still the outstanding Quarterback for the Seahawks and now Austin has been transferred to be his Wide Receiver again. Lexie and Austin are doing great with Levi growing up and becoming his football star, too. The bros are back, living and playing in Seattle.

Ally has become one of the top curators in the art world and works with museums all over. She is based in Los Angeles and we catch up with her flying to NYC to meet with a sculpting master who is choosing the person to handle the 1st exhibit of Elpidio. This is an artist she has become passionate about... written articles and books lauding his pure method of hand tools on marble like the masters. She has traveled from one coast to the other for this hour to prove she is the only one to tell his story in this exhibit. Vin, the one who discovered this genius asks Ally why her....and in her answer, we see everything we need to know about her.

Ally is a pure romantic... caught in the beauty and pain in life and art. She feels and sees things with her heart on her sleeve... she is open to the calling of beauty in all forms, whether be music, painting or sculpture. She has the romance in her blood from her mother's side... a proud Latina...to her soul and purposely used her mother's maiden name as her own to separate herself from the family known for Big Oil. Ally did it by professionally being Aliyana Lucia. She is ready to take on this moment...everything has lead up to this and to have it take place in Seattle is a bonus. She will be able to stay with her dear cousin-in-law/best pal Molly.

Ally dives in setting up the space for the exhibit. She is overseeing everything to be as perfect as it can be. The pieces are being delivered and with each unwrapping... it is like a rebirth... coming to the light for her eyes and heart to gaze and feel....the pain and darkness coupled with the care and love each piece exudes; it cannot be denied. It is a wonder to her. One night she is surprised by someone in the gallery close to a piece...staring at it...she is nervous and concerned as it is not open to the public. She slowly makes herself known and explains the man should not be there...He turns, looks at her and runs out the door. She checks with the security guard and it turns out, the elusive Elpidio has been coming by at midnight every night.

Stunned, she mentally kicks herself and makes sure to be there the next night. Again, he shows and there is at first a stand off....but Ally as Aliyana buckles up and introduces herself to him...There is a spark...a mental connection and talk about a piece. He is not forthcoming...he talks little and she senses his pain. He reveals the guilt he carries and how it is the basis for everything...This conversation takes a toll on both and is ended. She is left questioning what could have this beautiful, tattooed man so troubled... in so much pain...and create these works....

What she does not know is this artist is a new man carrying all the sins of the other man he once was...this man is Axel; ex con gang banger who is Austin's older brother...Levi's tarnished hero and tragic son of a mother he dearly loved...He is a man on his own personal cross for the sins he committed due to the needs of a family lost to alcoholism, poverty, spousal and child abuse and drug and gang violence. It took him being in prison to have a moment to see what transpired, the damage and then a fluke happenstance bringing him to the art world. His mentor has protected him... keeping his secret of who he actually is...but we, the readers, know and it is with this knowledge we see so much.

Axel comes to Austin's family 5 years sooner than expected...Austin loves his brother and wants him with him. Levi cannot forgive him for what he did to him personally or to Austin and his mother. Axel feeling this rejection from Levi makes himself scarce. He doesn't tell them what he has been doing... instead says he is working at the fish market all hours and not to worry.

The artist and the woman fall for each other hard. Every night they experience passion and a light shinning into his darkness. He reveals parts of himself to her and does not understand how this angel can be with this soiled man....so trusting. When they are together nothing else matters...it is only a matter of time when things will become complicated....and we know it.

This love story presents so many questions to consider...are we able to forgive the past...are we able to allow people to move forward and become better...is it encouraged...or is it human nature to think the worst because the worst is always what happened...And...most importantly... is there a driving force somewhere knowing that all steps had to happen to put into place actions which then cause the ultimate HEA....

As I mentioned in the beginning... I was with the tale every step even though there were times when I felt the resolution might have been a tad pat. There was also a lot of justification for past actions....But over all this was a story which held me in the palm of its hand. It had it all for me.... all the characters from the past books and the best Epilogue and bonus chapter. We were able to see the way things were down the line and it was very satisfying for Ally and Axel plus all the other characters...as it was the end of the series.

I highly recommend this series. It is emotional, insightful and not cookie cutter. Thank you Tillie Cole for giving me hours of thought provoking pleasure and heart squeezes. I will look for more from you.

