Under The Lights Review

UNDER THE LIGHTS (FIELD PARTY #2)

By Abbi Glines

YA Contemporary

Goodreads Summary:

In the follow-up to Abbi Glines’s #1 New York Times bestseller Until Friday Night—three teens from a small southern town are stuck in a dramatic love triangle.

Willa can’t erase the bad decisions of her past that led her down the path she’s on now. But she can fight for forgiveness from her family. And she can protect herself by refusing to let anyone else get close to her.

High school quarterback and town golden boy Brady used to be the best of friends with Willa—she even had a crush on him when they were kids. But that’s all changed now: her life choices have made her a different person from the girl he used to know.

Gunner used to be friends with Willa and Brady, too. He too is larger than life and a high school football star—not to mention that his family basically owns the town of Lawton. He loves his life, and doesn’t care about anyone except himself. But Willa is the exception—and he understands the girl she’s become in a way no one else can.

As secrets come to light and hearts are broken, these former childhood friends must face the truth about growing up and falling in love…even if it means losing each other forever.

Gabrielle's 4 **** Review:

Willa lived with her grandmother until six years ago when her mother finally asked her to come live with her. But then she has to move back to her Nonna's because tragedy struck and a lot of people blamed Willa -- including Willa herself.

Gunner Lawton grew up in the richest family in town which was also named Lawton but he wasn't wanted. Both his parents neglected him and his brother finally showed his true colors.

Brady grew up in a great family (not rich but a close). His parents supported him and his dreams and helped him whenever possible. He was the quarterback of the team and on his way to getting a football scholarship to college.

One day, years ago, before Willa moved away, she sneaked into Gunner's tree house because she wanted to see it for herself. Gunner caught her and ever since they became best friends, along with their other friend Brady, who was the town's "golden boy".

Willa had a crush on Brady, Gunner had a crush on Willa, and it went round and round until one day, she had to pack up and head to Arkansas. But when she moved back, both boys were immediately drawn back to her. Not only was she their old best friend but she also grew into a beautiful young woman.

The biggest question I kept asking myself was: Can they all make it through this and remain friends? 

I enjoyed the story a lot. It wasn't a favorite but it was definitely worth the read. Some of it was a little predictable but Abbi managed to throw me a few curve balls. 

The love triangle wasn't as bad as some because you could totally tell who ended up with who and after a certain event, Willa KNEW who she wanted to be with.

I love that there are real issues in this YA contemporary and it wasn't just "so and so cheated on so and so". Yes, there is some drama (It's YA contemporary after all) but not so much that I wanted to stop reading. Adults, young adults, this book is for everyone over the age of 14. Go give it a try!