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Nothing but Trouble after Midnight
Chloe Preston has the perfect teenage great friends, a full social calendar, and the ideal boyfriend. But perfect never stays that way. One night, Chloe's life is shattered, and all she can hope for is that the memory will fade like a bad dream. But secret truths are dangerous, and Chloe discovers that keeping things hidden causes more harm than good--especially when the nightmare is real and comes back for more. Will Chloe find the strength to face the truth, or will she remain a victim of her own fears? Insightful and compelling, author Kimberly Blackadar's Nothing but Trouble after Midnight is an unprecedented battle between true love and ill-fated circumstance.
- GenresFiction
232 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
About the author
Kimberly Blackadar
3 books8 followersBorn in Massachusetts, but raised in Florida, Kimberly Blackadar graduated from Florida State University and then spent eight years in the classroomprimarily as an English, social studies, and drama teacher. Now a homeschooling mom living in Minnesota, she draws from her teaching experiences to offer realistic fiction to her readers."
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 23, 2010
I'm not even sure where to begin, this novel resonated with me so deeply.
Nothing but Trouble after Midnight follows the relationship between Chloe and Rob, neighbors and childhood friends who eventually admit deeper feelings for one another. The story starts off sweet, but there will be heartbreak before redemption.
The tentative steps toward an intimate relationship between Chloe and Rob were wonderfully written and realistic. Their sarcastic conversations remind me very much of how my husband and I are with one another, so I immediately felt a connection to them as a couple.
However... Chloe's rape and subsequent retreat from those who love her broke my heart. As a parent, I wanted to rip Austin to shreds, but as a girl, I know all too intimately the fear and pain Chloe was going through. The conversation she has with her mother after the incident with Austin in the woods only made it worse for me; her heart was flayed open for all to see, and I could see she still would need time to heal. That time took her away from Rob, her first (and true) love, and caused a lot of damage. Thankfully, it would seem, the characters are committed to each other enough to work toward a HEA. The last kiss in the tree house was perfection.
Another reviewer stated that Chloe's reaction to the rape was an example of how not to respond to this kind of situation, and while I agree, I also know it's how many respond. I hope that by reading Chloe's reaction, others who have been similarly assaulted will see themselves in her character and seek help.
Nothing but Trouble after Midnight is a sweet and heartbreaking novel well worth your time.
Nothing but Trouble after Midnight follows the relationship between Chloe and Rob, neighbors and childhood friends who eventually admit deeper feelings for one another. The story starts off sweet, but there will be heartbreak before redemption.
The tentative steps toward an intimate relationship between Chloe and Rob were wonderfully written and realistic. Their sarcastic conversations remind me very much of how my husband and I are with one another, so I immediately felt a connection to them as a couple.
However... Chloe's rape and subsequent retreat from those who love her broke my heart. As a parent, I wanted to rip Austin to shreds, but as a girl, I know all too intimately the fear and pain Chloe was going through. The conversation she has with her mother after the incident with Austin in the woods only made it worse for me; her heart was flayed open for all to see, and I could see she still would need time to heal. That time took her away from Rob, her first (and true) love, and caused a lot of damage. Thankfully, it would seem, the characters are committed to each other enough to work toward a HEA. The last kiss in the tree house was perfection.
Another reviewer stated that Chloe's reaction to the rape was an example of how not to respond to this kind of situation, and while I agree, I also know it's how many respond. I hope that by reading Chloe's reaction, others who have been similarly assaulted will see themselves in her character and seek help.
Nothing but Trouble after Midnight is a sweet and heartbreaking novel well worth your time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2011
I really enjoyed Nothing But Trouble After Midnight by Kimberly Blackadar. Its a great story about teenage life. Chloe is the main character in the story. Austin is her boyfriend in the beginning, but she breaks up with him. She also knows Rob, a childhood friend who is moving away the next year. The story mainly focuses on Chloe's relationship with the other characters as time moves on. I really like Nothing But Trouble After Midnight, and I think it should be read by any middle or high-schooler who wants a good story.
January 7, 2010
Nothing But Trouble After Midnight by Kimberly Blackadar, is the first in a series of novels about a young girl’s trials and tribulations of teen years. Chloe seems to have it all till one night, everything changes. Can she overcome the obstacle thrown before her? What will happen with her relationships and her perfect life? Can she run away from it all?
This is an engaging book that is difficult to put down. Blackadar accurately portrays teen life, including the joys of friendships, first love, the pressure to fit in and the loss of innocence. Chloe Preston is faced with an obstacle in which she must somehow learn to come to terms with in order to move on. And, like so many of our struggles in life, the enemy is her own self. What does it take to move forward?
Blackadar addresses a difficult subject carefully with honor and an uncanny understanding of the victim, her family and her friends. As a licensed therapist, I can recommend this book on so many levels for young people, and adults, as well. There are so many topics in this book that warrant discussing with young people today. I urge both mothers, and daughters, to read this book and discuss the issues at hand. The lessons that Chloe Preston learns are beneficial to anyone struggling with adversity. And, although you will need a box of tissues when reading this novel, the tears will make way for the rays of hope.
Kimberly Blackadar is a personal friend of mine. This review is written honestly and from the heart. I was not compensated in anyway for this review, and, in fact, purchased the book myself. I do need to add that I am currently acting in the capacity of Kimberly’s regional publicist. Kudos, Kimberly! I can’t wait for the next one!
This is an engaging book that is difficult to put down. Blackadar accurately portrays teen life, including the joys of friendships, first love, the pressure to fit in and the loss of innocence. Chloe Preston is faced with an obstacle in which she must somehow learn to come to terms with in order to move on. And, like so many of our struggles in life, the enemy is her own self. What does it take to move forward?
Blackadar addresses a difficult subject carefully with honor and an uncanny understanding of the victim, her family and her friends. As a licensed therapist, I can recommend this book on so many levels for young people, and adults, as well. There are so many topics in this book that warrant discussing with young people today. I urge both mothers, and daughters, to read this book and discuss the issues at hand. The lessons that Chloe Preston learns are beneficial to anyone struggling with adversity. And, although you will need a box of tissues when reading this novel, the tears will make way for the rays of hope.
Kimberly Blackadar is a personal friend of mine. This review is written honestly and from the heart. I was not compensated in anyway for this review, and, in fact, purchased the book myself. I do need to add that I am currently acting in the capacity of Kimberly’s regional publicist. Kudos, Kimberly! I can’t wait for the next one!
March 2, 2011
An example of excellent teen fiction that's not just for teens. This book addresses what has the potential to be a very difficult subject in a mature, thoughtful, and ultimately uplifting manner. I have taught this book in my 9th grade English classes, and they have devoured the book each time. It provides parents the opportunity to discuss with their son or daughter important aspects of growing up, making decisions, and maintaining relationships, while reminding them what it is like to be 17. For teachers, it offers opportunities to teach characterization, conflict, themes, allusions, and rich vocabulary. Whether you are a teen looking for an enjoyable read, a parent looking for a good book for your teen (13 and up), or a teacher looking for a high-interest book that still affords you the opportunity to teach critical thinking and literary analysis, this book is a great choice!
March 3, 2011
Nothing But Trouble After Midnight By Kimberly Blackadar is about a young girl and how she found the evil and the love in the world. Chloe Preston had a great life with an okay boyfriend, they left one another and then she fell in love and her life was perfect but then something dark came down on her and took away the happiness, joy and her love and she doesn’t know if she will ever get it back. I do recommend this book; it has an intriguing plot and a twist in the story. It shows the hardships of life and how there is good in everything.
September 7, 2014
Excellent storyline that had you experiencing all the emotions of the main protagonist. I had a hard time putting it down. Kimberly's newest novel just came out and immediately went to the top of my to-read pile. Check her series out!
March 19, 2010
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this novel. Clearly Kimberly Blackadar did not have twenty-two-year-old college guys in mind when she wrote her novel Nothing but Trouble After Midnight.
The book’s main character, seventeen-year-old Chloe, is woefully naive about the sexuality of the male gender and even more naive about just how naive she is. She dates the stereotypical asshole “hottest guy” on campus, Austin. She also has the typical brotherly best friend, Rob. The first two-thirds of the story build up to prom. The virginal Chloe plans on going with Austin until she discovers some condoms in his medicine cabinet and dumps him. Left without a prom date and a boyfriend, Chloe turns to Rob for comfort. They go to prom together and begin to date. The relationship flourishes until Rob has to go out of town for a few days.
Austin takes this chance to use his skills as a manipulator to rape Chloe. Her world collapses. She blames herself and dreads what Rob and her parents will think. She holds it in, pushing all of those close to her, especially Rob, away. Her reaction to the rape is all too common among girls her age.
Even if you aren’t a teenage girl, the novel is still a good read guaranteed to tug on some heartstrings. The characters are a tad cliché, and if you are a more mature reader it will get under your skin for the first half of the story. However, it does serve to set up the fictional high school ideal and subsequently expose its fallibility.
The book covers some extremely important issues for teenage girls. The fairytale strategy makes it enjoyable for its high school audience while effectively conveying the authors message. Having indirectly experienced the horrors that date rape can bring to a young woman’s life, I feel that the importance of this novel cannot be overstated. In an effort to shield their children, parents forget that high schoolers can have very adult experiences.
