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After The Snap
Seth Mercer is at the top of his game when a secret threatens to topple him. Lust draws him into a dark pit and he’s unsure how to break away from a destructive force. Angry at himself, and his mistakes, he vows to never enter into another relationship again, until he has a special hook up with Colby.
Colby Larsen learns the truth about his ex and is devastated. He throws himself into his work, vowing to never get emotionally involved again. When he meets Seth, Colby is unprepared for how connected they become.
Seth has a secret and he can’t tell Colby. Colby can’t accept betrayal of any sort after being fooled by his cheating ex. When he finds out Seth has been hiding important information from him, will it end their relationship or draw them closer together?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2016
26 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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July 18, 2017
This was a completely unrealistic soap opera. Every drama that you can think of was throw in. Sexual abuse by a coach, cheating boyfriend, domestic violence, stalker ex, rejected by parents because of being gay, the friend who lost someone to AIDS, in the closet but then dramatic coming out that leads to many others coming out in a dramatic show of support....on and on and on it went. This needed to be cut down by at least one hundred pages. Way too much sex and way too much drama and way too little character development. The author kept telling me how connected to each other they were (despite not knowing each other's last names) but I never felt it. A kazillion sex scenes does not equal relationship development/character depth.
And the crying. Gah....always crying. Crying over things like your football player boyfriend making a touchdown. Crying cuz you lost a game (although in all fairness he lost to the Cleveland Browns so he should have been crying in embarrassment) Crying cuz they love each other so much. Crying cuz the sex was so beautiful. Crying cuz someone said beautiful words to each other. Crying cuz the beer was his favorite brand. Crying cuz the store was out of Nacho
cheese flavored Doritos. (Ok the last two things didn't happen but sure as heck felt that way while I was reading this.)
They were so sappy and melodramatic to me. Here is an example of how they talked to each other. This text comes after they've hooked up 2x.
"Colby, to say that I miss you is an understatement. We don't really know each other. Do you think in these few weeks we are apart that we can slowly start to unravel a bit of our closely guarded secrets, our pasts, our hopes, maybe a few wishes and dreams?"
At this point MY hopes, dreams and wishes started to quickly unravel. *sigh* So, totally not for me. The only reason I did not dnf it was because it was a review book.
And the crying. Gah....always crying. Crying over things like your football player boyfriend making a touchdown. Crying cuz you lost a game (although in all fairness he lost to the Cleveland Browns so he should have been crying in embarrassment) Crying cuz they love each other so much. Crying cuz the sex was so beautiful. Crying cuz someone said beautiful words to each other. Crying cuz the beer was his favorite brand. Crying cuz the store was out of Nacho
cheese flavored Doritos. (Ok the last two things didn't happen but sure as heck felt that way while I was reading this.)
They were so sappy and melodramatic to me. Here is an example of how they talked to each other. This text comes after they've hooked up 2x.
"Colby, to say that I miss you is an understatement. We don't really know each other. Do you think in these few weeks we are apart that we can slowly start to unravel a bit of our closely guarded secrets, our pasts, our hopes, maybe a few wishes and dreams?"
At this point MY hopes, dreams and wishes started to quickly unravel. *sigh* So, totally not for me. The only reason I did not dnf it was because it was a review book.
May 16, 2016
2,5 stars.
Needs some serious editing and a lot of structure, but I really liked the MC's and the story in general.
Needs some serious editing and a lot of structure, but I really liked the MC's and the story in general.
May 9, 2016
Review by The Blogger Girls.
This one called to me right away. Perhaps it was the cover, or wanting to see how a closeted pro player makes it work, either way, I was excited though it started a bit differently than I was expecting.
Seth is still in college when this story starts. He knows he is gay but has not had an opportunity to do much about it, instead focusing solely on football with making it to the NFL as his incentive and goal. He ends up in a very unhealthy relationship that he thankfully breaks free of once he is drafted and moves to San Diego to start the season, his focus once again on his career. I was pretty disgusted with everything about this relationship but thankfully it doesn’t tarnish Seth for his future relationships or how he thinks things should be.
Colby has vowed off relationships after he walked in on his bf with another guy. A business trip and potential move has brought him from Atlanta to San Diego where he is hoping to make a new start. He has vowed of relationships, but decides one-night stands are doable.
Seth is now a pretty-well known quarterback in the NFL when he decides he needs to find someone for a hookup. He lucks out when he meets Colby at the bar, as Colby is a bit of a geek and hasn’t the first clue about who Seth is. These guys share an amazing night together and realize they want to see each other again. Things continue with who Seth is remaining relatively unknown to Colby. This was great in that Colby fell for Seth the person, not Seth the star QB, but it was also a bit of a deception, of which Colby vowed to never experience again.
When Seth’s past relationship comes back to haunt him, and his identity is made known to Colby, things pretty much hit the fan. But they realized how much they meant to each other, saw through the bad stuff to see all the positives, and worked together to make it work.
I really enjoyed this story. Once I got past the bad taste that was Seth’s first “relationship,” I was really sucked in. I loved everything about Seth and Colby and thought they were the perfect combination. I also really enjoyed the football aspects in this story and thought they were very well done. If only it were that easy and teams as accepting as Seth’s was, I’m sure we’d see a lot of this happening in real life. This was a long story, but I never felt like it was dragging out. In the end, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these guys. This was a great debut novel from Ms. Miller, and I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future.
February 19, 2018
I really liked this book a lot more than I thought I would.
The beginning of this book is the two main characters Seth and Colby creating some backstory with other men in their lives.
Seth the football player and Channing the "married" coach. I totally and absolutely Hated the Coach from the very first second we meet him and it continiued the entire time we saw him in this book. He is a serious User and Abuser and a total freaking Jerk of a douchenozzle.
Then we have Colby and the repeated cheater Neil. uuuggghhh.. I just wanted to Yell at Colby that "No. No you cannot Trust that a-hole ever again. He is not "misguided" hes just a big fat liar"
So once Seth and Colby remove their dead weight. They meet by Chance.. And then keep meeting. And their relationship has a slow progression that makes the story more believable. Add in some tension and apprehension because you know something Crazy will happen at the end and I think this story was pretty good. Glad I took the time to read it. Also the added football references and scenes were pretty good as well, made you feel like you were reading about actual game plays too.
The beginning of this book is the two main characters Seth and Colby creating some backstory with other men in their lives.
Seth the football player and Channing the "married" coach. I totally and absolutely Hated the Coach from the very first second we meet him and it continiued the entire time we saw him in this book. He is a serious User and Abuser and a total freaking Jerk of a douchenozzle.
Then we have Colby and the repeated cheater Neil. uuuggghhh.. I just wanted to Yell at Colby that "No. No you cannot Trust that a-hole ever again. He is not "misguided" hes just a big fat liar"
So once Seth and Colby remove their dead weight. They meet by Chance.. And then keep meeting. And their relationship has a slow progression that makes the story more believable. Add in some tension and apprehension because you know something Crazy will happen at the end and I think this story was pretty good. Glad I took the time to read it. Also the added football references and scenes were pretty good as well, made you feel like you were reading about actual game plays too.
May 14, 2016
Was it more than just sex? I don't know but the author tells me it is. Over. And over, and then just to be sure, we're told that it is more than just amazing sex that lasts almost a full minute. Is the second time they get together too soon to know it's love? What about the third time? But maybe Seth doesn't feel the same, even though he says he does. This book became tedious with it's description of their daily life. Be prepared to be told many things but not shown them. Somehow the two MCs feel a deep connection even though they don't know each others last names.
June 14, 2016
So many horrible cliches that I can't even list them all. Cheating boyfriend, dirty coach, assault by crazy ex, guns, 1950's mentality on who the "woman" in the relationship is, insta-love, just to name a few. It was like a bad soap opera in some parts. I finished it so I won't rate it a one star but all I can say is thank god for kindle unlimited and I didn't have to pay for it.
July 8, 2016
So, I’m in a bit of a quandary as to how to write this review. Because of the extremely vague language in the blurb, virtually anything I write about the plot will, in fact, be a spoiler.
Here’s what I can say about the plot without revealing more than the blurb: Seth Mercer is a star college football quarterback who desperately wants to make it to the NFL. He’s worked harder and longer than anybody on the team to make his dream come true. The dream isn’t just for him but also for his folks. They’ve fallen on hard times, and Seth wants to be able to take care of them. The only way for him to really do that is to make it to the pros. He’s contemplating that future at the end of his senior year, and the fact that he will have to keep his sexuality under wraps if he wants to get drafted. But the problem is he does sooooo many things to jeopardize this one decision that he seems to have made.
Colby is a very sympathetic character. His cheating boyfriend is a total douchecanoe and thankfully, Colby is ready to move on from him in every way possible. This is what opens him up to the possibility of Seth. But, this is my second issue with the storyline—after a hookup, these guys pretty quickly seem to be heading toward something more serious, but they literally have spent only a few nights together.
Beyond the two main characters, there are so many things that happen in the story that are beyond the realm of reality. I realize that it’s fiction, but the unending train of unbelievable incidents just really threw me out of the story. I didn’t believe the parents’ reactions. I didn’t believe the stunt pulled by the villain of the piece. I did really like a couple of Seth’s business associates, but beyond that, the secondary characters didn’t ring true. It’s like that Coco Chanel advice: before you leave the house take one thing off. This story was just way over-accessorized with too many unnecessary and implausible things to make me believe these two were the real deal.
I really wanted to like this book—new author, football player (I’m a sucker for gay athlete stories because I think they are important), fairly lengthy, all things that should let me enjoy the story. But there were just too many things that required me to suspend disbelief. That’s too bad because in general, I like the writer’s style. I also think another edit and some trimming would have helped with the pacing.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
Here’s what I can say about the plot without revealing more than the blurb: Seth Mercer is a star college football quarterback who desperately wants to make it to the NFL. He’s worked harder and longer than anybody on the team to make his dream come true. The dream isn’t just for him but also for his folks. They’ve fallen on hard times, and Seth wants to be able to take care of them. The only way for him to really do that is to make it to the pros. He’s contemplating that future at the end of his senior year, and the fact that he will have to keep his sexuality under wraps if he wants to get drafted. But the problem is he does sooooo many things to jeopardize this one decision that he seems to have made.
Colby is a very sympathetic character. His cheating boyfriend is a total douchecanoe and thankfully, Colby is ready to move on from him in every way possible. This is what opens him up to the possibility of Seth. But, this is my second issue with the storyline—after a hookup, these guys pretty quickly seem to be heading toward something more serious, but they literally have spent only a few nights together.
Beyond the two main characters, there are so many things that happen in the story that are beyond the realm of reality. I realize that it’s fiction, but the unending train of unbelievable incidents just really threw me out of the story. I didn’t believe the parents’ reactions. I didn’t believe the stunt pulled by the villain of the piece. I did really like a couple of Seth’s business associates, but beyond that, the secondary characters didn’t ring true. It’s like that Coco Chanel advice: before you leave the house take one thing off. This story was just way over-accessorized with too many unnecessary and implausible things to make me believe these two were the real deal.
I really wanted to like this book—new author, football player (I’m a sucker for gay athlete stories because I think they are important), fairly lengthy, all things that should let me enjoy the story. But there were just too many things that required me to suspend disbelief. That’s too bad because in general, I like the writer’s style. I also think another edit and some trimming would have helped with the pacing.
