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mamaroe93011's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rileyg's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ana_a_b08's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
priscilla_readss's review against another edition
3.5
This was one of the better books in the series. I think that because there was a lot of build from the first two added to this one. I was annoyed by the thought processes of the characters about the situation in the book about one of the main characters(the build in the book) but it was nice to see it come around. This will be a repetitive thing about this series is how abruptly all of these books end. This was another victim of that when they go through a third act break up what felt like 15 pages before it ended but still ended up together. It’s chaotic what is focused on and what is rushed in the book.
fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
After [b:Under the Lights|26135139|Under the Lights (The Field Party, #2)|Abbi Glines|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1451521139s/26135139.jpg|46086642], I really really hoped that this book would be better & that my mixed feelings about UtL were just a fluke. I was relieved when -- fortunately -- I loved this book just as much as the first one. Of course, [b:Until Friday Night|22522202|Until Friday Night (The Field Party, #1)|Abbi Glines|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1429191171s/22522202.jpg|41969628] will always remain my favorite of the series, but After the Game comes in at a close second!
All the books in this series can be read as standalones, but personally, I think you should read the first two before reading this one. This book is pretty connected to the first 2 books, and for someone who hasn't read them, that could be confusing. In addition to that, Book 2 sets the stage for this book, so you really don't want to miss that.
I'll start off by saying just how much I adored Riley in this book. I've always wanted to read more about her; now I've finally got the chance to get to know her in this book! I really like how this book doesn't shy away from the truth. Riley's just like, "Yeah, he raped me, and I don't care whether you believe me or not." She didn't give a shit about what the rest of the town thought and I loved that.
"Just because others hadn't accepted me hadn't made me less of a person."
I also enjoyed catching up with the other characters, West & Maggie... Gunner & Willa... All their stories are interconnected so seeing everyone interact made me so happy, especially Riley, Maggie, and Willa. Also, can we just take a moment to talk about the real star of this book? Bryony was so adorable! I just wanted to reach out and squeeze her. She was a ray of sunshine amidst all the negativity. Somebody please give her all the cookies!
This book was very family-centered, even more so than the previous books. Riley always makes sure she puts Bryony's needs first, and Riley herself has such an excellent support system in her family. The book didn't focus on the rape itself so much as the aftermath. You'd think that I'd be more emotional if Riley was unhappy and depressed, but what got to me was how happy and satisfied she was to have Bryony in her life. It was honestly the sweetest thing ever.
It was also really nice getting a more in depth view of Brady's character. I've always thought of him as one-dimensional and as that "nice guy". I'm glad this book delved deeper into his character. Also, like Riley, family plays a major role in Brady's POV. I won't say more because that would be considered a spoiler; you'll just have to read the book to find out!
Despite the above, there were a few things that kind of weighed the book down, the first being the pacing. I expected Riley and Brady's "friendship" to last a little while longer before they started locking lips, but that didn't happen. I didn't want a slow burn or anything, but a lil angst sure din't hurt nobody... which leads me to my next point. This book, overall, was definitely less angsty than the first two. There were a few unexpected turns of events, but not many and they were far too predictable & anticlimactic. Maybe this book was more about wrapping everything up, rather than starting new drama.
Another thing worth mentioning is how Rhett got off practically scot free. I feel like he was forgiven at the end merely as a means to tie off any loose ends. That doesn't sit well with me. What he did was a crime, so why is no one fighting it? I just find it so sad because it reflects how the world views rape and its victims.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that reading this book was bittersweet. It was like the end of an era. Our characters are all grown up! I can't wait to see who the next book centers on. My guess is either Asa, Ryker, or Nash. Either way, I'm so pumped to read whatever comes next and follow new (and hopefully old) characters on new journeys!
Many thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views & opinions above.
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
Check out my reviews of the first 2 books:
Until Friday Night
Under the Lights
All the books in this series can be read as standalones, but personally, I think you should read the first two before reading this one. This book is pretty connected to the first 2 books, and for someone who hasn't read them, that could be confusing. In addition to that, Book 2 sets the stage for this book, so you really don't want to miss that.
I'll start off by saying just how much I adored Riley in this book. I've always wanted to read more about her; now I've finally got the chance to get to know her in this book! I really like how this book doesn't shy away from the truth. Riley's just like, "Yeah, he raped me, and I don't care whether you believe me or not." She didn't give a shit about what the rest of the town thought and I loved that.
"Just because others hadn't accepted me hadn't made me less of a person."
I also enjoyed catching up with the other characters, West & Maggie... Gunner & Willa... All their stories are interconnected so seeing everyone interact made me so happy, especially Riley, Maggie, and Willa. Also, can we just take a moment to talk about the real star of this book? Bryony was so adorable! I just wanted to reach out and squeeze her. She was a ray of sunshine amidst all the negativity. Somebody please give her all the cookies!
This book was very family-centered, even more so than the previous books. Riley always makes sure she puts Bryony's needs first, and Riley herself has such an excellent support system in her family. The book didn't focus on the rape itself so much as the aftermath. You'd think that I'd be more emotional if Riley was unhappy and depressed, but what got to me was how happy and satisfied she was to have Bryony in her life. It was honestly the sweetest thing ever.
It was also really nice getting a more in depth view of Brady's character. I've always thought of him as one-dimensional and as that "nice guy". I'm glad this book delved deeper into his character. Also, like Riley, family plays a major role in Brady's POV. I won't say more because that would be considered a spoiler; you'll just have to read the book to find out!
Despite the above, there were a few things that kind of weighed the book down, the first being the pacing. I expected Riley and Brady's "friendship" to last a little while longer before they started locking lips, but that didn't happen. I didn't want a slow burn or anything, but a lil angst sure din't hurt nobody... which leads me to my next point. This book, overall, was definitely less angsty than the first two. There were a few unexpected turns of events, but not many and they were far too predictable & anticlimactic. Maybe this book was more about wrapping everything up, rather than starting new drama.
Another thing worth mentioning is how Rhett got off practically scot free. I feel like he was forgiven at the end merely as a means to tie off any loose ends. That doesn't sit well with me. What he did was a crime, so why is no one fighting it? I just find it so sad because it reflects how the world views rape and its victims.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that reading this book was bittersweet. It was like the end of an era. Our characters are all grown up! I can't wait to see who the next book centers on. My guess is either Asa, Ryker, or Nash. Either way, I'm so pumped to read whatever comes next and follow new (and hopefully old) characters on new journeys!
Many thanks to the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views & opinions above.
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
Check out my reviews of the first 2 books:
Until Friday Night
Under the Lights
cala_p's review against another edition
5.0
I am in love with this one just as much as the first one. Abbi Glines brought teenage motherhood into her third and (from what I know) final novel of this series. Each book has shared some “real” life drama situations on their own all relating to family issues, but this one is a separate section of the family issues section. Our main character is a teenage mother. Not by choice either. Abbi Glines gets more real here and introduces rape as the underlying in this novel.
Riley Young was dating one of the popular guys at school. One night after a field party, she had his older brother drive her home. The drive ended in him raping her. Since he was the Golden Boy, no one believed her. When she discovered her pregnancy, the town turned on her even more, said she lied about it being his, and drove her from town. Now, two years later she’s back and after a quick meeting with Brady, her ex-friend and one of many ex-accusers, the friendship between them quickly blossoms. He realizes the truth about her and takes her side. Their friendship did not last long at all because it soon turned into something more.
The romance built between these two weren’t as “long” I’ll call it, as her other two books. The other two focused on the couple immensely. This one focused on their romance as well as the family issues with both characters and the drama behind it all, especially for Brady’s life. As a result, we can call it deeper. It was deeper and more real. I think it provided the series with a great ending.
Her daughter is so cute and sweet and seeing the two of them together sends tingles through me. Add in Brady slowly becoming a daddy to the girl, Brady’s mother who becomes like a second grandma, and Maggie, the interactions between the little girl and all these people are just heartwarming.
Overall this is such a must read. I am beyond happy I have gotten into this series and was able to make all these incredible journeys with the characters.
Riley Young was dating one of the popular guys at school. One night after a field party, she had his older brother drive her home. The drive ended in him raping her. Since he was the Golden Boy, no one believed her. When she discovered her pregnancy, the town turned on her even more, said she lied about it being his, and drove her from town. Now, two years later she’s back and after a quick meeting with Brady, her ex-friend and one of many ex-accusers, the friendship between them quickly blossoms. He realizes the truth about her and takes her side. Their friendship did not last long at all because it soon turned into something more.
The romance built between these two weren’t as “long” I’ll call it, as her other two books. The other two focused on the couple immensely. This one focused on their romance as well as the family issues with both characters and the drama behind it all, especially for Brady’s life. As a result, we can call it deeper. It was deeper and more real. I think it provided the series with a great ending.
Her daughter is so cute and sweet and seeing the two of them together sends tingles through me. Add in Brady slowly becoming a daddy to the girl, Brady’s mother who becomes like a second grandma, and Maggie, the interactions between the little girl and all these people are just heartwarming.
Overall this is such a must read. I am beyond happy I have gotten into this series and was able to make all these incredible journeys with the characters.
readwithkiekie's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
After 'Under the Lights' I wasn't too sure how I'd feel about this book. However, I completely fell in love with this. Riley was such an empowering character. She'd been raped, got told she was lying by the entire town and had a child but only saw the positives. All at the age of 17. I loved every scene with her daughter Bryony. There was so much love and affection in this novel.
INCREDIBLE!
After 'Under the Lights' I wasn't too sure how I'd feel about this book. However, I completely fell in love with this. Riley was such an empowering character. She'd been raped, got told she was lying by the entire town and had a child but only saw the positives. All at the age of 17. I loved every scene with her daughter Bryony. There was so much love and affection in this novel.
INCREDIBLE!