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Second Chances #3
After You
After You is the final interconnected STANDALONE novel in the Second Chances Series.
I had the happily ever after . . . until it was gone.
Three became two. And I was alone.
Our time—my time—was over. Alone was the right way to be. The only way. Life was me, my son, and my memories. Until the day I met someone who turned my lonely existence upside down.
This man made me smile, made me laugh, made me ache for his touch.
But I couldn’t.
He shouldn’t awaken feelings I resolved to bury with my husband. But he did.
I couldn’t let his presence make my heart race. I couldn’t let him into our little world, where he fit so perfectly. I couldn’t want Nick.
But I did.
***
I rescued people. My family relied on me to lend a hand. Everyone thought of me as the fixer, but no one had the first clue how to fix me. Until Ellie.
The freckled beauty’s sorrow was like a well-worn shirt—easy and familiar, difficult to part with—and she wore it comfortably. And though I was hers from the moment our eyes first met, she’d never be mine. I loved her in the here and now, but how did I compete with a ghost?
***
How can there ever be anyone After You?
Release Date: February 21, 2017
I had the happily ever after . . . until it was gone.
Three became two. And I was alone.
Our time—my time—was over. Alone was the right way to be. The only way. Life was me, my son, and my memories. Until the day I met someone who turned my lonely existence upside down.
This man made me smile, made me laugh, made me ache for his touch.
But I couldn’t.
He shouldn’t awaken feelings I resolved to bury with my husband. But he did.
I couldn’t let his presence make my heart race. I couldn’t let him into our little world, where he fit so perfectly. I couldn’t want Nick.
But I did.
***
I rescued people. My family relied on me to lend a hand. Everyone thought of me as the fixer, but no one had the first clue how to fix me. Until Ellie.
The freckled beauty’s sorrow was like a well-worn shirt—easy and familiar, difficult to part with—and she wore it comfortably. And though I was hers from the moment our eyes first met, she’d never be mine. I loved her in the here and now, but how did I compete with a ghost?
***
How can there ever be anyone After You?
Release Date: February 21, 2017
First published February 18, 2017
About the author
Stephanie Rose
29 books2,869 followersStephanie Rose is a badass New Yorker, a wife, a mother, and lover of all things chocolate. Most days you'll find her trying to avoid standing on discarded LEGO or deciding which book to read next. Her debut novel, Always You, released in 2015 and since then she's written several more—some of which will never see completion—and has ideas for hundreds to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
February 27, 2017
*LIVE! #5+++ Stars
AFTER YOU is a STANDALONE Contemporary Romance novel with loss, love, fate, hope and second chances weaved into the trajectory of the narrative. A story that made me laugh and swoon and totally sob as it reached into my heart and made me feel so very much with the vivid nature of the telling which is totally character driven and emotionally charged providing an authentic feel in terms of plot, relationships and character development.
The subject matter is sensitively delivered; Ellie being a widow with a young child who’s living life the best way she knows how, alone and longing for the husband she lost. She certainly isn’t looking to meet anyone and dating is the very last thing on her agenda. Enter Nick Garcia. Kind, caring, a sexy fire lieutenant and full of life. Nick’s generous giving nature awakens something in Ellie that she thought was gone forever. As the story unfolds the emotion increases in intensity resulting in an exquisite slow build of angst that had me in tears at certain pivotal moments in the prose *It felt so good.* The delivery of the story arc felt refreshing, real and loving with the author depicting the balance of inner thoughts, actions, dialogue and the emotions of Ellie brilliantly. I felt her turmoil, admired her strength of character and wanted her happiness. Indeed, the palpable turmoil of both protagonists is eloquently crafted to enhance the emotion of the telling and drive the self-realisation and development of the characters. I ached for the man she had lost and longed for her to develop a lasting relationship with Nick. The time scales depicted are sympathetic to the subject matter showcased ensuring a convincing organic feel to the narrative where character motivation is always on point.
A wonderful, emotional story. AFTER YOU ticks all my contemporary romance boxes. It’s beautiful, evocative and attacked my sensibilities in the best possible slow burn manner with an intelligently crafted telling encompassing a meticulous attention to characterisation that made me fall head over heels in love with Nick and Ellie’s story. I became hooked and could not get enough of this perfectly paced second chance contemporary romance. The protagonists navigate through the telling as friends and develop a tantalising relationship within a prose that’s breath-taking at times with pure beauty in the emotion making me feel so very much and root for them to make it as a couple. Such a great reading experience. The satisfaction was immense and I recommend unreservedly to all romance lovers.