Reviewed by Sadonna for The Novel Approach Reviews
October 6, 2016
The full review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
So, I’m in a bit of a quandary as to how to write this review. Because of the extremely vague language in the blurb, virtually anything I write about the plot will, in fact, be a spoiler.
Here’s what I can say about the plot without revealing more than the blurb: Seth Mercer is a star college football quarterback who desperately wants to make it to the NFL. He’s worked harder and longer than anybody on the team to make his dream come true. The dream isn’t just for him but also for his folks. They’ve fallen on hard times, and Seth wants to be able to take care of them. The only way for him to really do that is to make it to the pros. He’s contemplating that future at the end of his senior year, and the fact that he will have to keep his sexuality under wraps if he wants to get drafted. But the problem is he does sooooo many things to jeopardize this one decision that he seems to have made.
Colby is a very sympathetic character. His cheating boyfriend is a total douchecanoe and thankfully, Colby is ready to move on from him in every way possible. This is what opens him up to the possibility of Seth. But, this is my second issue with the storyline—after a hookup, these guys pretty quickly seem to be heading toward something more serious, but they literally have spent only a few nights together.
Beyond the two main characters, there are so many things that happen in the story that are beyond the realm of reality. I realize that it’s fiction, but the unending train of unbelievable incidents just really threw me out of the story. I didn’t believe the parents’ reactions. I didn’t believe the stunt pulled by the villain of the piece. I did really like a couple of Seth’s business associates, but beyond that, the secondary characters didn’t ring true. It’s like that Coco Chanel advice: before you leave the house take one thing off. This story was just way over-accessorized with too many unnecessary and implausible things to make me believe these two were the real deal.
I really wanted to like this book—new author, football player (I’m a sucker for gay athlete stories because I think they are important), fairly lengthy, all things that should let me enjoy the story. But there were just too many things that required me to suspend disbelief. That’s too bad because in general, I like the writer’s style. I also think another edit and some trimming would have helped with the pacing.
So, I’m in a bit of a quandary as to how to write this review. Because of the extremely vague language in the blurb, virtually anything I write about the plot will, in fact, be a spoiler.
Here’s what I can say about the plot without revealing more than the blurb: Seth Mercer is a star college football quarterback who desperately wants to make it to the NFL. He’s worked harder and longer than anybody on the team to make his dream come true. The dream isn’t just for him but also for his folks. They’ve fallen on hard times, and Seth wants to be able to take care of them. The only way for him to really do that is to make it to the pros. He’s contemplating that future at the end of his senior year, and the fact that he will have to keep his sexuality under wraps if he wants to get drafted. But the problem is he does sooooo many things to jeopardize this one decision that he seems to have made.
Colby is a very sympathetic character. His cheating boyfriend is a total douchecanoe and thankfully, Colby is ready to move on from him in every way possible. This is what opens him up to the possibility of Seth. But, this is my second issue with the storyline—after a hookup, these guys pretty quickly seem to be heading toward something more serious, but they literally have spent only a few nights together.
Beyond the two main characters, there are so many things that happen in the story that are beyond the realm of reality. I realize that it’s fiction, but the unending train of unbelievable incidents just really threw me out of the story. I didn’t believe the parents’ reactions. I didn’t believe the stunt pulled by the villain of the piece. I did really like a couple of Seth’s business associates, but beyond that, the secondary characters didn’t ring true. It’s like that Coco Chanel advice: before you leave the house take one thing off. This story was just way over-accessorized with too many unnecessary and implausible things to make me believe these two were the real deal.
I really wanted to like this book—new author, football player (I’m a sucker for gay athlete stories because I think they are important), fairly lengthy, all things that should let me enjoy the story. But there were just too many things that required me to suspend disbelief. That’s too bad because in general, I like the writer’s style. I also think another edit and some trimming would have helped with the pacing.
May 9, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Angst, angst, and yet some more angst. This book opens with the angst dialed all the way up and stays there for the first quarter of the book. Angst is good and I can always deal, but this book delivers it in consecutive chapters for both MCs. First, there is Seth who gets into his first relationship with a man. I’m purposely being evasive on the identity of the man he’s involved with as it reads better to discover on your own. But the man manipulates and lies to Seth who comes off as overly sheltered, naïve, and simply wanting to please. Even when good things are happening, like a football draft, the angst continues to bear down.
Then there is Colby and the angst stays high as he catches his live-in boyfriend cheating and I particularly enjoyed how this scene played out. Colby is left devastated, but he has his work and it’s during one of his business trips that he meets Seth. There is a lot of talk about Colby’s job and clients and deals and meetings and relocation, yet for all of this it is never disclosed just what Colby does. Seth is not out, he’s hiding his professional identity, and they don’t share any personal information. They are craving each other, the beginning of their relationship is frantic as they are in different time zones and then all of a sudden there is a reprieve from the tension. Then, the guys spend quality time together locked away from the rest of the world and take time to explore each other and then explore each other some more.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Angst, angst, and yet some more angst. This book opens with the angst dialed all the way up and stays there for the first quarter of the book. Angst is good and I can always deal, but this book delivers it in consecutive chapters for both MCs. First, there is Seth who gets into his first relationship with a man. I’m purposely being evasive on the identity of the man he’s involved with as it reads better to discover on your own. But the man manipulates and lies to Seth who comes off as overly sheltered, naïve, and simply wanting to please. Even when good things are happening, like a football draft, the angst continues to bear down.
