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Lakewood University #1
Afterglow
Jazmine Allen has wanted to be a sports psychologist since she was eleven years old, after watching her family and friends sit on the sidelines due to injury. She is one year away from graduating from Lakewood University, there are three things standing in her way:
1. A research project that will determine her chances of securing an internship and career post-graduation.
2. Her declining mental health, the struggles of Freshman and Sophomore Year seeping into her veins.
3. An arrogant academic rival, who is determined to break down every wall around her heart.
Theodore Knight has been under pressure since he was eight years old, the sporting legacy of his father weighing him down even as a child. He escaped his hometown after tragedy struck, now he is one year away from graduating yet there are three things standing in his way:
1. Balancing a research project and being the starting quarterback for the Lakewood Devils.
2. The tragic memories of his past haunting him even if he is eight hundred miles away.
3. A classmate who has despised him since Freshman Year, who seems to be immune to his charms.
Is their love worth the fight? Or will their demons win?
1. A research project that will determine her chances of securing an internship and career post-graduation.
2. Her declining mental health, the struggles of Freshman and Sophomore Year seeping into her veins.
3. An arrogant academic rival, who is determined to break down every wall around her heart.
Theodore Knight has been under pressure since he was eight years old, the sporting legacy of his father weighing him down even as a child. He escaped his hometown after tragedy struck, now he is one year away from graduating yet there are three things standing in his way:
1. Balancing a research project and being the starting quarterback for the Lakewood Devils.
2. The tragic memories of his past haunting him even if he is eight hundred miles away.
3. A classmate who has despised him since Freshman Year, who seems to be immune to his charms.
Is their love worth the fight? Or will their demons win?
- GenresSports
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2024
8 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 25, 2024
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶/5
I received this as an ARC, and oh my goodness, this was such a cute read! I could not put the book down.
This was Olivia's debut novel, and it is so well done!
I absolutely love the banter between Theo and Jazmine, and the spice was fantastic. This is a slow burn, and once the spice hits, it doesn't take over the book, which is wonderful!
I adore that mental health was portrayed in this book very accurately, and honestly portrays the stresses of university exactly how it is for many of us and that having someone in your corner weather that be a best friend or a partner can help alleviate those stresses.
I did like that we got to see Theo in football games and that it didn't just become all about their relationship along with seeing Jazmine thrive and get to where she wanted to be. I also really enjoyed the fact that Theo actually showed emotion and didn't just shut down.
And when either of them were in the wrong, I loved the communication and the accountability from both of them.
For a debut novel, this was absolutely wonderful! So if you are after a cute and fun read, this book is for you! :)
Check out tashie_leereads for my bookstagram! :)
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶/5
I received this as an ARC, and oh my goodness, this was such a cute read! I could not put the book down.
This was Olivia's debut novel, and it is so well done!
I absolutely love the banter between Theo and Jazmine, and the spice was fantastic. This is a slow burn, and once the spice hits, it doesn't take over the book, which is wonderful!
I adore that mental health was portrayed in this book very accurately, and honestly portrays the stresses of university exactly how it is for many of us and that having someone in your corner weather that be a best friend or a partner can help alleviate those stresses.
I did like that we got to see Theo in football games and that it didn't just become all about their relationship along with seeing Jazmine thrive and get to where she wanted to be. I also really enjoyed the fact that Theo actually showed emotion and didn't just shut down.
And when either of them were in the wrong, I loved the communication and the accountability from both of them.
For a debut novel, this was absolutely wonderful! So if you are after a cute and fun read, this book is for you! :)
Check out tashie_leereads for my bookstagram! :)
June 22, 2025
(4.5/5) no cause i ATE this book up. and i love how it relates to the taylor swift song called afterglow 🤭
no because there’s something about a couple working through their issues together and communicating and just being there for each other during mental health issues that just will ALWAYS get me. and it wasn’t just her struggling like it usually is but he was also struggling so it was just perfect watching them heal themselves and each other… the way THEODORE KNIGHT literally memorized every little thing about this woman and helped her even before they started dating… like no sure the he falls first will ALWAYS GET ME?! and the MOUTH on himmmm, i was giggling 🤭and the way this book ended? it leads perfectly into the plot for the next book 🙃
no because there’s something about a couple working through their issues together and communicating and just being there for each other during mental health issues that just will ALWAYS get me. and it wasn’t just her struggling like it usually is but he was also struggling so it was just perfect watching them heal themselves and each other… the way THEODORE KNIGHT literally memorized every little thing about this woman and helped her even before they started dating… like no sure the he falls first will ALWAYS GET ME?! and the MOUTH on himmmm, i was giggling 🤭and the way this book ended? it leads perfectly into the plot for the next book 🙃
September 29, 2024
AFTERGLOW COMES OUT NOVEMBER 26th!!
ARC REVIEW:
Wow. Being able to see this book being created and seeing the final result is immaculate. For the first novel of your author career Liv, this was absolutely amazing. Look call me biased, but this was so good. The banter between Jazmine and Theo? Yes 🙌. The spice? YESS! 🤭. The playlist matched the vibe of the whole book and I’m not sure whether its a me thing, but I absolutely adored that. Not only that, the representation of mental health was immaculate. I feel like this story conveys what university is for us students and how finding your person, whether it’s a friend or significant other, is important.
The little details as well certainly bumped the rating up. The little football and brain designs for each main character was so adorable I can’t. I also loved the italicised words that displayed the importance of the word was a small detail that made it much more amazing. I also loved the accountability that Jazmine and/or Theo had when they said or did something wrong. Like Jazmine apologising for her actions and not letting Theo interrupt her was really captivating, as it showed growth and becoming more in tune with her feelings. Also, the cover? Perfect.
For a first novel Liv, I’m so happy for you. In my eyes, it was perfect.
💗
ARC REVIEW:
Wow. Being able to see this book being created and seeing the final result is immaculate. For the first novel of your author career Liv, this was absolutely amazing. Look call me biased, but this was so good. The banter between Jazmine and Theo? Yes 🙌. The spice? YESS! 🤭. The playlist matched the vibe of the whole book and I’m not sure whether its a me thing, but I absolutely adored that. Not only that, the representation of mental health was immaculate. I feel like this story conveys what university is for us students and how finding your person, whether it’s a friend or significant other, is important.
The little details as well certainly bumped the rating up. The little football and brain designs for each main character was so adorable I can’t. I also loved the italicised words that displayed the importance of the word was a small detail that made it much more amazing. I also loved the accountability that Jazmine and/or Theo had when they said or did something wrong. Like Jazmine apologising for her actions and not letting Theo interrupt her was really captivating, as it showed growth and becoming more in tune with her feelings. Also, the cover? Perfect.
For a first novel Liv, I’m so happy for you. In my eyes, it was perfect.
💗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
⭐️4.75⭐️
November 30, 2024
Afterglow
Olivia Grace
323 Pages
3.5 stars
"Jealously doesn't even begin to cover what I'm feeling right now, Princess."
Afterglow by Olivia Grace brings us a college romance that deals with some heavy hitters with the topics of anxiety, parental death, feelings of guilt, and feelings of inadequacy, but also weaves a story about academic rivals that start on opposite sides of the classroom and find a way to meet in the middle. Anxiety and guilt are not easy topics to write about and I think Olivia Grace did a fantastic job bringing these topics into the story and writing about them truthfully. Nothing was sugarcoated, but it was handled appropriately and, more importantly to me, realistically.
"This girl is going to be the death of me. Or my savior. I don't mind either option."
A couple of things stopped me from giving Afterglow a higher rating. First and foremost, the book is supposed to take place in Arizona, where I live. However, several times throughout the book, the scenery mentioned was inaccurate. I know books are fictional, but scenes with a river, mountains, and snow in Phoenix were hard to read. A little research into the area could have smoothed that out, especially if the author was looking at modeling the university after ASU and not NAU like it came across. Secondly, the writing was inconsistent, making it hard to follow and enjoy. There are some good bones in this story and I really liked their idea for the plot. I just feel that the execution could have been a little smoother. The basis for the story was one I enjoyed and I believe that these topics need to be written about in stories we read. This author has potential to be a great writer and I am open to reading more of their books in the future.
Thank you, Olivia Grace, for the book to read. It was nice to see anxiety and guilt represented in such a neutral way in a romance book.
Olivia Grace
323 Pages
3.5 stars
"Jealously doesn't even begin to cover what I'm feeling right now, Princess."
Afterglow by Olivia Grace brings us a college romance that deals with some heavy hitters with the topics of anxiety, parental death, feelings of guilt, and feelings of inadequacy, but also weaves a story about academic rivals that start on opposite sides of the classroom and find a way to meet in the middle. Anxiety and guilt are not easy topics to write about and I think Olivia Grace did a fantastic job bringing these topics into the story and writing about them truthfully. Nothing was sugarcoated, but it was handled appropriately and, more importantly to me, realistically.
"This girl is going to be the death of me. Or my savior. I don't mind either option."