~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Jumping right in after staying up last night till the early morning reading Sweet Fall... so Ally, I am ready for you.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Sara ➽ Ink Is My Sword · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 “Redemption” Stars

“He was living, breathing poetry. Not love poetry, but the poetry which tears out your heart, rips it to shreds, pushes it back into your chest, and makes you question what the hell just obliterated your soul?”

Buddy-read with this lovely 3 hours ahead of me.

I will recommend you to read this book while listening to Kiss The Rain by Yiruma. Although I couldn’t think of this before, I am at least writing my review while listening to this.

My body is craving a re-read already, the feelings these books makes me feel are my drug. I honestly declare myself an addict.

Was I expecting any less than a masterpiece from Tillie in this series? No. So why was I surprised I liked so much? I don’t know, she just has an awesome gift of giving me what I never thought I needed. It comes in the package of 200+ pages books with all the heart-wrenching scenes possible. And I really love her for that.

Another gift Tillie has that needs to be called out is the ability to make you feel emotions since the prologue of her stories. I don’t know why that first pre-chapter always gets me. I know for sure that if someday I picked one fo her books, and the prologue doesn't make me feel stuff, I will probably not like it.

I really don’t think I need to mention this again but just in case, it was addictive, I couldn’t stop. I literally kind of ditched Warda, ups. Also, chapter 18 was my fav.

Plot:

This book follows the process of forgiveness and redemption of Elpidio a contemporary sculpture artist and Ally a woman who has never experienced that stoping-world-kinda-love , to be honest, you are not alone in this one don’t worry. The plot and progression were perfect, nothing felt rushed or out of place. The forgiveness wasn’t granted instantly and we got to see how our mc let his walls down, one by one.

Characters:

Elpidio: I am not gonna tell you who he is, but you must get an idea by know. I was really worried I wasn’t gonna like him, or buy the redemption for this character. But I was so wrong, I am hitting myself for not giving Tillie more credit. His story is heartbreaking, and yes he is a sinner, but he also deserves forgiveness and the possibility of continuing on with his life and being loved. I was a huge fan of his long hair because it gave him a more hot and mysterious touch. The scenes of him when younger were one of my favorites.

Ally: She was very much perfect, and I admire her passion for her work. I would have wanted a bit more of surprise or anger towards Elpidio revelation, to be honest. I am just so glad she got the love she was so desperately looking for.

The rest of the characters are one we have already encountered on previous books, but then again I cannot finish this review without mentioning Levi. He is just very precious and lovely, I become a mama bear when he appears.

Relationship:
It was so heartbreaking and pure at the same time. It shows love can give us hope and can make us be better people. The chemistry was on point, and the sex scenes were so raw and intense, I am not kidding *flushes remembering*. I also loved how both of them would protect each other, they were honest about their feelings I loved it.


If you love a very dark, redemption story. And you love art and good chemistry between the leads you need to try this book.

“Darkness was consuming me. Darkness was taking my soul.”

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

“You are my hope, Ally. You’re every hope I’ve ever dared to have… la mia luce.”

Ally, the female main character here is a 27 years old woman who works as a curator. She loves her job, so she’s more than exited she gets the opportunity to work with Elpidio, a talented, famous sculptor, one of the finest in the modern era. So she moves in Seattle for his showing. Allie is obsessed with Elpi’s work so when he meets him for the first time she’s more than intrigued by him. Elpi is tall, dark and handsome and he’s a broken man. He made a lots of mistakes in the past and now he’s trying to become a different man, making changes in his life. As the time passes and they start to know each other Elpi for the first time in his life lets someone in, Ally. Ally makes him feel like his life could get better and she gives him hope.

“You should be running away from me, not willingly running into the darkness holding my fucking hand.”
“It’s too late,” she said quietly, “You’ve already consumed me. There is no turning back from you, not now. My hand’s never letting go of yours, eternal darkness or not.”

I really wanted to love this one! I really did! Unfortunately I have more than one complain, so...It goes without saying this was not my fav book by this author or my fav book in the series.

I’m not gonna bore you with details about the plot, which btw, I found it very predictable. Overall the story was sweet, but a little too cheesy for my liking. What I really enjoyed the most was the writing which as always was fantastic and flawless.