Then there is Colby and the angst stays high as he catches his live-in boyfriend cheating and I particularly enjoyed how this scene played out. Colby is left devastated, but he has his work and it’s during one of his business trips that he meets Seth. There is a lot of talk about Colby’s job and clients and deals and meetings and relocation, yet for all of this it is never disclosed just what Colby does. Seth is not out, he’s hiding his professional identity, and they don’t share any personal information. They are craving each other, the beginning of their relationship is frantic as they are in different time zones and then all of a sudden there is a reprieve from the tension. Then, the guys spend quality time together locked away from the rest of the world and take time to explore each other and then explore each other some more.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 12, 2018
This book was honestly ridiculous. First the structure was so off, the first 45% was just long, long paragraphs of events being told and inner thoughts, nothing was really shown other then the sex scenes of which there were too many. Second, such insta love, I like them together okay but I can't really believe in their love because it went from 0 to 60 from the first sex scene and don't really spend much time together before they're in love just by having sex. Then there was the over the top drama which made me wonder what the heck I was reading.
Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the book but I found it a little hard to get into because it was all just being told without showing much and then the book went way too OTT. Plus there should have been way less sex and more just the two guys being together because there wasn't a lot of that.
Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the book but I found it a little hard to get into because it was all just being told without showing much and then the book went way too OTT. Plus there should have been way less sex and more just the two guys being together because there wasn't a lot of that.
May 5, 2016
4 stars – After the Snap is Peyton Miller’s debut novel. I have a soft spot for first-timers (oh, c’mon people… minds out of the gutter now, shall we?), and it’s got a football (gridiron) theme, so that makes two things I like before I even started. Oh, and did you see the cover? I’ve read enough in the genre not to allow covers to be a deciding factor for whether I read a book or not, but… uh, yum! So that makes three things. Yeah, I know. None of these things matters a lick if the story is a pile of shit. This one happily avoids that distinction in spite of having a few freshman flaws.
Seth Mercer has made it into the NFL and feels like he must keep his sexuality a secret in order to have a chance for success. But his secret goes deeper than just being gay: during his senior year of college, he was involved with one of his coaches, a man who was also married and lied to him about it. So not only is Seth scared about having his future crushed by the secrets getting out, he also refuses to get into another relationship because of the trust issues this causes. Colby Larsen is an up-and-comer in the company where he works. After returning home early from a business trip, he breaks up with his boyfriend when he discovers him in bed with another man. When his next trip brings him across the country to San Diego, he goes to a bar looking for sex with no strings attached, an arrangement that suits Seth perfectly. But the chemistry is too strong between them; both realize they want more even though they are afraid to open up for fear of being hurt again. Between their fears, their secrets, and their ex-lovers trying to get them back, there’s no way things can be easy for Seth and Colby.
As a general rule, I dislike when the first chapter of a romance novel contains a sex scene. It always makes me think the book is going to be more erotica than romance—not that erotica is bad per se, but I don’t read it for the same reasons as I read romance. If there’s a good reason for it, though, I can get past my initial reaction. Here, the first chapter chronicles Seth’s first sexual encounter with another man, the coach I mentioned earlier. It’s a scene full of mixed emotions, not just for Seth but for the reader as well. Imagine being aroused by the hot and rough locker-room fantasy while cringing from constantly being reminded about everything that’s potentially wrong with it, and then having this uneasy feeling continue in the next several chapters that are from Seth’s point of view (POV). This sets up Seth’s character well for his high-angst internal struggle through the rest of the book, and that, in my opinion, is a valid reason to start a novel this way.
After the characters have been introduced, and Seth and Colby finally meet in the bar—over a quarter of the way into the narrative—the middle of the novel does little to advance the plot at more than a snail's pace. Sure, time is moving and things are happening, but the major players and conflicts seem to be stuck in some sort of wash-rinse-repeat cycle that lasts until the two-thirds point of the novel. The cliché sadly applies here, for at times during this novel, I felt like I was reading parts of two versions of a single scene that were thrown into two different places in this final version. This book is not short by any means, so having this lengthy period of treading water filled with multiple almost-déjà-vu moments kept making me wonder when something big was finally going to happen. While the plot seems a little slow because of this, what it does accomplish is building the sexual tension between Seth and Colby, primarily from them being so far apart for so much of the novel. At last, though, at around the 70% mark, not only do big things start to happen, but they happen at rapid-fire pace. And it’s a great ride from that point onward.
The chemistry between Seth and Colby is obvious from the minute they connect. Their interactions (and yeah, the sex scenes) are where the author’s writing shines. It’s noteworthy, especially in a first-time effort, that I can’t think of a single instance where I was confused about whose POV I was reading, nor was I ever wondering which was doing what to whom. Some of the stuff that happens when they’re in their own heads does get a little repetitive, and the scenes involving only one of them sometimes read like eyewitness reports more than something that evokes strong images and feelings for the reader, but even so, I can easily overlook these rookie problems because in addition to the lovable main characters, the story line is interesting and deals with one issue in particular that could quite well become front-page news in real life any day now. And I hope the resolution when this does happen in real life comes down as well as it did in the story.
Overall, this book is a promising debut effort. It’s not an easy or light-hearted read, and I suspect there will be some who think the pace is too slow, but like any good football player would, I suggest pushing through any struggle you might have with the book. The story is worth the work it takes to get there.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of After the Snap in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
Seth Mercer has made it into the NFL and feels like he must keep his sexuality a secret in order to have a chance for success. But his secret goes deeper than just being gay: during his senior year of college, he was involved with one of his coaches, a man who was also married and lied to him about it. So not only is Seth scared about having his future crushed by the secrets getting out, he also refuses to get into another relationship because of the trust issues this causes. Colby Larsen is an up-and-comer in the company where he works. After returning home early from a business trip, he breaks up with his boyfriend when he discovers him in bed with another man. When his next trip brings him across the country to San Diego, he goes to a bar looking for sex with no strings attached, an arrangement that suits Seth perfectly. But the chemistry is too strong between them; both realize they want more even though they are afraid to open up for fear of being hurt again. Between their fears, their secrets, and their ex-lovers trying to get them back, there’s no way things can be easy for Seth and Colby.
As a general rule, I dislike when the first chapter of a romance novel contains a sex scene. It always makes me think the book is going to be more erotica than romance—not that erotica is bad per se, but I don’t read it for the same reasons as I read romance. If there’s a good reason for it, though, I can get past my initial reaction. Here, the first chapter chronicles Seth’s first sexual encounter with another man, the coach I mentioned earlier. It’s a scene full of mixed emotions, not just for Seth but for the reader as well. Imagine being aroused by the hot and rough locker-room fantasy while cringing from constantly being reminded about everything that’s potentially wrong with it, and then having this uneasy feeling continue in the next several chapters that are from Seth’s point of view (POV). This sets up Seth’s character well for his high-angst internal struggle through the rest of the book, and that, in my opinion, is a valid reason to start a novel this way.
After the characters have been introduced, and Seth and Colby finally meet in the bar—over a quarter of the way into the narrative—the middle of the novel does little to advance the plot at more than a snail's pace. Sure, time is moving and things are happening, but the major players and conflicts seem to be stuck in some sort of wash-rinse-repeat cycle that lasts until the two-thirds point of the novel. The cliché sadly applies here, for at times during this novel, I felt like I was reading parts of two versions of a single scene that were thrown into two different places in this final version. This book is not short by any means, so having this lengthy period of treading water filled with multiple almost-déjà-vu moments kept making me wonder when something big was finally going to happen. While the plot seems a little slow because of this, what it does accomplish is building the sexual tension between Seth and Colby, primarily from them being so far apart for so much of the novel. At last, though, at around the 70% mark, not only do big things start to happen, but they happen at rapid-fire pace. And it’s a great ride from that point onward.
The chemistry between Seth and Colby is obvious from the minute they connect. Their interactions (and yeah, the sex scenes) are where the author’s writing shines. It’s noteworthy, especially in a first-time effort, that I can’t think of a single instance where I was confused about whose POV I was reading, nor was I ever wondering which was doing what to whom. Some of the stuff that happens when they’re in their own heads does get a little repetitive, and the scenes involving only one of them sometimes read like eyewitness reports more than something that evokes strong images and feelings for the reader, but even so, I can easily overlook these rookie problems because in addition to the lovable main characters, the story line is interesting and deals with one issue in particular that could quite well become front-page news in real life any day now. And I hope the resolution when this does happen in real life comes down as well as it did in the story.
Overall, this book is a promising debut effort. It’s not an easy or light-hearted read, and I suspect there will be some who think the pace is too slow, but like any good football player would, I suggest pushing through any struggle you might have with the book. The story is worth the work it takes to get there.
The author generously provided me a complimentary copy of After the Snap in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
February 10, 2017
I did not finish this book. I was having a really hard time connecting with Seth. His character seemed really flat yet needy. He came across as insecure, really feeling unloved and unwanted yet he seems to have very loving parents. His part of the story, in the beginning, really needed some more detail. My intention is to go back later and finish the story. I really liked Colby and hope his and Seth's future interactions improve my feelings on this story.
May 13, 2017
Dnf 5%
After the Coach walks in and says a bunch of flowery stuff that NO ONE would ever say...I thought the MC was having a dream.
But it kept going...the dialogue is atrocious. No, just no...
After the Coach walks in and says a bunch of flowery stuff that NO ONE would ever say...I thought the MC was having a dream.
But it kept going...the dialogue is atrocious. No, just no...
December 2, 2017
Amazing Book!
Love this book! I'm so happy that I found it! I love how every thing in the book comes together it's great.
Love this book! I'm so happy that I found it! I love how every thing in the book comes together it's great.
September 3, 2018
This was a reread for me. I truly love this book.
Want to read
November 20, 2019I really want to read this book where can I read it. I already tired kindle bookstore and looked for a copy at the library online and in rl
February 2, 2017
Loved the story of Seth and Colby. This is a M/M Romance about 1 man in the closet and 1 man out of it. This story is written as a multi pov, and does have an HEA.
I found the story a wee bit heavy on the previous life of Seth, our hunky football player, but it did set up a nice transition for the ending. I think it could have been trimmed down slightly and would not have taken anything away from the story. It did however give us a reason for Seth's mindset of being afraid to get into a relationship to a point. It was mostly sexy bits, and I'm all for the sexy bits, but there were a lot of them. Seth is made to look naive in the early part of the book.
Colby lives with his boyfriend and comes home early from a business trip, to find a surprise. Having enough of his boyfriends cheating ways, Colby moves out. Thank goodness the company he works for, wants him to move and he takes advantage of moving across the country. On one of his trips back to California before his move, Colby is feeling lonely. He doesn't want a relationship, but needs to feel wanted, desired, and decides after lots of sole searching to go to the gay bar not far from his hotel.
What Colby doesn't expect to find is Seth. Things progress fast for them and they find themselves headed back to Colby's hotel. What they both didn't expect was for each of them to develop such strong feelings for each other. This story takes us on their journey.
Great story line, easy to fall in love with the characters. their dialogue was engaging and made me feel as if I was part of the conversation and the descriptions to details were doing well, to make me feel as if I was actually there. Had a few heart twinge moments as well which was awesome!
All in all, a great read!
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
I found the story a wee bit heavy on the previous life of Seth, our hunky football player, but it did set up a nice transition for the ending. I think it could have been trimmed down slightly and would not have taken anything away from the story. It did however give us a reason for Seth's mindset of being afraid to get into a relationship to a point. It was mostly sexy bits, and I'm all for the sexy bits, but there were a lot of them. Seth is made to look naive in the early part of the book.
Colby lives with his boyfriend and comes home early from a business trip, to find a surprise. Having enough of his boyfriends cheating ways, Colby moves out. Thank goodness the company he works for, wants him to move and he takes advantage of moving across the country. On one of his trips back to California before his move, Colby is feeling lonely. He doesn't want a relationship, but needs to feel wanted, desired, and decides after lots of sole searching to go to the gay bar not far from his hotel.
What Colby doesn't expect to find is Seth. Things progress fast for them and they find themselves headed back to Colby's hotel. What they both didn't expect was for each of them to develop such strong feelings for each other. This story takes us on their journey.
Great story line, easy to fall in love with the characters. their dialogue was engaging and made me feel as if I was part of the conversation and the descriptions to details were doing well, to make me feel as if I was actually there. Had a few heart twinge moments as well which was awesome!
All in all, a great read!
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
June 4, 2016
I'm not usually a fan of stories involving sports, but this was well done. The accounts of the football games were exciting and gripping. I could visualize the scenes and was cheering for Seth and his team. And the issue of a gay player deciding to come out was fascinating to read.
The first chapters were quite long and had me wondering if I was going to enjoy this story. It took me a time to see the impact Seth’s first relationship would have on his life and career. I was surprised by the coach’s actions and declaration of love from the start, but I guessed he was going to be a scrumbag. I especially liked the scenes that followed that introduced Colby and his sorrowful situation.
Seth and Colby are opposites in many ways and both very likeable characters. Their personalities are shown well through their interaction with each other and other people. There’s instant attraction, and although they only meet a couple of times and don’t know much about each other, there’s chemistry that cannot be denied. As the relationship progresses, they do question their responses and weigh up their doubts, and because of all this, the events towards the end of the story are made more believable.
This is a lengthy read, and at times a little repetitive especially in the middle of the book, yet it is very readable. I admire Peyton’s writing style, although towards the end the editing was a little slack.
There’s lots of angsty drama in this story and frequent although short sex scenes. And boy, do these guys have stamina. They’re ready to go again in a few minutes and again shortly after. Wow!
The story is more than sex, though. Strong emotions are portrayed well through the main characters’ thoughts and feelings. I enjoyed the anticipation as the story reached its exciting climax and was happy with the resolution.
Overall, a very enjoyable debut novel that leaves you with a warm and tingly heart.
Review also posted on Gay Book Reviews
http://gaybook.reviews/2016/05/26/lil...
The first chapters were quite long and had me wondering if I was going to enjoy this story. It took me a time to see the impact Seth’s first relationship would have on his life and career. I was surprised by the coach’s actions and declaration of love from the start, but I guessed he was going to be a scrumbag. I especially liked the scenes that followed that introduced Colby and his sorrowful situation.
Seth and Colby are opposites in many ways and both very likeable characters. Their personalities are shown well through their interaction with each other and other people. There’s instant attraction, and although they only meet a couple of times and don’t know much about each other, there’s chemistry that cannot be denied. As the relationship progresses, they do question their responses and weigh up their doubts, and because of all this, the events towards the end of the story are made more believable.
This is a lengthy read, and at times a little repetitive especially in the middle of the book, yet it is very readable. I admire Peyton’s writing style, although towards the end the editing was a little slack.
There’s lots of angsty drama in this story and frequent although short sex scenes. And boy, do these guys have stamina. They’re ready to go again in a few minutes and again shortly after. Wow!
The story is more than sex, though. Strong emotions are portrayed well through the main characters’ thoughts and feelings. I enjoyed the anticipation as the story reached its exciting climax and was happy with the resolution.
Overall, a very enjoyable debut novel that leaves you with a warm and tingly heart.
Review also posted on Gay Book Reviews
http://gaybook.reviews/2016/05/26/lil...
June 22, 2016
2.5* stars
Debut book - I must admit it was the cover that made me want to read it....I am that shallow....!
I'm not really sure how to review this - Colby, college football, recently drafted into the NFL and in the closet hooks up with Seth, who has traveled into town on business and is getting over a cheating ex. I invested myself in these characters - both likable, both had baggage of varying degrees but they found a *spark* in each to want to have more than a one night stand. So, I dragged my arse through the story and Yes, at times it was like wading through treacle and can I actually utter the words *too much sex*....I know....wash my mouth out with soap....but it got really tedious......
So, it wasn't the insta-love that was the issue, it was the angst and drama...so, so. so much angst and drama!! I'm not sure if the author worried that there would not be enough plot so threw every scenario going at the couple?? Sexual manipulation, cheating and stalker ex, domestic abuse, parental rejection, over -the-top-eye-roll coming out and the unrealistic show of support and the way the coaches handled it....and I won't start on the crying (them, not me - although I did wail in frustration...)....it was all just too much!
This was a long book - around 390 pages and a good third of that could've been stripped out, less football game-play commentary (for a Brit, this made no sense at all!!) less on the drama and past relationships (far too much time was given over to Colby's early days) and more focus on Colby and Seth becoming a couple, overcoming a few hurdles to their HEA. Overall, this was drama central with a dash of sap, but no sparkle.
Debut book - I must admit it was the cover that made me want to read it....I am that shallow....!
I'm not really sure how to review this - Colby, college football, recently drafted into the NFL and in the closet hooks up with Seth, who has traveled into town on business and is getting over a cheating ex. I invested myself in these characters - both likable, both had baggage of varying degrees but they found a *spark* in each to want to have more than a one night stand. So, I dragged my arse through the story and Yes, at times it was like wading through treacle and can I actually utter the words *too much sex*....I know....wash my mouth out with soap....but it got really tedious......
So, it wasn't the insta-love that was the issue, it was the angst and drama...so, so. so much angst and drama!! I'm not sure if the author worried that there would not be enough plot so threw every scenario going at the couple?? Sexual manipulation, cheating and stalker ex, domestic abuse, parental rejection, over -the-top-eye-roll coming out and the unrealistic show of support and the way the coaches handled it....and I won't start on the crying (them, not me - although I did wail in frustration...)....it was all just too much!
This was a long book - around 390 pages and a good third of that could've been stripped out, less football game-play commentary (for a Brit, this made no sense at all!!) less on the drama and past relationships (far too much time was given over to Colby's early days) and more focus on Colby and Seth becoming a couple, overcoming a few hurdles to their HEA. Overall, this was drama central with a dash of sap, but no sparkle.
May 16, 2016
Let’s start out by saying I LOVE THE COVER! I was very drawn to this book because of it. I find the cover of a book to be vital so YAY! I loved it.
This is Peyton Miller’s debut novel and she’s really off to a fantastic start. This is a very very angsty story. A lot of drama, a lot of emotions.
The MC’s are Seth and Colby. Opposites in a lot of ways but as you can guess, it works for them. Seth gets to the NFL and moves. Leaving a horrible relationship. Colby isn’t a relationship guy but a chance meeting brings Seth and Colby together.
Seth kind of leads Colby on by not telling him who he really is. Colby’s lack of football knowledge meant he had no clue WHO Seth was. I felt bad for Colby when the past comes back to haunt Seth and thrusts him in it.
That’s where a lot of the drama comes in. I will admit I was frustrated in many parts of this book. As entertaining and enjoyable it was it was also angering and frustrating at the same time.
Peyton Miller has made a mark with this story and I look forward to reading more work from her.
This is Peyton Miller’s debut novel and she’s really off to a fantastic start. This is a very very angsty story. A lot of drama, a lot of emotions.
The MC’s are Seth and Colby. Opposites in a lot of ways but as you can guess, it works for them. Seth gets to the NFL and moves. Leaving a horrible relationship. Colby isn’t a relationship guy but a chance meeting brings Seth and Colby together.
Seth kind of leads Colby on by not telling him who he really is. Colby’s lack of football knowledge meant he had no clue WHO Seth was. I felt bad for Colby when the past comes back to haunt Seth and thrusts him in it.
That’s where a lot of the drama comes in. I will admit I was frustrated in many parts of this book. As entertaining and enjoyable it was it was also angering and frustrating at the same time.
Peyton Miller has made a mark with this story and I look forward to reading more work from her.
May 31, 2016
This is a decent debut novel which would have benefited a bit from some tighter editing. There's way too much ancillary content surrounding both the main characters' earlier relationships which could have been condensed without losing its effectiveness.
The dialogue is also at times a bit clumsy and cheesy and would have been improved with a good editor cutting out some of the more "childlike" elements to each character's exclamations of wonder at how amazing the other person was.
And the amount of secret gay guys in the NFL team who stepped up to show their support during the big angsty drama element of this story did come across as just slightly unrealistic, as did the complete backing of all the coaching staff, but I accept this is a romance with a HEA and so the author is perfectly entitled to want her characters to not have to face that prejudice as well as everything else.
Having said all of the above, it's a nice sweet story with two decent main characters and a setting which is appealing.
The dialogue is also at times a bit clumsy and cheesy and would have been improved with a good editor cutting out some of the more "childlike" elements to each character's exclamations of wonder at how amazing the other person was.
And the amount of secret gay guys in the NFL team who stepped up to show their support during the big angsty drama element of this story did come across as just slightly unrealistic, as did the complete backing of all the coaching staff, but I accept this is a romance with a HEA and so the author is perfectly entitled to want her characters to not have to face that prejudice as well as everything else.
Having said all of the above, it's a nice sweet story with two decent main characters and a setting which is appealing.
July 20, 2016
I read some of the reviews on this book but I enjoyed it anyway... reviews aren't always accurate.
True there was way too much sex in the book but it wasn't over the top... just the same basic type of sex that two people who are young and in love would have... I thought it was cute.
I also thought it was cool that the guys switch it up... especially Seth, it isn't often a big football player would admit he likes... no in Seth's case LOVES to bottom.
I also loved how honest Seth and Colby were to each other... they did hide things from each other when they first meet but that was totally understandable, but they didn't drag out the secrets to the point they started to get in the way of the guys being able to trust each other and I like that... that kind of drama is so boring in books now a days.
Colby and Seth's ex's were a little over the top especially Seth's... well he was just stupid... its funny how both men turned out to be abusive in two different ways.... but still abusive.
I wish there was more story from this group but I'm good with it.
True there was way too much sex in the book but it wasn't over the top... just the same basic type of sex that two people who are young and in love would have... I thought it was cute.
I also thought it was cool that the guys switch it up... especially Seth, it isn't often a big football player would admit he likes... no in Seth's case LOVES to bottom.
I also loved how honest Seth and Colby were to each other... they did hide things from each other when they first meet but that was totally understandable, but they didn't drag out the secrets to the point they started to get in the way of the guys being able to trust each other and I like that... that kind of drama is so boring in books now a days.
Colby and Seth's ex's were a little over the top especially Seth's... well he was just stupid... its funny how both men turned out to be abusive in two different ways.... but still abusive.
I wish there was more story from this group but I'm good with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2016
After The Snap is the debut novel by Peyton Miller. It is a standalone read that I think you will enjoy, especially if you like sports based stories.
Seth Mercer is a pro Quarterback who has been in the closet in order to keep playing a game he loves. He has not been very trusting of others.
Colby Larsen is a multi-racial gay man who has been hurt one to many times by unfaithful partners. He has decided to stick to advancing his career.
Seth and Colby meet and are instantly drawn to each other. Can they last with the surprises they face from their coming together?
Peyton Miller has written a story that will pull you in and make turning the pages a must. I enjoyed this debut story and look forward to more stories from Peyton Miller. Give After The Snap a try, I think you will enjoy it.
Thanks Peyton Miller & Good Writing
Seth Mercer is a pro Quarterback who has been in the closet in order to keep playing a game he loves. He has not been very trusting of others.
Colby Larsen is a multi-racial gay man who has been hurt one to many times by unfaithful partners. He has decided to stick to advancing his career.
Seth and Colby meet and are instantly drawn to each other. Can they last with the surprises they face from their coming together?
Peyton Miller has written a story that will pull you in and make turning the pages a must. I enjoyed this debut story and look forward to more stories from Peyton Miller. Give After The Snap a try, I think you will enjoy it.
Thanks Peyton Miller & Good Writing
May 17, 2016
I was lucky enough to beta read this book, and just read the published copy. My feelings on the book haven't changed. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. While it's a little slow to start, once Seth and Colby meet its absolutely amazing! They have such great chemistry, and are so perfect for each other. Its great to see how people can overcome the baggage from past relationships. I also love the supporting characters Justin, Wayne, Coach Maddox, etc.
I have read a few different M/M books that involve sports, but this story was very different from those. I loved how it was so scary and difficult for Seth to come out, and how much his team supported him when he did. Just a truly wonderful book! I can't wait to see what Peyton comes out with next!
I have read a few different M/M books that involve sports, but this story was very different from those. I loved how it was so scary and difficult for Seth to come out, and how much his team supported him when he did. Just a truly wonderful book! I can't wait to see what Peyton comes out with next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2016
DNF @26% TOO MUCH ANGST!
Reading through other reviews, I get the idea that the angst will be over shortly, but I just can't make it any further.
Seth is an idiot. How can someone with a decent family background be so incredibly stupid in his own romance? From 5 minutes into his 'relationship' he knew something wasn't right, but he kept going...moron.
Colby is introduced so quickly that I didn't feel that I knew who he was before his own drama started. I actually had to go back to the blurb to confirm that he was supposed to be the second character - that's how little I knew about him.
I hope that other readers will like this book, and that the eventual relationship between Seth and Colby will be satisfying, but I can't even make it through to their first meeting. :(
Reading through other reviews, I get the idea that the angst will be over shortly, but I just can't make it any further.
Seth is an idiot. How can someone with a decent family background be so incredibly stupid in his own romance? From 5 minutes into his 'relationship' he knew something wasn't right, but he kept going...moron.
Colby is introduced so quickly that I didn't feel that I knew who he was before his own drama started. I actually had to go back to the blurb to confirm that he was supposed to be the second character - that's how little I knew about him.
I hope that other readers will like this book, and that the eventual relationship between Seth and Colby will be satisfying, but I can't even make it through to their first meeting. :(
May 14, 2016
What a great debut *^* The story was well developed, the characters grow and deal with their troubles. It was very realistic, the scenes where nice described. One thing I really, really liked was the detailed presentation of the football games :3 Damn I felt like watching a game.
The other parts, the love, the emotions, the hot sex between Colby and Seth was H-O-T. Steamy, hot and woooow. :3
This was a great opening, a great debut of a great author. Hope to read another book soon.
I didn't expect that this book would dissatisfy me and it doesn't, the opposite was it. In fact that Kindle Alexander recommend it was helpful and told me this can't be bad. :3 <3
The other parts, the love, the emotions, the hot sex between Colby and Seth was H-O-T. Steamy, hot and woooow. :3
This was a great opening, a great debut of a great author. Hope to read another book soon.
I didn't expect that this book would dissatisfy me and it doesn't, the opposite was it. In fact that Kindle Alexander recommend it was helpful and told me this can't be bad. :3 <3
May 14, 2016
Julie as Contributor for: Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter
Teaser
I found After The Snap by Peyton Miller to be a great read. So much so that I was shocked to find out this is Peyton’s first book. This has definitely made me want to give anything Miller writes a try.
Please my dear readers, give this book a chance. It is definitely worth the risk!
See Full Review Here:
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wix.com/kim...
Teaser
I found After The Snap by Peyton Miller to be a great read. So much so that I was shocked to find out this is Peyton’s first book. This has definitely made me want to give anything Miller writes a try.
Please my dear readers, give this book a chance. It is definitely worth the risk!
See Full Review Here:
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wix.com/kim...
May 25, 2016
I liked this book. I wanted to love it. Honestly, I could have done without the first 30% of the book and settled for Seth and Colby offering each other their tales of woe with their exes as a means of getting to know one another better. I don't have a problem with Insta-love when done right, but these two were spouting a deep connection and feelings of love when they hadn't even arrived at the last name stage. And was it just me that it felt like I was speed reading the first part of the book? It was a very odd sensation.
May 10, 2016
Great First Novel
Appreciated the build up of the main characters, Seth and Colby. Really appreciated the great Editting! When the one glaring mistake happened towards the last part of the book, I went huh? That was the only one I remembered. Definitely fantasy, when it comes to the NFL and gay acceptance, which is sad. Was a wee bit predictable with Seth's " old coach issue". All in all a great story, thank you for sharing Peyton Miller. Looking forward to your next book.
Appreciated the build up of the main characters, Seth and Colby. Really appreciated the great Editting! When the one glaring mistake happened towards the last part of the book, I went huh? That was the only one I remembered. Definitely fantasy, when it comes to the NFL and gay acceptance, which is sad. Was a wee bit predictable with Seth's " old coach issue". All in all a great story, thank you for sharing Peyton Miller. Looking forward to your next book.
May 13, 2016
Love is Love
Beautifully written story of two young men who had been taking advantage of by previous lovers. They meet at a gay club where a one night of magic turns into a lifetime of forever. This story is filled with drama that will make you want to jump in and help. It hooks you from the first chapter to the epilogue. I wouldn't mind seeing this become a serious. I would love to see them become parents. Great book!
Beautifully written story of two young men who had been taking advantage of by previous lovers. They meet at a gay club where a one night of magic turns into a lifetime of forever. This story is filled with drama that will make you want to jump in and help. It hooks you from the first chapter to the epilogue. I wouldn't mind seeing this become a serious. I would love to see them become parents. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews