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In the After

(Fighting Chance #1)

Elisa Dane (Goodreads Author)

4.32 · Rating details · 91 ratings · 49 reviews

Sadie Reynolds is a liar with secrets. At school, she’s part of the popular crowd known as AE, despite being broken inside. She hides it well. She has to. The slightest bit of imperfection will land her in the same shoes as her Geeky neighbor named Ian.

Ian and his only friend are the object of Sadie’s friends’ ridicule, ire, and entertainment. The AE rule the school with Sadie Reynolds is a liar with secrets. At school, she’s part of the popular crowd known as AE, despite being broken inside. She hides it well. She has to. The slightest bit of imperfection will land her in the same shoes as her Geeky neighbor named Ian.

Ian and his only friend are the object of Sadie’s friends’ ridicule, ire, and entertainment. The AE rule the school with intimidation and retribution against anyone who would dare question their supremacy.

Sadie steers clear of most of it, terrified someone will find out her secret. She isn’t the least bit perfect. In fact, she suffers from PTSD stemming from the murder of her mother right before her eyes when she was a child. She can barely cope from day-to-day, hiding her truth and trying to fit in. But she knows it’s only a matter of time.

Hayden is a “Waverly,” a kid with the misfortune of living in the small farming town of Waverly that borders the very affluent Lexington Parrish. The AE doesn’t mix with “Waverlies.” Ever.

Desperate to get away from her oppressive friends, Sadie crashes into Hayden at a bonfire and the attraction that sparks between them is nothing short of electric. But Hayden’s an outsider and when things heat up, Sadie will be forced to choose between her friends and her new boyfriend.

Only Queen Bee Britt isn’t having it. She will not allow Sadie to cross her. Sadie can either do what Britt wants her to do or she will reveal Sadie for the PTSD freak that she is.

Sadie does some soul searching about who she is and who she wants to be. She can’t live her life like this. Not any more. One fateful night will help her see how much things have to change.

She’s determined to no longer allow the AE to rule her life. She will be strong, stand up for Ian and love who she wants in Hayden. Determined and invigorated, Sadie goes to school feeling hopeful for the first time in forever.

But, the unthinkable happens.

Shooters attack dozens of students before the two eventually take their own lives, leaving the school a decimated shadow of what it once was.

Suddenly who lives where, wears what or loves whom seems like the least of Lexington Parish’s problems as everyone and everything changes forever in the after.

IN THE AFTER by Elisa Dane is a hard-hitting and heart-warming story of tragedy, love, loss and redemption. It is recommended for readers 14+. ...more

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Published February 2nd 2016 by Swoon Romance

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Apr 26, 2016 Ben Alderson rated it it was amazing

WOW.

This book deals with so much that still a couple of days later it has still left me shaking.
This book is dealing with a school shooting and it is completely heart breaking to watch it all build up.

I highly recommend this contemporary read. I really do. PLUS there is the most steamy scene in this book... ARHHHH #tingles #YASSSSSSS #WORKGIRLWORK

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Jan 13, 2016 Kelly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-tour, young-adult, 2016, makes-me-think

This book is all kinds of messed up! I remember being in high school and all the social ladders and groups and how hard it could be to just be you but this book is way more intense. Be prepared for some major violence, abuse, drama, teenage angst and guys being way too forward.

My nephew was killed several years ago because he wanted to be friends with everyone and a group of boys didn’t like it. SO they punched him. While they didn’t mean to kill him, they did. So, I felt several times like stop This book is all kinds of messed up! I remember being in high school and all the social ladders and groups and how hard it could be to just be you but this book is way more intense. Be prepared for some major violence, abuse, drama, teenage angst and guys being way too forward.

My nephew was killed several years ago because he wanted to be friends with everyone and a group of boys didn’t like it. SO they punched him. While they didn’t mean to kill him, they did. So, I felt several times like stopping. It was too emotional for me. But I wanted to see how the author would end it. When I had to stop and drive to work one evening, I thought about the book and what I thought needed to be done. My thoughts weren’t nice. But the book just stayed with me.

Sadie is a student with a past that she has only told to her best friend Jenna. She was bound and gagged and put into a cubby hole of a closet while her mother was raped and murdered. She has nightmares every night. She is also in a school where the popular girl- Britt (the one really in charge), rules the do’s and don’ts of the upper class in school. You dress what she wants you to dress in, when she says jump you say – “How high”, you date who she wants you to date; you make fun of who she wants you to make fun of. It’s disgusting. But Sadie has PTSD and wants to stay under the radar so she goes along. She stopped going to counseling because Britt’s aunt is the counselor and she doesn’t want anyone to find out and treat her poorly and make fun of her or worse.

Sadie’s neighbor Ian is a geek. She used to be friends with him until Britt made it forbidden. Now he is a shell of his former self. He is constantly ridiculed and has everyone play pranks on him. Sadie hates it but makes no move to help him.

Sadie also doesn’t like the boys in the group she hangs with. They are selfish and feel entitled.

Then there is Hayden. He is a hottie, even to Britt. But he is not in their social class and so is off limits unless you bring him to a party for a one night stand. Literally. But Hayden has his own share of problems. He is seen as bad. But he is really a boy that seems to be way more mature than his age. He sticks up for what is right. And he has the knuckles to prove it! Sadie’s father doesn’t want her near him. But they find themselves falling for each other anyway. The ending with Sadie’s father had me in tears.

Anyway, the story is really good. The characters are believable. The group that Sadie hangs with are scum to me. From the blurb you get a sense of what is going to happen, and when it does, I found myself wanting more than what happened. Can’t elaborate - sorry.

If you don’t mind teenage violence, stupid social ladders in school, troubled teenagers, a love story, trying to overcome your own horror stories, PTSD, doing what is right instead of what is expected than this story might be for you.

I give it a 5 because it made me think. It made me cry. It made me sad for those kids who are mistreated every day in school and helped me talk to my own kids about it. It made me disgusted with parents who give their kids whatever they want because they can and not because they deserve something. It made me grateful I am not so rich and so engrossed in my own life that I don’t make time for my own kids.

"So you've been through the fire. You've been beaten down. Changed." He angled his body toward mine and pulled his hand away. "Princess..." He placed his hands on either side of my neck, his expression resolute. "Steel is forged the same way. It's burned and beaten... until it's made stronger." His thumb swept across my cheek, his lips curling up into a beautiful smile. "Like you, Sadie. You're so much stronger than you think."

...more

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Apr 24, 2017 M. [storme reads a lot] rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So this book evokes a lot of emotions within me, both good and bad. It deals with a lot of complex emotions, and it's not a book you can just expect to leave you unscathed. In short, this book packs an emotional punch you won't see coming.

This book is horrible in the sense the popular teens at Atwood High are the worst human beings in the world. I've never met more nasty, cruel people and I wasn't exactly the popular one in high school. These people are on a next level I can't explain well enoug So this book evokes a lot of emotions within me, both good and bad. It deals with a lot of complex emotions, and it's not a book you can just expect to leave you unscathed. In short, this book packs an emotional punch you won't see coming.

This book is horrible in the sense the popular teens at Atwood High are the worst human beings in the world. I've never met more nasty, cruel people and I wasn't exactly the popular one in high school. These people are on a next level I can't explain well enough. The males are just super misogynistic and just... they are the epitome of slimy and rape culture to me. The main popular girl is the worst human being in the world. She is deplorable, treats her friends horribly, and I don't understand how she was allowed to be around people with her actions. Just.... they're all a bunch of bad people.

So the main character Sadie has some trauma going on. But she got sucked into the popular club, and she just watches all of this bullying happen. She doesn't want to be an outcast, but she isn't nice to someone who used to be friend before she was part of the cool kids. She just stands by and watches her former friend be tortured and stays silent. Her silence is probably one of the major catalysts for the later events. I'm not saying she's just a bad person... I just think she's dealt with a lot of bad stuff she should want the cycle to cease. I didn't hate her, but she isn't my favorite during some of this book.

The only person I love in this book was Hayden. He's the greatest. I don't want to spoil anything about him so read the book and find out how awesome he is. It's worth the read just for him alone.

The major event in the book is shocking. It is described in detail and can be very scary when reading. I couldn't imagine being in a situation like that, but the author wrote it so well. The only story is woven together to show how it all leads up to the big event and just... the next book and the aftermath are going to be intense. I'm pretty sure I've found a new favorite author.

I was given this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jun 06, 2016 heather - NightlyReading rated it it was amazing

This book made me take a really good look at how I treat people on a daily basis and have a chat with my children on bullying.

The main premise of this book is all about the popular kids at a prep school and the horrible, awful ways that they treat the ones that are not exactly with the "in" crowd. The main character knows that it is wrong but cannot help following along because if she sticks up for them, then she will become the bullied.

I really enjoyed the character of Sadie. She had to really ...more

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Mar 31, 2017 Na rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-personal-challenge

Honestly, this book quite suprised me. It thouches a sad and sensitive topic we are all familiar with, somehow. A topic which is more avoided, than addressed. We should talk about this more openly.
When I started this book, I would've never guessed it will turn directions so dramatically. However deeper into the story the signs are all there and it's quite obvious that things have to happen as they did.

This book is not just a lovestory with insta attraction and so many reasons why you can't be ...more

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Mar 17, 2016 Cate rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, reviewed-books, contemporary-reading-challenge-2016, alphabet-soup-2016, received-for-review, owned-books, young-adult, standalones

This book was sent to me by the author herself in exchange for an honest review. So, thank you again, Elisa Dane.

I had to let everything sink in for a few days before I uploaded this review. I mean, I attempted to review this story and it was especially hard to not add five billion spoilers.

This book opens with the rules for the game ‘Assassin’ played in this book. I thought it sounded like a pretty fun game, to be honest. I had never heard of a game such as this one and really, after readin This book was sent to me by the author herself in exchange for an honest review. So, thank you again, Elisa Dane.

I had to let everything sink in for a few days before I uploaded this review. I mean, I attempted to review this story and it was especially hard to not add five billion spoilers.

This book opens with the rules for the game ‘Assassin’ played in this book. I thought it sounded like a pretty fun game, to be honest. I had never heard of a game such as this one and really, after reading this book, I can understand why.

I thought this book was a simple romance between the two main characters but there was so much more to it. I’m not going to say their relationship was insta-love-y but it was pretty quick paced. I can understand why, the story wasn’t only about those two characters falling in love with each other.

Throughout the story, the game Assassin was continuously talked about and played a major role in the progression of the novel. I’m going to be completed honest and say that I didn’t really see the relevance of it while I was reading it. But, when I reached the end, I finally got my answer.

Sadie is part of the AE and, can I just say, they were mental. I don’t go to a school that 1. Is mixed 2. Is in America and 3. Has a lot of problems with bullying, thankfully so I thought that the AE were a bit extreme. But, what do I know? People are ruthless and if those lowlifes found enjoyment in breaking someone down by verbal and physical abuse, well… they’re assholes. But, they still didn’t deserve what happened to them to happen. Even if we all secretly wished something bad would happen to them, we didn’t want it to be that extreme.

The ending had me hyperventilating. I was in my grandparents’ house while reading the final five or so chapters of this book and I also happened to be sitting closest to the front door. So, every time either my siblings or cousins knocked on the door for whatever reason, I had to pause, try not to over exert myself because I was already lacking in oxygen and answer the bloody door. I swear, I was dying when I reached the end of the book. They knocked on the door a lot.

If I lived in America (because we all know they’ve got the biggest problem with this), I’d probably be agoraphobic. I’m not kidding. I wouldn’t want to leave my house, much less go to school. Thankfully, I live on a conservation island that has had no record of anything ever like what happened in this book happen ever. So, thank you Irish government for making wise decisions. I can happily leave my house (although I’d much rather stay and home) and not live in fear of one day not coming home from school because of an event like this.

So, let’s just say this book traumatised me. I mean, this happens in real life! People’s lives are affected by crazy events like this. It’s so saddening. But, I didn’t recommend it to all my friends! That’s a plus, right. They can be happy that they don’t live in a country like this either! For any international friends, be safe. (As in stay at home and never leave the place safe #TopTips)
...more

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Jun 02, 2016 Cheyanne Young rated it it was amazing

I went into this book expecting something powerful, and that's exactly what I got. This is something I think everyone should read, especially high school students who deal with this kind of stuff every day. Sadie not only suffers from the trauma of witnessing her mother's murder, she's now stuck in the popular group at her high school-the AEs. The author does a wonderful job of pushing Sadie into a corner that many teens feel every day in school. The popular group sucks to be in, but it's even w ...more

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Mar 25, 2016 Christina rated it really liked it

Shelves: female-author, ebook, author-giveaway, 2016, ya, fiction, romance, series-book

* Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

4.5/5

Oh wow, where to start?? So many emotions! I read 75% of this book in one sitting because I literally could not stop -- I had to find out what was next. And the pace picks up beautifully (& naturally), it's impossible to stop reading!

Sadie is such a relatable character & so very real, I absolutely loved her. I don't want to give away spoilers (so tempting though!), but what she goes through with her best friend, cr ...more

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May 07, 2016 Melanie McFarlane rated it it was amazing

I couldn't stop reading this book...it consumed me. At first it was hierarchy school drama...which even decades later one can still relate...and then there's this amazing romance. But the tragedy...you see it coming...but your distracted by steaminess...and then WHAM it hits you and your reeling and suddenly its over and
everything
falls
apart...

This book made me do everything from get angry to cry. It's an emotional rollercoaster of feels and shows a tragedy so heartbreaking it leaves you in. a da ...more

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Jun 30, 2016 Genesis Sheli (Whispering Chapters) rated it liked it

Shelves: earc

This review was originally posted on Latte Nights Reviews.

In the After is a story that tells a very powerful and brutally true message of bullying; what it can lead its victim to do.

