Step into the vibrant world of the Field Party series, where Friday night football, small-town drama, and heartfelt romance collide in a Southern soap opera that’s impossible to put down! Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines, this young adult series captures the highs and lows of teenage life in Lawton, Alabama, with a cast of characters who face love, loss, and personal growth against the backdrop of high school football culture. If you’re a fan of emotional stories with a side of Southern charm, Field Party is your next obsession.
With seven books packed with cute boys in pickup trucks, wild parties, and tender moments, the series has carved a special place in the hearts of YA romance fans. Let’s dive into how this beloved series came to be, its gripping stories, and why it continues to resonate with readers.
How Field Party Began
Abbi Glines, a prolific author known for her Rosemary Beach and Sea Breeze series, launched Field Party in 2015 with a vision to blend the intensity of Southern football culture with the emotional depth of young adult romance. Inspired by her own experiences in small-town Alabama, Glines crafted a world where the field is more than a place for games—it’s where teens party, dream, and heal. Her goal was to tell interconnected stories of characters navigating real-world issues like grief, trauma, and redemption, all while keeping the romance sizzling and the drama addictive.
The series’ authentic portrayal of Southern life, from tailgates to tight-knit communities, struck a chord with readers. Glines’ ability to weave serious topics into a hopeful narrative made Field Party a standout, earning praise for its relatability and heart. The first book, Until Friday Night, set the tone for a series that’s as much about finding yourself as it is about falling in love.
The Heart of Field Party
The Field Party series spans seven books, each following different characters in Lawton, Alabama, whose lives intertwine through football, friendships, and field parties. Until Friday Night (2015) introduces West Ashby, a star football player grappling with his father’s terminal illness, and Maggie Carleton, a girl who hasn’t spoken since witnessing her mother’s murder. Their slow-burn romance and shared healing kick off the series with emotional depth. Under the Lights (2016) dives into a dramatic love triangle among Brady, Willa, and Gunner, exploring forgiveness and second chances in a town where past mistakes linger.
After the Game (2017) tackles heavier themes, focusing on Riley Young, a teen mother shunned for accusing a local football hero of rape. Her story of resilience and romance with Brady is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Losing the Field (2018) follows Tallulah Liddell, who transforms her appearance to escape bullying, only to face new challenges with her crush, Nash Lee. Each book blends romance, sports, and soap opera-esque drama, with themes of overcoming trauma, embracing identity, and finding love in unexpected places. Glines’ vivid Southern setting—think pickup trucks, starry nights, and game-day fever—grounds the stories in a world that feels alive and relatable.
The series’ style is fast-paced and emotional, with alternating first-person perspectives that let readers connect deeply with each character. Whether it’s the sting of betrayal or the thrill of a first kiss, Glines captures the messiness of adolescence with authenticity and heart, making Field Party a go-to for fans of contemporary YA.
Why Field Party Resonates
Field Party’s impact lies in its ability to balance escapist romance with real-world issues, resonating with teens and adults alike. By tackling topics like grief, sexual assault, and body image, Glines gives voice to struggles many readers face, while her hopeful endings offer inspiration. The series has built a loyal fanbase, with readers praising its addictive drama and swoon-worthy moments on platforms like Goodreads. Its Southern football culture also taps into a niche that feels both specific and universal, appealing to anyone who’s ever felt the pull of community or the weight of expectations.
As a staple in YA romance, Field Party has solidified Abbi Glines’ reputation as a master of emotional storytelling. Its legacy endures through its relatable characters and the way it captures the beauty and chaos of growing up. With its final book, The Last Field Party (2022), wrapping up the series, fans continue to revisit Lawton for its unforgettable stories.
- Publication Years: 2015–2022
- Number of Books: 7
- Genre: Young Adult Romance, Contemporary
- Setting: Lawton, Alabama
Ready to cheer for love and drama under the Friday night lights? Grab Until Friday Night and dive into the Field Party’s irresistible world of romance and redemption!