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Flirting With Trouble #1
After Tonight
The first edgy, sexy novel in the Flirting With Trouble contemporary romance series.
She may be the teacher...
All Hyacinth "Cyn" Hendricks ever wanted to do was make a difference in the world. But when she joins the faculty of a Baltimore reform school, she discovers that she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Because the last thing she expects when she meets her newest student is to see the guy she met—and made out with—at a bar last week.
But he’s the one giving her a lesson...
To Cyn, Smith Asher is an enigma. The 20-year old doesn’t look like a high schooler and he certainly didn’t act like one the other night. Despite the smoldering chemistry between them, she knows she has to squash this dangerous infatuation before it gets them both in serious trouble. But her desire for Smith—and his lust for her—quickly grows too hot to ignore. And Cyn soon learns that there is one thing worse than teaching someone you’ve seen nearly naked...
Teaching someone you want to see nearly naked again.
She may be the teacher...
All Hyacinth "Cyn" Hendricks ever wanted to do was make a difference in the world. But when she joins the faculty of a Baltimore reform school, she discovers that she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Because the last thing she expects when she meets her newest student is to see the guy she met—and made out with—at a bar last week.
But he’s the one giving her a lesson...
To Cyn, Smith Asher is an enigma. The 20-year old doesn’t look like a high schooler and he certainly didn’t act like one the other night. Despite the smoldering chemistry between them, she knows she has to squash this dangerous infatuation before it gets them both in serious trouble. But her desire for Smith—and his lust for her—quickly grows too hot to ignore. And Cyn soon learns that there is one thing worse than teaching someone you’ve seen nearly naked...
Teaching someone you want to see nearly naked again.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
1 person is currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Annie Kelly
8 books19 followersAnnie Kelly writes loves stories that will teach you a thing or two.
The FLIRTING WITH DISASTER series (forthcoming from Penguin) is based around a group of young women who are dedicated to education - student teaching, tutoring, and running an after school program are just three of their passions. Of course, their passions certainly extend beyond the school day -- and where the school day ends, their love lives begin.
Annie Kelly is a pen name for a YA author who writes everything from contemporary romance to gritty modern character studies.
The FLIRTING WITH DISASTER series (forthcoming from Penguin) is based around a group of young women who are dedicated to education - student teaching, tutoring, and running an after school program are just three of their passions. Of course, their passions certainly extend beyond the school day -- and where the school day ends, their love lives begin.
Annie Kelly is a pen name for a YA author who writes everything from contemporary romance to gritty modern character studies.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 16, 2021
Soo fricking good! Omg
First of all I love the student/teacher trope. So this book was an instant grab for me.
There was a lot of action going on. My heart beat so fast.
And when the plot came I was positively shocked.
And then I even liked the book even more!
There were hot scenes between the girl and the boy.
And I was like DAYUM GIRL GET IT!!
You'll definitely enjoy the book.
So go! Buy it or get it from somewhere!
beautiful 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
First of all I love the student/teacher trope. So this book was an instant grab for me.
There was a lot of action going on. My heart beat so fast.
And when the plot came I was positively shocked.
And then I even liked the book even more!
There were hot scenes between the girl and the boy.
And I was like DAYUM GIRL GET IT!!
You'll definitely enjoy the book.
So go! Buy it or get it from somewhere!
beautiful 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
November 18, 2015
Hyacinth "Cyn" Hendricks is completely mortified when the guy she made out with at the bar last weekend shows up as a student in her classroom Monday morning. Cyn is a student teacher at an alternative high school and Smith Asher is an alternative student. The two have a potent, powerful chemistry that makes staying away from each other nearly impossible and so, determined to make it through the time they have to spend together—Cyn to successfully complete her student teaching, and Smith to earn his diploma—they constantly push each other’s boundaries and restraint. The effect is sometimes frustrating, but mostly mesmerizing and sexy.
This was an incredibly easy, nearly addictive read. There were several laugh-out-loud moments filled with smart dialogue and witty banter—all of which are basically my favorite things to read. I was also won over by the super sweet secondary stories that sandwiched the scandalously sexy romance between Cyn and Smith. The writing is smart and engaging.
I felt like sometimes Cyn came off a little harshly, and hovered dangerously close to an unlikeable line for me for a while. I struggled with how she handled her situation—both during the emotional turmoil of her student teaching gig and, again, once the conflict came to a head. However, I loved how she was with her family and friends and, as things sorted themselves out in the end, I found myself rooting for her to get her happy ending (that is not a euphemism, although…that too).
Smith is a delight. An absolute dream man—all dreamy eyed, chiseled hunk with the perfect witty banter and irresistibly dirty mouth. He's sexy as hell, smart, and funny—the perfect trifecta of book boyfriend qualities. I loved his confidence and tenderness, even though he was frustrating in his own right sometimes. As the story unfolded it was hard to get a good read on Smith (which I think is a testament to how well Annie Kelly pulled his story off because I thought I knew where the story was heading, but I was never 100% sure) but every time the story centered on him, I was a drooly, smitten, completely captivated mess.
When a forbidden teacher/student romance is done right, it is a deliciously naughty pleasure to read, and After Tonight was done just right. It's not a book without flaws, but I spent way more time with a smile on my face than without. It was fun and sexy read and, in the end, I was completely sucked in, my heart and panties enjoying the ride in equal measure. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
This was an incredibly easy, nearly addictive read. There were several laugh-out-loud moments filled with smart dialogue and witty banter—all of which are basically my favorite things to read. I was also won over by the super sweet secondary stories that sandwiched the scandalously sexy romance between Cyn and Smith. The writing is smart and engaging.
I felt like sometimes Cyn came off a little harshly, and hovered dangerously close to an unlikeable line for me for a while. I struggled with how she handled her situation—both during the emotional turmoil of her student teaching gig and, again, once the conflict came to a head. However, I loved how she was with her family and friends and, as things sorted themselves out in the end, I found myself rooting for her to get her happy ending (that is not a euphemism, although…that too).
Smith is a delight. An absolute dream man—all dreamy eyed, chiseled hunk with the perfect witty banter and irresistibly dirty mouth. He's sexy as hell, smart, and funny—the perfect trifecta of book boyfriend qualities. I loved his confidence and tenderness, even though he was frustrating in his own right sometimes. As the story unfolded it was hard to get a good read on Smith (which I think is a testament to how well Annie Kelly pulled his story off because I thought I knew where the story was heading, but I was never 100% sure) but every time the story centered on him, I was a drooly, smitten, completely captivated mess.
When a forbidden teacher/student romance is done right, it is a deliciously naughty pleasure to read, and After Tonight was done just right. It's not a book without flaws, but I spent way more time with a smile on my face than without. It was fun and sexy read and, in the end, I was completely sucked in, my heart and panties enjoying the ride in equal measure. ~ Shelly, 4 stars
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
I looove forbidden romances, so when I read the blurb for After Tonight, I couldn’t wait to start it. A forbidden love story between a teacher and her 20-year-old student… who she actually met the other night and almost hooked up with? Um, yes please!!! I had high expectations for this book, but… it fell a little short of them. Don’t get me wrong, this was still fun and sexy as hell, but I wanted something more. I didn’t really connect with the characters, so I wasn’t as into this book as I wish I had been. It was a little dull at some parts, intense at others, but overall, After Tonight was a very okay book.
On her first day of student teaching, the last person Hyacinth expects to see is Smith Asher, the man she had an intense connection with the other night at a fantasy club. They may not have technically done anything that night, but she still let loose and let him see her naked… so she’s mortified to realize that he’s actually going to be her student. Now, Cyn is determined to ignore their chemistry and pretend like nothing ever happened between them, but Smith won’t let her forget. Even though he’s twenty, he’s intense, sexy, and very much hard to ignore. He riles Cyn up easily, and the forbidden-ness of their relationship only makes the chemistry between them burn hotter than ever.
I didn’t really like Smith, to be honest. He was pushy at times, and very hot-and-cold. His behavior was basically all over the place, so I couldn’t see why Cyn liked him, other than their attraction for each other. I didn’t get or connect with their relationship at all – it was basically only ever sexual between them. I expected a little more from this. I love forbidden romances, especially teacher/student ones, but After Tonight was only… okay. A little boring sometimes, but still plenty sexy. I will say, though, that I didn’t see the plot twist coming at all! That was probably the best part of the book – the author certainly surprised me with a twist I didn’t see coming, but was completely believable.
If you’re a fan of forbidden romances, this might not be the best book, but if you’re looking for something quick and sexy, I’d say why not. The writing was good, but the story and characters weren’t as good as I’d hoped. Still, I’m intrigued enough by the sequel that I will most likely continue the series and give it a try.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1Rfc21m
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I looove forbidden romances, so when I read the blurb for After Tonight, I couldn’t wait to start it. A forbidden love story between a teacher and her 20-year-old student… who she actually met the other night and almost hooked up with? Um, yes please!!! I had high expectations for this book, but… it fell a little short of them. Don’t get me wrong, this was still fun and sexy as hell, but I wanted something more. I didn’t really connect with the characters, so I wasn’t as into this book as I wish I had been. It was a little dull at some parts, intense at others, but overall, After Tonight was a very okay book.
Apparently, I’m going to teach Hamlet tomorrow to a room full of teenagers who couldn’t care less.
Oh, and one man who’s seen me almost naked.
Fucking hell.
I wonder if it’s too late to call in sick.
On her first day of student teaching, the last person Hyacinth expects to see is Smith Asher, the man she had an intense connection with the other night at a fantasy club. They may not have technically done anything that night, but she still let loose and let him see her naked… so she’s mortified to realize that he’s actually going to be her student. Now, Cyn is determined to ignore their chemistry and pretend like nothing ever happened between them, but Smith won’t let her forget. Even though he’s twenty, he’s intense, sexy, and very much hard to ignore. He riles Cyn up easily, and the forbidden-ness of their relationship only makes the chemistry between them burn hotter than ever.
“Every day I want you more, and every day I can have you less,” he murmurs.
I didn’t really like Smith, to be honest. He was pushy at times, and very hot-and-cold. His behavior was basically all over the place, so I couldn’t see why Cyn liked him, other than their attraction for each other. I didn’t get or connect with their relationship at all – it was basically only ever sexual between them. I expected a little more from this. I love forbidden romances, especially teacher/student ones, but After Tonight was only… okay. A little boring sometimes, but still plenty sexy. I will say, though, that I didn’t see the plot twist coming at all! That was probably the best part of the book – the author certainly surprised me with a twist I didn’t see coming, but was completely believable.
If you’re a fan of forbidden romances, this might not be the best book, but if you’re looking for something quick and sexy, I’d say why not. The writing was good, but the story and characters weren’t as good as I’d hoped. Still, I’m intrigued enough by the sequel that I will most likely continue the series and give it a try.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1Rfc21m
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
July 13, 2016
2.5 Stars
Hyacinth Hendricks is trying to finish up her student teaching assignment so that she can graduate. She's worked hard to be where she is and between working and taking care of her father, she doesn't really ever allow herself to let loose. When her friends take her out to an exclusive club - one that specializes in fantasies- Hyacinth decides to let go. It's here she meets Smith Asher, the first guy who has ever made her want to feel again. And while her night doesn't go the way she intends it to, it still awoke something inside her. Something that she decides she wants to pursue, that is until Monday morning when she sees Smith in her English class - as a student.
My first impression was that this would be your classic teacher/student affair type book. And I wasn't completely wrong. Hyacinth knows that what happened between the two of them can't ever happen again and she's determined to keep the line clear between them. But Smith doesn't seem to want to stick to her rules. He's demanding, and very forward with his intentions. Almost to the point where it seemed a little like harassment to me. She kept telling him no and asking him to stop and he would disregard her and continue his behavior. Another thing with Smith was that his behavior was very up and down. After reading the entire story, I see why the author portrayed him the way she did, but while reading it, it was hard to like the guy.
Then there was the chemistry. Besides sexual I didn't really feel it. There wasn't a spark aside from the initial first impression. Most of their interactions were him flirting with her in the classroom and on top of that, they were only together for maybe 1/3 of the book. Most of it focused on Hyacinth's day to day activities. I really liked the premise and I see potential in the authors writing, but this couple didn't really do it for me. I have a feeling I know what couple the next book will focus on and I am very interested in how they connect. While this book wasn't for me, it did spark my interest in the rest and I look forward to seeing what the author can do next.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
Hyacinth Hendricks is trying to finish up her student teaching assignment so that she can graduate. She's worked hard to be where she is and between working and taking care of her father, she doesn't really ever allow herself to let loose. When her friends take her out to an exclusive club - one that specializes in fantasies- Hyacinth decides to let go. It's here she meets Smith Asher, the first guy who has ever made her want to feel again. And while her night doesn't go the way she intends it to, it still awoke something inside her. Something that she decides she wants to pursue, that is until Monday morning when she sees Smith in her English class - as a student.
My first impression was that this would be your classic teacher/student affair type book. And I wasn't completely wrong. Hyacinth knows that what happened between the two of them can't ever happen again and she's determined to keep the line clear between them. But Smith doesn't seem to want to stick to her rules. He's demanding, and very forward with his intentions. Almost to the point where it seemed a little like harassment to me. She kept telling him no and asking him to stop and he would disregard her and continue his behavior. Another thing with Smith was that his behavior was very up and down. After reading the entire story, I see why the author portrayed him the way she did, but while reading it, it was hard to like the guy.
Then there was the chemistry. Besides sexual I didn't really feel it. There wasn't a spark aside from the initial first impression. Most of their interactions were him flirting with her in the classroom and on top of that, they were only together for maybe 1/3 of the book. Most of it focused on Hyacinth's day to day activities. I really liked the premise and I see potential in the authors writing, but this couple didn't really do it for me. I have a feeling I know what couple the next book will focus on and I am very interested in how they connect. While this book wasn't for me, it did spark my interest in the rest and I look forward to seeing what the author can do next.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
November 9, 2015
I am such a glutton for a good teacher student romance. Hot, sexy, forbidden... and sometimes even cheesy, over the top and smutty, I don't care. I'll take it any which way. But this book... After Tonight... well, this was anything but cheesy and over the top. This book is such a refreshing take on a somewhat overdone theme, and it was done so damn well, I was completely captivated from the very first page. This author put a deliciously unorthodox spin on teacher-student romances and I loved every bit of it.
Was this story predictable? I went back and forth on this, but I'm going with no. I had moments where I thought "hmmmm, could it be?" but then the story would move in a direction that had me completely second guessing my thoughts. So no, this isn't predictable at all. It's completely unexpected, unbelievably sensual, and if I'm being completely honest, a huge surprise. I'm taken aback by how much I enjoyed this book, how quickly I devoured it, how impressed I was with the author's smart writing style, how consuming and memorable I found the entire story. I really really loved this book and I'm fighting the urge to reread it immediately.
Was this story predictable? I went back and forth on this, but I'm going with no. I had moments where I thought "hmmmm, could it be?" but then the story would move in a direction that had me completely second guessing my thoughts. So no, this isn't predictable at all. It's completely unexpected, unbelievably sensual, and if I'm being completely honest, a huge surprise. I'm taken aback by how much I enjoyed this book, how quickly I devoured it, how impressed I was with the author's smart writing style, how consuming and memorable I found the entire story. I really really loved this book and I'm fighting the urge to reread it immediately.
October 28, 2015
Hyacinth meets Smith at a club, there's a hook-up that doesn't quite go anywhere because Cyn passes out. Next time Hyacinth meets Smith is at a school for trouble youth were Cyn is a student teacher and Smith turns out to be her student. Yes, we've read this scenario in books before. This started out okay for me but Smith seemed to get less mature as the book went on, just his behavior and the things he said were unlike how he initially was in the club. The ending was a bit far-fetched and over the top, just learning the truth about Smith and that Cyn was taken in by his story.
May 9, 2017
Ich bin vor ein paar Wochen zufällig über Flirting with Disaster gestolpert, als ich mich in meiner liebsten Buchhandlung umgeschaut habe. Ich war vom ersten Moment an hin und weg von dem Klappentext und musste dieses Buch einfach lesen. Und ich wurde definitiv nicht enttäuscht.
Hyacinth Hendricks fällt aus allen Wolken, als sie in ihr Klassenzimmer kommt und dort den Typen sitzen sieht, mit dem sie letzte Woche in einer Bar rumgemacht hat. Sie kann es kaum glauben, dass ausgerechnet Smith Asher ihr neuer Schüler sein soll. Dabei sieht er doch viel älter aus als ein Highschool-Schüler! Doch auch wenn zwischen ihnen nichts weiter passieren darf, ist die Chemie zwischen ihnen einfach viel zu stark. Was soll Cyn denn nun machen? Ihren Job aufs Spiel setzte oder ihre Gefühle zu Smith ignorieren?
Als ich dieses Buch begonnen habe, wusste ich nicht recht was ich erwarten sollte. Besonders Cyn war für mich anfangs schwer einzuschätzen. Denn sie kam oft sehr harsch und kalt rüber, und manchmal war sie nah dran unsympathisch zu wirken. Aber das hat sich glücklicherweise im Laufe des Buches gelegt. Gerade wenn sie mit ihrer Familie und ihren Freunden zusammen war, konnte ich nicht anders als sie zu mögen. Und am Ende habe ich für sie sogar wirklich gehofft, dass sie ihr Happy End bekommt. In mehr als einer Hinsicht.
Smith hingegen war ganz anders. Er ist vereint alle drei Sachen in sich, die es für mich persönlich braucht, um einem perfekten Bookboyfriend zu bekommen. Er ist natürlich sexy wie die Hölle. Aber auch klug und witzig. Und diese drei Sachen zusammen, machen Smith ziemlich unwiderstehlich. Aber natürlich hat er auch eine andere Seite. Denn ich war zwischendurch immer wieder ziemlich frustriert was ihn angeht. Mir war klar, dass hinter ihm noch irgendwas stecken muss, aber ich habe trotzdem nicht mit der Wednung gerechnet, die seine Geschichte nehmen würde.
Ganz klar, mit Flirting with Disaster wurde das Rad nicht neu erfunden. Aber wenn eine 'Schüler und Lehrer'-Liebesgeschichte gut geschrieben ist, macht es einfach nur Spaß sie zu lesen. Und Flirting with Disaster ist so eine gut geschriebene Geschichte.
Denn das Buch ist unglaublich gut geschrieben. Es ist so heiß, dass die Funken nur so über die Seiten fliegen. Und zugleich wo witzig, dass ich mehr als einmal schmunzeln musste. Dazu eine Geschichte die einen fesselt und wirklich mitreißt. Alles in allem habe ich das Buch wirklich genossen und in ein paar Stunden komplett durchgelesen.
Hyacinth Hendricks fällt aus allen Wolken, als sie in ihr Klassenzimmer kommt und dort den Typen sitzen sieht, mit dem sie letzte Woche in einer Bar rumgemacht hat. Sie kann es kaum glauben, dass ausgerechnet Smith Asher ihr neuer Schüler sein soll. Dabei sieht er doch viel älter aus als ein Highschool-Schüler! Doch auch wenn zwischen ihnen nichts weiter passieren darf, ist die Chemie zwischen ihnen einfach viel zu stark. Was soll Cyn denn nun machen? Ihren Job aufs Spiel setzte oder ihre Gefühle zu Smith ignorieren?
"Die Chemie also. Es kann ganz schön hart sein, wenn man mit jemanden will, mit dem man nicht darf."
Als ich dieses Buch begonnen habe, wusste ich nicht recht was ich erwarten sollte. Besonders Cyn war für mich anfangs schwer einzuschätzen. Denn sie kam oft sehr harsch und kalt rüber, und manchmal war sie nah dran unsympathisch zu wirken. Aber das hat sich glücklicherweise im Laufe des Buches gelegt. Gerade wenn sie mit ihrer Familie und ihren Freunden zusammen war, konnte ich nicht anders als sie zu mögen. Und am Ende habe ich für sie sogar wirklich gehofft, dass sie ihr Happy End bekommt. In mehr als einer Hinsicht.
Smith hingegen war ganz anders. Er ist vereint alle drei Sachen in sich, die es für mich persönlich braucht, um einem perfekten Bookboyfriend zu bekommen. Er ist natürlich sexy wie die Hölle. Aber auch klug und witzig. Und diese drei Sachen zusammen, machen Smith ziemlich unwiderstehlich. Aber natürlich hat er auch eine andere Seite. Denn ich war zwischendurch immer wieder ziemlich frustriert was ihn angeht. Mir war klar, dass hinter ihm noch irgendwas stecken muss, aber ich habe trotzdem nicht mit der Wednung gerechnet, die seine Geschichte nehmen würde.
"Das wir uns getroffen haben, war kompletter Zufall. Im Cave wusste ich noch nicht, wer du bist, und ich bin wirklich aus allen Wolken gefallen, als ich dich hier wiedergesehen habe."
Ganz klar, mit Flirting with Disaster wurde das Rad nicht neu erfunden. Aber wenn eine 'Schüler und Lehrer'-Liebesgeschichte gut geschrieben ist, macht es einfach nur Spaß sie zu lesen. Und Flirting with Disaster ist so eine gut geschriebene Geschichte.
Denn das Buch ist unglaublich gut geschrieben. Es ist so heiß, dass die Funken nur so über die Seiten fliegen. Und zugleich wo witzig, dass ich mehr als einmal schmunzeln musste. Dazu eine Geschichte die einen fesselt und wirklich mitreißt. Alles in allem habe ich das Buch wirklich genossen und in ein paar Stunden komplett durchgelesen.
April 10, 2018
4,5 ☆
Dass es so gut sein würde, hätte ich nicht gedacht. Ich bin begeistert, vor allem die letzten 40 (?) Seiten haben mich umgehauen!
Dass es so gut sein würde, hätte ich nicht gedacht. Ich bin begeistert, vor allem die letzten 40 (?) Seiten haben mich umgehauen!
May 2, 2016
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
I have mixed feelings about this book, and I am still trying to sort out exactly how I feel about it. While there were things I liked about After Tonight by Annie Kelly, I also had several problems with it. This book was somewhere between 2 and 3 stars for me, and honestly I am not sure that I will continue reading the series from here on out.
When her friends drag her out to a club, Hyacinth "Cyn" Hendricks decides to let go for a night. She is working on finishing her graduate degree and is student teaching at a reform school for troubled individuals. When she meets her newest student the following week though, she finds herself face to face with the sexy stranger she met at the club the week before and made out with. Though Smith Asher doesn't look like a 20 year old and didn't act like one either, she quickly realizes how complicated her life has just become. Though the chemistry and attraction between them is intense, she knows that she needs to fight it. But the more time they spend together, the more they each want to cross that line.
Part of my problem here was the characters themselves. Smith was really hard to like. The way he acted made sense when all was said and done, but it made for a hero that was almost impossible to root for. I couldn't connect with him or Cyn and honestly I just didn't really care for either of them. While Cyn wasn't awful, she wasn't that easy to relate to either. There just isn't a lot to really say about either of them for me, and the fact that neither of them is that memorable or likable is part of what sealed the deal for me here. These two spend the majority of this book apart, and besides the physical chemistry they have I didn't believe in them as a couple at all. In fact when I got to the end and the declarations of love were happening I was rolling my eyes and asking how these two could possibly feel that way about one another. We never got to see it happen, and these two really didn't know one another that well.
I also had an issue with Cyn's friends here. While they got better over the course of the book, I found them immediately off-putting. They practically forced her to go to this club that she never would have gone to and put her in a situation that she had no idea she was facing, oh and they also insulted her several times in the process as well. Some friends! There were also a few inconsistencies here as well, the biggest one I noticed was the name of Cyn's ex boyfriend. At times he was referred to as Brent and others as Brett. I believe it was supposed to be Brent as that one seemed to be used more, but I am not really sure. This is a mistake that could have been fixed before the final version was published though, as I was given an ARC that could still have errors. Overall, I just had a lot that really didn't work for me here which was disappointing since I was really looking forward to this story. The blurb really drew me in and I guess I was just expecting more. While there were some really sexy moments for these two, I found the story itself lacking. I was easily bored with Cyn's day-to-day life detailed as much as it was, and unfortunately that was what the majority of this book was. While this book is a standalone story, the series will continue with Cyn's best friend Carson getting her book next. Until Tomorrow is set to release in March, and I don't know if I will read it yet or not since I wasn't her biggest fan here.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
I have mixed feelings about this book, and I am still trying to sort out exactly how I feel about it. While there were things I liked about After Tonight by Annie Kelly, I also had several problems with it. This book was somewhere between 2 and 3 stars for me, and honestly I am not sure that I will continue reading the series from here on out.
When her friends drag her out to a club, Hyacinth "Cyn" Hendricks decides to let go for a night. She is working on finishing her graduate degree and is student teaching at a reform school for troubled individuals. When she meets her newest student the following week though, she finds herself face to face with the sexy stranger she met at the club the week before and made out with. Though Smith Asher doesn't look like a 20 year old and didn't act like one either, she quickly realizes how complicated her life has just become. Though the chemistry and attraction between them is intense, she knows that she needs to fight it. But the more time they spend together, the more they each want to cross that line.
Part of my problem here was the characters themselves. Smith was really hard to like. The way he acted made sense when all was said and done, but it made for a hero that was almost impossible to root for. I couldn't connect with him or Cyn and honestly I just didn't really care for either of them. While Cyn wasn't awful, she wasn't that easy to relate to either. There just isn't a lot to really say about either of them for me, and the fact that neither of them is that memorable or likable is part of what sealed the deal for me here. These two spend the majority of this book apart, and besides the physical chemistry they have I didn't believe in them as a couple at all. In fact when I got to the end and the declarations of love were happening I was rolling my eyes and asking how these two could possibly feel that way about one another. We never got to see it happen, and these two really didn't know one another that well.
I also had an issue with Cyn's friends here. While they got better over the course of the book, I found them immediately off-putting. They practically forced her to go to this club that she never would have gone to and put her in a situation that she had no idea she was facing, oh and they also insulted her several times in the process as well. Some friends! There were also a few inconsistencies here as well, the biggest one I noticed was the name of Cyn's ex boyfriend. At times he was referred to as Brent and others as Brett. I believe it was supposed to be Brent as that one seemed to be used more, but I am not really sure. This is a mistake that could have been fixed before the final version was published though, as I was given an ARC that could still have errors. Overall, I just had a lot that really didn't work for me here which was disappointing since I was really looking forward to this story. The blurb really drew me in and I guess I was just expecting more. While there were some really sexy moments for these two, I found the story itself lacking. I was easily bored with Cyn's day-to-day life detailed as much as it was, and unfortunately that was what the majority of this book was. While this book is a standalone story, the series will continue with Cyn's best friend Carson getting her book next. Until Tomorrow is set to release in March, and I don't know if I will read it yet or not since I wasn't her biggest fan here.
**ARC Provided by Publisher**
November 23, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Intermix in exchange for an honest review.
After Tonight is the first novel in the new contemporary romance series entitled Flirting with Trouble from Annie Kelly, pseudonym for author Kelly Fiore. Hyacinth Hendricks is a graduate student who needs to spend a semester teaching at a reform school before she gets her degree. Before she's slated to start student teaching, she meets Smith Asher at a club and the two make the kind of connection that lingers with them even after they go their separate ways. When their paths cross again, it's as his English teacher, Smith being at the reform school to get the few credits he needs in order to get his own high school diploma. Cyn knows she should keep her distance from Smith, but not only are they as drawn to each other as they were when they met, she cares about him graduating and staying away from bad influences.
I quite enjoyed this series starter from author Annie Kelly. The blurb hooked me, but the story and main characters were more than enough to keep me interested from start to finish. There was this great chemistry between Hyacinth and Smith, one that would have had dire consequences if they pursued it once they realized who they were after the night they met. There's a lot of tension, but not just of the expected sexual kind, because the reform school Hyacinth teaches at obviously has more than its fair share of riff-raff who refuse to be led down the right path and the last thing she wants is to Smith sucked in by the less than desirable elements he seems to like to hang out with. Now, when it comes to the sexual tension, I liked that it all played out much longer than I would have expected, adding a lot of anticipation.
There's a twist in the story that I kind of figured out halfway through, though not to the extent that it all went down. It was certainly something that made me give the book bonus points to because it takes quite a bit to get my jaw to drop in shock while I'm reading. I'm not sure of the exact age of Hyacinth, though I'm guessing she's somewhere past her mid-twenties but not too close to thirty. Anyway, there were moments that she acted a bit immaturely for her someone her age; on the other hand, the Smith we meet in the club is rather different from the Smith we see in the school, which is why I was quite intrigued with the guy all throughout. I was also curious about Hyacinth's two best friends--Carson and Rainey--plus Wyatt and Officer Eric Rains, all of whom I hope will get their own stories. After Tonight was a fun 4.5-starred read, rounded off to five stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Intermix in exchange for an honest review.
After Tonight is the first novel in the new contemporary romance series entitled Flirting with Trouble from Annie Kelly, pseudonym for author Kelly Fiore. Hyacinth Hendricks is a graduate student who needs to spend a semester teaching at a reform school before she gets her degree. Before she's slated to start student teaching, she meets Smith Asher at a club and the two make the kind of connection that lingers with them even after they go their separate ways. When their paths cross again, it's as his English teacher, Smith being at the reform school to get the few credits he needs in order to get his own high school diploma. Cyn knows she should keep her distance from Smith, but not only are they as drawn to each other as they were when they met, she cares about him graduating and staying away from bad influences.
I quite enjoyed this series starter from author Annie Kelly. The blurb hooked me, but the story and main characters were more than enough to keep me interested from start to finish. There was this great chemistry between Hyacinth and Smith, one that would have had dire consequences if they pursued it once they realized who they were after the night they met. There's a lot of tension, but not just of the expected sexual kind, because the reform school Hyacinth teaches at obviously has more than its fair share of riff-raff who refuse to be led down the right path and the last thing she wants is to Smith sucked in by the less than desirable elements he seems to like to hang out with. Now, when it comes to the sexual tension, I liked that it all played out much longer than I would have expected, adding a lot of anticipation.
There's a twist in the story that I kind of figured out halfway through, though not to the extent that it all went down. It was certainly something that made me give the book bonus points to because it takes quite a bit to get my jaw to drop in shock while I'm reading. I'm not sure of the exact age of Hyacinth, though I'm guessing she's somewhere past her mid-twenties but not too close to thirty. Anyway, there were moments that she acted a bit immaturely for her someone her age; on the other hand, the Smith we meet in the club is rather different from the Smith we see in the school, which is why I was quite intrigued with the guy all throughout. I was also curious about Hyacinth's two best friends--Carson and Rainey--plus Wyatt and Officer Eric Rains, all of whom I hope will get their own stories. After Tonight was a fun 4.5-starred read, rounded off to five stars. ♥
May 24, 2016
ARC provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of After Tonight by Annie Kelly, the first book in the Flirting with Trouble series.
Her two best friends drag Hyacinth “Cyn” into a club where she meets Smith. After a short hook-up she successfully tries to forget this night has happened until she meets Smith again in the school where she is currently working as a student teacher.
I am not sure what to write about this story. It is good while reading it but that’s all. It is not a story that stays with you for longer or gives you a book hangover.
Cyn and Smith are nice characters but they are lacking depth and no one of them leaves a lasting impression. Her constant battle with her libido and her attraction towards Smith gets boring quickly. Smith´s incomprehension that his actions could get Cyn hired is frustrating, because it seems that to him Cyn´s career is not important.
Review of After Tonight by Annie Kelly, the first book in the Flirting with Trouble series.
Her two best friends drag Hyacinth “Cyn” into a club where she meets Smith. After a short hook-up she successfully tries to forget this night has happened until she meets Smith again in the school where she is currently working as a student teacher.
I am not sure what to write about this story. It is good while reading it but that’s all. It is not a story that stays with you for longer or gives you a book hangover.
Cyn and Smith are nice characters but they are lacking depth and no one of them leaves a lasting impression. Her constant battle with her libido and her attraction towards Smith gets boring quickly. Smith´s incomprehension that his actions could get Cyn hired is frustrating, because it seems that to him Cyn´s career is not important.
November 22, 2015
The story starts perfect.....I really liked starting pages but after it was angst for me... Hycanith is always in turmoil that she wants to stay away from him but do it otherwise. She always says something and regret it afterwards....Smith is also annoying and it's not clear that he wanted Cyn but always going out with other girls. Both leads annoy me and the story was predictable once we start reading it but it is entirely different from the blurb. She forgives him so easily that I wanted to bang my head or hers I don't know. I like the side story of her friend better than main story which says something about this novel.
November 7, 2015
NETGALLEY ARC - I really enjoy this book, it has a good story line and a twist at the end. But there are parts towards then end the book that seem to jump around a bit. Overall decent quick light read.
Want to read
October 14, 2015*NETGALLEY*
November 8, 2015
Read for Cocktails and Books
December 3, 2015
Good book and a nice twist to it.
November 20, 2015
I love this book so much! What a great twist!
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