Sadie is part of the Atwood Elite, teens from the school who are the most popular, and the deadliest. If you cross them, you can kiss your future college and job goodbye. They are the meanest bullies you will ever encounter, except for Sadie and Jenna. They are what I would call the second-hand bullies since they sta ...more

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Feb 26, 2016 Harley added it

To start off, I read this book in 2 days. It was SO hard to put down. Elisa Dane does a great job of drawing the reader into her work. Her descriptive writing pulls the reader into the story AND the character's head. I even had a few moments where I was internally yelling at the main character for not doing what I thought she should do. To say the least, I was effectively HOOKED and had no intention of getting away.
This book touches on an important message--bullying in high school. It's really To start off, I read this book in 2 days. It was SO hard to put down. Elisa Dane does a great job of drawing the reader into her work. Her descriptive writing pulls the reader into the story AND the character's head. I even had a few moments where I was internally yelling at the main character for not doing what I thought she should do. To say the least, I was effectively HOOKED and had no intention of getting away.
This book touches on an important message--bullying in high school. It's really harsh, but the way Elisa Dane writes pulls you in and makes you really feel. It blew my mind. I felt like I was seriously living in this book. I felt like I WAS Sadie--now that is good writing.

On another note, the synopsis provided basically gave away the ENTIRE story. It mentioned something about a school shooting and I kept waiting the ENTIRE book for it to happen...it didn't happen until the last 2-3 chapters. That was just annoying. I like a lot more suspense. The entirety of the novel focuses on bullying and the effects it has on EVERYONE--such an important topic to touch on. I was just confused because, after reading the synopsis, I had a different idea in my head concerning the subject of the book. Thankfully, it turned out even better than the synopsis suggested.

But, here is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars:
First off, I believe this book is geared towards young adults, considering it's a teenage girl (16 or 17?) and all about high school. BUT I HIGHLY discourage any one that age to read this book. It felt like "Fifty Shades of Grey" for young adults. The romance was HEAVY stuff, while the intimate scenes were far beyond what any teenager should know about. As for readers my age, these types of moments are approached with open arms On top of that, there was a lot of cussing (even though this is realistic for some teenagers, it was heavy-handed in this book and probably unnecessary exposure for young adults).
Second, considering this book is geared towards young adults, the amount of violence and graphic description was even a little much for me. I was not expecting the detail that I got from the school shooting described. Reading this scene was even horrifying to me, so I cannot imagine how a teenager would feel after this violent exposure.
Lastly, I felt that the book was a little heavy-handed on the chick romance substance. The lead guy, Hayden, felt "too perfect" and dreamy to be real. He acted more like a level-headed 20-something year old, rather than a teenager--how unrealistic. Also, every time Sadie was in the presence of Hayden, her descriptions were overly descriptive and mushy-gushy *eye roll*. I felt like I was constantly asking myself if this was seriously a young adult book because the emotions and relationships were not comparable to any teenage relationship. Basically, some moments were unrealistic and had me rolling my eyes.

Nonetheless, this book was really, really good. Don't let the 4-star rating deter you away from reading this novel. Like I said, I finished it in 2 days and was not able to put it down for one minute; it's a page turner. I would just not recommend this book to the audience it is geared towards because there is violence, language and sexual interactions. It basically felt like a rated-R movie--which is perfectly okay with certain age groups!

I'm telling you now, go grab a copy of this book and start reading it now! You can download it straight onto your Kindle, Nook or iPhone using the Amazon Kindle app.

Thanks to the author, Elisa Dane, for a copy. This review is solely my opinion and not endorsed. ...more

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Jun 25, 2016 Suze Lavender rated it it was amazing

Sadie is faking things to get through life. She's part of the AE, her town's popular crowd, the Atwood Elite. Most of her social circle consists of bullies and Sadie does nothing to stop them. She does what she's being told to do. Shunning her neighbor and friend Ian, who isn't part of the AE, is the only option she feels she has. Sadie is traumatized and wants to spare herself the hurt of being harmed again, but her silence is starting to bother her more and more. Ian doesn't deserve what she's Sadie is faking things to get through life. She's part of the AE, her town's popular crowd, the Atwood Elite. Most of her social circle consists of bullies and Sadie does nothing to stop them. She does what she's being told to do. Shunning her neighbor and friend Ian, who isn't part of the AE, is the only option she feels she has. Sadie is traumatized and wants to spare herself the hurt of being harmed again, but her silence is starting to bother her more and more. Ian doesn't deserve what she's doing to him, he's been nothing but nice to her.

When Ian's cousin Hayden comes into Sadie's life she loves him at first sight. He's from Waverly, a rural village that the AE doesn't approve of at all. Sadie has to make a choice, the AE or her own chance at happiness. Sadie tries to make amends for what she's done, but the leader of the AE, Britt, doesn't let her get away with it. She will make Sadie's life as miserable as she possibly can. Will Sadie be able to take that in exchange for real love?

The bullying is going far, too far and Sadie's done with it. She wants to get out, but that isn't as easy as it seems. While Sadie tries to do what her conscience tells her to do for a change things are getting out of hand at school. The pressure is building and something is about to go horribly wrong. Will there be consequences for the AE this time and will Sadie be able to make things right before it's too late?

In the After is an emotional story. Sadie is severely traumatized and suffers from PTSD. She wants to stay safe whatever the cost. However, trying to remain on the good side of the popular crowd means that she's losing important parts of who she is. Sadie wants to change and I liked that she's taking responsibility for her own actions. She tries to make things right and she isn't afraid to admit she's made mistakes. That's what makes her a great main character. Sadie's personality has many different layers and that makes her really interesting.

Hayden is a sweet guy who always does the right thing. He has a big heart and gets into fights because he stands up for the people he loves. He is caring and kind and is there for Sadie when she needs him. The bullying often made my heart ache and I'm glad that there is someone in the story who isn't afraid to speak his mind. Some scenes were almost too terrible to read and Hayden's presence is the only positive thing that brings some balance between the bad and the good.

Elisa Dane writes about an important and difficult topic, bullying. The AE, especially Britt, does terrible things to the students of Sadie's high school who aren't part of the popular crowd. What happens in this book is raw and horrible, but there's also hope. Sadie wants to be good again and that comes with a price. I often felt bad for her and even though I could understand her fear I was glad she's finally able to see that what she condones is almost as bad as the bullying itself. I felt sorry for her because she's been through so much already and now she's living in such a terrible place.

The AE made me feel sick, especially Britt. Elisa Dane has made her vile and insensitive, plus she's smart and manipulative, which is a scary combination. The writing is realistic and the tension keeps building until there is too much and things have to escalate. I loved Elisa Dane's controlled way of adding to the stress level bit by bit, trauma by trauma. Her writing is clever and intense. In the After is a very impressive story, a book you should definitely read if you like something dramatic and have a strong stomach. ...more

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Mar 11, 2016 MyWolfs_Booktaste rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books_for_review

Title: In the After by Elisa Dane
Rating: 5/5 stars

~ I am just gonna dive right into it. I just finished reading this book and I am all bundled up with SOOO MUCH EMOTION AND SADNESS AND something else I do not know.....Shock maybe.
I want to start of by saying the Book Cover is Beautiful. I love it and the colors used to attract attention....but you know the cover made me think it was a completely different type of book. The title ''In the After" I did not understand the meaning until I was "In Title: In the After by Elisa Dane
Rating: 5/5 stars

~ I am just gonna dive right into it. I just finished reading this book and I am all bundled up with SOOO MUCH EMOTION AND SADNESS AND something else I do not know.....Shock maybe.
I want to start of by saying the Book Cover is Beautiful. I love it and the colors used to attract attention....but you know the cover made me think it was a completely different type of book. The title ''In the After" I did not understand the meaning until I was "In" that point. The story line, the plot, the characters....I'm still a little speechless by the events that went down in this read. The authors writing was so easy to go into. The characters were definitely relatable because events in this book have happened in real life events. I did not read the synopsis but if you want my advice DON'T READ THE SYNOPSIS AND JUST DIVE IN. I just read it now and gives to much spoilers. I was glad I didn't or else I would not of felt all the emotions I am feeling now. if you want my short summary w/no spoilers here it goes:

-Sadie is our main character. She holds a secret about her past that only three people know. She can't let anyone know or they will think she is a freak. Social status is everything to the people she is surrounded by. She lives is a world of lies. Of who she is. People like her can't mix w/the geeks/losers. If you do you'll be shunned is the worst possible. So she stays quite while her "friends" bully others and minimize them.......But then Hayden appears. Maybe she might have the courage to stand up and change. -

I will say Sadie was a FRUSTRATING CHARACTER!!! at times I felt like jumping in the book and beating her up! I'm serious she ahhhh!!! She F****D UP so many times!! I blame her for the EVENT that happened. Her and the "Elites". Hayden OMG He is PERFECT! I loved him. No flaw what so ever but it did sucked that we never got to see or know more of him. They kept saying stuff like "the way he was brought up" or "I could understand why you hated people" or stuff like that but we the readers never knew what. The author kept us in the dark there. He was a mystery and I really wanted to know what happened to him. Ian.....I know I would of liked this character. In different circumstances I would of I'm sure.
When we finally hit that SCENE, I was lost in the lovey dovey world of Hayden and Sadie that when it happened it hit me by surprise. I knew something was gonna happen but not like this. I had a completely different picture so what I read Hit me HARD. I got lost in the authors words and was able to see everything happening. I gasped, I was shocked, still am!! It just goes to show there is only so much you can push a person until they break or just had enough.
I love how the author brings issues we have now in days in her book. Bullying, popularity, peer pressure, status, ect. Its all well portrayed. The only flaws I found were that at times I felt it was a little too cheesy and it was weird that whenever Hayden was around she could sense it. Like if she had a Hayden radar like really.... But I liked the romance and I loved the climax. I loved how the author described that event. I really enjoyed this read. Recommend!!! DON'T READ THE SYNOPSIS JUST DIVE IN OR YOU"LL BE SPOILED!!!! TRUST ME ITS WORTH IT!!!! ...more

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Jun 22, 2016 Kristyn - Reading to Unwind rated it it was amazing

I don't even know where to begin with this review, but I highly suggest not reading this at night as it gave me so much anxiety I could not sleep. I also got highly addicted to the book so I couldn't put it down, which lead me to reading it late at night. I felt so invested in the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen and so much happens.

