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What Comes Next
“A touching and realistic romance…”
”…beautiful gut-wrenching novel that will melt your heart and make the most bitter person believe again in love.”
“…one of the best love stories I've read in a long time.”
When a weathered photograph that should not exist mysteriously appears among the forgotten remnants of her past, Ana Maxwell is forced to question everything she knows about Bennett Sawyer, the boy that stole her heart. Her search for the truth leads Ana home to where it all started. What Ana doesn’t know is that an unexpected surprise is waiting for her—one that will make her doubt the choices she made, and force her to reconsider her future.
Experience the rush of young love as Ana and Ben relive the best and worst years of their lives while they ponder the question, what comes next?
From #1 Bestselling Author of The Ignited Series, Desni Dantone, comes this contemporary romance standalone that will make anyone believe that second chances are always possible.
”…beautiful gut-wrenching novel that will melt your heart and make the most bitter person believe again in love.”
“…one of the best love stories I've read in a long time.”
When a weathered photograph that should not exist mysteriously appears among the forgotten remnants of her past, Ana Maxwell is forced to question everything she knows about Bennett Sawyer, the boy that stole her heart. Her search for the truth leads Ana home to where it all started. What Ana doesn’t know is that an unexpected surprise is waiting for her—one that will make her doubt the choices she made, and force her to reconsider her future.
Experience the rush of young love as Ana and Ben relive the best and worst years of their lives while they ponder the question, what comes next?
From #1 Bestselling Author of The Ignited Series, Desni Dantone, comes this contemporary romance standalone that will make anyone believe that second chances are always possible.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
48 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Desni Dantone
21 books371 followersI live in the quiet, middle-of-nowhere Everett, Pennsylvania with my three boys.
I've been writing since I was eleven, after I swiped one of my mom's Dean Koontz books. I still remember the first one I read; it was called Darkfall, and kept me awake most of the night. Anyway, I was totally inspired when I learned that he came from the small rural town I called home (true story, I swear!), and started writing freaky little horror stories because I wanted to be just like him. I gave the stories to my mom to read. I don't think she was as impressed as I was, but she put on an encouraging face...and that was how my writing obsession started.
After years of writing for a hobby and taking creative writing courses, I've published my first novel, Ignited. My dream is for Dean Koontz to no longer be the only bestselling author from my little middle-of-nowhere hometown.
You can check out more about me, The Ignited Series, and my upcoming books as they become available at:
http://www.desnidantone.com
http://www.facebook.com/ignitedbooks
I've been writing since I was eleven, after I swiped one of my mom's Dean Koontz books. I still remember the first one I read; it was called Darkfall, and kept me awake most of the night. Anyway, I was totally inspired when I learned that he came from the small rural town I called home (true story, I swear!), and started writing freaky little horror stories because I wanted to be just like him. I gave the stories to my mom to read. I don't think she was as impressed as I was, but she put on an encouraging face...and that was how my writing obsession started.
After years of writing for a hobby and taking creative writing courses, I've published my first novel, Ignited. My dream is for Dean Koontz to no longer be the only bestselling author from my little middle-of-nowhere hometown.
You can check out more about me, The Ignited Series, and my upcoming books as they become available at:
http://www.desnidantone.com
http://www.facebook.com/ignitedbooks
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 7, 2017
Wow!! What an awesome book!!! A roller coaster of emotions!! From children to adults the feelings have always been there but tragedy stiles and well this story sucks you in!!!!
August 14, 2017
heart-wrenching, beautiful and painful story
There was a pivotal point in this book where I just stood up and walked away. "Nuh uh, not gonna keep reading, I just know something bad is gonna happen." To me, that's the sign of a really good book: when I am so invested in the characters that the possible outcomes stop me in my tracks. It doesn't happen often to me, but it happened more than once during this particular book. This is easily one of the most emotional books I’ve read. At one point, my husband came to see why I was hiding in the bedroom and I told him I was reading a really good book; he took one look at my eyes and just backed away and closed the door. Smart man.
This was such a heart-wrenching story. The love between these two characters was humbling and the possibilities for their relationship, both good and bad, was terrifying at the same time.
And why hasn't these book gotten more than 21 reviews (at the time of my reading it) when it's been out for 10 months??? A book this amazingly good deserves to be read. This is one I'll be recommending to everyone that will listen.
There was a pivotal point in this book where I just stood up and walked away. "Nuh uh, not gonna keep reading, I just know something bad is gonna happen." To me, that's the sign of a really good book: when I am so invested in the characters that the possible outcomes stop me in my tracks. It doesn't happen often to me, but it happened more than once during this particular book. This is easily one of the most emotional books I’ve read. At one point, my husband came to see why I was hiding in the bedroom and I told him I was reading a really good book; he took one look at my eyes and just backed away and closed the door. Smart man.
This was such a heart-wrenching story. The love between these two characters was humbling and the possibilities for their relationship, both good and bad, was terrifying at the same time.
And why hasn't these book gotten more than 21 reviews (at the time of my reading it) when it's been out for 10 months??? A book this amazingly good deserves to be read. This is one I'll be recommending to everyone that will listen.
September 13, 2018
Get the tissues out because this story is filled with non stop emotional overload on so many levels. Ana and Bennett have been friends early on in life and through the years circumstances change but their bond only grows stronger. Without giving details away, this is a heartbreaking as well as a heart melting story that even now as I’m writing this I’m tearing up once again remembering moments that took place with these characters both together as well as individually. This story is a friends to lovers, second chance romance that you will not want to put down. The story starts out rather calm because we’re getting introduced to both of them but when we’re off and running, there’s no stopping. Beautifully written and filled with passion as the words flowed so smoothly. Highly recommend this book, this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
June 17, 2018
It’s a first
I usually don’t like to read books that take place so far back but I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow going but it picked up. Took me longer to read it then my usual books but I liked it. Look forward to checking more out for this author.
I usually don’t like to read books that take place so far back but I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow going but it picked up. Took me longer to read it then my usual books but I liked it. Look forward to checking more out for this author.
November 9, 2018
Real
What can I say. What a real life story. It has all the joy and heartache life truly holds. The writing is so real and honest. You feel it as you read it. Take the time to read this one.
What can I say. What a real life story. It has all the joy and heartache life truly holds. The writing is so real and honest. You feel it as you read it. Take the time to read this one.
November 22, 2020
Loved this story. It’s set in the early 1970s with the Vietnam war, but it was easy to forget that. It’s not a history book. It’s a romance. Ana and Ben like each other as kids and fall in love as teenagers. The war tries tearing them apart, but things have a way of ending right.
September 18, 2019
4,5 Stars
January 23, 2017
3.5 stars
March 20, 2017
Love every single thing about this book. Love isn't always easy, sometimes you lose your way, but when it's meant to be, it will and does happen!!! ❤
March 7, 2017
This was one of those epic, timeless romance stories that gives you all the feels and stays with you long after you've finished it. I loved that their story was so realistic and was also impressed with how authentic the military and wartime events felt. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
February 17, 2017
Excellent book
This is my first book by this author and I would highly recommend it. I loved the push and pull between the main characters. Their story was both heart breaking and heart warming.
This is my first book by this author and I would highly recommend it. I loved the push and pull between the main characters. Their story was both heart breaking and heart warming.
October 19, 2016
A Love Story So Epic You Feel Everything Even When The Book Is Over
****** Some Spoilers******
I love Desni Dantone's other series so naturally I wanted to read this story. I am completely blown away. This book had me laughing, frowning, cursing, and most of all it had me crying. After reading the Prologue I new this book was going to rip thru my heart and it really did, at 70% thru I locked myself in the bathroom (so my kids and hubby wouldn't laugh at me) and tried to read thru my pouring down tears. She completely destroyed me (in a way every reader loves) and I felt such a loss for her characters after reading that far. She writes so well you connect with her characters right from the beginning. Anna and Ben are a couple for the ages. After all it took for these two to finally be together only to have war rip them away was so tragic. I did get pissed off at Ben for not waiting the whole time for Anna and moving on with Tracey because the whole time he was gone Anna never moved on. Dantone made up for it though by not pushing them apart but instead putting them back together even through all the hurt. Even after the Epilogue I was left wanting more of the characters, not because she didn't do a good job and left pieces missing but instead because of the amazing job she did do. She was able to make these characters apart of my life and when I finished the book it was like I was closing a door on a friendship. I am internally shelving this book right up there as a favorite I will read for years to come.
****** Some Spoilers******
I love Desni Dantone's other series so naturally I wanted to read this story. I am completely blown away. This book had me laughing, frowning, cursing, and most of all it had me crying. After reading the Prologue I new this book was going to rip thru my heart and it really did, at 70% thru I locked myself in the bathroom (so my kids and hubby wouldn't laugh at me) and tried to read thru my pouring down tears. She completely destroyed me (in a way every reader loves) and I felt such a loss for her characters after reading that far. She writes so well you connect with her characters right from the beginning. Anna and Ben are a couple for the ages. After all it took for these two to finally be together only to have war rip them away was so tragic. I did get pissed off at Ben for not waiting the whole time for Anna and moving on with Tracey because the whole time he was gone Anna never moved on. Dantone made up for it though by not pushing them apart but instead putting them back together even through all the hurt. Even after the Epilogue I was left wanting more of the characters, not because she didn't do a good job and left pieces missing but instead because of the amazing job she did do. She was able to make these characters apart of my life and when I finished the book it was like I was closing a door on a friendship. I am internally shelving this book right up there as a favorite I will read for years to come.
September 19, 2016
What Comes Next is a beautiful gut-wrenching novel that will melt your heart and make the most bitter person believe again in Love. Desni Dantone does such a great job in describing Ben and Ana charecters, the setting, and the telling of their story. Her words draw you in so completely, I swear you can feel the breeze right along with them. There was such beauty and innocence in Ben and Anas history together as kids and their budding relationship that will warm your heart. Having said that...untill I read this book I never realized "HOT" and "innocent" TOTALY can happen at the same time. Holy chemistry!
Okay FYI I absolutely Hate books that take place during times of war. I read What Comes Next ignorant of the time period. Thank God I did cause otherwise I probaly would have pased on this. If you're like me and not a fan of this time period, please do not let that stop you from reading this novel. While it does take place during the Vietnam War, most of the book is spent being lost in Ben and Anas love for each other and Anas spunky antics! When the reality and consequences of the Vietnam War comes into play in their lives it adds so much depth and heartache to their story. Absolutely brilliant.
It's been a long time that a book gave me so many feels and tears. This book is just beautiful.
Okay FYI I absolutely Hate books that take place during times of war. I read What Comes Next ignorant of the time period. Thank God I did cause otherwise I probaly would have pased on this. If you're like me and not a fan of this time period, please do not let that stop you from reading this novel. While it does take place during the Vietnam War, most of the book is spent being lost in Ben and Anas love for each other and Anas spunky antics! When the reality and consequences of the Vietnam War comes into play in their lives it adds so much depth and heartache to their story. Absolutely brilliant.
It's been a long time that a book gave me so many feels and tears. This book is just beautiful.
February 16, 2017
This was a beautiful and most romantic book I have read. Great Job Desni this book was amazing!!!!! I really enjoy reading the story of Ana and Ben. So different from your previous books but very enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a clean and romantic book.
October 18, 2016
A touching and realistic romance that gives hope of a love that can cling on by fingertips despite the distance wartime shoves between a young, small-town couple. Ana is forced to return to her mother's little hometown with her brother after her mother falls ill. Moving is nothing new to her and her brother, nor is being at her grandparent's farm where they spent their summers but she didn't expect to run into Bennett (Ben) Sawyer again, the boy she used to play with, who's grown up to be Mr Popular and a bit of a player at the local high school. Though their rekindling is far from smooth, the biggest kink comes in the form of draft papers... I'm a fan of Desni Dantone's YA Greek mythology series, and was so very pleasantly surprised at how versatile she is that this book was equally enthralling with vivid and relate-able characters but in a much gentler and more emotional voice that well portrays the love story. A harsh reality, but nonetheless a very uplifting story about never giving up on your future.
September 19, 2016
This is my first review on goodreads because I read so much I can't keep up. But this book hit me so hard in the feels that I couldn't not review on goodreads and any other place I can. I love Desni Dantone's YA paranormal series and since I was dedicated to supporting her I agreed to read her newest book even though contemporary romances aren't what I usually pick out. I loved this story. Her writing made everything just completely come alive. I felt their heartbreak and endless love and the playfulness between Ben and Ana. The last time I was this emotionally tied to a book was for a Marie Lu book years ago. I cried with Ana with every heartbreak and joyshe had and books that make you feel such true emotions you know are just written amazingly. I loved this book so much that I went back and reread through some parts just to feel those feel-good feelings again! I'm so glad you went off your "normal" path and gave us this. Thank-you!
November 18, 2016
What an amazing romance novel.
The characters had such real chemistry, and it wasn't overdone or too sappy. Just right. The twists and turns (while honestly predictable) were interesting to read and made the pages fly by even faster. There were points where I was laughing and then points where I was tearing up. This book is just amazing in just about every way.
The only thing I would change would be the font of the letters. It took me a long time to figure out the words. That is such a small detail in an otherwise well done book. I can tell I will still be processing this for days to come. Even though this is labeled as YA, as someone in their late 20s it was still a great read. I will certainly be passing it onto my friends!
Disclaimer: I got this book free as a GoodReads giveaway winner.
The characters had such real chemistry, and it wasn't overdone or too sappy. Just right. The twists and turns (while honestly predictable) were interesting to read and made the pages fly by even faster. There were points where I was laughing and then points where I was tearing up. This book is just amazing in just about every way.
The only thing I would change would be the font of the letters. It took me a long time to figure out the words. That is such a small detail in an otherwise well done book. I can tell I will still be processing this for days to come. Even though this is labeled as YA, as someone in their late 20s it was still a great read. I will certainly be passing it onto my friends!
Disclaimer: I got this book free as a GoodReads giveaway winner.
October 31, 2016
I love this author, but this book was a completely different genre than her other series. It is a contemporary romance that spans over the course of many years. Normally I am more of a paranormal/supernatural type person but I really enjoyed this one.
It was not the same old story of boy meets girl. There was the sweet girl next door romance, but then something happens and it wasn't happily ever after and girl had to learn to live again. Then she had to get her heart broken more, and I cried along with her. The author makes you feel with the characters and it's gritty and hurtful and harsh and REAL. Looking back on the story I still get a little teary-eyed and celebrate the happy ending.
It was not the same old story of boy meets girl. There was the sweet girl next door romance, but then something happens and it wasn't happily ever after and girl had to learn to live again. Then she had to get her heart broken more, and I cried along with her. The author makes you feel with the characters and it's gritty and hurtful and harsh and REAL. Looking back on the story I still get a little teary-eyed and celebrate the happy ending.
October 18, 2016
OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!!! Took 2 nights (only because I had to work) to finish it. I was so drawn into it. I laughed, cried, got mad, was frustrated and really wanted to kill one particular character...lol. I loved how spunky Ana was and how Ben tried to put Ana and her future first even if it upset her all because he cared. Communication is key in a relationship and they needed to work on that...lol. The author did a fantastic job in my opinion. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
October 19, 2016
What can I say about this book? Well it was the best book I have read in a little while! It was so sweet and amazing I just want to keep reading it! Ben and Ana are amazing characters. They grew up together and played together while Ana visited during the summer. Love at first site does exist. This book has its ups and downs but all in all you will love this book. Oh and be sure to bring some napkins because you will cry. This is one of the best love stories I've read in a while. Another amazing book by an amazing author. This has definitely moved up to my favorite book.
October 4, 2016
This is an AMAZING book. Desni Dantone has this incredible talent of sucking you into the story as if it is your own life. You will feel ever emotion in this book and will enjoy each one, even the heartbreaking ones. Ana and Ben’s over time love story is beautiful and heartwarming and what more very realistic. I enjoyed the growth of their relationship from the summers of their childhood, through the high school years, and through the many trials and tribulations that continued. Great job Desni on this outstanding story and giving me another book hangover.
October 19, 2016
Fantastic book by the amazing Desni Dantone. Completely different genre to her previous series and she broke into to it flawlessly. Ana and Ben are such a lovely couple and their story is beautifully written. Beware you will cry.....A Lot during this book, but you will also laugh, smile, love, hate and want to strangle some characters. All in all an amazing read and definitely one for my bookshelf :)
October 18, 2016
There truly are no words to describe how much I loved this book. It has become one of my favorites. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Desni outdid herself with book. Even though it takes place back during the war is not about the war at all. This is a classic love can conquer all stories. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
July 16, 2021
such a good emotional and compelling story only wish we could have explored more about the meaning behind the mother's last words of not falling in love with a solider (meaning more like the history between father & mother)- adding it to my "Read Again List"
January 4, 2018
Beautiful story with deep character connections. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and it will keep you turning pages until the end.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews