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The Tomorrows After You: A Small Town Suspense Romance
A hometown hero turned convicted killer.
A disgraced journalist with one last chance.
A small town harboring dark secrets.After ten years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, all Riot Asher wants is to earn back the love of his hometown. When Nicolette Parker returns to Godot, West Virginia, asking for him, he knows he’s in trouble. Not just because she’s a renowned journalist but because he can’t stop thinking about her.
As an investigative journalist, being embroiled in a near-career ending scandal is the last thing Nicolette wants to be remembered for. When she finds herself back home in Godot, alongside Riot, she knows he could be her last opportunity to redeem her professional credibility.
Except the more time she spends with Riot, the more the lines between truth and fiction begin to blur. And the more tempted she becomes to throw away her carefully outlined boundaries.
But Godot isn’t the town either of them remembers. Its long buried secrets, if unearthed, will jeopardize more than just their chances at love and redemption.
The only thing for certain is that once their lives collide, their tomorrows will never look the same.
A disgraced journalist with one last chance.
A small town harboring dark secrets.After ten years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, all Riot Asher wants is to earn back the love of his hometown. When Nicolette Parker returns to Godot, West Virginia, asking for him, he knows he’s in trouble. Not just because she’s a renowned journalist but because he can’t stop thinking about her.
As an investigative journalist, being embroiled in a near-career ending scandal is the last thing Nicolette wants to be remembered for. When she finds herself back home in Godot, alongside Riot, she knows he could be her last opportunity to redeem her professional credibility.
Except the more time she spends with Riot, the more the lines between truth and fiction begin to blur. And the more tempted she becomes to throw away her carefully outlined boundaries.
But Godot isn’t the town either of them remembers. Its long buried secrets, if unearthed, will jeopardize more than just their chances at love and redemption.
The only thing for certain is that once their lives collide, their tomorrows will never look the same.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 11, 2025
Wow—what a ride! This story had me hooked from the very first chapter, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. The mystery kept unfolding in the most captivating way, and I was completely drawn into Nicolette’s journey as she uncovered the truth piece by piece.
The connection between Riot and Nicolette? Chef’s kiss. I melted when he said she makes him want to smile more. You can truly feel the emotion between them in every chapter—it’s raw, real, and beautiful.
This was a solid 5-star read for me, and I’m already counting down the days until the next book. I feel so lucky to have read this as part of the ARC team—especially since it was my very first ARC! It absolutely did not disappoint. If you're into mystery, romance, or books that keep you up way past your bedtime... grab this one the moment it drops
The connection between Riot and Nicolette? Chef’s kiss. I melted when he said she makes him want to smile more. You can truly feel the emotion between them in every chapter—it’s raw, real, and beautiful.
This was a solid 5-star read for me, and I’m already counting down the days until the next book. I feel so lucky to have read this as part of the ARC team—especially since it was my very first ARC! It absolutely did not disappoint. If you're into mystery, romance, or books that keep you up way past your bedtime... grab this one the moment it drops
April 30, 2025
The Tomorrows After You by Annie Ritter
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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"ℐ 𝓌ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒸𝒽ℴℴ𝓈ℯ 𝒽ℯ𝓇. ℐ𝒻 𝓈𝒽ℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓀ℯ𝒹 ℴ𝓊𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝒻ℯ 𝓉ℴ𝓂ℴ𝓇𝓇ℴ𝓌, ℐ’𝒹 𝓈𝓅ℯ𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓇ℯ𝓈𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓈𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒸ℴ𝓁ℴ𝓇𝓈 𝓈𝒽ℯ 𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉ℯ𝒹 𝓂𝓎 𝒽ℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉."
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Overall, this book was great! Lots of unexpected plot twists and drama. In the beginning, I felt like it was hard to get into the story and the plot because the MMC was immediately sex-driven. It makes sense with how his character is portrayed but I think it came on a little too soon and turned me off. Although, when the timing was right it made me all giddy and excited. The suspense aspect of the book was kind of lost to me and it didn't give me that feeling of anxiety I may get from other suspenseful novels. I gasped and reeled at some sudden plot twists so that was a big part in my rating! I would say for it to be 5 stars, I would have loved for it to start off a little quicker, adding the suspense at the beginning and then ending with the romance would have made it more thrilling for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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"ℐ 𝓌ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒸𝒽ℴℴ𝓈ℯ 𝒽ℯ𝓇. ℐ𝒻 𝓈𝒽ℯ 𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓀ℯ𝒹 ℴ𝓊𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝒻ℯ 𝓉ℴ𝓂ℴ𝓇𝓇ℴ𝓌, ℐ’𝒹 𝓈𝓅ℯ𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓇ℯ𝓈𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒹𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓈𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒸ℴ𝓁ℴ𝓇𝓈 𝓈𝒽ℯ 𝓅𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉ℯ𝒹 𝓂𝓎 𝒽ℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉."
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Overall, this book was great! Lots of unexpected plot twists and drama. In the beginning, I felt like it was hard to get into the story and the plot because the MMC was immediately sex-driven. It makes sense with how his character is portrayed but I think it came on a little too soon and turned me off. Although, when the timing was right it made me all giddy and excited. The suspense aspect of the book was kind of lost to me and it didn't give me that feeling of anxiety I may get from other suspenseful novels. I gasped and reeled at some sudden plot twists so that was a big part in my rating! I would say for it to be 5 stars, I would have loved for it to start off a little quicker, adding the suspense at the beginning and then ending with the romance would have made it more thrilling for me.