To start this book is a very fast paced read that is told completely through the eyes of Sadie. We learn a lot about what happened to Sadie an I don't even know where to begin with this review, but I highly suggest not reading this at night as it gave me so much anxiety I could not sleep. I also got highly addicted to the book so I couldn't put it down, which lead me to reading it late at night. I felt so invested in the characters and wanted to know what was going to happen and so much happens.

To start this book is a very fast paced read that is told completely through the eyes of Sadie. We learn a lot about what happened to Sadie and her mother in bits and pieces throughout the book. She doesn't really want to think about it much so we only get to hear about it as a reader when she is thinking about the accident. The details that are described sound as if it was the worst nightmare any person could go through.

Sadie is a very conflicted character throughout the entire book. She is always trying to do what is right in her mind to keep herself safe since she can't get hurt again. Sadie goes with the AE crowd so she doesn't get picked on and just witnesses the people getting bullied/picked on. I don't think that Sadie realizes how strong of a person she is until Hayden points out all of her strength.

I loved how the author dealt with all of the bullying in the book. Sadie joined the AE group because she didn't feel like she could be bullied after what happened to her and she needed to hide in her shell. During the story Sadie really begins to see what was going on with the kids that she witnessed be bullied and how wrong it really was. Sadie is still trying to protector herself so she is scared but does want to stand up to the bullying. It is very hard to overcome bullying and Sadie doesn't even know where to begin and doesn't want to ask for help. Sadie has a hard time opening up to people, which gets her in a lot of trouble in the book.

Hayden is my favorite character. He really stands up to Sadie in the beginning and that is where she is starting to see maybe she can stop the bullying or stand up for someone who is bullied. Hayden has such a positive outlook on everything, even after hearing of the tragedy that Sadie experienced, he wants her to be able to trust him and move forward. Also, the book does talk about something that happened to Hayden we don't know what (I am assuming this will be covered in book), but it is something bad. For this attitude to be so reassuring and positive he has to be a very strong person.

Things I could have done without was the game as assassin the kids where playing at the school. It was sort of confusing and didn't add to much to the story line for me since Sadie was out so early, it felt more like an afterthought. If the story was told from different perspectives maybe the game would have had a little more standing with me. I still think this book is worth a 5 though, because it deals with such a strong topic and is written so well it deserves to be talked about.

I was received a copy of this book from the YA Bound Book Tours for the purpose of providing an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ...more

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Jun 29, 2016 Michael woods rated it it was amazing

I started this book without knowing much about the plot and I have to say that is best way to go into this book. The more I read, the more involved and committed, I become to the characters and the storyline. I read this book in three sittings and that's only because work commitments got in the way. If I had the free time I would of easily managed to read this in a single sitting because its so easy to get lost in the book. If I'm honest I was disppaointed when I actually did finish it because i I started this book without knowing much about the plot and I have to say that is best way to go into this book. The more I read, the more involved and committed, I become to the characters and the storyline. I read this book in three sittings and that's only because work commitments got in the way. If I had the free time I would of easily managed to read this in a single sitting because its so easy to get lost in the book. If I'm honest I was disppaointed when I actually did finish it because it was over to quick. Looking back I should of paced myself because I did genuinely miss the characters once I had finished, especially Sadie and Hayden.

In The After is about Sadie, who is part of the town's popular kids called the Atwood Elite. Sadie does not like being part of the group because they go around bullying other students, and she doesn't do anything to stop the bullying. Sadie starts to have serious doubts on whether to stay with the AE when she meets a boy called Hayden, who is from a town the AE dislike. She must make a choice between staying with a group of people she doesn't like or try and make something work between a boy she has only just met. The only problem is that if Sadie does decide to leave the AE, the leader Britt wont let her go quietly and will make Sadie's life a living hell.

This is a very emotional read throughout, by the time I got to the end of the book I was very emotional. Not just with tears but as you read the book you go through a range of emotions with Sadie. Whether she feels loved, scared, angry or annoyed, you always feel the same way and its very difficult to not feel involved and connected with her. Sadie is a very complex character who has had an horrific past and is now caught up in something else that could end up in disaster. The character of Sadie definitely makes you continuing reading because she is so interesting and realistic. She is very self aware and knows what she is doing with the AE is wrong, she isn't frightened to admit she has done wrong and knows she has to makes things right.

The writing is superb, its realistic, heart-breaking and addictive. I felt a bit guilty when I had to put the book down, but even when I wasn't reading the book, the story and characters where always on my mind. In The After does deal with some strong subjects such as bullying and Elisa Dane manages to write this with ease but full of emotion. You can go from a hot and steamy scene to a really intense edge of your seats scene. This is the first book I've read by Elisa Dane, but it wont be the last.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great coming of age contemporary book, but be aware it does contain heavy going topics. In The After is a book I think everyone should read because its something different and original. I know I haven't read anything like it before and I did really enjoy it and I know this book will stick with me for many years.

I rate this book 5/5 stars ...more

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Aug 09, 2016 Poulami rated it really liked it

Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.

*I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

Trigger Warning: Bullying

This book was not at all was I was expecting it to be but in the end I ended up falling in love with it. This was definitely an emotional ride.

Sadie belongs to the Elites or AE crowd and she knows better than not to cross Britt, the Queen Bee otherwise she'll end up with the same fate as her neighbour Ian and his only friend Newton. But when ...more

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Mar 08, 2016 Abby rated it really liked it

Recommended to Abby by: elisa dane

Shelves: kindle, advanced-copy, young-adult, contemporary

In the After is the second Elisa Dane book that I read, and I totally sped through it! I truly adored the main character, Sadie Reynolds, a high schooler who is living a bit of a lie as she is a part of the popular crowd at school. Aside from her best friend Jenna, no one knows about her true trauma-ridden past and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. She connects with Hayden, a new boy from the other side of town who doesn’t run in the same circles as she does— and the Queen Bee of he ...more

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Mar 10, 2016 Vickie D rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars! This is my first Elisa Dane book and I am definitely a new fan! This book tackles difficult issues including bullying, trauma, death, eating disorders and more. I appreciated the in depth character development which allowed me to really want to root for Sadie, Hayden and Jenna. At times, I was frustrated when the characters seemed unable to take the difficult steps to stand up to the awful "AE", which is the elite clique responsible for the bullying. Watching the teens make spirit cru ...more

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Mar 18, 2016 Jessthebookslover rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sent-by-authors, read-in-ebook, english-reviews

IN THE AFTER by ELISA DANE.
I finished this book a few days ago and I needed these days to collect my feelings and thoughts about it. What can I say? THIS BOOK WAS JUST TOO BEAUTIFUL.It is one of those books that are a 5/5 stars, and I mean it. The characters are just so realistic that everyone can relate to them but let's talk about the plot. THE PLOT GUYS. Everything is set at Atwood High, where bullying is the norm and the social divide is enourmous. The two main characters are Sadie and Hayd ...more

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Feb 27, 2016 Debbie rated it really liked it

Love. Love. Love. Huge book hangover.

Sadie was just doing her best to survive high school. She ran with the popular club which in this school was so much more than just your average normal snobby popular club. This particular club did horrible things to people with their bullying. They made others want to die from the things they did.

This book touched my heart from the very first day. You really relate to Sadie and feel so bad for her. She wants to be able to stick up for herself and her best ...more

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May 24, 2016 Chantelle Smith rated it it was amazing

This book is totally Heart-Stopping...! My First Read from Elisa Dane and this was a great introduction in to her amazing writing and plots.

As traumatic as some of the scenes are in this book there are some very powerful and beautiful scenes that really captive you.
I really hits you to think that what is written in this book actually goes on around the world.

This book definitely tackles all things to do with High School: Bullying, First Love, Eating Disorders, The diversity between people and ar ...more

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Feb 02, 2016 Amanda Coffey rated it it was amazing

This story was so moving. My emotions were so in tune with the characters that I really felt the way they were feeling. I loved that the story line is about something so real, the kind of situations that we all know happen, but we feel more comfortable looking the other way than facing it. The mix of teenage emotions and having to make adult decisions makes you feel like you have been in the character's shoes at some point in your young adult life.

I have read many books from Elisa Dane and I st ...more

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Jan 27, 2016 Eleni Mcknight rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult-contemporary, arc

I read this book as a beta, and man, did it break my heart! I felt sorry for Ian at first, I was so upset with Sadie for not standing up to Britt and the rest of the AE. But then I saw how sadistic the AE could be and Sadie's emotional health being downplayed. Loved, loved, LOVED Hayden, though! He tried so hard to help, but you can only do so much sometimes. (view spoiler) ...more

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Jul 05, 2016 Laura rated it really liked it

I read this book blind (no blurb, no reviews) so had no idea what to expect. It lured me in, believing it was a typical high school drama/romance with a few hints that something was coming then all of a sudden the big event happens. This was a quick easy read for me with plenty of feels, realistic language and plenty of action. The writing was a little repetitive at times with some phrases and descriptions over-used a little but all was forgiven by the end. Well told story, can't wait to read th ...more

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Jan 26, 2016 Nadine rated it really liked it

Well, that was definitely an emotional roller-coaster. In the After is certainly a hard hitting drama. It's a story about friendship, love and loss. One to add to your wish list.
The full review is up on my blog https://readingtilldawn.wordpress.com... ...more

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May 31, 2017 Cathy *Booklover4everandever* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, ya-books-i-ve-read, kindle-unlimited, ya-romance, ya-books-i-want-to-read, abuse, books-i-own, part-of-a-book-series, fiction, ya

What an amazing book

I cannot say enough good things about this book. It touches on the one subject I feel strongly about, bullying. Along with other topics too but the main focus was bullying. Elisa you did a great job with this book and I recommend everyone read it!!!

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Feb 17, 2016 Ally rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-read-in-one-sitting

3.5/5 stars! Overall, I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read and broke me out of the strange reading slump Queen of Shadows sent me into! Review will be up on my YouTube channel soon!

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Apr 22, 2016 Shae rated it really liked it

What a wild and steamy ride! I enjoyed this book very much! If you like a romance book that also talks about high school hierarchy, this is your book.

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Jan 08, 2017 Lisa (lifeinlit) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016, on-my-kindle

3.5 stars!

Fair warning: this book is going to tear your heart out. Probably more than once. It’s tough to read at times, and definitely throws punches to the gut a time or two. Read at your own risk.

Sadie is not your sweet typical teenager. She’s suffering from PTSD after an extremely tragic event involving her mother. Since then, she’s tried her best to remain under the radar as much as possible. Sadie also happens to be a member of the Atwood Elite, the most popular kids at her high school. Th 3.5 stars!

Fair warning: this book is going to tear your heart out. Probably more than once. It’s tough to read at times, and definitely throws punches to the gut a time or two. Read at your own risk.

Sadie is not your sweet typical teenager. She’s suffering from PTSD after an extremely tragic event involving her mother. Since then, she’s tried her best to remain under the radar as much as possible. Sadie also happens to be a member of the Atwood Elite, the most popular kids at her high school. They’re also mean bullies that basically run your life as well. Sadie isn’t one of the main offenders, though she is a part of the group and doesn’t ever stick up for people being bullied and abused by these teens. In fact, she purposely keeps her mouth shut because she’s fearful that they will find out about her PTSD and make her life a living hell.

Let’s just say I’m not a huge fan of Sadie’s. Though I know she’s trying her best to remain quiet so she isn’t tormented as well, it’s still a hard pill to swallow. I’ve been lucky enough in my life to not have encountered bullying myself. I honestly can’t imagine how horrific it can be. And that alone is what kills me to think that others, though they may not be directly involved by doing the actual bullying firsthand, are able to stand by and watch it happen, solely for their own personal gain. I understand that life can be hard if you’re picked on, so you want to avoid that… but by watching others have their lives ruined and do absolutely NOTHING in the process?

This was definitely a tough one for me to read. I’m sure my age has a lot to do with it as well. I’m in my thirties, and times are VERY different nowadays. (Yes, that mad me feel VERY old just saying that….) But I can’t imagine ever seeing someone abused and just standing their watching my “friend” do it. (I have to put “friend” in quotes in this context because, seriously, these are not FRIENDS at all!! This group basically tells Sadie when and how to breathe, and there’s nothing “friendly” about it.) This group of characters needed a good beating. I seriously had so much anger inside while reading this story.

I’d never personally attacked anyone, but my silence made me as big of a bully as the rest of the Atwood Elite.
With this book, you can expect to get punched in the feels with a stark look at teenage bullying at its extreme. This is never an easy topic to read about, at least not for me. But the realistic nature of Elisa’s story and characters made it bearable, only because I wanted to see where this story would go. I wanted to see what would happen with these characters after the messy lives they were choosing to lead. This is definitely an intense read, and one I really do recommend. It’s not only about the abuse, violence, and bullying though. It’s also about redeeming yourself after mistakes, healing after a horrible loss, and learning to love with your heart. This is an all-around passionate book that teens can benefit from, in more ways than one.

* Thank you to Elisa Dane for inviting me to be a part of the Fighting Chance Read-Along on Instagram and for providing me an e-copy of this book to review.

Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!

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Jan 18, 2018 Letti rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

WOW!!!

Wow!!!! I was intrigued by the story line but the last couple chapters definitely kept me glued to the end. Incould feel every emotion; especially the fear. I dont even know what to say. My heart is still racing from reading those scenes. I definitely wish we could've had a litttle more insight into Ian's and Newton's heads or at least emotions. Definitely would've made this more powerful than what this book already is. This was one of thise books that just leaves you wanting more and wish ...more

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About Elisa Dane

Elisa Dane

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ELISA DANE is a self-proclaimed book junkie. A lover of handbags, chocolate, and reality television, she's a proud mother to three All- Star cheerleaders. Writing is her absolute passion, and it's her mission to create stories that will not only take you on a romantic journey that will warm your heart, but help you find a new respect and interest in the sport of All-Star cheerleading.

Elisa is no ...more