Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
For Annie Phillips, there is a right way to do things and everything has a place. College and her flawless GPA are top priority, as is planning her perfect future. Anything less than perfection is unacceptable. So when she meets Loden Guiles, she believes she has finally found her perfect happily-ever-after.

Chase Malloy is funny, loyal, and an all around nice guy. He’s also sloppy, tattooed, and undirected. All Chase wants to do is survive college, hang out with friends, and make music. Knowing his best friend’s step-sister since they were fourteen, Annie and he have always had a love-hate relationship. The last thing Chase expects is to fall for Annie, but he knows he’ll never live up to her idea of the perfect man.

On the outside, Annie and Loden’s relationship appears picture perfect. But behind closed doors, Annie quickly realizes Loden isn’t the man he pretends to be. Every time her not so well laid plans crumble, and Loden proves to be not so Mr. Right, Chase is there to pick her up and brush her off. Will she realize the perfection she’s been searching for has been in front of her all this time?

*Long After is a companion novel to Sometimes Never and Before Now. Many of the same characters appear in Chase and Annie's story. However, it can be read as a stand-alone book.

**This is a new adult novel. Due to harsh language, sexual situations, and violence, this book is recommended for 17+.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2013

88 people are currently reading
3698 people want to read

About the author

Cheryl McIntyre

37 books2,160 followers
Stay up to date on all of Cheryl’s new releases by joining her newsletter here:
http://bit.ly/1C2azm3

Cheryl McIntyre is the author of the bestselling Sometimes Never series, as well as the Dirty series, Infinitely, Dark Calling, Villain, and HARD. She resides in Ohio with her high school sweetheart, their two sons, one daughter, one fur son, and a hamster.
You can follow her author page on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter—though she has not yet mastered the art of tweeting—on Amazon, BookBub, tsū, Instagram, Pinterest, or on her website. You can also join her newsletter to receive information about new releases and current sales.

Find Cheryl
Website:
http://cherylmcintyrebooks.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CherylMcInty...
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CherylHMcIntyre
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Central page:
http://www.amazon.com/CherylMcIntyre/...
BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chery...
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cherylmcint...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/chm22480/
tsū:
https://www.tsu.co/CherylMcIntyreAuthor

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,227 (43%)
4 stars
1,947 (37%)
3 stars
807 (15%)
2 stars
133 (2%)
1 star
42 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .
501 reviews472 followers
October 23, 2013
5 stars

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos

My all time favourite storyline when the couple starts off with a love-hate relationship. Annie and Chase have been friends for years and now off to college.

What I loved the most about this book is Chase. He was cheeky, protective, laid back. The banter between the main characters was cute and funny.

You want to shove things up my ass?...I didn't know you were so kinky


Okay, so there was a few things that didn't go down well with me. A couple times I wanted the story to get back to the present sooner. And when it did I felt it ended too abruptly. Annie started off a strong heroine but slowly she dipped with her decision making.

I was willing to wait on you long before you had a reason to take your time. I think Im willing to wait long after


I will still give this 5 stars because I was getting serious butterflies in my stomach, I was swooning hard for Chase, the romance was dragged out just how I like it, I loved the writing styleand just because I'm a hopeless romantic that loves friends-to-lovers books. If you like the above, I would give this book a go x
Profile Image for Sunniva Dee.
Author 29 books2,128 followers
October 27, 2013
Let me start by saying that once you've discovered Cheryl McIntyre and her books, you're sold. At least, that's what it was like for me. Dark Calling, then starting with the series of stand-alone books that are still connected character-wise—Sometimes Never, Blackbird, and Before Now—they're all incredible reads. Now, with Long After, Cheryl is simply settling in among the very top New Adult authors in this country. Step aside you bigger names that I will not mention because I am polite. ;-)

I have a couple of pet peeves (besides bad writing, of course); poor or unrealistic character development, and illogical occurrences throughout a book. Cheryl never, ever falls into those traps. With Long After, I had the honor of beta reading, and if anyone has seen Casey Ford's review of Long After, I'm still doing exactly what he paints so vividly for us there.

In my case, I was on a deadline with my manuscript. The goal was to read Long After between editing and writing, but as always with Cheryl's novels, the plan was null and void as soon as I started reading. YES, it's passionate, YES, it's real, believable, and YES, the love story is so breathtaking, heart-wrenching and hopeful all at once that it's impossible to put the darn thing down once you start reading. So fair warning, guys. <3

As I've mentioned in another review: Annie and Chase are painted so vividly and in such a realistic way that I wouldn't have been surprised if I ran into them on the street. I would probably have recognized them by the way they looked at each other.

Again, congratulations on another beautiful book, Cheryl. Already, I can't wait for the next one.
xoxo



Profile Image for Beth Michele.
Author 14 books952 followers
October 14, 2013
Let me start out by saying that I love Cheryl McIntyre's books and will read anything she writes. That said, I honestly didn't think it was possible for her to get any more fantastic...and then I read Long After.

In some ways, this book seemed to reach deeper than her other novels. I initially thought it might be a light read, but it was anything but. I loved learning more about Chase and Annie, both damaged in their own ways, most specifically Annie. While in the other novels it appears she has no feelings and is just a cold shell of a human being, we discover in Long After that, that couldn't be far from the truth. She has a heart of gold and soon discovers that Chase does as well.

As always, Cheryl manages to endear each and every character in the story to me. She makes me smile, laugh, cry, and always feel better for having read one of her novels, a piece of it lingering in my heart.

I fell completely and totally in love with Chase, and, after discovering what Annie was truly made of, she stole a chunk of my heart as well.

There are many lines from the novel that I could quote, but the one that summed it up for me and says it best is this:

"Chase is definitely out of my comfort zone. He's also, ironically, the person I feel safest with. My highest connection. My home. And sometimes, you just need to go home."



Profile Image for Holly.
401 reviews149 followers
October 23, 2013
Before now, Before Now was my favorite of Cheryl's, however, Long After has unequivocally replaced it as my favorite book of hers. The writing was spectacular, after the preface and first chapter alone my heart was already beating faster in anticipation of what was to come and I was ready to cry. Or find Xanax. Chase and Annie's story pulled me in from the beginning. I liked the history these two had together. I really loved their sarcastic banter.. A personal favorite...Chase to Annie upon seeing her talking to another guy..

"So anyway," I say loudly. "Make sure you get checked. Shaving doesn't get rid of them. That's a myth. You need the special shampoo." I nod at Todd and scratch my crotch for good measure. "See you later." "Uh...later."

I liked Annie, I understood her need for perfection. I know what it's like to feel like anything less than your absolute best is a fate worse than death. I related to her control-freak ways. A LOT!

"There is a wrong way to do a task, and then there's a right way- my way. And it bothers me when people don't perform a task in the way I would. Bother may not be the correct word, either. It's like watching someone purposely walk into a burning building."

AMEN if more people did things our way the world would be a better place!!!

Chase however, stole my heart in this book. He was an absolute amazing friend to Annie throughout the entire story. Every single one of his actions showed just how much he loved her even before he realized he was in love with her. Even when she was together with "that other guy" (I can't even say his name, saying his name riles me up and gets me all kinds of mad. I hated him. Like if he was on fire I wouldn't pee on him to put him out unless I peed diesel fuel hated him) and pushed Chase away, he was still there for her whenever she needed someone. He NEVER left her hanging; he was the definition of knight in shining armor...hot, sexy, armor to boot :-)

You can draw your own conclusions based on the synopsis and warning about what subject matter is included in the story. To go into it, I feel like it would take away some of the emotions I want to you experience first hand like I did. Chase & Annie's story will make you feel. It threw me on the emotional roller coaster complete with upside down loops and all! It's a heartbreaking, panic, gasp inducing story at times but at other times it's a beautiful love story between two people finally realizing what was in front of them all along. Cheryl has such an amazing way of bringing her characters to life and getting them deep under your skin where weeks and months later you're still thinking about them. Without a doubt she has become one of my MUST read authors. You will NOT be disappointed with her.
Profile Image for Melissa.
265 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2013
Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyyyy goddddddddd...Ms. Cheryl McIntyre welcome to my fave authors circle! This one's gonna be a gusher peeps. Seriously. Simply written but nonetheless a really beautiful relationship is woven into this story. What I like about her novels is that although the growth of the featured relationship plays a key role in the novel, it's not the book. It's embedded within a solid story and is really character driven. Start with good characters and you have the basis of something special. And, I think CM is damn good at pulling this off. Reading one of her novels is like heaven for me - expertly written heroines and males, both as supporting or as her protagonists.

Even though her females struggle, the way they fight is admirable and strong. Real with setbacks but also real with personal wins as well. A nicely balanced portrayal.

Chase is quite possibly my favourite character in this series that just straight up kicks ass! I love well-written characters and the dynamic that he has with Annie is perfect. You see why they have a connection, it's not told to you and you're not beaten over the head with it, it just is. Their chemistry is a great mix of comedic "insults" (especially the one involving bestiality, lol)and then real substance so that their relationship doesn't come off as irritating and angsty. Rather it flows naturally as they both grow individually.

Especially Annie, I enjoyed watching her let go and learn to receive the love she's given as she fights to be happy. Her struggle in this novel is handled really well. I felt ill for her and just wanted to jump through the pages in the final confrontation.

What also elevated this story for me was CM's effective use of flash backs and flash forwards. It really told this story well

And the bonus scene - holy shit, that was an excellent way to finish the book even though it wasn't the official wrap up. You'll see what I mean! Just please pick this series up and you won't be sorry and for those who have read the previous books, then you should be falling all over yourselves trying to get it. I can't wait for anything this woman writes!

UPDATE***
Almost forgot to mention, the use of music and specific songs that Chase uses to communicate to Annie throughout the novel - f'n genius! Told ya it was gonna be a gusher ;)
Profile Image for Jess.
320 reviews50 followers
October 26, 2013
Amazing!!! Miss McIntyre can do no wrong in my book, I love every single book she writes and can't wait to read more of her books in the future!
Profile Image for Cath.
850 reviews
October 20, 2013
Oh my God I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! Loved Chase and the bonus scene at the end was wonderful. 5 stars all the way.... X
Profile Image for Holly Reads Xx.
879 reviews100 followers
March 12, 2015
****ARC received in exchange for an honest review****

Nobody is perfect until you fall in love with them.

Wow! What a freaking book! I didn't think it was possible to love this book more than Before Now (Park's book) but I think that just happened. Long After was so much more than I was expecting and had me up until 4am in an almost constant mixed state of happy and heartbreak. So much went on in this book that it was just impossible to put down because I was desperate to find out how it all came together.

In Sometimes Never (#1), Blackbird (#1.5) and Before Now (#2) I wasn't exactly a fan of Annie. Hope had nicknamed her "Princess Bitch" and i think we can all agree that was very fitting. But literally as soon as I started reading Long After, I completely changed my opinion on her. There are reasons she acted how she did and that, along with what she deals with in Long After, makes your feelings about her do a complete 180.

"I was willing to wait on you long before you had a reason to take your time. I think I'm willing to wait long after."

Also... I just cheated on Park with Chase. I love Park SO much but Chase put up one heck of a fight to win my heart. He's funny, gorgeous, caring, tattooed, plays the bass, and have you seen that cover picture???? Swooooooon! I also love that the cover is fitting to the book. Chase is a swimmer and as you can see, the lovely Richard Rocco is glistening with water on the cover and looking oh so sexy!

"Good," I say. "Because regardless of my name, with this hard-on, I really don't think I could chase you."

This book started off exactly how I was expecting. Fantastic, fun, addictive, and so funny I laughed out loud too many times to count. And then Cheryl completely changed it up. It got intense and I was not expecting the subject matter that arose. Cue the tears. It was heartbreaking and the way it was all delivered to the reader, I honestly had no idea how it was going to end.

I was so miserable when the book ended. Not because the ending was bad. It was amazing! The beginning, middle, end, and everything in between wad amazing. But I was so in love with Annie and Chase's story and I wasn't ready to let them go. I could honestly read about this group of characters for years to come because they are one of my very favourite fictional families and I love each and every one of them.

"I have feelings for someone," I blurt. He regards me with an amused smirk. His blue eyes twinkle - I swear. "What kind of feelings are we talking about? Like, tingly-in-the-pants feelings? Or wedding-invitation-in-the-mail feelings?"

Long After was simply perfect and the fact that the amazing Cheryl McIntyre even treated us to a bonus scene just made me love it even more. You really don't want to miss out on this book. Once again, the Sometimes Never series gets 5 stars from me.

"Worth the wait," he says adamantly. "Well worth it."
Profile Image for Heather.
178 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2013
This book is going to go way up to the top of my favorites list. Here's a few non-spoiler reasons why:
1. It's not overloaded with drama and angst. So many of the newer NA books seem to have a need to just fill it with all these really messed up pasts. Long After doesn't have that. In fact, Chase wasn't screwed up at all - AND both his parents were still together AND he isn't the local man whore who disrespects women AND he isn't a druggie alcoholic AND
Profile Image for Lindsey Melia.
384 reviews10 followers
October 9, 2013
Omg I taught Hope's story was my favorite. Then I was pretty sure Parks story stole that title. BUT I was wrong! Chase ans Annie's one is the winner of the top spot!!!! I always taught Annie was a bitch I'm not gonna lie. And to be honest she is lol. BUT has has a heart of gold,you just have to get passed the bitchyness to see that. This book starts off somewhere I won't say where but it's dark,then goes back 27 months to see how we got there. She meets Chase when she's 14,been the friend of her step brother Guy. She instantly likes him. And he hardly notices her. So she gets it in to her head that she's not gonna give him the time of day. This begins there Bitchy 6 year love/hate relationship. But there's a fine line between love and hate,been on the same side of the coin. Chase loves to annoy her as much as she loves to be bitchy to him though,as you see from the start of the book. Even in college now this continues. Now Chase isn't blind,he thinks Annie is HOT(well he is a hot blooded male!) But she's Guy's sister. And he doesn't want anything to happen with her....Right? That's Okay until someone else has there eye's on Annie. Enter Lodan. Douche bag of the century. Ugh I really don't get what was going through her head with him. But hey who am I to judge :) This relationship is like a tipping point in a hole domino collapse. Leading you up to where the book starts. This book has so many highs and lows you will love it. I loved them and I hated them. I wanted to smack Annie and I wanted to comfort her. I wanted to dig Lodan in the face and I wanted to.....No wait I always just wanted to inflict pain on him LOL I won't say more about it because I want everyone to read the book spoiler free. But I can tell you this you will love it. You will fall in love with Chase and Annie as much as I did. OH and another bonus was seen Hope and Park! Ugh loved seen them :) Please when this book goes live GET IT! Cheryl's books are so good everyone should see :)
Profile Image for Jillian.
179 reviews12 followers
January 31, 2014
Safari crashed and deleted my lovely review. F-You Safari.
Let me start off by saying that I was expecting so much more from this book, but it fell short for me. I loved Sometimes Never, it was a great book, and I couldn't get enough of it. Before Now shocked me, it surpassed my outstanding image of book #1, and it soon became one of my favorites, but this one appears to be lacking the flair that made the others so great. Typically, I got this novel the day it came out, so very eager to read the next installment in this series, eager to once again be stunned, but I put it off... I've been putting it off because I've been having somewhat of a bad feeling about it... I hate when I'm right.
I don't know what to say.... this book was disappointing. I felt like the story was rushed, there was too much jumping around and not enough evaluation.. I didn't like how much time elapsed with nothing really being told.
I guess I simply don't get the plot..... why stay with someone who is abusive when a) you don't have kids b) you don't live together c) he isn't blackmailing you d) you have a decent enough support system to help you d) you see it for what its worth and CHOOSE not to do anything....... I just don't get it. I haven't been in a situation like that myself so I could be judging this harshly, but still.. it didn't seem right.
Annie was a really lame character for me. I never really related to her... she proved to be shallow and weak consistently during the book and it simply got annoying. Well, that and her overbearing OCD.. I GET IT, YOU'RE CREEPILY ORDERLY, GOOD FOR YOU, SHUT UP ALREADY....
This book was lacking for me... majorly. I wish this book continued with either Hope/Mason or Lucy/Park instead of new characters.. it would've made for a better read. I guess I'll label this as my first disappointment for 2014, because I really was expecting so much more. :/
Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,053 reviews361 followers
October 24, 2013
Long After is by far my fave of this series. I am a sucker for charming witty banter coupled with a bit of angst and in your face love that shocks the hell out of everyone when it is realized! I also like damaged characters that truly grow and find the inner strength to go after what they want for themselves. Cheryl McIntyre has nailed of those things for me in one book.

Chase Malloy is a fine specimen of man, with the perfect boyish charm that cannot be denied. He has that perfect boy next door attitude yet he has off the charts sex appeal. He is strong, loyal and dependable...everything Annie needs in her life, yet doesnt know. Poor Annie...what a train wreck! She is living in her world of control, avoiding any chaos. She is just looking for a way to have a perfect life and to be taken care of, however her quest leads her to be stuck in a relationship with an absolute monster defined by rage and jealousy! I had many breath holding moments wondering is Annie was gonna be breathing at the end of the scene! Enter Chase, her longtime "friend" and pain in the ass constant. He is determined to keep her safe and keep her as his own no matter how resistant Annie is. But one night can change so much...it can change the heart, it can change the mind, and it can change one's life forever.

I loved these characters. Together they are constantly busting balls and wrecking havoc on each other's minds and hearts. Chase's character was written so well...he was so real and so good that i wanted to yell "save me"!!!! Annie, although a bit weak was surprisingly not annoying. She was never needy or whiny, she just basically existed until her scenes with Chase brought her character to life! There are so many good things to say about this book, but i dont give spoilers away. I know that i will forever love "sticky notes" and the amazing way they can change your life!
Profile Image for Casey Ford.
Author 6 books34 followers
October 17, 2013
Excuse me while I celebrate reading this book early...




Okay enough of that... On to the meat of this review...


STOP IT!

*Deep Breath*

Okay...

I love this book! I've been waiting for it since way back at Sometimes Never when Annie and Chase started to have this thing going on between the two of them.
You can tell that Chase is all like

and Annie is all but clueless about it.

This book is by far my favorite one of the set.

This book made me

and then


the beginning of the book made really nervous to read it and as the book went on I came to realization that my idea was WAY more distubing than what actually happened... for the most part.

I think I'm one messed up individual...


Yuno FTW

Anyway... It's a great book with a great story that really makes you want to keep reading. I devoured it in a day while I was supposed to be working.

You'll love it...

A+++, 5 well deserved stars!

Just because it's so cool, I'll show Vader rocking the gansta...

Well, with that I'll say bye... Bye Bye... For now
Profile Image for Drita.
452 reviews36 followers
November 21, 2013

Not enough stars...
...
LOVED this book. Don't know how i missed it but I'm so glad i was able to read it sooner than later...Thanks for recommending it Julia. I.
This was the third book in the series but was told that it could be read as a stand alone, even though the characters played a small part in the first two books.
Thank you for writing this beautiful story Cheryl McIntyre. The writing was exquisite....The anguish, the desire, the raw subject, the heart trembling moments, the chemistry, the build up, the tension (boy talk about tension), the humor, and our favorite, love....It was all there in just the right amounts. Sad that it had to end...please keep writing and can't wait to read the Kellin and Misty's story.

Just a few things i loved about the book: LOVED: Author picking odd numbers describing time line in the beginning, middle, than even at the end...don't know if it meant anything to her but for me it matched the story line, and thought it was very clever. LOVED: The cheeseburger scene, LOVED it, it was HOT and funny at the same time. LOVED: The post-it notes, i thought that was so incredibly sweet. LOVED: A bonus scene that you don't want to miss.

Such a great and a memorable tale.
Profile Image for Book Junky Girls.
840 reviews33 followers
October 17, 2013
4.5 STARS!

The long anticipated story of Annie and Chase.

And it was worth the wait. Annie was always seen as the Barbie bitch so seeing how things really are from her POV gives you the answers to questions you didn't even know you had.

Chase has always had the good guy persona, but he didn't have his life figured out. You see him finally come together and figure out what he really wants in himself and in life.

Annie's story made me am emotional mess at times, seeing the pain she went through, but didn't allow anyone else to see.

After all the hardships she endures seeing her pick herself back up and put herself back together, with help from Chase. Her growth throughout the book even after everything that she went through was inspirational.

Chase is definitely swoon worthy and his patience with Annie was so sweet. I loved how he knew her well enough not to push her while still pushing her.

Great read I've loved the entire series and although I still have a special spot for Mason, Chase has surpassed him in the book boyfriend arena for me.




Annie got her happily ever after and Chase adores her.
Profile Image for Ermani.
693 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2013
4.5. Minor Spoilers
As much as we love our alphas, I am glad when a book brings to light domestic violence involving young women. As our younger single readers look at these jealous possessive types and love them on paper, there is a fine line in the real world when someone may be displaying signs of future abuse. Just like our heroine, it starts small and grows with women making excuses for their partner leading to feeling trapped and insecure. A strong man who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to say it is a really great thing. But it's important for women to know who is actually giving a girl red flags.

Loved this book. I thought Annie was very well written. I enjoyed seeing inside her head at how the abuse was affecting her. Chase was beautifully written. It showed how a friend can brush aside signs as well and not know what to do to help. Loved Chase and Annie together. Took awhile but it was worth the wait. This book wasn't overly heavy despite the subject matter but managed to bring about key points that I'm glad to see. Time jumps were occasionally confusing. That's my only criticism. Great read, loved it.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
28 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2013
Started this book this morning at work, and rushed home to finish it in one sitting. I was just looking for a quick read to get me through my work day - wasn't expecting to find such a gem! I usually don't read books with characters in this age range (20-21) but WOW. Just wow. I absolutely ADORED Chase. He melted my heart over and over again. I didn't like the heroine, Annie at first and almost wanted to give this book four stars because of it. But as I continued reading and thinking, I applaud Cheryl because I think she portrayed physical and emotional abuse in a real and raw way. I grew to love Annie as she matured and reading how Chase changed her for the better.

I also LOVED the storyline and timeline of this book. Some romances tend to annoy me because the relationships seem so rushed and unrealistic. This book took place over several months and Chase and Annie's love bloomed gradually. This book was wonderfully written - highly recommend for anyone looking for a quick, emotional, and well-written read. Now I have the urge to go buy a bunch of Post It's.....
Profile Image for Mrs Darcy reads .
446 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2013
I have to say that I love this series and every character in it. You cant help but love them all and take their journeys of angst and love and so this book was no exception! It took us through chase and Annie's love story and how the person your meant to be with is right in front of you. I love chase and how he defended Annie every chance he could although having to see the horrible things that happened to her must have been crazy! And poor Annie?! She went through what many women silently go through and i was proud of her that she stepped up and got through it! If only she would have spoken up sooner many things could have been avoided but sometimes telling someone is the hardest part. I'm happy she had chase there to prove that the right "perfect" guy is out there. Great book!
Profile Image for Ana.
82 reviews23 followers
October 20, 2013
I don’t know where to start. Actually I know, I’ll just start by saying I love Cheryl McIntyre’s books. I loved Sometime Never and I loved Before Now even more. I didn’t think those books can be topped. But there you have it … Long After is the BEST. The story of Chase and Annie. An emotional roller coaster, beautiful and compelling. Ms. McIntyre you are a great storyteller.
Profile Image for KJ.
197 reviews26 followers
October 23, 2013
seriously loved this book - got me all mushy, Chase was a darling and he can protect me any day or night :)
Profile Image for Victoria S..
64 reviews26 followers
November 7, 2013
4.5 Stars Story You'll Love Long After Reading!!

Ms. McIntyre has out done herself with Chase and Annie’s story. For those of you who have read the two previous books in the Sometimes Never series, you’ve seen the glimpses we’ve gotten of Chase and Annie in both Sometimes Never and Before Now. Chase has always came off as the carefree intriguing jackass jokester and Annie the uptight, insecure, pain in the characters’ asses. These two characters have always engaged in funny banter nick picking at one another, fussing, and fighting. We continues to see these characteristics and interactions over the course of the story but we get such an in-depth look into these two thinking process. The book is told in both POVs which is extremely enjoyable to see how each other perceives one another’s flaws and see the turmoil both endure in terms of their feelings for one another. The prologue is told present tense then chapter one back tracks us to 27months prior the journey is rocky with swerves, curves, and a big crash so buckle up.

Where Mason attracted you, Parker hooked you, Chase will steal your heart. He is an upfront, genuinely honest guy, loyal friend.

Chase from Long After

What you see with Chase is what you get. He isn’t prefect by any means but you can appreciate his trueness to himself, he doesn’t claim nor tries to be anyone but him. Chase not only puts up with and looks after Annie because he’s best friends with her brother Guy, or because he’s her friend rather

"It's not friendship I feel for Annie, though I think it's safe to say she's my best friend."

The way Chase is protective of Annie is beyond heartwarming. Where he gets weary and steers clear of openly admitting his feelings, he communicates through songs he plays for her to listen (Has he met Remy? Ahh sigh love this action by a guy).

Annie has encountered her troubles stemming from Sometimes Never when Hope beats the crap out of jerk off football player who throws Annie to curb as if trash after sleeping with her. So to say her self-esteem has been hurting for a while is an understatement. I think a lot of us girls/woman can relate to Annie. When we feel insecure or defensive we put up a shield and give off that “bitch vibe” same goes for Annie.

Annie from Long After

Annie not only suffers from her OCD tendencies she also strives head strong for perfection; but in her pursuit she doesn’t respect herself and rather expects so much less what she deserves. Prime Example---Loden. Holy kickboxing gloves filled with concrete how I’d love to knock this guy into another galaxy. You know that scum you get on your shoes from walking around city streets, while this guy is 10x scummier than that.

Cheryl McIntyre touches on a very present and serious issue that takes place in everyday relationships; the way she discusses it is vulnerably real. Both characters grow so much over the course of the story. They help one another grow individually and together.

“There’s this way we touch—deliberately, tenderly, secretly—that puts us into some category I don’t have a name for.”

The progression takes times which gradually has you scooting closer to the edge of your seat, as they inch closer to opening up to inch closer to coming off your seat, you just want to know when these two will finally confess their feelings WHEN?? Annie is broken, scared, and unconfident but Chases is the perfect balance, he is patient, strong, and knows what he wants.
Long After

Loved the flash blacks and flash forwards keeps your attentions grasped you need to know What Happened/What is going to Happen. About 70% into story you anticipate what is going to happen but still doesn’t deter you from finishing makes you push further even farther. Grab your pom poms you will become Chase’s cheerleader.

Amazing story with such relatable characters. Well done Ms. McIntyre I cannot wait for the next in the series One more please just to wrap all three couples stories up. Would love to have Guy’s story he is the glue in every story, while his presence isn’t shone under the spotlight he helps everyone come together.

P.S. Ladies Idk you but if there were a store that sold hot guys as decorations Chase would be my 1st purchase!

Chase Decorations
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,565 reviews76 followers
October 10, 2013
5 stars

Every time I read a Cheryl McIntyre book I am convinced she just wrote by favorite book and then I read the next one she writes and that one instantly becomes my favorite. There is so much emotion and deep, strong story lines in this books. She is not afraid to touch on issues that others might shy away from. The way she tells the story is so amazing you feel like you are going through the story firsthand hand. All of her books have sucked me in so much I can not put them down. I have to keep reading. That is when you know what you are reading is an incredible story. Well for me at least.

Chase Malloy is a college student, who if you read the other books in this series, in a integral part of the core group. He has been friends with the same people most of his life. While things in all of their lives change, they all seem to always be close knit. He has also been in love with one of them for as long as her can remember. Annie Phillips. She is the the beautiful high school cheerleader turned beautiful college student/nemesis. Rather than admit this two feel something for each other, they constantly are taking jabs at each other. While super funny at times, you can also feel the attraction between the two of them.

For some reason, the timing for these two to get together is always off. They can never seem to get their feelings out to the other person in the right time. One of them is always dating someone else. Just as Chase is finally going to say something to Annie, she meets Loden. Annie thinks Loden is perfect. He is smart, good looking, wealthy, everything she is looking for. Annie has a crazy theory that she doesn't want to end up like her mom. Her mom has been married 3 times and all her kids have different dads. This is not what Annie wants for her life. She is determined that she will not end up like her mom. She wants her life organized and with one person for the rest of her life. Stability is key for her.

Loden turns out to be far from perfect. He is jealous, possessive and abusive. Annie somehow feels like she can stick with this relationship. One night Chase finds out that Loden is hurting Annie. She makes him keep her secret and not tell anyone else what is going on. Chase agrees but only if Annie checks in with him every day. Chase doesn't feel good about keeping Annie's secret, but does it because he doesn't want her to cut herself off from everyone.

Chase talking to Annie every night for the "check ins" not only keep Chase in contact with Annie but it brings them closer. Talking for hours on the phone or hanging out is what makes them happy. Chase realizes he is falling in love with Annie and deep down inside Annie knows she is falling for Chase. She is afraid of leaving Loden. She is afraid of what will happen if she is with Chase. He is chaos. She needs order and her life in a neat package.

This book was amazing. I love this whole series. Each book is just as emotional yet engaging as the one before it. While this book is part of a series, it can be read alone. There are the same characters in all books. Loved seeing what everyone was doing as the times passes. If you have not read the other books, you MUST!!!
Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
December 26, 2013
*4.5 stars*

**SHANYN’S REVIEW**


I have never read a book by this author before, and after reading this one, I definitely plan on reading the others.

Annie and Chase are wonderful together, they have such great chemistry, and I was drawn in right from the start.

“I wish I could distinguish the defining moment we became more than…Just more.”

Annie has grown up wanting a “perfect” life, and nothing is going to stand in the way of her idea of that. She gets good grades and wants to find the perfect man for her future. She has known Chase since she was 14, and they have always had a love/hate relationship filled with sarcasm and pranks. But, there’s always been a hidden chemistry, that both deny.

“I don’t know how Chase does it. I don’t allow myself to envy him for too long, though. Chase is going nowhere fast and I shouldn’t admire that.”

Chase is a laid back, tattoo covered, fun, loyal guy. He has no plan for the future, except to have fun and live in the moment. I loved Chase right from the start, with his jokes, flirting, and fun personality. I must admit I have a new book boyfriend.

“The thing is...I really do like Chase, like deep, deep down inside. I just hate how he makes me feel.”

Annie has grown up feeling like she isn’t beautiful, and isn’t loved by anyone. Her mother is around, but they are not close. So, when Loden walks into her life and gives her the attention she is looking for, along with a perfect looking future, she thinks she has found the “perfect” man for her. When she quickly starts to find out Loden isn’t as “perfect” as she thinks he is, Chase is the man she always runs to, and the man that makes her feel safe and like “home”.

Annie is such a wonderful, but closed off, girl who doesn’t want to end up like her mother. But, sometimes planning your perfect future, makes you miss the things right in front of you. This book was wonderful and filled with just enough angst to make my stomach roll every once in a while.

“I know there’s no way he’s aware of how I feel invisible most of the time and my need to make sure I’m seen. Remembered. But it’s almost like he put this song on just for me. Like it could have been written just for me.”

I hated seeing Annie go through everything she did, but loved watching her emerge and learn from her experiences. Chase is there for Annie through it all, and seeing how patient he is with her, is beautiful.

“But when I decide I want something, I take it. Little motivates me, and it doesn’t happen often. She should feel special.”

You will fall in love with Annie and Chase, their sarcasm, quick witted jokes, and chemistry.

“I get lost in my thoughts, trying to place exactly how today differs from yesterday. Or a month ago. Or a year ago. What’s scary is I can’t find it-that exact thing that changed.”
Profile Image for Dawn.
497 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2013
Cheryl McIntyre has done it again. I loved Sometimes Never. I loved Before Now even more. But Long After is the bestest! And on a side note, Richard Rocco on the cover = H.O.T. I need the paperback to have the full pic of him! Anyhow...

Long After is told in both Chase and Annie's POV. The preface, in Chase's pov, is just...WOW! And all you can do is just wait for it. Chapter 2 is set twenty-seven months prior--their freshman year of college. From there on we learn what Chase and Annie's relationship was in the past, how it develops in college, and what happens to lead up to the event that occurs in the preface. And if you have read the other books in the series, Sometimes Never and Before Now, you will appreciate how Cheryl McIntyre folds all the storylines and characters together. (Don't worry if you have not read the other books. Long After can be read as a stand-alone.)

The synopsis tells you exactly what the story is about. There really aren't to many secrets. What makes Cheryl's books--and specifically Long After, is the way Cheryl tells the story, the way she intertwines the storylines between the books, how realistic the plots are, and the way she develops her characters. And tho her books tackle serious subject matters, Cheryl writes in a way that balances these dark topics with light-hearted humor and witty banter.

Per Chase, Annie is "an uptight, pain in the ass, with OCD tendancies, and a killer body." Per Chase, he is "an easygoing, loveable, slacker with a killer body." They have known each other since they were 14 and have been part of the same close-knit group of friends, tho Annie never really fit in. Once in college, what begins as a friendly rivalry--always trying to up one another, becomes something more--tho neither can name what that "more" is. "It's not friendship I feel for Annie, though I think it's safe to say she's my best friend." He knows Annie is looking for Mr. Perfect and he knows he is not what she perceives as perfect, but he is there anyways when she needs him most. He insists on nightly calls from Annie to make sure she's okay after he witnesses a situation between Annie and her "perfect" boyfriend, Loden, that makes him uncomfortable. This is how their relationship develops. Chase doesn't know how to tell Annie his feelings and he is always worried she will run from him, so he communicates thru music. (Awesome how Cheryl named each chapter after a song.)

Long After is quite an emotional roller coaster. One minute you are laughing, the next you want to strangle someone, then you're swooning, anticipating, laughing again, cringing, crying....well, you get the point. Pick this book up...you won't regret it!
Profile Image for ↜ƈɦǟռ☂ɛℓℓɛ↝.
1,296 reviews140 followers
March 11, 2015
 photo tumblr_mww0o7yNjq1rfqoldo1_250.gif

Chase
 photo office-humor-20110821-181931.gif
“No, love doesn’t pay the electric bill, but there isn’t anybody I’d rather be in the dark with.”

But Annie... She's a fuckin head case.
 photo tumblr_n13mqbtZxX1r8b40zo1_400.gif
She blames everything on everyone, in her quest to her fucked up perception of perfection. Luckily for her, Chase has the patients of a saint and can help bring her back to the real world.

Not a fan of hers since book 1, but she does start to grow on me in this one, well at least a little bit. Although I seriously can't jump on the feel sorry for Annie train.

Reading Order
Sometimes Never(Sometimes Never book 1)
Blackbird (Sometimes Never novella 1.5)
Before Now (Sometimes Never book 2)
Long After (Sometimes Never book 3)
Always Forever (Sometimes Never book 4)
Let It Be (Sometimes Never novella 4.5)
Sometimes Never: The Series Box Set 1-4.5
Profile Image for Ash.
50 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2013
Blew me away. I have no idea where to begin...

This was amazing. I loved Chase and Annie, they were such an adorable couple. Chase just stole my heart from the beginning. "Nice guys usually lose" as is said in the beginning of the novel, and yet even as he struggled through his loses he kept his smile and his easy-going demeanor. He is perfect for Annie, and as was recognized, it was a shame she didn't realize it sooner.

I really liked the organization of this one. The leaps forward so you could see the damage of whatever the climax was, way before it happened. It was interesting any it kept the story moving when it had the potential (since the story took place over the course of twenty-seven months) to be slow. It was in no way slow. Not one single part of it.

I'm trying to think of something I didn't like, other than the main antagonist of course, but I'm coming up short.

Okay, the inevitable, 'which of this series is my favorite so far?' Hmmm..... I have no idea. This one is beautiful, it showed so much emotion and the issues were so realistic and I love Chase....but there's just something about Before Now that really hooked me....I don't know. I think it might be a tie. Maybe. I don't know. I'd have to read them both over and over again. Which ever I get tired of first loses. (That'll take a long-ass time, so don't hold your breath for the results.)

Five stars. It was amazing. Absolutely so.
p.s. I loved this cover.
4 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2013
As the series went on, each book got better. I loved Park/Lucy's story better than Hope/Mason, and now I love Chase/Annie story the best. Their relationship wasn't about cheating or stupid mistakes. It was about friendship and personal demons. I loved how you see how Chase is there for Annie and that's all he wants. He doesn't push her and when he thought she was doing something with someone else I'm glad/relieve to see that he didn't go sleep with the next girl just to prove the point. He's one dreamy guy. I would love to have a friend like him who just wants you to call him to makre sure everything was okay. The abuse Annie is dealt with sounds so real. I've never been in an abusive relationship but I have friends who has and they would make excuses for the boys. I would just want to smack them upside their head, but it does stem from the insecurties we have in ourselves and how we've been brought up.

I do have to say the timing did throw me off because I was trying to compare it with the other books timing and it got confusing so I stopped. And when she would talk about a certain song he put on her ipod that spoke volume to her I wanted to know what song or the lyrics she was listening to so bad.

Great Job Cheryl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.