A review by nitzanschwarz
After Math by Denise Grover Swank

4.5

To be quite honest, if I hadn't read Pushing the Limits (which I feel is similar to After Math in the general feel) just before picking this up, I feel pretty certain I would've given this book 5 freakin' stars. But between the two, Pushing the Limits had the edge. However, if you liked one I dare say you'll love the other. 

The story is told from the eyes of Scarlett Goodwin's. Scarlett strongly reminds me of myself about a year and a half ago; painfully shy, bad with crowds and being in the spotlight. But at the same time, afraid that no one sees her, that's she's invisible. 

She's also a serious and dedicated student (who actually likes Math), a sweet girl, and a good friend. It was easy to relate to her and feel she was real. 

Scarlett doesn't date, as everyone know. She also doesn't deal with cocky, disrespecting football stars. Mostly because she's terrified of speaking to them, but still. She doesn't tolerate those kind of things, nor is she impressed by them. But Tucker Price specifically wants her to tutor him on Algebra, and when her teacher comes and asks her to take the job, she has no choice but to agree.

Only, from their first meeting Scarlett senses that Tucker isn't who the rumor mill--or even his own past record--says he is. And she'd be right. Because on the inside, Tucker is nothing like he seems outside. He's sensitive, serious, apologetic and mostly - extremely lonely. 

I simply adored both characters. Tucker is such an awesome person, especially with his sweet, unguarded side. You know, the one he only shows Scarlett ~melt~ And I already mentioned how easy it was to relate to her. 

The two of them together were quite amazing. First, they started of as friends, and they were great as friends because they really talked to one another and understood one another and could read one another. They were also very honest with each other, and didn't really beat around the buss, which was refreshing and lovely to watch. 

Then, their relationship wasn't really angst filled. Sure, there were the issues and troubles, but it also felt right and it fit, and you knew they'd get together since you could tell they both loved one another greatly - and it was easy to see why the loved each other. The only thing I can possibly say against them is that I felt like maybe the sex came a bit too quickly after they entered the relationship stage. 

The ending was great, but I really wanted to know what happened after Tucker made his decision. I have this vision in my mind of him and Scarlett walking back to where Caroline is to retrieve her things and everyone doing the double take and being generally shocked to the core. Part of me really wants to know exactly what happened, and is disappointed we didn't get to see that, and the other part enjoys coming up with the possibilities. 

Lastly, I love the original cover, the one shown above. I loved the color scheme (grey and green), loved how the title could be read both as After Math and Aftermath (which would fit) and generally loved the design. The new cover is, for me, just so dull and uninteresting and all that ~sigh~

I ordered the book from The Book Depository, and hopefully it will get here with this cover because that's the cover TBD shows *crosses finger*

Can't wait to read the next book, which tells Caroline's story.