April 17, 2025
4.5 stars
The Tomorrows After You is a contemporary romantic suspense story.
Disgraced news reports Nicolette returns to small town Godot in West Virginia with hopes of redeeming her career with an interview piece about Riot Asher, a man jailed for ten years after stabbing his own mother. Riot has refused all media interviews since his original arrest and release from prison, and Nicolette hopes to be the one who can change his mind.
Riot Asher thought that ten years was penance enough, but eight months after his release from prison most of the townsfolk of Godot treat him with fear and disapproval.
While Nicolette tries to hunt down Riot she is concerned by some of the dramatic changes in her hometown; drug use and high rates of cancer seem above the national average, and her sixth sense for a story has her asking some uncomfortable questions.
When Nicolette does meet Riot he’s not what she anticipated, and as circumstances throw them together, Nicolette reconsiders all that she thought she knew about the man.
I liked this story, the characters were well drawn and the mystery around the town made this more than just a straight forward romance. I shall look forward to reading more by this author.
The Tomorrows After You is a contemporary romantic suspense story.
Disgraced news reports Nicolette returns to small town Godot in West Virginia with hopes of redeeming her career with an interview piece about Riot Asher, a man jailed for ten years after stabbing his own mother. Riot has refused all media interviews since his original arrest and release from prison, and Nicolette hopes to be the one who can change his mind.
Riot Asher thought that ten years was penance enough, but eight months after his release from prison most of the townsfolk of Godot treat him with fear and disapproval.
While Nicolette tries to hunt down Riot she is concerned by some of the dramatic changes in her hometown; drug use and high rates of cancer seem above the national average, and her sixth sense for a story has her asking some uncomfortable questions.
When Nicolette does meet Riot he’s not what she anticipated, and as circumstances throw them together, Nicolette reconsiders all that she thought she knew about the man.
I liked this story, the characters were well drawn and the mystery around the town made this more than just a straight forward romance. I shall look forward to reading more by this author.
May 5, 2025
4⭐️
The tomorrow’s after you was an AMAZINGLY written, romantic suspense story. There were so many questions that needed to be answered and I was constantly trying to come to my own conclusions about who was at fault and why. I really liked the characters as well! The author gave just enough details to make you feel like you have a connection with them, but not so many that it gets confusing wondering who each person is. The first half of the book is a little slow felt long in my opinion but once you get past that so many things are unfolding, it keeps your attention till the very end! I would definitely read more from this author! (For this to be a debut novel I’m sooooo impressed!)
A disgraced journalist returns to her small hometown to seek out a story on a former classmate who has just completed a ten year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter.
Thank you bookworms pr for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
The tomorrow’s after you was an AMAZINGLY written, romantic suspense story. There were so many questions that needed to be answered and I was constantly trying to come to my own conclusions about who was at fault and why. I really liked the characters as well! The author gave just enough details to make you feel like you have a connection with them, but not so many that it gets confusing wondering who each person is. The first half of the book is a little slow felt long in my opinion but once you get past that so many things are unfolding, it keeps your attention till the very end! I would definitely read more from this author! (For this to be a debut novel I’m sooooo impressed!)
A disgraced journalist returns to her small hometown to seek out a story on a former classmate who has just completed a ten year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter.
Thank you bookworms pr for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 7, 2025
Beautiful!! I loved this story so much. It was a perfect blend of romance and mystery. I adored Nicolette and Riot, together and as individuals. The mystery kept me so intrigued. I will be begging everyone I know to read this!!
April 25, 2025
I received an ARC on Reedsy Discovery
Anne Ritter’s writing is sharp, often delightful and full of emotional precision. The tension in her writing is driven by both explicit dialogue and the unspoken nuances conveyed through character interactions. The narrative integrates romantic suspense with a nuanced portrayal of emotional realism within a mystery framework. Characters are complex, imperfect, and emotionally guarded, endeavoring to shield themselves from lingering influences of past trauma. She lets us see little things—a look that lasts a bit too long, a conversation that ends too quickly—things that hint there’s more going on. The tension grows because the characters are hiding something, and we’re left wondering what it is. The Tomorrows After You is more than a romantic suspense novel—it’s a character study in trust, trauma and second chances. And Ritter handles all of it with nuance, restraint and real emotional payoff. Which is why I happily give this 5/5 stars and encourage you to read this review although be warned of block quotes.
This narrative centres on hometown hero and convicted murderer, Riot Asher, seeking redemption following a ten-year incarceration for manslaughter. The story unfolds in Godot, West Virginia, a small town concealing concealed secrets. Nicolette Parker, an acclaimed journalist, returns to the locale with the intent to resuscitate her professional reputation, but her presence disrupts the established order, generating tension and conflict. As Nicolette endeavors to rebuild her career, her interactions with Riot become increasingly entangled, blurring the boundaries between factual reporting and personal involvement. The resurfacing of suppressed secrets poses a significant threat to both their relationship and their pursuit of renewal, culminating in irrevocable changes once their worlds intersect.
From page one, Ritter gives us a memorable meet-ugly between Nicolette and Riot that instantly sets the emotional tone.
It sets us readers up for a slow burn: enemies to maybe-not-enemies, with a thick wall of emotional baggage to dig through. There’s zero charm, but a ton of tension. That kind of friction lays a great foundation for a slow-burn romance— but it never feels performative. There’s a flash of recognition—a twinge of familiarity—that hints there’s more beneath the surface. Maybe a past, maybe a twist to come. And Ritter doesn’t spell it out—she lets the moment breathe. The judgmental stares, the fake smiles, the whispers—they say everything.
Later, he doesn’t just dislike her—he thinks he knows her because she's a reporter and immediately builds a wall. That label comes with baggage for poor Riot. The moment she hesitates, he takes it as confirmation. So the anger he’s throwing at her isn’t really about her—it’s about what she represents.
He believes he understands her because she’s a reporter and that immediately makes him put up walls. Nicolette labeled as a reporter carries a lot of assumptions for poor Riot. The moment she hesitates, he takes it as proof of her flaws. So the anger he's directing at her isn’t really about her—it’s about what she symbolizes in his mind. However, even though she’s only had rude exchanges with him, she doesn’t fight back
; she hesitates, looks like she’s caught off guard, opens her mouth to say something, then changes her mind. This kind of emotional tension makes their connection feel more genuine. The tension doesn’t come from clever insults or superficial teasing; it’s rooted in deep feelings and quick judgments. That chapter also reveals the early cracks of something deeper between Riot and Nicolette. When she steps in to deflect Cherry’s passive-aggressive judgment with a bubbly, fake-smiling performance, it’s more than comic relief. To Riot, it hits hard. She saves him before things spiral, and it sparks something unfamiliar in him—gratitude, maybe even hope. And the scene doesn’t end with everything wrapped up neatly. It leaves some feelings unresolved. That lingering discomfort makes the scene stay in the reader’s mind longer.
Let's talk about our characters dynamic. Riot was a gentle soul who was put into a terrible situation. To everyone else, he went from being a popular football star to being seen as a criminal almost overnight. From the beginning, we see how he deals with the small-town rumours and gossip. We get to witness Riot navigate a situation where his mere presence is a problem. my face burned.
When he hears Cherry whisper about “kids,” his reflexive thought—“It’s not like I’d killed a child”—cuts deep. Also let’s be real, fuck Cherry . Cherry Mitchell isn’t just rude—she’s performing her disdain for him in public, using passive-aggressive whispers, stares, and quiet phone calls. It really shows us as readers how much the public perception bothers our MMC. He doesn’t believe he deserves forgiveness. He doesn’t think there's a meaningful line between his mistakes and the worst of humanity. And this passage shows us everything. It doesn’t say “he felt ashamed” or “people judged him.” It puts us in his shoes and lets us feel the weight of it. The fake smiles, the whispers, the watchful eyes—all of it builds a slow, emotional tension that’s much more gripping than any outburst.
Nicolette’s fake-smiling, over-the-top performance may seem silly on the surface, but to the MMC, it hits hard. She saves him—steps in before Cherry can fully humiliate him—and that sparks a foreign emotion: gratitude, maybe even hope.
A third-person point of view works—especially in romantic suspense like The Tomorrows After You —because it gives you space to do two things at once: stay close to a character's thoughts and emotions and keep the perspective wide enough to build tension, shift perspectives and/or hold back key information. Third-person lets the author get inside a character’s head just enough. You can show how a character feels through their observations, reactions, and inner dialogue—but you’re not locked inside their thoughts the way first-person often is. That distance allows more room for suspense to build in what’s not known or what’s misunderstood. It’s reminiscent of Allison Brennan’s style: jarring at first, but strangely addictive. That slight disorientation is what kept me turning pages.
Anne Ritter’s writing is sharp, often delightful and full of emotional precision. The tension in her writing is driven by both explicit dialogue and the unspoken nuances conveyed through character interactions. The narrative integrates romantic suspense with a nuanced portrayal of emotional realism within a mystery framework. Characters are complex, imperfect, and emotionally guarded, endeavoring to shield themselves from lingering influences of past trauma. She lets us see little things—a look that lasts a bit too long, a conversation that ends too quickly—things that hint there’s more going on. The tension grows because the characters are hiding something, and we’re left wondering what it is. The Tomorrows After You is more than a romantic suspense novel—it’s a character study in trust, trauma and second chances. And Ritter handles all of it with nuance, restraint and real emotional payoff. Which is why I happily give this 5/5 stars and encourage you to read this review although be warned of block quotes.
This narrative centres on hometown hero and convicted murderer, Riot Asher, seeking redemption following a ten-year incarceration for manslaughter. The story unfolds in Godot, West Virginia, a small town concealing concealed secrets. Nicolette Parker, an acclaimed journalist, returns to the locale with the intent to resuscitate her professional reputation, but her presence disrupts the established order, generating tension and conflict. As Nicolette endeavors to rebuild her career, her interactions with Riot become increasingly entangled, blurring the boundaries between factual reporting and personal involvement. The resurfacing of suppressed secrets poses a significant threat to both their relationship and their pursuit of renewal, culminating in irrevocable changes once their worlds intersect.
From page one, Ritter gives us a memorable meet-ugly between Nicolette and Riot that instantly sets the emotional tone.
I took a breath, irritated I had to interrupt my work to shoo away another addict, before rapping three times on the window.The woman lurched forward and snapped her head, scowling as if I were the one inconveniencing her. When our eyes met, a twinge of familiarity struck me.“Jesus Christ, you scared the shit out of me!” she scoffed, rolling down her window halfway. I hid my surprise at her aggressive response and regarded her with skepticism. She didn’t look like a crackhead. Her teeth and skin were impeccable despite dark circles under her eyes. Maybe she was a dealer. She blinked rapidly, as if she could clear me out of her eye line. “Well?” she snapped. “Can I help you?”Okay, she wasn’t a drug dealer. A bit of an asshole, maybe.With narrowed eyes, I tilted my head to a sign on the front of the building indicating the hours.“Library’s closed,” I muttered. ”
It sets us readers up for a slow burn: enemies to maybe-not-enemies, with a thick wall of emotional baggage to dig through. There’s zero charm, but a ton of tension. That kind of friction lays a great foundation for a slow-burn romance— but it never feels performative. There’s a flash of recognition—a twinge of familiarity—that hints there’s more beneath the surface. Maybe a past, maybe a twist to come. And Ritter doesn’t spell it out—she lets the moment breathe. The judgmental stares, the fake smiles, the whispers—they say everything.
Later, he doesn’t just dislike her—he thinks he knows her because she's a reporter and immediately builds a wall. That label comes with baggage for poor Riot. The moment she hesitates, he takes it as confirmation. So the anger he’s throwing at her isn’t really about her—it’s about what she represents.
Wow, you are a real piece of work…” she muttered. The anger bubbled up my throat, tightening my grip on the steering wheel.“Can you blame me?” I asked. “You’re a reporter, no?” I whipped my head in her direction, and she narrowed her eyes, hesitating as if trying to figure out how to answer that. Let the lies begin.
He believes he understands her because she’s a reporter and that immediately makes him put up walls. Nicolette labeled as a reporter carries a lot of assumptions for poor Riot. The moment she hesitates, he takes it as proof of her flaws. So the anger he's directing at her isn’t really about her—it’s about what she symbolizes in his mind. However, even though she’s only had rude exchanges with him, she doesn’t fight back
She opened her little pink, heart-shaped lips but snapped them shut. She looked nervous. Caught. I clucked my tongue and shook my head, surprised by my disappointment. “Right.” I moved my focus back to the road. “Just like all the others…” I muttered. “You don’t even know me—”“And I don’t care to!” I interrupted whatever she was going to follow up with. The quick, wounded look on her face sent a pang of shame through my chest. She’s a reporter, don’t get soft now.
; she hesitates, looks like she’s caught off guard, opens her mouth to say something, then changes her mind. This kind of emotional tension makes their connection feel more genuine. The tension doesn’t come from clever insults or superficial teasing; it’s rooted in deep feelings and quick judgments. That chapter also reveals the early cracks of something deeper between Riot and Nicolette. When she steps in to deflect Cherry’s passive-aggressive judgment with a bubbly, fake-smiling performance, it’s more than comic relief. To Riot, it hits hard. She saves him before things spiral, and it sparks something unfamiliar in him—gratitude, maybe even hope. And the scene doesn’t end with everything wrapped up neatly. It leaves some feelings unresolved. That lingering discomfort makes the scene stay in the reader’s mind longer.
Let's talk about our characters dynamic. Riot was a gentle soul who was put into a terrible situation. To everyone else, he went from being a popular football star to being seen as a criminal almost overnight. From the beginning, we see how he deals with the small-town rumours and gossip. We get to witness Riot navigate a situation where his mere presence is a problem. my face burned.
Great, the one woman in the entire town who, not only hadn’t been afraid of me but hadn’t been afraid to piss me off, would now start ostracizing me like the convict I was too.“Why… him… here… Rodger,” I caught only a few angry words Cherry Mitchell was hissing into the phone. “.... kids here.“ I rolled my eyes. It’s not like I’d killed a child… A shiver went down my back, remembering the look in my first cellmate’s eyes. He had murdered a child. And there I was, sharing a room with him, no better or worse. Equals "
When he hears Cherry whisper about “kids,” his reflexive thought—“It’s not like I’d killed a child”—cuts deep. Also let’s be real, fuck Cherry . Cherry Mitchell isn’t just rude—she’s performing her disdain for him in public, using passive-aggressive whispers, stares, and quiet phone calls. It really shows us as readers how much the public perception bothers our MMC. He doesn’t believe he deserves forgiveness. He doesn’t think there's a meaningful line between his mistakes and the worst of humanity. And this passage shows us everything. It doesn’t say “he felt ashamed” or “people judged him.” It puts us in his shoes and lets us feel the weight of it. The fake smiles, the whispers, the watchful eyes—all of it builds a slow, emotional tension that’s much more gripping than any outburst.
Nicolette Parker.” She touched a hand to her chest to remind Cherry who she was. “I went to school with your daughter, Lanie? Wasn’t she the captain of the cheer squad? Oh, my goodness, you look so good! Is one of these handsome boys yours? Oh, you have to show me!” Something foreign bloomed in my chest at Nicolette’s save. I made quick work out of jumping the massive Tahoe, but I couldn’t help myself from stealing glances at Nicolette. She nodded like a looney bird and the dumb toothy smile fixed on her face was so phony I stifled a chuckle.
Nicolette’s fake-smiling, over-the-top performance may seem silly on the surface, but to the MMC, it hits hard. She saves him—steps in before Cherry can fully humiliate him—and that sparks a foreign emotion: gratitude, maybe even hope.
A third-person point of view works—especially in romantic suspense like The Tomorrows After You —because it gives you space to do two things at once: stay close to a character's thoughts and emotions and keep the perspective wide enough to build tension, shift perspectives and/or hold back key information. Third-person lets the author get inside a character’s head just enough. You can show how a character feels through their observations, reactions, and inner dialogue—but you’re not locked inside their thoughts the way first-person often is. That distance allows more room for suspense to build in what’s not known or what’s misunderstood. It’s reminiscent of Allison Brennan’s style: jarring at first, but strangely addictive. That slight disorientation is what kept me turning pages.
April 25, 2025
I’m literally in love with Riot! 😭
I really tried to draw out reading this book because it was so good I didn’t want it to end. But all good things must have a ending so here is my honest review.
Nicolette is on a mission to get the inside scoop on the brooding and mysterious man of her hometown. This spunky gal is determined to not be turned away like other reporters and interviews. But along the way the town throws several twists and turns into her plans that may have found a different story for this reporter.
Speaking of the broody man in question; Riot, the man who is just doing his best not to scare women on the street and become more approachable. As he continues to work on his outward persona after being gone for 10 years, he can’t help but notice the witty blonde who keeps getting in his way.
The charm, the romance,the humor ugh this book has it all and is written so well. I’m so thankful to have been apart of the ARC team on this book. Anxiously waiting for the next book.
I really tried to draw out reading this book because it was so good I didn’t want it to end. But all good things must have a ending so here is my honest review.
Nicolette is on a mission to get the inside scoop on the brooding and mysterious man of her hometown. This spunky gal is determined to not be turned away like other reporters and interviews. But along the way the town throws several twists and turns into her plans that may have found a different story for this reporter.
Speaking of the broody man in question; Riot, the man who is just doing his best not to scare women on the street and become more approachable. As he continues to work on his outward persona after being gone for 10 years, he can’t help but notice the witty blonde who keeps getting in his way.
The charm, the romance,the humor ugh this book has it all and is written so well. I’m so thankful to have been apart of the ARC team on this book. Anxiously waiting for the next book.
April 15, 2025
Goodness, what a roller coaster of a journey for both Nicolette and Riot. There are so many twists and turns that I do not even know where to begin. This book keeps you on your toes wanting to read more, that is for sure.
During the beginning of the book it starts with the exposition, so it does seem slow, but it provides much needed background about the characters that you want to see how it all intertwines.
The rising action is where you get all the romantic parts that make you want to have the love hate relationship that Nicolette and Riot have. They have their standoffish moments, but they always gravitate back to each other in a semi-romantic way.
The climax is when Nicolette finds herself in some trouble and I wonder who to blame for that? You will have to read to find out, but it is worth it. She has someone special come to her rescue.
The resolution is amazing and the story comes to a full circle. Definitely a romantic ending that we all wish will come true for both Nicolette and Riot.
During the beginning of the book it starts with the exposition, so it does seem slow, but it provides much needed background about the characters that you want to see how it all intertwines.
The rising action is where you get all the romantic parts that make you want to have the love hate relationship that Nicolette and Riot have. They have their standoffish moments, but they always gravitate back to each other in a semi-romantic way.
The climax is when Nicolette finds herself in some trouble and I wonder who to blame for that? You will have to read to find out, but it is worth it. She has someone special come to her rescue.
The resolution is amazing and the story comes to a full circle. Definitely a romantic ending that we all wish will come true for both Nicolette and Riot.
April 20, 2025
ARC REVIEW
I’m obsessed with this book. I couldn’t put it down and when I had to I was thinking about the characters non-stop. I loved the story, it had my heart racing so often that I started getting sweaty palms with anxiety.
It’s a nice ending but I just want more. Second book please…
I’m obsessed with this book. I couldn’t put it down and when I had to I was thinking about the characters non-stop. I loved the story, it had my heart racing so often that I started getting sweaty palms with anxiety.
It’s a nice ending but I just want more. Second book please…
April 1, 2025
Emotional Review of The Tomorrows After You by Annie Ritter
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first dove into Nicolette and Riot’s story—but what I found completely swept me away. I didn’t just read this book—I lived it. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the mystery unfolding in the small town of Godot. The suspense was perfectly layered; I had my theories, my suspicions… but nothing could’ve prepared me for the way it all came together. The ending? Absolutely brilliant—far better than I ever imagined.
Nic and Riot stole my heart from the start. Their chemistry was undeniable, but it was their emotional depth and vulnerability that kept me glued to the pages. Nic, especially, was a force—a strong, resilient woman who carried so much heart and courage. I loved her fiercely. And Riot? His complexity and quiet strength made him unforgettable.
One of the standouts for me was Brennan—Riot’s brother. He was portrayed with so much care and respect. His interactions with Nic were tender and real, adding so much richness to the story. I appreciated that representation deeply—it was heartfelt, never forced, and handled with grace.
This book truly has everything:
• Gripping suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat
• A steamy, slow-burn romance that sizzled and soothed
• A fierce female lead I could root for
• The beauty of found family
• A powerful arc of healing and redemption
I laughed. I gasped. I held my breath more times than I can count. And I teared up, completely pulled into the raw, emotional moments that hit far too close to home. Annie Ritter crafted a story that doesn’t just entertain—it feels. It lingers.
From start to finish, this was an immersive, unforgettable ride. If you love your romance wrapped in mystery, laced with real emotion, and tied up with just the right amount of spice—The Tomorrows After You is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily—but trust me when I say, I’ll be first in line for book two. I need more Godot. More Riot. More of this incredible world.
April 11, 2025
ACTUALLY 4 1/2 STARS ⭐️
My first ARC!!! & for that, this book will always have a special place in my heart! 🥹
Nicolette hasn’t stepped foot in the town of Godot, WV since she left at 17, and she never would have if she wasn’t trying to put a piece together on the towns would’ve been hometown all star, would’ve been because his freshman year of college he went to prison for the murder of his mother.
Riot is out of prison now, back in the town of Godot where everything happened and everyone judges him. He’s just trying to get his life back on track and it’s going so well until he wonders upon a woman sleeping in her car in the library parking lot.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, gripping my phone from start to finish. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another turn comes from around the corner and you’re left guessing all over again. The banter was there 🔥, the slow burn was absolutely there 🔥, the spice was there 🔥!! The humor had me giggling, kicking my little feetsies 🤭
My first ARC!!! & for that, this book will always have a special place in my heart! 🥹
Nicolette hasn’t stepped foot in the town of Godot, WV since she left at 17, and she never would have if she wasn’t trying to put a piece together on the towns would’ve been hometown all star, would’ve been because his freshman year of college he went to prison for the murder of his mother.
Riot is out of prison now, back in the town of Godot where everything happened and everyone judges him. He’s just trying to get his life back on track and it’s going so well until he wonders upon a woman sleeping in her car in the library parking lot.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, gripping my phone from start to finish. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another turn comes from around the corner and you’re left guessing all over again. The banter was there 🔥, the slow burn was absolutely there 🔥, the spice was there 🔥!! The humor had me giggling, kicking my little feetsies 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
I had fun reading this! I was engaged the entire time, wanting to know more about this small town. Not everyone was as they seemed and the story kept me on my toes. I didn’t love the plot line with the uncle and the ending was a little convenient. Overall I had fun and would definitely read something by this author again.
April 4, 2025
The Tomorrows after you
To be transparent, I initially thought this book was going to be a DNF. The first chapter was slow for my pace (nothing against the author it could be because I am unfamiliar with the type of books) but then I met Riot and got through a few more chapters and ultimately couldn’t set the book down.
The story was heartfelt and amazing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I initially thought I had the entire story line figured out which I did until page 280 or something and then things just changed. Without saying any spoilers I was relatively pleased and surprised.
Annie Ritter does an amazing job by keeping you invested and at the edge of your seat to discover what could happen next in the story.
The redemption arc touched my heart in an amazing way, the inclusion of modern day issues in multiple ways throughout the novel was beautifully done.
I look forward to seeing what comes next.
The Asher brothers are my favorite characters.
To be transparent, I initially thought this book was going to be a DNF. The first chapter was slow for my pace (nothing against the author it could be because I am unfamiliar with the type of books) but then I met Riot and got through a few more chapters and ultimately couldn’t set the book down.
The story was heartfelt and amazing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I initially thought I had the entire story line figured out which I did until page 280 or something and then things just changed. Without saying any spoilers I was relatively pleased and surprised.
Annie Ritter does an amazing job by keeping you invested and at the edge of your seat to discover what could happen next in the story.
The redemption arc touched my heart in an amazing way, the inclusion of modern day issues in multiple ways throughout the novel was beautifully done.
I look forward to seeing what comes next.
The Asher brothers are my favorite characters.
April 4, 2025
Wow! This story captured my interest from the very first chapter! I didn’t want to put it down I read it in a day! The mystery in this book just kept unfolding and it was so captivating as to how Nicolette was uncovering what was going on! I love how Riot and Nicolette connect and he says she makes him want to smile more! You can feel the emotion between them throughout the entire book! It is definitely a 5 star read for me and I would absolutely recommend reading this when it comes out! I’m so excited for the next book! It was a privilege to be able to be an ARC reader!
March 29, 2025
This is such a great story. Nicolette and Riot’s story is well written is held my attention throughout the whole book. Every page I wanted to know the following page I didn’t read it in one go but if I could have I would have.
Recommend this for readers of twisted stories some suspense and romance and small village gossip. Loved it.
Recommend this for readers of twisted stories some suspense and romance and small village gossip. Loved it.
Read
March 31, 2025Nicolette returns to her rural WV hometown to write an article on the hometown football hero after he is released from prison for the murder of his mother. He doesn’t know the real reason she is there and as they begin to spend together her focus changes to another investigation involving drugs.
It was good, but long and kind of predictable. I still enjoyed it, just wished it was 100 pages shorter.
3.75 stars ✨thanks to BookSirens for this advanced copy. Pub date 5/19/25
It was good, but long and kind of predictable. I still enjoyed it, just wished it was 100 pages shorter.
3.75 stars ✨thanks to BookSirens for this advanced copy. Pub date 5/19/25
Read
March 15, 2025I was initially skeptical about twenty percent into the book, thinking I had it all figured out. The twists and turns proved to be well worth reading. The storyline was well thought out and kept me engaged throughout the entire book. From start to finish, it had me fully immersed; I laughed, was on the edge of my seat gripping the book for dear life, and found myself on the verge of tears. It turns out I had almost nothing figured out. If you enjoy suspense and mystery woven into steamy romances, then this book is definitely for you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2025
WHAT. A. RIDE. The Tomorrows After You had me hooked from the very first chapter, and I swear I didn’t breathe normally the entire time I was reading it. The suspense? Impeccable. Every twist pulled me in deeper, and I was completely glued to Nicolette’s journey as she peeled back the layers of the town’s secrets—and her own past.
But what truly made this story shine was the slow-burn, steamy romance between Nicolette and Riot. The tension, the longing, the emotion—ugh, it was everything. Riot saying she makes him want to smile more? Yeah, I melted. Their connection felt real in that raw, unpolished way that only comes from two broken people learning how to fit together. It soothed as much as it scorched.
Nicolette is the kind of fierce, flawed, and fearless heroine I love rooting for. And the found family that forms around her? Absolutely beautiful. Annie Ritter knows how to write characters you don’t just read about—you feel them. You cheer for them. You heal with them. I laughed. I teared up. I clutched the book to my chest and whispered “please don’t be over” when I got to the last chapter.
This wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. Full of grit, heart, heat, and redemption. If you love romance tangled with gripping mystery, layered with emotion, and wrapped in just the right amount of spice, this one is for you. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of the ARC team, and trust me, I’ll be first in line when book two drops.
But what truly made this story shine was the slow-burn, steamy romance between Nicolette and Riot. The tension, the longing, the emotion—ugh, it was everything. Riot saying she makes him want to smile more? Yeah, I melted. Their connection felt real in that raw, unpolished way that only comes from two broken people learning how to fit together. It soothed as much as it scorched.
Nicolette is the kind of fierce, flawed, and fearless heroine I love rooting for. And the found family that forms around her? Absolutely beautiful. Annie Ritter knows how to write characters you don’t just read about—you feel them. You cheer for them. You heal with them. I laughed. I teared up. I clutched the book to my chest and whispered “please don’t be over” when I got to the last chapter.
This wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. Full of grit, heart, heat, and redemption. If you love romance tangled with gripping mystery, layered with emotion, and wrapped in just the right amount of spice, this one is for you. I’m beyond grateful to have been part of the ARC team, and trust me, I’ll be first in line when book two drops.
May 3, 2025
The Tomorrows After You is a romantic mystery page turner. Riot is a brooding, quietly broken man; rough around the edges, but full of depth and heart. Nicolette is his perfect match: sharp, driven, and just reckless enough to dive headfirst into the secrets of a town that wants to keep them buried.
From page one, the suspense had me hooked. Every chapter unravels another piece of the puzzle, and Ritter builds the tension—both romantic and mysterious—beautifully. There’s just the right amount of spice to make the slow-burn payoff worth it.
Riot and Nicolette fight for each other as much as they fought through the darkness around them and deserved their happily ever after.
This is the kind of book that lingers after you finish, with characters that leap off the page and their love story burns steady through every twist and turn. I can’t wait to see what Annie Ritter has in store next!
From page one, the suspense had me hooked. Every chapter unravels another piece of the puzzle, and Ritter builds the tension—both romantic and mysterious—beautifully. There’s just the right amount of spice to make the slow-burn payoff worth it.
Riot and Nicolette fight for each other as much as they fought through the darkness around them and deserved their happily ever after.
This is the kind of book that lingers after you finish, with characters that leap off the page and their love story burns steady through every twist and turn. I can’t wait to see what Annie Ritter has in store next!
April 27, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A cozy romance, enjoyable to read but took me longer than usual due to outside events. Small town/villages can be a source of gossip and censorship but love paves the way for an innocent convict. He has served his time and tries to integrate into his own community again with the help of a last chance spinster but he has not realised what she intends and his heart lies elsewhere. The Author has the mood right with small town condemnation around ex prisoners and makes it very difficult to fit in when they all believe he is guilty as he was convicted without all the evidence being produced. The book explores the difficulties in life after prison and the start of a new romantic relationship which uncovers a web of deceit and the dangers of being a reporter trying to get at the truth and at the same time involves a love triangle.
This was a relaxing and enjoyable read but the ending was obvious.
A cozy romance, enjoyable to read but took me longer than usual due to outside events. Small town/villages can be a source of gossip and censorship but love paves the way for an innocent convict. He has served his time and tries to integrate into his own community again with the help of a last chance spinster but he has not realised what she intends and his heart lies elsewhere. The Author has the mood right with small town condemnation around ex prisoners and makes it very difficult to fit in when they all believe he is guilty as he was convicted without all the evidence being produced. The book explores the difficulties in life after prison and the start of a new romantic relationship which uncovers a web of deceit and the dangers of being a reporter trying to get at the truth and at the same time involves a love triangle.
This was a relaxing and enjoyable read but the ending was obvious.
May 14, 2025
Engaging:
I was drawn into this story from the start and enjoyed the many twists and turns along the way. Whilst full of emotion and drama, it was nevertheless still a pleasant read. I particularly enjoyed how the mystery and intrigue played out and found the pacing to be good. It was also nice getting to know Nicolette and Riot and I enjoyed witnessing their personal transformations. I was so happy that they finally got their HEA!
All in all, this was an enjoyable start to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was drawn into this story from the start and enjoyed the many twists and turns along the way. Whilst full of emotion and drama, it was nevertheless still a pleasant read. I particularly enjoyed how the mystery and intrigue played out and found the pacing to be good. It was also nice getting to know Nicolette and Riot and I enjoyed witnessing their personal transformations. I was so happy that they finally got their HEA!
All in all, this was an enjoyable start to the series and I look forward to seeing what comes next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2025
ARC review!
The Tomorrows After You is a mystery romance that I just couldn't stop thinking about! Anytime I had to put it down I was either thinking or talking about it. I thought I figured out the plot twist but boy was I wrong!
This book is beautifully written, hooks you from chapter one, have an amazing storyline and I definitely worth reading. Murder, mystery, romance and scandal. What more could you want???
I will definitely be reading more books by Annie Ritter
The Tomorrows After You is a mystery romance that I just couldn't stop thinking about! Anytime I had to put it down I was either thinking or talking about it. I thought I figured out the plot twist but boy was I wrong!
This book is beautifully written, hooks you from chapter one, have an amazing storyline and I definitely worth reading. Murder, mystery, romance and scandal. What more could you want???
I will definitely be reading more books by Annie Ritter
May 1, 2025
Thank you to the author for gifting me this amazing book!
I was hooked immediately! This is a book full of suspense, mystery and romance. I fell in love with Nicolette and Riot and man what a rollercoaster that was!! Nicolettes journey finding information out piece by piece, made it hard to put the book down, I just wanted to know more. All of the characters have depth to them, and the way they are connected to each other is fantastic! I felt every emotion, anger, sadness, heartbreak, happiness, and I LOVE when a book does that!!
If you love a good suspenseful mystery with a spicy romance in there, you have to read this book!!!
I was hooked immediately! This is a book full of suspense, mystery and romance. I fell in love with Nicolette and Riot and man what a rollercoaster that was!! Nicolettes journey finding information out piece by piece, made it hard to put the book down, I just wanted to know more. All of the characters have depth to them, and the way they are connected to each other is fantastic! I felt every emotion, anger, sadness, heartbreak, happiness, and I LOVE when a book does that!!
If you love a good suspenseful mystery with a spicy romance in there, you have to read this book!!!
May 7, 2025
Annie Ritter has written a flowing suspenseful story.
Both main characters , Riot and Nicolette have very colourful pasts, that only add more intrigue to the story.
Sometimes only time and truths , will truly allow the present to be valued.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find Riot Asher?”I said in my sweetest , damsel- in - distress voice.
The chair spun around. My smile fell to a scowl.
The same moss -faced man from this morning,stared at me,his expression bored.”
Both main characters , Riot and Nicolette have very colourful pasts, that only add more intrigue to the story.
Sometimes only time and truths , will truly allow the present to be valued.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find Riot Asher?”I said in my sweetest , damsel- in - distress voice.
The chair spun around. My smile fell to a scowl.
The same moss -faced man from this morning,stared at me,his expression bored.”
April 26, 2025
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought the story was interesting and glad that the whole mystery Nicolette was investigating wasn’t easy to guess.
May 5, 2025
This book blew me away! What an engaging book!
This story follows Nicolette, a journalist returning to her hometown to do a story on Riot Asher, to save her floundering career. Asher was recently released from his 10 year sentence from killing his mom. But Nicolette’s instincts lead her to believe everything isn’t always as it appears in Godot.
This story was gripping and addictive! I couldn’t put it down. At several points I thought I had the story figured out but then another layer was peeled back that made you question everything. The story was fast pasted, I loved the writers style, and the relationship between the characters. I’m grateful for this ARC read and already read the blurb for the next book in the series.
This story follows Nicolette, a journalist returning to her hometown to do a story on Riot Asher, to save her floundering career. Asher was recently released from his 10 year sentence from killing his mom. But Nicolette’s instincts lead her to believe everything isn’t always as it appears in Godot.
This story was gripping and addictive! I couldn’t put it down. At several points I thought I had the story figured out but then another layer was peeled back that made you question everything. The story was fast pasted, I loved the writers style, and the relationship between the characters. I’m grateful for this ARC read and already read the blurb for the next book in the series.
May 13, 2025
PLOT: 4/5
SPICE: 1/5
STARS: 3.5/5
If you're looking for a small town suspense book that has an FMC that's willing to fight and find the truth no matter what it costs her, this book is for you!
TROPES:
- strong FMC
- journalist seeking redemption x ex convict
- brother on the spectrum rep
- secret cinnamon roll MMC
- suspense
- small town
SPICE: 1/5
STARS: 3.5/5
If you're looking for a small town suspense book that has an FMC that's willing to fight and find the truth no matter what it costs her, this book is for you!
TROPES:
- strong FMC
- journalist seeking redemption x ex convict
- brother on the spectrum rep
- secret cinnamon roll MMC
- suspense
- small town
September 25, 2025
Murder mystery puzzles to be solved clues everywhere and love interest. Whats not to love about this book. Can we say romance as well. I’m patiently waiting for then next book :)
August 18, 2025
Fantastic debut novel from Annie Ritter.
I loved the setting, the characters and the plot. I was lucky to read an early version and when it was released, I just had to get another copy.
I’m looking forward to more books in the series.
I loved the setting, the characters and the plot. I was lucky to read an early version and when it was released, I just had to get another copy.
I’m looking forward to more books in the series.
July 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was full of suspense and romance and the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. A refreshing read from a new author. I look forward to reading more from Annie Ritter.
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