Chloe is a perfect example of how not to react to a rape. For this reason alone Nothing but Trouble After Midnight is a must read for all girls thirteen and up.
*Be sure to enter to win a copy of Nothing But Trouble After Midnight here.*
A twenty-two-year-old University student, Jeff is the founder and coeditor of The Debut Authors Blog. He is an aspiring author and a self-avowed bibliophile. Also, he is not above shameless self-promotion and talking in the third-person.
The book’s main character, seventeen-year-old Chloe, is woefully naive about the sexuality of the male gender and even more naive about just how naive she is. She dates the stereotypical asshole “hottest guy” on campus, Austin. She also has the typical brotherly best friend, Rob. The first two-thirds of the story build up to prom. The virginal Chloe plans on going with Austin until she discovers some condoms in his medicine cabinet and dumps him. Left without a prom date and a boyfriend, Chloe turns to Rob for comfort. They go to prom together and begin to date. The relationship flourishes until Rob has to go out of town for a few days.
Austin takes this chance to use his skills as a manipulator to rape Chloe. Her world collapses. She blames herself and dreads what Rob and her parents will think. She holds it in, pushing all of those close to her, especially Rob, away. Her reaction to the rape is all too common among girls her age.
Even if you aren’t a teenage girl, the novel is still a good read guaranteed to tug on some heartstrings. The characters are a tad cliché, and if you are a more mature reader it will get under your skin for the first half of the story. However, it does serve to set up the fictional high school ideal and subsequently expose its fallibility.
The book covers some extremely important issues for teenage girls. The fairytale strategy makes it enjoyable for its high school audience while effectively conveying the authors message. Having indirectly experienced the horrors that date rape can bring to a young woman’s life, I feel that the importance of this novel cannot be overstated. In an effort to shield their children, parents forget that high schoolers can have very adult experiences.
Chloe is a perfect example of how not to react to a rape. For this reason alone Nothing but Trouble After Midnight is a must read for all girls thirteen and up.
*Be sure to enter to win a copy of Nothing But Trouble After Midnight here.*
A twenty-two-year-old University student, Jeff is the founder and coeditor of The Debut Authors Blog. He is an aspiring author and a self-avowed bibliophile. Also, he is not above shameless self-promotion and talking in the third-person.
December 28, 2011
Kimberly’s book “Nothing But Trouble After Midnight” held my attention from page one. The pace was just right. This is a story of a teenager’s life and experiences, filled with humor and experiences. Had I been a teenager when reading this, I would most definitely have seen myself as Chlo, a young girl in high school. At my age, I found myself rooting for the best friend next door rather than the hunk of a boy football player that all the girls worshipped.
Typical teenager: “I have always had issues with keys, and at first, my parents tried the inconspicuous rock by the front door. But each time I entered the house with the spare key, I forgot to put it back. So the next time I got locked out…” That brought back memories. In fact, this entire book brought back memories. This is a wonderful book that any teenager or young at heart would enjoy.
Typical teenager: “I have always had issues with keys, and at first, my parents tried the inconspicuous rock by the front door. But each time I entered the house with the spare key, I forgot to put it back. So the next time I got locked out…” That brought back memories. In fact, this entire book brought back memories. This is a wonderful book that any teenager or young at heart would enjoy.
August 14, 2011
This young adult novel is testament to Kimberly’s experience with teenagers and her understanding of how they think and live today. She takes sensitive issues and mixes them up with love and a little humor; her characters behave in believable ways that fit their world and experiences. Her dialogue shows again that she knows teens, and she doesn’t make any excuses for their youth and sometimes bad choices. There’s much love in her writing about these teenagers, and I look forward to her next novel.
November 29, 2011
Both my 14 yr old daughter and 13 yr old neice loved the book, which is very rare. My neice is very picky and my daughter is dyslexic and doesn't read much. The girls are both anxiously awaiting the next one (write faster Kimberly!) and hope that Kimberly can come visit their schools one day.
I also read the book and it did open a lot of dialog between me and my daughter....
I also read the book and it did open a lot of dialog between me and my daughter....
June 14, 2010
I picked this book because the author had offered to come to school and talk to the students. My first impression is that I didn't love it. I thought it was predictible but after talking to the author herself, I appreciated it more.
April 28, 2010
I read this after a friend suggested it. She wouldn't give away the ending, and I'm glad because it was a great book from start to finish!
May 6, 2010
I happen to be luck enough to know the author of this book. Kim is an amazing woman and her awesomeness comes out in her writing. I loved the book and cant wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews