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What Comes After
Eliza Davis' new home is everything she wanted-community, a sense of belonging, a fresh start. An added bonus was living with her best friend, Simone, and befriending a jilted groom whose wedding day disaster she was witness to. But, Jack Peters was not someone to be pitied. Sarcastic, caring, and, most importantly, in love with her daughter, Jack helps take Eliza's mind off the pain of her past and allows her to just have fun.
But, small towns are known for meddling, and everyone assumes there's more to Eliza and Jack than the two can see. Eliza is adamant that they're just friends. Even if he makes her daughter laugh again. Even if he comes over to chase ghosts out of the attic without a second thought. Even if he makes her heart squeeze in ways she forgot.
Just. Friends.
But, small towns are known for meddling, and everyone assumes there's more to Eliza and Jack than the two can see. Eliza is adamant that they're just friends. Even if he makes her daughter laugh again. Even if he comes over to chase ghosts out of the attic without a second thought. Even if he makes her heart squeeze in ways she forgot.
Just. Friends.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2020
16 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Blair Leigh
1 book53 followersBlair lives in the South (U.S.) with her husband, who is her own romance hero, and their two dogs, Doug and Birdie. Blair describes herself as an attorney by day and a writer by heart. Having always been a sucker for happily ever afters and sweeping love stories, it was only natural that her own work mirrored that.
On any given day, you can find her bundled on the couch with either a book in her hands or Gilmore Girls on her screen for the umpteenth time.
On any given day, you can find her bundled on the couch with either a book in her hands or Gilmore Girls on her screen for the umpteenth time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 3, 2020
When forever is not forever...
This review is slightly spoilerish, please proceed with caution.
While I liked What Comes After, there were a few times that I became frustrated. The flow of this story was a little off with jumps in time and very short descriptions of what happened in that time. I felt like the author sometimes skimmed over important parts and drew out insignificant scenes. I never felt like I knew the hero, Jack. He was always just the understanding, sweet and considerate man, we never really got to see what he really felt.
There was a lack of communication between Eliza and Jack which lead them to misunderstandings and heartbreak. Large chunks of time were spent apart because they refused to be honest with each other. I hated that Jack went away on a holiday with his aunt and a female colleague...who also happened to be young, pretty and sweet, and never once considered that the woman he was interested in would get the wrong idea. My frustration was exacerbated by Eliza reacting to this, by diving into the dating pool herself. The poor bloke she starts dating because of this supposed betrayal was lead on and it seemed Eliza had no intentions of a serious relationship.
My biggest problem with this story was that there was no teamwork between Eliza and Jack. Eliza used Simone, her best friend, as her crutch. I understand that Simone has and will always be Eliza's friend but I'm a firm believer that your husband/partner should be your best friend. Even when things got serious between Eliza and Jack, she turned to Simone for guidance and it seemed she only called on Jack when a lightbulb needed changing (or something like that). I hated that Jack seemed to be taken advantage of.
The hardest part of writing this review...Eliza is dealing with mental health issues. I feel guilty for judging her so harshly and not being as understanding as Simone and Jack were. It's just that, with so little knowledge of mental health issues myself, I kept thinking that Eliza was her own worst enemy. She pushed away a loving partner in Jack without giving him a chance to be at her side through the tough times. She kept shutting down and attacking anyone who tried to bring up her cancelled visits with her therapist. Her panic attacks seemed severe but her approach, along with Simone's and Jack's, didn't seem to address the issue.
I think the hardest part of reading What Comes After is that I'm still completely in the dark as to how you would help someone dealing with grief and the loss of a husband. I understood Eliza's hesitation to commit to forever with Jack. She had already committed to forever with someone she loved...and that forever wasn't forever. The approach in this story was to let Eliza deal with her issues on her own. Sure, they offered a hug, help and support but gave in when she was adamant that she would deal with it on her own. I can't imagine that to be honest. My family and my extended relatives would not approach it this way and I don't think I could just keep leaving someone I loved to deal with it alone.
I didn't feel like I had enough time with Eliza on the right path. It was skimmed over and we got struggling ... to ... happy ever after with a *Two Years Later* heading.
I liked What Comes After by Blair Leigh but unfortunately, I didn't love it. Don't judge by my review alone, check out other reviews and you may find that What Comes After is perfect for you.
This review is slightly spoilerish, please proceed with caution.
While I liked What Comes After, there were a few times that I became frustrated. The flow of this story was a little off with jumps in time and very short descriptions of what happened in that time. I felt like the author sometimes skimmed over important parts and drew out insignificant scenes. I never felt like I knew the hero, Jack. He was always just the understanding, sweet and considerate man, we never really got to see what he really felt.
There was a lack of communication between Eliza and Jack which lead them to misunderstandings and heartbreak. Large chunks of time were spent apart because they refused to be honest with each other. I hated that Jack went away on a holiday with his aunt and a female colleague...who also happened to be young, pretty and sweet, and never once considered that the woman he was interested in would get the wrong idea. My frustration was exacerbated by Eliza reacting to this, by diving into the dating pool herself. The poor bloke she starts dating because of this supposed betrayal was lead on and it seemed Eliza had no intentions of a serious relationship.
My biggest problem with this story was that there was no teamwork between Eliza and Jack. Eliza used Simone, her best friend, as her crutch. I understand that Simone has and will always be Eliza's friend but I'm a firm believer that your husband/partner should be your best friend. Even when things got serious between Eliza and Jack, she turned to Simone for guidance and it seemed she only called on Jack when a lightbulb needed changing (or something like that). I hated that Jack seemed to be taken advantage of.
The hardest part of writing this review...Eliza is dealing with mental health issues. I feel guilty for judging her so harshly and not being as understanding as Simone and Jack were. It's just that, with so little knowledge of mental health issues myself, I kept thinking that Eliza was her own worst enemy. She pushed away a loving partner in Jack without giving him a chance to be at her side through the tough times. She kept shutting down and attacking anyone who tried to bring up her cancelled visits with her therapist. Her panic attacks seemed severe but her approach, along with Simone's and Jack's, didn't seem to address the issue.
I think the hardest part of reading What Comes After is that I'm still completely in the dark as to how you would help someone dealing with grief and the loss of a husband. I understood Eliza's hesitation to commit to forever with Jack. She had already committed to forever with someone she loved...and that forever wasn't forever. The approach in this story was to let Eliza deal with her issues on her own. Sure, they offered a hug, help and support but gave in when she was adamant that she would deal with it on her own. I can't imagine that to be honest. My family and my extended relatives would not approach it this way and I don't think I could just keep leaving someone I loved to deal with it alone.
I didn't feel like I had enough time with Eliza on the right path. It was skimmed over and we got struggling ... to ... happy ever after with a *Two Years Later* heading.
I liked What Comes After by Blair Leigh but unfortunately, I didn't love it. Don't judge by my review alone, check out other reviews and you may find that What Comes After is perfect for you.
August 29, 2020
I received an ARC of What Comes After. I could gush about the things I loved for hours.
The story starts with them meeting at his wedding. You read that right. His wedding. He gets jilted at the altar, and as the bride's cosmetician she witnesses the whole thing.
The friendship they form is friends to lovers excellence, and there are so many moments where you want to scream "JUST TELL HER/HIM HOW YOU FEEL!!!" But it makes the payoff when they get together that much sweeter.
Another thing. I hate kids in romance books. But her daughter Nova is a delight and I loved her.
If you love mental health rep, Christmas tree farms, kickass best friends, possible ghost raccoons, and swoony love you will adore What Comes After.
Blair has become a one click author for me and I can't wait to see what she will put out next.
The story starts with them meeting at his wedding. You read that right. His wedding. He gets jilted at the altar, and as the bride's cosmetician she witnesses the whole thing.
The friendship they form is friends to lovers excellence, and there are so many moments where you want to scream "JUST TELL HER/HIM HOW YOU FEEL!!!" But it makes the payoff when they get together that much sweeter.
Another thing. I hate kids in romance books. But her daughter Nova is a delight and I loved her.
If you love mental health rep, Christmas tree farms, kickass best friends, possible ghost raccoons, and swoony love you will adore What Comes After.
Blair has become a one click author for me and I can't wait to see what she will put out next.
September 1, 2020
What Comes After by Blair Leigh is a delightfully warm and thoroughly romantic read. This book brought me low, and boy, did it take me high. Eliza, Nova, Simone and Jack all form the heart of Eliza and Jack’s love story that isn’t linear or clear cut. It’s a messy, one step forward, two steps backward sort of dance that is achingly sweet, tender, and above all sincerely told by a debut author with a voice worth reading and loving.
The chemistry between Eliza and Jack is instant, even if they meet under less than desirable circumstances. Living in a small town means seeing the same faces day in and day out, and so over and over again, fate throws the couple together until they finally latch on to one another out of choice rather than circumstance. From then on, their love is homegrown and slow to start but the roots run deep. Shake it up with small town appeal, complicated family dynamics, found family and the beauty of healing and reconciliation and you have a new favorite book you’ll reread again and again.
What Comes After is a romance novel that squeezes you tight and leaves you pretty damn satisfied. This may be Blair Leigh’s debut novel but it won’t be her last. Get in on this shit.
The chemistry between Eliza and Jack is instant, even if they meet under less than desirable circumstances. Living in a small town means seeing the same faces day in and day out, and so over and over again, fate throws the couple together until they finally latch on to one another out of choice rather than circumstance. From then on, their love is homegrown and slow to start but the roots run deep. Shake it up with small town appeal, complicated family dynamics, found family and the beauty of healing and reconciliation and you have a new favorite book you’ll reread again and again.
What Comes After is a romance novel that squeezes you tight and leaves you pretty damn satisfied. This may be Blair Leigh’s debut novel but it won’t be her last. Get in on this shit.
October 10, 2020
After her husband, Aaron, dies, Eliza moves her and her seven year old daughter, Nova, to Connecticut to live with her best friend, her safe place to land, her person, Simone. While doing hair and make-up for a bride on her wedding day, Eliza finds herself in the middle of one of the most awkward encounters: the bride breaking up with the groom at the wedding. Yikes. Afterwards, she keeps running into the very hot, strawberry-blonde, bearded, jilted groom everywhere in the small town.
The book follows Eliza as she’s trying to find a new normal for her and Nova without the presence of Aaron in their lives, as well as trying to manage her newly developed anxiety disorder. She’s constantly questioning whether she’s ready to date and whether she’s doing enough for her daughter. Blair Leigh does an amazing job at taking us through Eliza’s journey by not dwelling on minute, unimportant details by jumping slightly in the timeline throughout the book, thereby making sure that the focus is on the progression of Eliza and Jack’s evolving relationship, which is a slow-burn, but well worth it. We are introduced to a wide range of characters, but at the heart of the story is the main crew - Eliza, Nova, Simone, Jack, David, and Matthew. They’re written in a way that makes you feel like you are a part of their little family. The care, joy, and love that they all share for each other is palpable through the text and reminds me of my group of friends.
This is one of the first books I’ve read that dives deep into and accurately portrays anxiety and mental illness, particularly in the romance genre. Eliza’s anxiety manifested as part of her grieving process after Aaron died. The descriptions of how her nightmares make her feel when she wakes up, her worries about not hearing back from people, and her irrational fears hit the nail on the head, are 100% relatable, and are super insightful. It brought to light just how anxiety can quickly alter your mood and affect your decision-making, even if it doesn’t seem logical from the outside. As someone who suffers with a form of anxiety, I was able to see some of what goes through my brain on a frequent basis in Eliza’s thinking, but I also learned how much more intense forms of anxiety can present themselves. Thank you for spreading this awareness, Blair Leigh!
What Comes After is easily one of my favorite books of the year. The writing was so smooth and seemingly effortless, which made it such a joy to read. The characters were complex and had depth. Eliza and Jack’s dialogue was so natural and not at all cliche, which is something I find that many romances tend to struggle with. Eliza’s internal quips had me literally laughing out loud, and the mother-daughter dynamic was the sweetest. Also, the constant 90’s references were an amazing, nostalgic cherry on top. I can’t say anything more without spoiling this stunning debut novel by Blair Leigh, so I guess you’ll just have to read it for yourself for more! You will NOT be disappointed!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes!
- “His laugh is warm and familiar. It’s like feeling the sun on your skin as you swing in a hammock.”
- “Shine anyway.”
- “Be happy now. Worry later.”
- “I want to snap at **** for ruining our perfect little snowglobe moment.”
- “…you are not broken. You are not here to be fixed, because you don’t need to be fixed.”
- “This is what it feels like to inhale regret.”
The book follows Eliza as she’s trying to find a new normal for her and Nova without the presence of Aaron in their lives, as well as trying to manage her newly developed anxiety disorder. She’s constantly questioning whether she’s ready to date and whether she’s doing enough for her daughter. Blair Leigh does an amazing job at taking us through Eliza’s journey by not dwelling on minute, unimportant details by jumping slightly in the timeline throughout the book, thereby making sure that the focus is on the progression of Eliza and Jack’s evolving relationship, which is a slow-burn, but well worth it. We are introduced to a wide range of characters, but at the heart of the story is the main crew - Eliza, Nova, Simone, Jack, David, and Matthew. They’re written in a way that makes you feel like you are a part of their little family. The care, joy, and love that they all share for each other is palpable through the text and reminds me of my group of friends.
This is one of the first books I’ve read that dives deep into and accurately portrays anxiety and mental illness, particularly in the romance genre. Eliza’s anxiety manifested as part of her grieving process after Aaron died. The descriptions of how her nightmares make her feel when she wakes up, her worries about not hearing back from people, and her irrational fears hit the nail on the head, are 100% relatable, and are super insightful. It brought to light just how anxiety can quickly alter your mood and affect your decision-making, even if it doesn’t seem logical from the outside. As someone who suffers with a form of anxiety, I was able to see some of what goes through my brain on a frequent basis in Eliza’s thinking, but I also learned how much more intense forms of anxiety can present themselves. Thank you for spreading this awareness, Blair Leigh!
What Comes After is easily one of my favorite books of the year. The writing was so smooth and seemingly effortless, which made it such a joy to read. The characters were complex and had depth. Eliza and Jack’s dialogue was so natural and not at all cliche, which is something I find that many romances tend to struggle with. Eliza’s internal quips had me literally laughing out loud, and the mother-daughter dynamic was the sweetest. Also, the constant 90’s references were an amazing, nostalgic cherry on top. I can’t say anything more without spoiling this stunning debut novel by Blair Leigh, so I guess you’ll just have to read it for yourself for more! You will NOT be disappointed!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes!
- “His laugh is warm and familiar. It’s like feeling the sun on your skin as you swing in a hammock.”
- “Shine anyway.”
- “Be happy now. Worry later.”
- “I want to snap at **** for ruining our perfect little snowglobe moment.”
- “…you are not broken. You are not here to be fixed, because you don’t need to be fixed.”
- “This is what it feels like to inhale regret.”
October 25, 2020
This 5⭐️ novel has given me more feels than I’ve had reading in a long time. “What Comes After” pulled on all of my heart strings, emotional highs and lows, laughter and tears, romance and falling in love, and so much more.
Were I to tell you this novel was a romance, and only a “love story”, I’d be selling the book short. What this novel is is Eliza journey after the loss of her husband.
Eliza is struggling with grief, compounded with anxiety, around her husband’s sudden death. The novel’s opens with our heroine meeting Jack mere minutes after his wedding *should* have started. He quickly becomes a man who she could fall in love with, but can she recognize this love, and can she over come the feelings associated with her loss in order to let herself truly fall in love again.
Although this is Leigh’s first novel, you’d never recognize her writing as such. The world is well developed, you fall in love with characters, she normalize non-traditional families, and develops the character in those families as much as any others in the novel.
We are in the most ADORABLE small town - that if you’re from a small town, you’ll recognize in a heart beat. Why can’t I get away from you? Why are you always around? Why haven’t I seen you in a week? I laughed out loud so many time because it felt so real.
Readers will also meet Eliza’s best friend Simone and Eliza’s daughter, Nova. I’m not a big fan of kids in books - especially romance - but I am a fan of Nova! She is one awesome little human. And once again Leigh nails the best friend relationship. We should all be so lucky as to have an Eliza/Simone relationship in our lives.
Congratulations Blair Leigh on your debut novel. I f this is your spring board - I can not wait to read more.
Were I to tell you this novel was a romance, and only a “love story”, I’d be selling the book short. What this novel is is Eliza journey after the loss of her husband.
Eliza is struggling with grief, compounded with anxiety, around her husband’s sudden death. The novel’s opens with our heroine meeting Jack mere minutes after his wedding *should* have started. He quickly becomes a man who she could fall in love with, but can she recognize this love, and can she over come the feelings associated with her loss in order to let herself truly fall in love again.
Although this is Leigh’s first novel, you’d never recognize her writing as such. The world is well developed, you fall in love with characters, she normalize non-traditional families, and develops the character in those families as much as any others in the novel.
We are in the most ADORABLE small town - that if you’re from a small town, you’ll recognize in a heart beat. Why can’t I get away from you? Why are you always around? Why haven’t I seen you in a week? I laughed out loud so many time because it felt so real.
Readers will also meet Eliza’s best friend Simone and Eliza’s daughter, Nova. I’m not a big fan of kids in books - especially romance - but I am a fan of Nova! She is one awesome little human. And once again Leigh nails the best friend relationship. We should all be so lucky as to have an Eliza/Simone relationship in our lives.
Congratulations Blair Leigh on your debut novel. I f this is your spring board - I can not wait to read more.
August 31, 2020
I received an ARC of What Comes After. It is a must read; I literally could not put it down! Jack and Eliza's story is so fun and I loved how it included her daughter. The depictions of anxiety were spot on. It was such a great book and I can't wait to read Blair's future books!
September 25, 2020
After the loss of her husband, Eliza moves herself and her eight-year-old daughter, Nova, to small town Connecticut to live with her childhood best friend, Simone. She isn’t ready to date yet, but she meets Jack. Actually, she watches Jack get broken up with right before his bride walks down the aisle at their wedding. It was awkward, to say the least. She and Jack become fast friends, but is Eliza really ready to commit to a relationship?
What Comes After is the feel-good romance we are all looking for when we just need to escape reality and find an HEA (“Happily-Ever-After”). Blair Leigh’s characters wrap the reader up in a wam blanket of love even at their worst. Although the book is definitely a romance that will leave readers feeling swept away, the story also explores Eliza’s grief and the newfound anxiety disorder that came along with that grief. Anyone who has struggled with mental health will identify with Eliza trying to figure out how to navigate therapy and relationships. (You also make way to slap her for how she treats Jack during this struggle, but hey, it happens to the best of us.) The story also explores the relationships between Eliza and her best friend, Simone, which was a relationship that had me texting my best friend nonstop because I saw so much of us in these characters. Finally, the addition of Nova, Eliza’s daughter, was incredibly heart-warming. I know many people do not like children in romance novels, and I have admittedly never read a romance novel with a child character, but I absolutely adored Nova and the special relationship between her and her mom.
I would recommend this book to all adult readers. Blair Leigh’s voice is casual and hilarious and definitely a great fit for someone with a sense of humor regarding late 90s movies (so really, millennials, hop on this read!). Content warning for depictions of anxiety and grief after losing a loved one.
What Comes After is the feel-good romance we are all looking for when we just need to escape reality and find an HEA (“Happily-Ever-After”). Blair Leigh’s characters wrap the reader up in a wam blanket of love even at their worst. Although the book is definitely a romance that will leave readers feeling swept away, the story also explores Eliza’s grief and the newfound anxiety disorder that came along with that grief. Anyone who has struggled with mental health will identify with Eliza trying to figure out how to navigate therapy and relationships. (You also make way to slap her for how she treats Jack during this struggle, but hey, it happens to the best of us.) The story also explores the relationships between Eliza and her best friend, Simone, which was a relationship that had me texting my best friend nonstop because I saw so much of us in these characters. Finally, the addition of Nova, Eliza’s daughter, was incredibly heart-warming. I know many people do not like children in romance novels, and I have admittedly never read a romance novel with a child character, but I absolutely adored Nova and the special relationship between her and her mom.
I would recommend this book to all adult readers. Blair Leigh’s voice is casual and hilarious and definitely a great fit for someone with a sense of humor regarding late 90s movies (so really, millennials, hop on this read!). Content warning for depictions of anxiety and grief after losing a loved one.
October 1, 2020
Delightful read. Eliza and Jack were well developed and likeable, the chemistry between them was on fire! I liked that the characters both had a history and "baggage" to overcome, and they were very sweet to one another. Looking forward to more from Blair!
September 3, 2020
Have you ever had a book speak to your soul and it lingers with you for months? I was fortunate to receive this book as an advanced reader copy and it will be part of my book soul for a very long time.
Blair Leigh’s debut novel does not hold back from the hard things in life: grief, new beginnings, mental health and more; but she writes in a way that i, as a romance reader, appreciates - with love, hope, strength and resilience. I love how Eliza and Jack’s story unfolded. My heart cried and sang along with the characters. I’m also a champion for side characters and did What Comes After deliver. Eliza’s best friend, Eliza’s daughter and Jack’s parents are some of my favorites.
Blair Leigh’s debut novel does not hold back from the hard things in life: grief, new beginnings, mental health and more; but she writes in a way that i, as a romance reader, appreciates - with love, hope, strength and resilience. I love how Eliza and Jack’s story unfolded. My heart cried and sang along with the characters. I’m also a champion for side characters and did What Comes After deliver. Eliza’s best friend, Eliza’s daughter and Jack’s parents are some of my favorites.
September 24, 2020
This was such a stellar debut novel. I am both impressed and green with envy with Blair Leigh's writing. It seems effortless; nothing feels forced or unnatural. These could very well be real, live people, having real people thoughts and conversations. The hero is swoony, the heroine's mental health struggles are so relatable, the friends and family are people I want in my life (okay, maybe not Eliza's mother, but definitely the dads), and the daughter is not annoying for one single second, as child characters can be. I also loved the plot structure and pacing. So many books get bogged down in the minutia while getting the characters from point A to Z. This narrative smoothly skips from one important moment to the next, keeping the story in constant motion without skipping any of the small life details that make these characters who they are. Those details are woven in so deftly that the story never skips a beat while the characters and setting develop. Just so well done.
September 3, 2020
I was able to read an ARC copy of What Comes After. This is THE feel good book of 2020 and you do not want to miss out on reading it. I adored this book and couldn’t put it down.
The love story of Jack and Eliza that begins so awkwardly and ends so perfectly is one you get lost in. Throw in other amazing relatable characters, some mental health rep, and intense moments where you think you know how it is going and then are surprised with a twist.
I recommend this book to anyone and can’t wait to see what Blair Leigh puts out next! Read it! You won’t regret it!
The love story of Jack and Eliza that begins so awkwardly and ends so perfectly is one you get lost in. Throw in other amazing relatable characters, some mental health rep, and intense moments where you think you know how it is going and then are surprised with a twist.
I recommend this book to anyone and can’t wait to see what Blair Leigh puts out next! Read it! You won’t regret it!
September 1, 2020
I received an ARC copy of What Comes After and read it in 24 hours! Every time I thought I knew where the book was going there would be a surprise waiting for me and I couldn’t put the book down! The characters were perfect and you become fully involved in their love story! This book is a must read for sure! I can’t wait to read other books that Blair writes!
September 22, 2020
Happy book birthday to What Comes After!
I knew it, I knew that it would be a five star read just after reading the synopsis.I reached out to Blaire ma’am and she was such an adorbs, she sent me an ARC.
What Comes After is not just another common lovey dovey romance. This book is about Second Chance,Hope,Mental Healthcare and LOVE.
“Everyone has shitty moments, Jack. Yours wasn’t irreparable.”~Eliza
Eliza started her new life as a beautician in a small town after the demise of her beloved husband.She bumps into Jack on his wedding day where some unpleasant things occur. Later, they encounter again and gradually become friends. The slow burn and the banter was realistic. This book shows that you can fall in love again (since most of us grow up watching typical romances where they show that love is a once in a lifetime thing). The friendship between Eliza and Simone will remind you of your best friend. I loved the part where the writer tried to give a small message on BLM. Eliza is a confident mother, she prepared her adopted daughter Nova who’s an African-American to fight the racist behaviour.
“Nova, unfortunately, there will always be someone who tries to belittle your accomplishments because you’re a girl and because you’re a black girl. Until that changes, I want you to know your worth. Your worth is immeasurable. You are incredibly strong, and your brain is big and magnificent. You light up every room you walk into. The people who don’t see that are the ones who are unintelligent, filled with hate, and wrong.”
The lead character Jack, he’s the perfect American gentleman. I’ve spoken enough about Eliza. So what’re you waiting for? Grab your copy!!
.
I knew it, I knew that it would be a five star read just after reading the synopsis.I reached out to Blaire ma’am and she was such an adorbs, she sent me an ARC.
What Comes After is not just another common lovey dovey romance. This book is about Second Chance,Hope,Mental Healthcare and LOVE.
“Everyone has shitty moments, Jack. Yours wasn’t irreparable.”~Eliza
Eliza started her new life as a beautician in a small town after the demise of her beloved husband.She bumps into Jack on his wedding day where some unpleasant things occur. Later, they encounter again and gradually become friends. The slow burn and the banter was realistic. This book shows that you can fall in love again (since most of us grow up watching typical romances where they show that love is a once in a lifetime thing). The friendship between Eliza and Simone will remind you of your best friend. I loved the part where the writer tried to give a small message on BLM. Eliza is a confident mother, she prepared her adopted daughter Nova who’s an African-American to fight the racist behaviour.
“Nova, unfortunately, there will always be someone who tries to belittle your accomplishments because you’re a girl and because you’re a black girl. Until that changes, I want you to know your worth. Your worth is immeasurable. You are incredibly strong, and your brain is big and magnificent. You light up every room you walk into. The people who don’t see that are the ones who are unintelligent, filled with hate, and wrong.”
The lead character Jack, he’s the perfect American gentleman. I’ve spoken enough about Eliza. So what’re you waiting for? Grab your copy!!
.
September 26, 2020
I received an ARC of this book in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review, and I'm so glad I did! It took me a little longer to get through due to personal reasons, but it had nothing to do with the book and I was determined to finish. It was the perfect slow burn. I love that Blair spent so much time establishing the friendship between Eliza and Jack for multiple reasons. Since the book begins with Jack going through a horrible heartbreak, it was more realistic that he would take time to heal before jumping into another relationship. Eliza herself is dealing with baggage, too. No spoilers, but I also thought some of the serious conversations near the end of the book were also very well done. I can't wait to read Blair's next book!
September 25, 2020
What a fantastic debut novel! I loved this book from start to finish. Blair Leigh has a very clear, distinct author voice, and she built world I wanted to visit. I loved Eliza, grew to care about her like a real person, and even teared up in a few places. And Jack was the man she deserved. I will be looking forward to reading more from Blair Leigh.
September 27, 2020
I just finished Blair Leigh’s book “What Comes After”. I was so intrigued and didn’t want the book to end! The relationship of Eliza and Jack began from an awkward situation that turned into the most perfect love story. The mother daughter relationship couldn’t have been more spot on. I could feel the love she had for her daughter and how much she wanted the world for her.
I can’t wait to read Blair’s next book!!
I can’t wait to read Blair’s next book!!
September 23, 2020
wow! What a wonderful debut romance from Blair Leigh.
The journey to the HEA had me soaring in the clouds, hit me in the feels with the lows and soaring again. Its a book about dealing with loss while finding a new love...being brave and taking chances...
Words can't express how much this novel touched me.
Just read it.
The journey to the HEA had me soaring in the clouds, hit me in the feels with the lows and soaring again. Its a book about dealing with loss while finding a new love...being brave and taking chances...
Words can't express how much this novel touched me.
Just read it.
September 6, 2020
I received an ARC of What Comes After. For my fellow romance enthusiast, this is a must read. The main tying theme for the entire book is FATE. The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by what some would describe as a supernatural power. Eliza and Jack, or who I like to refer to as sexy Dr. Peters, never really had an option on whether or not they would be in each other’s lives because fate was an acting force bringing these two broken souls together. In life fate, can bring you exactly what you need at the exact time that you need it. So, I ask myself was it just coincidence or fate that Eliza and Jack first meet at Jacks wedding? Beyond just Eliza and Jack you meet Simone, the best friend any girl could as for, and Nova, Eliza’s beautiful ray of sunshine daughter, two anchors in Eliza’s life that keep her from drifting away from fate and what comes after tragedy and the pit falls in life.
Blair Leigh is such an amazing writer and has the ability to draw her audience in and make them feel and root for these characters as if we really know them. She has a bright future and I am so glad I am able to be along for the ride. Can’t wait to see what she brings next for her fans.
Blair Leigh is such an amazing writer and has the ability to draw her audience in and make them feel and root for these characters as if we really know them. She has a bright future and I am so glad I am able to be along for the ride. Can’t wait to see what she brings next for her fans.
September 12, 2020
I love this story. I love these characters and their representations. Eliza loses her husband and takes her shattered heart and her daughter to live with her best friend in Connecticut. This eventually leads to the most awkward meet cute that is just perfection. Jack could not be more perfect. He is kind, he is strong, and most of all he is just authentic. Eliza’s emotions always feel real and your heart will hurt when she hurts. We get to see her struggles and it’s not just a man that fixes everything, it’s a raw fight. I can’t count how many times I audibly said “my heart!!” While I was reading. Blown away by this debut and can’t wait to read more.
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September 13, 2020There are not many books I read in a day but this one I didn’t want to put down. Blair kept my attention in this one. Can’t wait to read more by her!
September 11, 2020
Absolutely amazing. Once i started reading i literally could not put it down. It took me a few days to get around to it but once i did i finished in one day! This book does an amazing job at making you feel all the warm and fuzzies while also tugging on those all too real emotions that come with anxieties and the hardships of life. 10/10 recommend and 10/10 WILL read again.
September 2, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of What Comes After and I ADORED IT. Eliza and Jack’s love story brought me so much joy. It was a perfect story of a chance meeting changing everyone’s life. Blair Leigh brings you through Eliza and Jack’s slow process of becoming friends and eventually falling in love with such a fantastic voice. I loved being inside Eliza’s mind, even her struggles with anxiety, and see her slowly fall for Jack (but honestly, who wouldn’t?!). Writing this review has made me realize that I want to reread it and fall in love all over again. I can’t wait to see what Blair Leigh writes next!
September 2, 2020
I received an ARC of What Comes After and I absolutely loved it! A beautiful love story that shines light on the importance of mental health. I can’t wait to read Blair’s next novel, Elevator Love Letter!
December 16, 2020
For starters, I highly recommend reading books written by your friends, because you get their voice throughout the reading experience and if you happen to live across the country from her, it feels like getting a long visit and a warm hug.
This book is as delightful as its author. The characters are lovely and diverse, and I really liked how much nuance we got with the protag dealing with grief after partner loss as well as anxiety. I loved that her daughter was adopted. I have several friends who have adopted children recently, and I have been extremely moved by their stories and how beautifully they love their children, so it was a particular joy to read about the relationship between Eliza and her daughter Nova. It's well written and well executed, and everything about it makes me feel good. I am very much looking forward to what's next from Blair Leigh. <3
This book is as delightful as its author. The characters are lovely and diverse, and I really liked how much nuance we got with the protag dealing with grief after partner loss as well as anxiety. I loved that her daughter was adopted. I have several friends who have adopted children recently, and I have been extremely moved by their stories and how beautifully they love their children, so it was a particular joy to read about the relationship between Eliza and her daughter Nova. It's well written and well executed, and everything about it makes me feel good. I am very much looking forward to what's next from Blair Leigh. <3
October 7, 2020
What Comes After is so much more than a fluffy Halmark feel good romance. It's got those elements too (and some real slow burn steam), but with a depth I wasn't expecting. The way Blair tackles grief, trauma, and anxiety was an unexpected bonus. We all have some element of these things in our lives (if you don't please go count your blessings) and Blair's insight and character development blew me away. Showing Eliza overcoming her experiences and finding joy and Jack's constant love and patience with her made my heart so happy. These characters became so real to me and I'm so happy they got their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2020
I just needed this book. Every bit of it I enjoyed. From character to story arch to the setting itself, I was enamored. This author found a way to talk about countless real life scenarios in a way that were meaningful and not just in there to be in there. There was a purpose to every page. The love story is classic and comfortable. As a whole, I believe I could find myself coming back this story when I need a touch of realistic love and life in the pages of a book!
March 23, 2022
In Blair's debut novel, she write of love, loss and family.
Eliza and Jack meet under inconvenient circumstances and in a small town, it's hard to not constantly run into each other. They quickly become friends and start to share parts of their lives together.
Just like real life, there a bumps and roadblocks along the way to them finding love. In true form, they both came with 'baggage' that they had to learn to overcome in order to make it work. However, there is strong and constant chemistry to pull them, and the reader, through.
The side characters help the relatability of the story and bring a homeyness that makes you want to be part of the group.
Overall, I'd give it 4 stars and I can't wait to see what Blair comes out with next.
Eliza and Jack meet under inconvenient circumstances and in a small town, it's hard to not constantly run into each other. They quickly become friends and start to share parts of their lives together.
Just like real life, there a bumps and roadblocks along the way to them finding love. In true form, they both came with 'baggage' that they had to learn to overcome in order to make it work. However, there is strong and constant chemistry to pull them, and the reader, through.
The side characters help the relatability of the story and bring a homeyness that makes you want to be part of the group.
Overall, I'd give it 4 stars and I can't wait to see what Blair comes out with next.
September 22, 2020
This was such a beautiful debut by Blair Leigh! I loved everything about this book. The writing was spectacular. I loved Jack and Eliza’s relationship from the start when she meets him right as he’s been left at the altar-she saw the altercation between him and his would-be bride. Their chemistry is off the charts as soon as they meet and doesn’t let up during the entire book.
I loved how Eliza’s emotions are SO real. I was literally feeling every emotion she did. I love the representation of grief and anxiety. Anxiety is something I’ve recently started dealing with, so reading about it was nice.
While I absolutely loved Jack and Eliza and their relationship, I feel like Nova, Eliza’s daughter was a show stealer. I loved everything about her character. Children in romance novels are tricky but Blair did a fantastic job writing her. I also absolutely loved reading about the friendship between Eliza and Simone. Female friendships in books are one of my favorite parts to read and this one was fabulous!
I loved how Eliza’s emotions are SO real. I was literally feeling every emotion she did. I love the representation of grief and anxiety. Anxiety is something I’ve recently started dealing with, so reading about it was nice.
While I absolutely loved Jack and Eliza and their relationship, I feel like Nova, Eliza’s daughter was a show stealer. I loved everything about her character. Children in romance novels are tricky but Blair did a fantastic job writing her. I also absolutely loved reading about the friendship between Eliza and Simone. Female friendships in books are one of my favorite parts to read and this one was fabulous!
September 15, 2020
Gorgeous first book, I’m so excited to read more from Blair Leigh!
This is the story of Eliza, widowed single mother who moves to a new town to live with her supportive best friend, and Jack, jilted in front of her as she finished the bride’s makeup. After continually running into each other in their small town, they give in to fate and become friends.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, the way you could see Jack giving her space to grieve and be ready for a romantic relationship, while he made his deeper feelings obvious to the reader with his investment in her and her daughter and friend. And when they finally do get together: 🔥🔥!
I found the portrayals of grief and anxiety very true to life without being triggering for me. I was rooting for her to work through them and appreciated that while she was in a healthier space by the end of the book, she was still committed to continuing counselling and healing.
I recommend this to all contemporary romance fans.
CW: death of a spouse, cancer, anxiety, body shaming (very brief).
This is the story of Eliza, widowed single mother who moves to a new town to live with her supportive best friend, and Jack, jilted in front of her as she finished the bride’s makeup. After continually running into each other in their small town, they give in to fate and become friends.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, the way you could see Jack giving her space to grieve and be ready for a romantic relationship, while he made his deeper feelings obvious to the reader with his investment in her and her daughter and friend. And when they finally do get together: 🔥🔥!
I found the portrayals of grief and anxiety very true to life without being triggering for me. I was rooting for her to work through them and appreciated that while she was in a healthier space by the end of the book, she was still committed to continuing counselling and healing.
I recommend this to all contemporary romance fans.
CW: death of a spouse, cancer, anxiety, body shaming (very brief).
November 19, 2025
Loooved this book! All of the characters were so good and the leads acted like actual, mature adults (there's some jealousy but it's not really over the top). Watching Eliza and Jack's friendship grow throughout the book was super sweet. My only complaint is that I wish the epilogue was longer, I wanted to see more of their HEA!
Definitely a favourite and will be rereading it sooner or later.
Definitely a favourite and will be rereading it sooner or later.
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