Jaime Reviews ~ In the After by Elisa Dane ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway
By Elisa Dane
Published on February 2, 2016
Published by: Swoon Romance
Source: Chapter by Chapter
Published by: Swoon Romance
Source: Chapter by Chapter
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+.
In the After...
This was most definitely a "hard-hitting and heart-warming" story. Elisa Dane is a heavy-weight when it comes to emotions. I felt everything while reading this book. Hate, anger, frustration, fear, love and heartbreak. I may not have been acquainted with Ms, Dane prior to In the After, but now I am very interested in seeing what else she has to offer.
In the After is one of those books that you just need to read. The details, the descriptions, the relationships, how everything plays out, it is all part of a journey and I don't want to ruin it for you. So instead of facts about the story, I will just stick to feelings about this story and it's players.
The AE rule the school, and they are good at it. In the worst way. These were truly terrible people. They are where my anger was directed, for the most part. The way Ian was treated just made me so angry. And while I know I should have been angry with Sadie, and at first I truly was, as the story progressed I started to understand. My heart hurt for her. I could imagine the fear she felt, as a teenager who is surrounded by these types of people. Hayden, thank goodness for Hayden. He was precious. He was a light in the darkness....
And there was a lot of darkness. When I was in high school, almost fifteen years ago now, we didn't think about shooters coming in to our school. That wasn't something that happened, at least not like it does now. But now, I can only imagine that this is a real fear that students face. For this to actually play out, man. I was thoroughly absorbed in the story while at the same time my mind was revolting against what was happening.
I love the fact that YA authors today aren't shying away from writing about tough subjects, because the world that we live in today is full of these things. They happen, regularly. Teenagers need a way to think about them, a platform that gives voice to the fears that they face, and books are a great platform. They make way for discussions, they bring issues to life. I admire authors, like Elisa Dane, who are willing to write about things that for so long just weren't talked about.
In the After is a great story. In the end, the book may not be perfect, but the story is so good and that is what matters. To this day, I am not sure what made me request to be a part of this tour. But I am so glad that I did. Thanks Elisa Dane, for a wonderful story!
About the Author...
Elisa Dane loves books, chocolate, reality television, her
family, and All Star Cheerleading. Not necessarily in that order! She writes
contemporary YA romance with cheerleaders. Yep. She writes what she knows, and
it’s her hope that her stories will not only take you on a romantic journey
that will warm your heart, but that you’ll find a new respect for the sport of
All Star Cheerleading you may not have had before. She’s represented by
Brittany Booker of the Booker/Albert Agency, and has published a NA paranormal
series under her real name, Lisa Sanchez.
Giveaway...
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