A couple of things stopped me from giving Afterglow a higher rating. First and foremost, the book is supposed to take place in Arizona, where I live. However, several times throughout the book, the scenery mentioned was inaccurate. I know books are fictional, but scenes with a river, mountains, and snow in Phoenix were hard to read. A little research into the area could have smoothed that out, especially if the author was looking at modeling the university after ASU and not NAU like it came across. Secondly, the writing was inconsistent, making it hard to follow and enjoy. There are some good bones in this story and I really liked their idea for the plot. I just feel that the execution could have been a little smoother. The basis for the story was one I enjoyed and I believe that these topics need to be written about in stories we read. This author has potential to be a great writer and I am open to reading more of their books in the future.
Thank you, Olivia Grace, for the book to read. It was nice to see anxiety and guilt represented in such a neutral way in a romance book.
November 8, 2024
Theo has spent the better part of 3 years trying to break down Jaz’s walls, flirting and banter every time he sees her. Jaz keeps a grudge against Theo and gives him shit to try and make him keep his distance, she doesn’t need an extra person worrying about her. Theo and Jaz both come from completely different family dynamics but both struggle with the constant pressure that comes with their last names. I felt like both characters struggles really represented a normal university students struggles not just with their family but with everything from school to their own thoughts. Jaz and Theo both have amazing friends/roommates who are constantly looking out for them. I love a book with good banter, friendships and text messages and Afterglow has all 3. I loved that Theo had a good relationship with Jazs twin brother Jayden from the moment they met and it wasn’t because of Jaz. I love that Theo doesn’t hide his emotions and struggles and how much he cares about Jaz. There has been sexual tension and lust straight from their first meeting but this is a slow burn which I think made this book all the more sweeter. When Jaz finally opened up to Theo I’m not gonna lie I was in tears, anxiety and panic attacks are something I’ve struggled with and I think that Olivia really portrayed the true emotions behind finally opening up and letting someone in through her writing.
When things start to heat up let me tell you Theo has a filthy mouth.
Oof I was not prepared for Theo’s confession to hit me as hard as it did, I felt like I was there in the room while he shared the one thing he hadn’t told anyone.
I loved getting to see Jaz and Theo’s character development over the years they were at university and how much they helped each other and not to mention them falling in love. This book is the perfect comfort read
Arc Review
When things start to heat up let me tell you Theo has a filthy mouth.
Oof I was not prepared for Theo’s confession to hit me as hard as it did, I felt like I was there in the room while he shared the one thing he hadn’t told anyone.
I loved getting to see Jaz and Theo’s character development over the years they were at university and how much they helped each other and not to mention them falling in love. This book is the perfect comfort read
Arc Review
January 20, 2025
I so enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written and I got so invested in mainly Jasmine and Theo but I also felt invested in the other people in the story. Story follows Jasmine who has severe and enduring mental health issues navigating her way through University,and, Theo who has his own mental health struggles too. Both meet at the start of their University experience but Jaz finds Theo too cocky. The years following they always find themselves thrown together in their social activities and for the same University classes. Jazmine’s animosity for Theo does disappear as he finds her one evening that something bad happened to her and gets her to a safe place. Throughout this time Theo’s mental health begins to deteriorate and he loses his way in life questioning who he really is. I don’t want to say much as I don’t want this to be a spoiler. The author deals with the sensitivity of enduring mental health problems beautifully. She doesn’t gloss over it but in turn her story is full of things that can help with it. The fact that both characters are so young to be experiencing poor mental health issues is prevalent in our society today. Young adults have so much pressure on them in today’s society so it was amazing Grace tackled this. Furthermore, she didn’t use it as a plot twist or a hidden issue, it was featured throughout in many different forms. For someone who has debilitating mental issues myself I felt myself using the coping mechanisms written in this novel. I love the fact that it was highlighted in men also. This is a truly amazing book and I can’t wait to read more by her. 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
November 12, 2024
Jazmine Allen has wanted to be a sports psychologist since she was 11 years old, and
once a position opens for her dream internship she puts her all into it. Unfortunately for her, someone pushes a little bit more than her. Football player Theo Knight had been debating for years whether to go into football full time or a different field, and this internship came at the perfect time for him. Unfortunately for him, he turned himself into his crushes academic rival. Two years later when they get paired up for a project, they start getting closer and their rivalry slowly starts breaking.,
I literally binged this book in one sitting, it was so much fun. I loved reading about Jazmine and Theodore and their backstories. I loved the side characters so much as well (and can’t wait for book two!). I can see people loving this series if they enjoy Grace Reilly - and I can see this blowing up in the best way.
Thank you so much Olivia Grace for sending me an eARC copy of your debut!
once a position opens for her dream internship she puts her all into it. Unfortunately for her, someone pushes a little bit more than her. Football player Theo Knight had been debating for years whether to go into football full time or a different field, and this internship came at the perfect time for him. Unfortunately for him, he turned himself into his crushes academic rival. Two years later when they get paired up for a project, they start getting closer and their rivalry slowly starts breaking.,
I literally binged this book in one sitting, it was so much fun. I loved reading about Jazmine and Theodore and their backstories. I loved the side characters so much as well (and can’t wait for book two!). I can see people loving this series if they enjoy Grace Reilly - and I can see this blowing up in the best way.
Thank you so much Olivia Grace for sending me an eARC copy of your debut!
December 1, 2024
This is my first book from Olivia Grace and this was so good!
I rate this book 4 and 2 spice.
If you like: black cat x gold retriever, college romance, academic rivals, grumpy x sunshine, banter/flirting, mental health rep, and sports romance then I would recommend Afterglow.
What I love:
Afterglow was much more emotional story than I first thought it would be. I loved how mental health was depicted well in the story. The times this book made me cry or really feel for these Theo and Jaz- especially as they both had their own struggles.
The chemistry between Theo and Jazmine- was so good. I loved how this book started off with the first few chapters in their Freshman year then jumps to present day. Theo is absolutely adorable and so flirty.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I rate this book 4 and 2 spice.
If you like: black cat x gold retriever, college romance, academic rivals, grumpy x sunshine, banter/flirting, mental health rep, and sports romance then I would recommend Afterglow.
What I love:
Afterglow was much more emotional story than I first thought it would be. I loved how mental health was depicted well in the story. The times this book made me cry or really feel for these Theo and Jaz- especially as they both had their own struggles.
The chemistry between Theo and Jazmine- was so good. I loved how this book started off with the first few chapters in their Freshman year then jumps to present day. Theo is absolutely adorable and so flirty.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 27, 2024
A masterpiece for being a debut novel that not only gives a slow burn and more than great chemistry between Theo and Jazmine; but, also is able to show mental health in a very well detailed way and the real life and stress of being in the university.
While reading, each emotion leaves you in a raw state where you can empathize (everyone in a different level, of course) with what the protagonists are going through. Another factor I really loved was how BOTH show their real thoughts and feelings, giving a good communication.
I can't say much more really, inside this book and story there is a certain sentiment that can only be understood after reading it.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the chance of being an ARC and congratulations on such amazing debut!
While reading, each emotion leaves you in a raw state where you can empathize (everyone in a different level, of course) with what the protagonists are going through. Another factor I really loved was how BOTH show their real thoughts and feelings, giving a good communication.
I can't say much more really, inside this book and story there is a certain sentiment that can only be understood after reading it.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the chance of being an ARC and congratulations on such amazing debut!
December 17, 2024
💗ARC REVIEW💗
What a debut! Afterglow was over all a lovely read. I really enjoyed the mental health representation. Jaz and Theo had great chemistry and I can’t wait to see what Olivia rights next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Olivia for allowing me to read Afterglow!
What a debut! Afterglow was over all a lovely read. I really enjoyed the mental health representation. Jaz and Theo had great chemistry and I can’t wait to see what Olivia rights next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Olivia for allowing me to read Afterglow!
November 1, 2024
Loved it! The storyline had me hooked from start to finish. Great chemistry between the main characters and some of the secondary characters. Can't wait for book 2!
March 17, 2025
Cute and quick read
May 15, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
The characters are cute but they constantly refer to each other by their full names which is a bit odd.
I love the Aladdin / Jazmine thing.
The characters are cute but they constantly refer to each other by their full names which is a bit odd.
I love the Aladdin / Jazmine thing.
December 9, 2024
I'm in love with this book! I never imagined this book would be so good now. I want to read all of Olivia Grace's books, and the ending makes me want the next book right away. Theo is my university dream man, and I'm sorry, but I love how needy he is. But he's also quite loving and always looks after Jazmine, and I love how his favourite movie was Aladdin. But, just so you know, this book has some trigger warnings, such as depression and mental health issues. Now to Jazmine, oh, I adored her character and how she didn't go into a one-night affair with Theo. I think this made them the end game. They had fantastic banter throughout the book, and Olivia's writing style made it easy to read and follow the story. And omg, the playlist. I loved it; it made the book feel so good. So overall, I loved it. This might be one of my favourite books this year, and thank you, Olivia, for the opportunity to be an Arc reader. Hopefully I can read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews