I was really hopefully I would love this book as much as the author’s The Summer of Broken Rules, but I ended up being disappointed.

TLDR: Depending on how you feel about YA & Taylor Swift, you may really enjoy this book. The pacing and description confusion turned me off from eating higher than 3 stars.

What I liked:
-The concept of a book set in one night
-Setting up a senior prank/scavenger hunt
-ALL THE TAYLOR SWIFT REFERENCES (I got around 33 but according to the author there were 50+)
-The Schitts Creek references
-Puck and Stevie (the cats)
-The Type 1 diabetes representation

What didn’t work for me:
-The pacing felt off and at times I was confused with the time jumps
-I really couldn’t visualize the setting besides the school buildings and that led me to some confusion
-Lily was a boring name compared to every other character
-Tag & Lily’s breakup was definitely a miscommunication on both of their parts and that is classic YA but also made me not really root for them
-I wish the author’s note explained a bit more about the prank history, because it was based on one that her dad’s class was involved in - and apparently they had to wait 10 years to find out what happened?? I wanted to know more

k. l. walther made quite the impression with the summer of broken rules, and i was so thrilled to discover that what happens after midnight has that same magic (and taylor swift references). lily is a wonderful narrator, her relationship with her mother is perfectly gilmore girls-esque, tag is a perfect love interest, and the plot was fun, compelling and made me feel like i was in a movie. i just had so much fun reading this! giving it a 4.5 stars only because i wish lily was a tad more developed as a character, because she was interesting and i just want to know more about her! this actually comes out on my birthday, and i’m very much looking forward to going out and purchasing my own copy that day to read in the summer air as i’m sure k. l. would want. thank you for the copy!

While this wasn't as intriguing as Walther's last book, I still absolutely loved the thrilling game aspect of this novel. Lilly and Tag and all of their friends were fun to get to know, and their (not dark) academia world was refreshing. Some of the aspects of the characters and the game were a little hard to follow because there was just so much happening so quickly, but I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it!

This book was such a fun, sweet, adorable ride! The Gilmore Girls vibes, the private school shenanigans, and the Rhode Island setting just absolutely worked for me. The easter eggs and references throughout were so fun, but sometimes took me out of the story a little bit. This book feels like the quintessential YA romance in a way that I loved and would definitely recommend to fans of the genre. But my favorite part of the book was the Type 1 Diabetes representation we get in the male main character. As someone with Type 1 I have read a lot of bad representation and bad diabetes jokes, but this felt like the most accurate, well-researched, and honest representation of living with Type 1 that I have read. Also the way the other character navigate being in relationships with someone with Type 1 was just *chef's kiss*!

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the opportunity to read and review What Happens After Midnight!

This book was refreshing and light, I loved it. KL Walther writes with such heart and wit, reading her books is a joy.

Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for my copy of What Happens After Midnight! All thoughts are my own.

In the Summer of 2021, I read and fell in love with The Summer of Broken Rules. It was fun, serious. relatable, and overall an extremely enjoyable Summer read. I’ve been waiting for K.L. Walther’s next book since and What Happens After Midnight did not disappoint in the slightest. I am a sucker for a good boarding school story and I loved stepping on the Ames campus. I’m also a huge fan of the Newport, Rhode Island setting.

I am really loving the trend in YA that feels engaging and nostalgic for older readers while still being age appropriate for younger readers. I really felt like I understood Lily as a character, especially her relationship insecurities and the fear that comes with loving someone so hard. I also really appreciate that Walther’s books are sex positive! She portrays such healthy young relationships and I really appreciate that.

Synopsis:

“Lily Hopper has two more weeks until she's officially finished with boarding school. With graduation quickly approaching Lily is worried that she's somehow missed out on the fun of being in high school. So, when she receives a mysterious note inviting her to join the anonymous senior class Jester in executing the end-of-year prank, Lily sees her chance to put her goody-two-shoes reputation behind her.

When Lily realizes the Jester is none other than Taggart Swell, her ex- boyfriend, she's already in too deep to back out. Lily might've dumped Tag, but she still has major feelings. Plus, his brilliant plan to steal the school's yearbooks, targets none other than Lily's prom date: the Senior Class President, Daniel.

As the group of pranksters hide cryptic clues across campus for Daniel to find, Lily and Tag find themselves in close quarters. As the exes dodge Campus Safety guards, night owl teachers, a troop of freshmen, and even Daniel himself, new sparks fly. But old hurts and painful secrets refuse to be ignored. And with graduation on the horizon, Lily can only hope that breaking the rules will help mend her heart.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Concept—I am a sucker for boarding school stories and I loved that this book mostly centered on one night on campus! It felt very playful and mysterious and I could completely envision the Newport school.

The Characters—The group of friends was so so so amazing! I loved their interactions and how they gathered around each other to pull off the prank. I’ll always think of K.L. Walther when it comes to books that feature games and a playful attitude. Also Leda and Josh! What delightful adult characters that support the young people in a healthy way.

The Flashbacks—I fell in love with Tag just as much as Lily did through the flashbacks. I found their relationship really relatable, especially Lily’s insecurities. I wanted more of the flashbacks!

What Didn’t Work:

Needed a * tad * more structure—I wanted more of the flashbacks and I wanted them with just a little more structure, because sometimes coming out of them was jarring. Although, I can see how that is a vehicle to relate to Lily.

Character Authenticity: 5/5 Steam Rating: N/A Overall Rating: 4.75/5

Content Warnings:

medical content, diabetic shock

There are countless references to Schitt's Creek and Taylor Swift in this beautiful second-chance romance movie! It makes you want to curl up on a porch swing on a beautiful summer night and makes you laugh uncontrollably.
Tropes
- second chance romance
- good girl x popular guy
- Rhode Island setting
I was smitten by this novel. I adore how K.L. Walther creates such sweet romances while also escorting you on an enjoyable experience that makes you long to be there. Her writing style always draws you in immediately. The main characters' lack of conflict didn't stop me from enjoying their sweet, casual intimacy and care for one another, and their tender love just warmed my heart. The boarding school setting, character interactions and friendships, the senior prank's suspense, and of course all the Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, and Schitt's Creek references were also fantastic! Absolutely recommend this book!

I couldn't wait to pick up "What Happens After Midnight" once I heard it was being released — "The Summer of Broken Rules" was a YA favorite of mine from 2021!! K. L. Walther does it again with an entertaining, cute, but also swoony activity-packed story. This second chance romance follows Lily through some shenanigans with her ex Tag as they and some other friends work to complete a senior prank at their boarding school (after midnight of course). I loved Lily and Tag's characters, but also their friend group, the other teachers, and especially Lily's mom, Leda. In her acknowledgements, Walther notes she was going for a Rory-and-Lorelai vibe, and she totally delivered on this. Their scenes really got to me (in a good way!). Also, I couldn't help but find so many Taylor Swift Easter eggs, as well as many Schitt's Creek references. Super entertaining! I love the way Walther writes YA characters and their stories, and I look forward to reading whatever she has coming up next.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Did I enjoy it as much as The Summer of Broken Rules? No. But I wouldn’t let that write you off of this darling YA book, as it is still an enjoyable read.

This is a second chance romance that takes place at a boarding school between exes Lilly and Tag. It’s their senior year and the senior prank is always a huge deal. Every year one student is chosen by the prior senior years master prankster to be The Jester.

A group of six are tapped to pull off this years prank, to steal the yearbooks (but also provide a silly scavenger hunt so they could be found). These late night scheming meetings and clue hiding escapades are when Lilly and Tag start re-kindling their friendship and more. This really irks the class president and antagonist, Daniel, when he finds out as he likes Lilly and she is his prom date (though they are just friends).

Tag has type 1 diabetes and several times in the book his glucose pump goes off, and at least one serious issue incurs. I felt that this was a good representation of this illness and I really loved Lilly’s understanding of Tag’s illness and compassion and care for him in these scary occurrences. I have a different chronic illness myself and it makes all the difference when your partner shows understanding, care and compassion.

I loved all the Taylor Swift and Schitt’s Creek references and much like the author I too would first thank Taylor Swift in my acknowledgements, in the mere hopes she may someday see it. Stevie Budd is also a great namesake for a cat. I also enjoyed several of the side/supporting characters, especially Alex and Lilly’s mom. I’d love a sequel of companion novel about Alex, he really shines.

The end left me wanting more including a few more chapters to even an extended epilogue. I need to know about graduation and the end of the year, I felt like the end was so abrupt! I also wanted a little more detail on Tag’s parents aside from they’re busy lawyers who aren’t around, i fee that would’ve helped understand him a bit better. Finally, I did find the reason for Tag and Lilly’s breakup a bit immature, however, I will not hold this against a YA book about teens because that often reflects reality.

4 star

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Fire for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG THIS IS THE PERFECT SUMMERY READ!!! I binged this whole book last night & I’m still thinking about it! K L Walther has created yet another fun game where Lily & Tag are trying to pull off the biggest senior prank yet. It’s adventurous, funny, heartwarming, and filled with excitement.

I adored these characters & the whole school setting!! There’s such a community feeling. The back story to Lily & Tag is done so well while all the side characters feel so real as well. I mean allll the details were so memorable & intriguing. Can’t wait for everyone to be able to reread this & for me to reread it!!!

“No body, no crime.”

There is truly no better time to read a Taylor Swift coded book than right now before she starts the ''Eras' tour. And as a Canadian still waiting for international dates, ‘What Happens After Midnight’ was everything I needed to get a better grip on my concert FOMO.

This book includes:
- a plethora of Taylor Swift references (enough that if you received a nickel for every reference, you would be able to afford tickets to her concert)
- boarding school after dark
- senior prank
- second chance romance
- major Luke and Lorelai vibes for 2 adults
-Schitts creek references.

I really enjoyed this book! Perfect end of school year vibes with a diverse, fun and comforting friend group. This is a book you'll read and think... everything has changed. As in your bookshelf will never again lack a book written by this amazing author.

How many T Swift references did you catch on your first read through? My current total is: 23

Special shoutout to Haley Pham for putting K.L. Walther on my radar.

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC of this book!

What Happens After Midnight brings readers along on the journey of Lily Hopper as she is finishing boarding school and is invited to join an epic end-of-the-year prank by her ex-boyfriend, Taggart Swell. When Lily realizes that Tag is the mastermind of the prank, she must ignore her feelings and stick to the commitment she made of one fun night with a group of pranksters. Attempting to hide and sneak into the school buildings, run away from security guards, and not get caught proves to be so much more interesting when she spends the night in close proximity to her ex-boyfriend, who her heart still appears to want despite the breakup. How can they so easily fall into old habits and why does it feel so natural to be with him even after their time apart? With senior year ending, old secrets coming to light, a prank night that feels like a treasure hunt, and her ex-boyfriend at her side, Lily experiences an unforgettable night that shapes the rest of her time at Ames.

As a lover of The Summer of Broken Rules, I was immensely excited to read this, and it was even better than expected. I found myself being completely pulled into their prank night and I constantly needed to know what would happen next. Additionally, the Taylor Swift references were highly appreciated, I adored it. The characters are so immensely lovable, and I felt for every single one of them. The relationship between Lily and her mom Leda immediately reminded me of Gilmore Girls because of their closeness, jokes, and the feeling of them being not only mom and daughter, but true friends who tell each other everything. I found myself relating to Lily, especially because readers get to understand her as someone who has a lot of love to give but is terrified to lose those she holds near. It was interesting to read a story of a more complicated relationship between two people who are very much in love but are so scared to lose each other that they would rather let go. Lily and Tag are drawn to each other and so easily fall into their old routine when the other is near. It was heartwarming to see a couple that knows each other so well and only truly wants the other person to be happy. The sweetness of them knowing little details about how to calm the other person down without uttering a word or needing any assistance to understand what the other person is thinking was incredibly wholesome.
The angst had my heart sinking and I couldn’t wait to uncover every secret that had never been told. Every time there was a new detail about Tag and Lily’s past, including their relationship and their breakup, I found my heart leaping out of my chest. I was immensely invested in their relationship and each of the two individual characters. The author has a beautiful way of making these characters come to life while giving readers a peak into each character’s hardships. I believe that this made them feel incredibly real to me while I also found myself feeling completely connected to the two main characters. What Happens After Midnight did perhaps have a more mature edge to it in comparison to The Summer of Broken Rules, which I absolutely adored as much as it played with my feelings. I would highly recommend this book as I found myself loving it and I will definitely be rereading it! Trust me, you have to read this.

This was hands down phenomenal in every sense of the word. The plot. And storyline was so enjoyable. I felt like i was reading a move script. Thos was one of the best books ive read this year alone. I'll always make room for k.l walther on my shelf

What a fun and cute story! I absolutely loved this book!

The characters were all so interesting and well developed. This book did read a bit young for me but that just means it is targeted well for the YA audience! The romance truly kept me engaged the whole time, I really loved it!

Thank you for my ARC!

I loved Walther's book, The Summer of Broken Rules, so I was super excited to read What Happens After Midnight. While I don't think it was as strong as Broken Rules, it was just as fun! As a light, cute read about an all-night prank, I flew through this book. The cozy Rhode Island boarding school setting was perfect, and I loved the second chance romance plot line. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun YA read!

This thrilling story follows the journey of a young woman as she discovers the secrets of the night and the power of her own strength. With a captivating plot and vivid characters, Walther creates a world that is both mysterious and enchanting. Readers will be enthralled by the suspenseful twists and turns of this page-turner, as well as the inspiring message of self-discovery and empowerment. What Happens After Midnight is a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking adventure.

To start out this book is super cute and quick to read. I read this in one sitting. The premise is fun and entertaining.

My only real downside is that the end feels so rushed. There’s all this build up to the prank and the romance and then just the last 35% of the book falls flat.

Still solid 3 stars for me because it is a fun read.

“Even though we already knew our fates, it felt like we were holding onto each other for dear life.”

Overall vibes rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, this book was a GOOD. TIME. It gives second chance romance, it gives pining, it gives misadventure and it gives giggles! I was hooked with the mention of Taylor Swift and Schitt’s Creek references, but it was the earnestness of the characters as well as the combination of teenage misadventure and end of high school posterity that captured my heart! While it wasn’t quite “I would die for these characters” level love, it was one that I would read again, and will likely purchase a physical copy of when it releases in July 2023!

Fat-friendly rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️, no representation of bigger bodies but also no vilification of bigger bodies - pretty darn neutral, though I would always prefer some positive representation of bigger bodies, as you know!

Spice rating: Just some very sweet and steamy kisses

Recommend?: Yes! If you like YA books, sweet pining, and some silly adventures, this one is definitely for you!

3.5 stars.

There are books that shock you or blow your socks off, there are books that provide some major insight to the reader or has a fun, surprising twist. While this story provides none of these, it was still an enjoyable read and is definitely a book worth packing in your beach or pool bag,

This was a refreshing, light-hearted YA book that didn't dramatize the high school first love (I appreciated how sweet and innocent the relationship was compared to many that romanticize drama in a high school relationship). If you loved 10 Things I hate About You or She's All That, you will eat this story up.

Lily Hopper receives an anonymous letter from the class Jester requesting her help to participate in the senior class prank at her boarding school. Little does she know the class Jester is none other than her ex-boyfriend, Taggart Swell, who she still has feelings for. Lily embarks on an adventure with Tag and those he has chosen to help pull of the prank. As the two team up to pull of the prank, it seems like Lily’s lingering feelings may be reciprocated.

This was a really fun, nostalgic, and enjoyable read. I loved all of the characters and how it centers around the senior class prank. The author does such a great job of writing high school seniors and makes you remember what it felt like to feel things at that age.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!