Ally and Elpi were great characters. Ally is sweet and compassionate and I loved the fact she’s (too) judgemental. I loved Elpi more than Ally and I really felt for him. He’s a dark and tortured man and in my opinion he’s way more developed than Ally’s character. Despite his past, he’s a good man, a man who would do anything to protect his family. Another aspect of the story that I enjoyed was the connection and chemistry between the main characters. It was off the charts and very well done. They are great together and I really felt they are perfect for each other.

One thing that annoyed me like hell was the fact that everyone is crying for something. Too much crying for me!




Nope, it's not!!*rolling eyes*



This was a very sad read and at times a little depressing for me. I think I need some pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows….or not!
Unfortunately we have some miscommunication here, which of course created some unnecessary drama. Needless to say, I found all the drama to be OTT. (especially in the end)

Overall, this one was just an OK read for me!

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+++ “La mia luce” STARS

“Lightning,” I explained. “Together, we make…lightning…it’s the only way I can explain what feeling goes through me when I see you, talk to you…touch you…make love to you.”



This is my FAVOURITE of this series and that's saying something as I LOVE this series. Wow!



I'm a goner for anti-heroes, those dark brooding men that have done unthinkable things but there's still a sliver of hope for them. The oldest Carillo brother is just that!

Elipido (Axel Carillo) is “dark, aggressively tattooed, and absolutely unconventionally beautiful.”



Ally Prince (aka Aliyana Lucia) –“I’d never seen anyone with eyes that bright, hair that dark, or a smile that fucking blinding.”



This was beautifully moving! I felt this one deeply. The contrast of dark and light with Ally and Axe as well as the struggle and acceptance of the entire gang was heart wrenching and also beautiful.



“Lei era speranza…She was hope. La mia luce…my light.”



“She’d drilled through my fucking soul…the tainted soul I never ever wanted anyone to see.”



And the epilogue ...



I can't recommend this series enough!

[Kelli C · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Siempre Stars

From Sweet Home to Sweet Hope, no other author has owned their series like Tillie Cole. Each book builds up more of everything, never letting her readers down. It is no surprise that this last book was going to be epic!



*PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST READ SWEET FALL BEFORE THIS BOOK.*

This is the final story of Aliyana Lucia...Ally Prince as we all know and love her...



All grown up and chasing her dreams as an art curator, she lives and breaths for her passions. Single and looking for that "lightning bolt" to go thru her. She wants a love as connecting as the feels she gets from one look at her favorite sculptures. She wants a deepness in her heart to settle over her like the works of the reclusive Elpidio.

Elpidio...



A man so broken...a past full of mistakes, a present full of guilt and pain, a future bleak. He seeks the light and wants nothing more than redemption. But how can anyone see more than his sins?

Match made in heaven...or hell. Two souls that belong, no crave to be together. Dark and light. Good and Bad. Hope and Despair. Ally and Elpi are beautiful together. I do not know another book couple whose story "broke" me so much. Tillie Cole made me feel. I felt the anger, I felt the loss, I was hurting, and I felt the rejection. I also was consumed in the passion, the want, the need and the acceptance. Her written words make me believe that love can be so deep..."you are my awakening."



YES! This book is THAT GOOD! The writing was flawless. The story was angst and passion from the first written word. Tillie Cole can evoke feelings like no other, IMO.

So, Thank you for the whole Sweet Series, but mostly for this conclusion of all that was so perfectly executed. Thank you for making the characters of old supportive yet pivotal to the plot. Thank you for a deep love for the ages. Thank you for the sweet words of Siempre. Thank you for showing that the bonding of family, blood or not cannot be broken. Just, thank you for everything!

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE+++ STARS



**NOTE: If you’re reading this review hoping to find out who Ally’s love interest is, you will NOT find that info here. Sorry, but this review will be spoiler free**

Hope is a fervent, silent wish, that everything will turn out just as you dream…

Well folks, this is it. This is the end of the Sweet Home series and what a way to end it, too. This was just as emotionally packed as the previous books. Grab a box of tissues, guys, because this book will make your heart ache.

The most beautiful art is often born from the most desperate of circumstances.

Elpidio is finally getting his own exhibition. What he doesn’t understand is why? His mentor thinks he’s ready for his debut, but not Elpi. He doesn’t understand why anyone would want to pay any attention to him and his sculptures. Though they mean everything to him, his sculptures are reminder of his past; the meanings behind them private and haunting. He’s is a broken and talented man. He doesn’t want nor does he believe he deserves any of the attention until he meets Aliyana, the curator for his debut exhibition. For the first time in his life, he begins to hope.

She was fucking perfection. She was light. A blazing golden light…and when you’re locked in perpetual darkness, you’ll do anything to fucking chase that light.

Ally, known as Aliyana Garcia in the art world, is thrilled when she lands her dream assignment: Curating for Elpidio’s first show. Ally has loved this artist’s work ever since she saw one of his pieces up close. Though he’s a total recluse, he’s still her absolute favorite modern artist. The first time she sees him, she’s immediately struck at how dark and beautiful he is. She’s completely taken aback at how much he affects her. As for Elpi, he knows he doesn’t deserve a woman like Aliyana, but he can’t help but be attracted to her spirit and light.

Ally is desperate to know more about Elpi. Why is he so broken and angry? His vibe just screams for her to stay away, but the realization that she affects him just as much as he does her makes her want to stay.

Fused.

I love Elpidio. He’s such a broken character and all I wanted was for him to be happy. I’m so happy fate chose Ally to be his light in darkness. The stars definitely aligned for these two. As for their chemistry…HOT!!!

Oh! And before anyone asks, the answer is, YES, you will get to see previous characters in this book. As a matter of fact, some of them truly melted my heart, made me swoon and made me cry. I might even be bold and say that couple characters stole my heart all over again. This was such a fantastic end to such an amazing series. I’m tearing up right now just thinking about it all, particularly the ending *sniffles*.

As I write these words, I can’t help but hope that we'll share the same experience reading this book. I say this because I went into this book knowing who Elpidio was, but yet the book still made a huge impact on me. I really don't know how Tillie does it. She never fails to write these amazing stories – ones that make me cry sad and happy tears. Bravo, Tillie! You’ve done it again.

THANK YOU, Tillie Cole, for giving me the honor of Beta reading this ❤

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[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 Teary eyed stars

Tillie Cole is the master of all things heartbreaking and beautiful. Sweet Hope is the final book in the Sweet Home Series and for me, it hit the mark!



Sweet Hope brings us home to the Alabama crew. The gang is all grown up. Ally is working as a curator and has been hired to put together a show for an upcoming sculptor. She is passionate about her work and passionate about the reclusive artist she will represent.

“His work, it’s… it’s… it’s my soul. That’s the only way I can explain it. It’s life, death, love, tragedy, and everything in between, every human condition… everything. His work speaks directly to my heart.”-Ally

To her delight the show she is going to put together is in Seattle. This means she can stay with her cousin Rome and Molly (sigh!) and also catch up with Austin and Lexi (double sigh)! She finds herself working late hours in order to properly showcase "the mysterious" Elpi's work to life.



Elpi looms in the shadows. He has many regrets in his life. He too is returning home. He doesn't get the same warm welcome that Ally receives. He has caused great pain and his family struggles with his return. He keeps his art a secret and leads them to believe that he is working at a local fish market.

Through the late nights in the gallery Ally works. Elpi lurks in the shadows watching her. He is drawn to her and captivated by the passion she shares for his work.

"I saw in her eyes that she loved all this crap. And even crazier, she loved my work… the twisted, sculptures from my mind."-Elpi

Elpi doesn't feel like he is worth anything. He is so broken by the mistakes he is made. He doesn't feel like he deserves anything but pain. When Ally meets Elpi, he is like a wounded animal. He is terrified of the feelings she inspires and she is doesn't want to scare him away.



Their connection is deep. The art brings them closer together. They are very passionate people and together they create something deep and beautiful.

“I felt you. I felt you in its every curve. I felt like I was looking straight into your soul. I felt the love you poured into that sculpture… It made me reassess everything in my life… It made me want more… it’s difficult for me to explain.”-Ally

As their relationship grows stronger, Elpi struggles with revealing who he truly is. He is actually a well known character from the series. The nemesis to many evil things that have taken place over the years. When I realized this was his story, my heart burst. I was so grateful that Tillie Cole was giving resolution to Austin and Levi!

"She was light. A blazing golden light. When you’re locked in perpetual darkness, you’ll do anything to chase that light. La mia luce…"-Elpi



Ally evokes so much emotion from Elpi. She softens the hardness in his heart and opens the floodgates of his heart!

"I’d never once thought that I deserved a second chance, never wanted one. As far as I was concerned, I deserved to spend the rest of my life miserable for what I’d done. But here, deep inside the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, the woman who just got me."-Elpi

When all is revealed, things are not easy for Elpi and Ally. They are determined to make a way together. Ally has to convince Elpi that he is more than worthy of love and happiness.

“How the hell could I ever want anyone else now I’ve had you?”-Ally




I truly enjoyed this book. There was a lot of crying and the emotions were high the entire read. However, I felt like they were 100% authentic. The combination of the hero's past and the fact that he is an artist validate the need for tears, blood shed, and the gnashing of teeth. If you are a fan of the Sweet Home Series, you absolutely MUST read this book. This book is full of emotion. There is a little bit of action but for the most part is a story rooted in pain and love. This story offers closure and reminds us that we are all worthy of love! Elpi and Ally's story was truly beautiful.

“You are my hope , Ally. You’re every hope I’ve ever dared to have… la mia luce.”-Elpi

[Bookadmirer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my most favorite book in this series. Axel is trying to redeem himself for the things he had done in the past. When I read Sweet Fall , I knew Axel wasn't a bad person. He grew up in poverty and the gang life saved him and his family from his alcoholic father afforded his mothers medicine and siblings expenses. Everything he did was for his family.



He wants to move on but also he is stuck because he thinks he doesn't deserve anything good. He is a damaged soul. He is living in the darkness all his life, but then he met Ally, someone he feels connected to. Ally is his hope for life.

Ally is one of the best heroines I have read so far. She is supportive, compassionate, and understanding. She saw Axel's facade and understood him. She saw his worth when no one else's can and helped him to understand his worth as well.

“You’re my reawakening.”

And the romance between them was explosive. It was sexy, hot, and intense. It is one of the most passionate romance I have read ever. I don't know how to describe it. It was powerful and strong. It wasn't just lust but rather unconditional pure love. The sexual tension was just fantastic. Even the scenes were way too intense and they weren't even touching each other. And the sex scenes were just hot and very steamy. The undeniable heated passion between them was just beautiful. Everything about them was intense, hot, and beautiful.



We also get to see the whole crew, Molly, Rome, Lexy, Austin, Cass, and Jimmy Don. Levi's anger was reasonable. He didn't know a lot of things. I loved how Austin always had axels back, even though he wasn't aware of the sacrifices Axel made for them, still, he was with him. When Ally revealed Axel's sacrifices to Levi and Austin, it was too emotional. And the ending was beautiful. When Levi, Austin, Axel, and their children sat at the roof and gazed at the stars.



It's a beautiful story of moving forward, forgiveness, redemption, family, and love. I loved how Axel redeemed himself and how Ally stood up for him. It was more than a worth read.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars!

That's it? It's over??



I really feel like I'm in mourning that this amazing series is done. Tillie ripped my heart out and put it together in every book.


No long review, just read this series. You won't regret it.

I've never been more sad that a series has concluded even though it concluded epically.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 There is no *Hope* for me Stars :-(


For realz..

This has been one of my favorite series. Each book better than the last...except for now.

The story is a handful of years after Sweet Fall. Ally Prince is now a renowned curator. She is obsessed with this up and coming artist/sculptor, Elpidio, who is a tortured soul.

I was kinda stoked about who the hero ended up being but for goodness sakes, tortured souls can only take you so far.


The crying game that is.
Note: you may queue up the Crying Game song as I felt like that was the perfect song to compliment this book.

Because Elpidio had a rough start and made some bad choices. That makes Ally sawd...


And Elpi is sad cause Ally is sad...


And then they realize that they are sad together so now we got a double shot of WAHHHHHHHH (you will need em by this point, trust me)


Oh but their friends are so mean to him and that makes Ally sad again.


And just when you think no one can possibly be more sad and we have passed the bawling my eyes out bonanza..well shit dude, they all start crying again.




AND







Buddy read with the lovely Mysza, Brandi, Jennifer & Leslie

[Amanda Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely going crazy here to know who Ally's husband is at the end of Sweet Rome!!!
♥
I sure hope I dont have to wait long!!