Note: AFTER YOU is an interconnected STANDALONE romance from the Second Chances Series that I personally read and LOVED as a standalone. #ContemporaryRomance #SecondChances #Love #loveafireman #AllTheStars
*** Beta read
★ Graphics created by me with a stock photos I purchased from deposit photos ★
AFTER YOU is a STANDALONE Contemporary Romance novel with loss, love, fate, hope and second chances weaved into the trajectory of the narrative. A story that made me laugh and swoon and totally sob as it reached into my heart and made me feel so very much with the vivid nature of the telling which is totally character driven and emotionally charged providing an authentic feel in terms of plot, relationships and character development.
The subject matter is sensitively delivered; Ellie being a widow with a young child who’s living life the best way she knows how, alone and longing for the husband she lost. She certainly isn’t looking to meet anyone and dating is the very last thing on her agenda. Enter Nick Garcia. Kind, caring, a sexy fire lieutenant and full of life. Nick’s generous giving nature awakens something in Ellie that she thought was gone forever. As the story unfolds the emotion increases in intensity resulting in an exquisite slow build of angst that had me in tears at certain pivotal moments in the prose *It felt so good.* The delivery of the story arc felt refreshing, real and loving with the author depicting the balance of inner thoughts, actions, dialogue and the emotions of Ellie brilliantly. I felt her turmoil, admired her strength of character and wanted her happiness. Indeed, the palpable turmoil of both protagonists is eloquently crafted to enhance the emotion of the telling and drive the self-realisation and development of the characters. I ached for the man she had lost and longed for her to develop a lasting relationship with Nick. The time scales depicted are sympathetic to the subject matter showcased ensuring a convincing organic feel to the narrative where character motivation is always on point.
A wonderful, emotional story. AFTER YOU ticks all my contemporary romance boxes. It’s beautiful, evocative and attacked my sensibilities in the best possible slow burn manner with an intelligently crafted telling encompassing a meticulous attention to characterisation that made me fall head over heels in love with Nick and Ellie’s story. I became hooked and could not get enough of this perfectly paced second chance contemporary romance. The protagonists navigate through the telling as friends and develop a tantalising relationship within a prose that’s breath-taking at times with pure beauty in the emotion making me feel so very much and root for them to make it as a couple. Such a great reading experience. The satisfaction was immense and I recommend unreservedly to all romance lovers.
Note: AFTER YOU is an interconnected STANDALONE romance from the Second Chances Series that I personally read and LOVED as a standalone. #ContemporaryRomance #SecondChances #Love #loveafireman #AllTheStars
*** Beta read
★ Graphics created by me with a stock photos I purchased from deposit photos ★
February 17, 2017
5 Be Patient Stars
A poignant second chance love story. A story that exposes the hopes and fears of life after the loss of a loved one. One of perseverance, one of strength, and one of raw unfiltered emotions that love can happen again.
This story was beautiful.....It was simple and honest. A young widower, her little boy and a firefighter. Ellie, Jack and Nick. A woman who believed that she could never fully love again because her late husband was the love of her life. Nick, who knew the minute he saw Ellie, that she would completely change his life. Their first encounter was just a moment but when fate puts them together 5 years later, that was when things got REAL and COMPLICATED. The dual POV exposed real dilemmas, real struggles and real feelings that developed between Ellie, Jack and Nick. It was a second chance at love for both Ellie and Nick but letting go and fully opening oneself up was COMPLICATED. While Nick was all in, Ellie's guilt of being happy meant that her late husband's memory would be erased.
This sweet and emotionally laced journey was touching, heartbreaking, awakening, and loving. I cried and I smiled, I understood and I hoped and I prayed and I loved. This story tugged at my heart and made me believe that second chances at love do exist. It wasn't easy, it was painfully hard at times but it was an amazingly awakening journey that ended with happiness and love.
I must say that I loved Nick. He was just such a good guy. He loved with all his heart and it radiated through the pages. I equally loved Ellie or Ella-Jane as Nick called her. She was strong for her son and always put him first. She too loved with all her heart but her guilt at finding love twice weighed on her. And then there was sweet Jack who helped to tie Nick and Ellie together. Also, Nick, Ellie and Jack were surrounded by family members that loved them and participated in their lives. As family was important to both Ellie and Nick, their interaction with family was sweet, humorous and vital to finding their HEA.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves second chances romances. It's not an angsty read, it's real and emotional. It's about hope, love, taking a chance and making peace. This is my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
**After You generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
A poignant second chance love story. A story that exposes the hopes and fears of life after the loss of a loved one. One of perseverance, one of strength, and one of raw unfiltered emotions that love can happen again.
This story was beautiful.....It was simple and honest. A young widower, her little boy and a firefighter. Ellie, Jack and Nick. A woman who believed that she could never fully love again because her late husband was the love of her life. Nick, who knew the minute he saw Ellie, that she would completely change his life. Their first encounter was just a moment but when fate puts them together 5 years later, that was when things got REAL and COMPLICATED. The dual POV exposed real dilemmas, real struggles and real feelings that developed between Ellie, Jack and Nick. It was a second chance at love for both Ellie and Nick but letting go and fully opening oneself up was COMPLICATED. While Nick was all in, Ellie's guilt of being happy meant that her late husband's memory would be erased.
This sweet and emotionally laced journey was touching, heartbreaking, awakening, and loving. I cried and I smiled, I understood and I hoped and I prayed and I loved. This story tugged at my heart and made me believe that second chances at love do exist. It wasn't easy, it was painfully hard at times but it was an amazingly awakening journey that ended with happiness and love.
I must say that I loved Nick. He was just such a good guy. He loved with all his heart and it radiated through the pages. I equally loved Ellie or Ella-Jane as Nick called her. She was strong for her son and always put him first. She too loved with all her heart but her guilt at finding love twice weighed on her. And then there was sweet Jack who helped to tie Nick and Ellie together. Also, Nick, Ellie and Jack were surrounded by family members that loved them and participated in their lives. As family was important to both Ellie and Nick, their interaction with family was sweet, humorous and vital to finding their HEA.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves second chances romances. It's not an angsty read, it's real and emotional. It's about hope, love, taking a chance and making peace. This is my first book by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
**After You generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
March 1, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: Unfortunately, this didn't meet my expectations. I love stories with second chances and especially with children involved, so this seemed like a winner for sure -- it just kind of felt...meh *shrugs*. I was easily distracted and often bored while reading this, so that right away tells me it didn't work for me. The h started really bugging me, so that too was a sign I wasn't all that into it. I'm sure lots of people will love this book, as it is a relatively easy read with some sweet and sexy times ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ella and Nick's story. They meet for the first time at a friend's wedding, but Ella's husband had only passsed away one year prior to that and she wasn't ready to even consider dating. 5 years later, they meet again when Nick is her son's scout leader. They dance around each other a good bit, but finally give in to give dating a shot. There are some sweet moments with the h's son, some sexy times, and some dramatics...and they do get a HEA.
POV: This alternated between Ella and Nick's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I never skimmed, but it definitely felt slow at times where I was tempted to.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Nick. I liked him, but I was upset by him projecting things from his previous relationship onto this one.
h rating: 2.5 stars. Ella. She was ok, but she started to really frustrate me with her pushing away the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but not in the typical sense.
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a HEA ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: Unfortunately, this didn't meet my expectations. I love stories with second chances and especially with children involved, so this seemed like a winner for sure -- it just kind of felt...meh *shrugs*. I was easily distracted and often bored while reading this, so that right away tells me it didn't work for me. The h started really bugging me, so that too was a sign I wasn't all that into it. I'm sure lots of people will love this book, as it is a relatively easy read with some sweet and sexy times ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ella and Nick's story. They meet for the first time at a friend's wedding, but Ella's husband had only passsed away one year prior to that and she wasn't ready to even consider dating. 5 years later, they meet again when Nick is her son's scout leader. They dance around each other a good bit, but finally give in to give dating a shot. There are some sweet moments with the h's son, some sexy times, and some dramatics...and they do get a HEA.
POV: This alternated between Ella and Nick's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. I never skimmed, but it definitely felt slow at times where I was tempted to.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Nick. I liked him, but I was upset by him projecting things from his previous relationship onto this one.
h rating: 2.5 stars. Ella. She was ok, but she started to really frustrate me with her pushing away the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes, but not in the typical sense.
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a HEA ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
February 22, 2017
Stephanie Rose knocked this story out of the park! Wow! I'm so happy I chose to read it but who could blame me with all those raving reviews for After You. Yes, the premise isn't anything new and has been done before but how Stephanie Rose chose to handle and execute her vision is truly what made After You a winner for me.
Ellie and Nick were extraordinary in every way. I fell in love with both of them. With Ellie's determination and strong willed character but first and foremost her love for her son and deceased husband.
Nick was the sweetest and gentlest man ever. His patience and love for Ellie and her son Jack melted my heart numerous times. Their chemistry combined and I literally got goosebumps whenever they were around one another. Spectacular!
The pace of the story and how it progressed felt perfectly organic and effortless. I established a connection with Ellie and Nick immediately, whom were well developed and multi layered characters that I couldn't get enough of. Also the secondary characters like Evan, Paige and Nick's family were fabulous and added depth and heart to the story.
I'm on high after finishing After You. Rose's prose was flawless, intense with emotions and filled with so much love for these characters and their journey. I've read Stephanie Rose's other books and I agree. After You is her best work yet!
5 BadAssDirtyBlushingFrecklesStars
Ellie and Nick were extraordinary in every way. I fell in love with both of them. With Ellie's determination and strong willed character but first and foremost her love for her son and deceased husband.
Nick was the sweetest and gentlest man ever. His patience and love for Ellie and her son Jack melted my heart numerous times. Their chemistry combined and I literally got goosebumps whenever they were around one another. Spectacular!
The pace of the story and how it progressed felt perfectly organic and effortless. I established a connection with Ellie and Nick immediately, whom were well developed and multi layered characters that I couldn't get enough of. Also the secondary characters like Evan, Paige and Nick's family were fabulous and added depth and heart to the story.
I'm on high after finishing After You. Rose's prose was flawless, intense with emotions and filled with so much love for these characters and their journey. I've read Stephanie Rose's other books and I agree. After You is her best work yet!
5 BadAssDirtyBlushingFrecklesStars
July 28, 2019
LAST DAY! After You is ON SALE for 99 cents!
Universal link: myBook.to/AfterYou
Universal link: myBook.to/AfterYou
February 20, 2017
**After You generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "What you call complicated, I call interesting." Stars
This marks my first Stephanie Rose contemporary romance and certainly not my last. A simple love story makes up the pages of After You based on the trope of a deceased spouse and moving on. Rose indelibly makes on her mark on romance with this book for me. From the very beginning starting with a great prologue Stephanie Rose embeds you into Ellie's story of incredible loss. From there alternating between the dual first person points of view of heroine and hero, Nick, we're drawn into the delicate and simple prose of two people falling in love and letting go.
What I really loved about the story that set it apart from others of it's kind is how Stephanie Rose really humanizes her heroine by exploiting her faults and very carefully exposing her most raw vulnerabilities. Ellie never once balks at her own issues allowing the reader to get caught up in the beauty of her present rather stuck in some contrived angst. I felt Ellie's emotions organically and understood them just as Nick had. The understanding and patience he shows as a hero is exactly what you want in a real life romance and a real life hero. This story paints a picture with care and encouragement. It highlights the melancholy and pain one feels down to their bones when they're existing through life after tragedy while simultaneously showcasing the beauty of opening up to all those wonderful feelings of falling in love and finding a best friend all over again. The flourishing of Ellie's happiness became such a joy to read thanks to the poignant, reflective, and heart-warming way Stephanie Rose chose to tell her story.
I read this book quickly. It was one I simply didn't want to put down. Not because of some crazed need to see what happens but because I was wrapped up in just FEELING the romance and beauty of it. From secondary characters and plot to emotional prose and sexy passion I felt consumed.
Pure romance. Full of love and honest moments. Undeniable chemistry. A hero to swoon over and a heroine to relate to. These are the components that make up After You. I loved this book about second chance love from start to finish. It was just what I needed to sate a romantic craving for a story that makes you smile, laugh, and feel deeply for characters. I highly recommend reading it to romance lovers as they'll all fall in love with this book.
5 "What you call complicated, I call interesting." Stars
This marks my first Stephanie Rose contemporary romance and certainly not my last. A simple love story makes up the pages of After You based on the trope of a deceased spouse and moving on. Rose indelibly makes on her mark on romance with this book for me. From the very beginning starting with a great prologue Stephanie Rose embeds you into Ellie's story of incredible loss. From there alternating between the dual first person points of view of heroine and hero, Nick, we're drawn into the delicate and simple prose of two people falling in love and letting go.
What I really loved about the story that set it apart from others of it's kind is how Stephanie Rose really humanizes her heroine by exploiting her faults and very carefully exposing her most raw vulnerabilities. Ellie never once balks at her own issues allowing the reader to get caught up in the beauty of her present rather stuck in some contrived angst. I felt Ellie's emotions organically and understood them just as Nick had. The understanding and patience he shows as a hero is exactly what you want in a real life romance and a real life hero. This story paints a picture with care and encouragement. It highlights the melancholy and pain one feels down to their bones when they're existing through life after tragedy while simultaneously showcasing the beauty of opening up to all those wonderful feelings of falling in love and finding a best friend all over again. The flourishing of Ellie's happiness became such a joy to read thanks to the poignant, reflective, and heart-warming way Stephanie Rose chose to tell her story.
I read this book quickly. It was one I simply didn't want to put down. Not because of some crazed need to see what happens but because I was wrapped up in just FEELING the romance and beauty of it. From secondary characters and plot to emotional prose and sexy passion I felt consumed.
Pure romance. Full of love and honest moments. Undeniable chemistry. A hero to swoon over and a heroine to relate to. These are the components that make up After You. I loved this book about second chance love from start to finish. It was just what I needed to sate a romantic craving for a story that makes you smile, laugh, and feel deeply for characters. I highly recommend reading it to romance lovers as they'll all fall in love with this book.
February 6, 2017
Beautiful. Just incredibly and breathtakingly beautiful. After You is a book that will open up your chest, grab your heart, and not let go. The story is told from both main character's points of views, but there are additions that fit perfectly with the journey. After You is the third book in the Second Chances series, but can be read as a standalone. Some characters from Only You do appear and it was nice to revisit them if you've read that book first, but there is enough back story and history given in After You that new readers will enjoy those characters just as much too.
Stephanie Rose has an amazing gift for making her characters perfectly imperfect. Nick and Ellie are so completely relatable that you can't help but fall in love with each of them individually and as a couple. You rejoice with them, you mourn with them, and you sure as hell root for them to get their HEA. The struggles, worries, and fears they encounter ring true and only endear the reader to them more. They had scorching hot (fireman pun intended) chemistry and I loved their playful and sexy banter. The names and nicknames were also a very sweet touch. I have to say that Nick is now my favorite of the author's leading men (well, at least until the next book ;)
I loved being able to be in both Nick and Ellie's heads because it added another layer to the story as you experience the emotions and events through their eyes. I'm not going to lie. This book had me crying some ugly emotional tears. My heart hurt reading the words, but it just as quickly was healed and had me wanting to sing from the rooftops. You will feel all the feels, for better or for worse, with this book and don't even get me started on that epilogue!!
This book is more than a second chance romance. It's also about loss, healing, and what it means to be a family. Every book I have read by Stephanie Rose gets better and better, which is saying a lot because every one has also been a 5 star read. I am sad that this is the final book in the series, but the characters and journeys truly came full circle and my heart is left full of love, hope, and possibility.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
Stephanie Rose has an amazing gift for making her characters perfectly imperfect. Nick and Ellie are so completely relatable that you can't help but fall in love with each of them individually and as a couple. You rejoice with them, you mourn with them, and you sure as hell root for them to get their HEA. The struggles, worries, and fears they encounter ring true and only endear the reader to them more. They had scorching hot (fireman pun intended) chemistry and I loved their playful and sexy banter. The names and nicknames were also a very sweet touch. I have to say that Nick is now my favorite of the author's leading men (well, at least until the next book ;)
I loved being able to be in both Nick and Ellie's heads because it added another layer to the story as you experience the emotions and events through their eyes. I'm not going to lie. This book had me crying some ugly emotional tears. My heart hurt reading the words, but it just as quickly was healed and had me wanting to sing from the rooftops. You will feel all the feels, for better or for worse, with this book and don't even get me started on that epilogue!!
This book is more than a second chance romance. It's also about loss, healing, and what it means to be a family. Every book I have read by Stephanie Rose gets better and better, which is saying a lot because every one has also been a 5 star read. I am sad that this is the final book in the series, but the characters and journeys truly came full circle and my heart is left full of love, hope, and possibility.
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*
March 8, 2017
Just WOW, was all I could say when I finished reading this beautiful heartbreaking story. Ms Rose has an amazing way of putting her emotions into words that when we read them not only do we get lost in them but they deeply touch us and stay with us for a long time to come. Nick & Ellie's story has officially become my favorite in this series hands down!!
I cannot even imagine the pain Ellie felt as life dealt her with a horrible hand. Yet, she was resilient and continued on because Jack depended on her. Even though she had the love and support from Jack's family and friends she still felt alone. Until Nick walks into her life and has her dizzy from feelings she thought were buried long ago.
Nick is the model for an all around sexy man: sweet, funny, patient, loving alpha and straight up SEXY!!! He knew the first time he saw Ellie that she was someone special and he would be patient and wait for the right time. Seeing Nick getting flustered when he was around Ellie had me giggling and falling more in love with him.
“You're my blessing, too. You and Jack. Te adoro mi vida.”
“‘I adore you, my love.’ My dad always said that to my mom . Technically, it means ‘I love you, my life.’ And that’s what you are— my love and my life.”
An unbelievably beautiful story of second chance love that had me smiling, laughing, ugly crying and falling in love with these individuals!! There are just not enough words to tell you Ms Rose how amazing this story was and to Thank You for sharing you beautiful gift with us!! This was 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Kara
I cannot even imagine the pain Ellie felt as life dealt her with a horrible hand. Yet, she was resilient and continued on because Jack depended on her. Even though she had the love and support from Jack's family and friends she still felt alone. Until Nick walks into her life and has her dizzy from feelings she thought were buried long ago.
Nick is the model for an all around sexy man: sweet, funny, patient, loving alpha and straight up SEXY!!! He knew the first time he saw Ellie that she was someone special and he would be patient and wait for the right time. Seeing Nick getting flustered when he was around Ellie had me giggling and falling more in love with him.
“You're my blessing, too. You and Jack. Te adoro mi vida.”
“‘I adore you, my love.’ My dad always said that to my mom . Technically, it means ‘I love you, my life.’ And that’s what you are— my love and my life.”
An unbelievably beautiful story of second chance love that had me smiling, laughing, ugly crying and falling in love with these individuals!! There are just not enough words to tell you Ms Rose how amazing this story was and to Thank You for sharing you beautiful gift with us!! This was 6 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Kara
February 22, 2017
5+++++ stars for an absolutely wonderful and heartbreaking book!
When just after reading the prologue you know you will be left emotionally broke at the end and you want to hug the heroine so hard, you know you are in for an amazing read.
Stephanie Rose had me captured with just the prologue and hooked and emotionally invested throughout the book. The expectations I had were most definitely met. She has a wonderful writing that had me feeling like I was right there next to the characters like a ghost. I was chocked up so many times, I felt with the characters.
Ellie is a young widow with a sweet little boy. She had her true love once and is trying to go on after losing him. She doesn't believe that you can have another true love and build walls around her to protect herself. At the same time those walls keep her from moving forward and enjoying life again.
Nick is the man! That wonderful, caring, patient, loving hard and deep, dancing firefighter who puts his family and those he loves above himself.
When they first met at a wedding they had a bond, but it just wasn't the right time. When they met again, they can't deny there's more.
Jack jr. will break your heart a couple times. He's a sweet little momma's boy with fears and hopes and dreams.
Even though they have chemistry right from the beginning, it's more emotional than sensual in the beginning and develops to more over time. What I love about the story is the time frame. Their relationship is given the appropriate time to grow and not just be instant and within a couple weeks. It absolutely suits the characters and their stories. I adored Jack sr. and how he is characterized by all people involved. I loved the support and unconditional love of the family.
From beginning to end this book just did it for me! It was just perfect and didn't sweeten some ugly truths. The time frame, the characters, the story line...all makes sense.
I recommend tissues to be at hand. I shed a lot of tears throughout reading After You. My heart broke so many times and then was put back together so easily. I giggled and swooned just as well.
When just after reading the prologue you know you will be left emotionally broke at the end and you want to hug the heroine so hard, you know you are in for an amazing read.
Stephanie Rose had me captured with just the prologue and hooked and emotionally invested throughout the book. The expectations I had were most definitely met. She has a wonderful writing that had me feeling like I was right there next to the characters like a ghost. I was chocked up so many times, I felt with the characters.
Ellie is a young widow with a sweet little boy. She had her true love once and is trying to go on after losing him. She doesn't believe that you can have another true love and build walls around her to protect herself. At the same time those walls keep her from moving forward and enjoying life again.
Nick is the man! That wonderful, caring, patient, loving hard and deep, dancing firefighter who puts his family and those he loves above himself.
When they first met at a wedding they had a bond, but it just wasn't the right time. When they met again, they can't deny there's more.
Jack jr. will break your heart a couple times. He's a sweet little momma's boy with fears and hopes and dreams.
Even though they have chemistry right from the beginning, it's more emotional than sensual in the beginning and develops to more over time. What I love about the story is the time frame. Their relationship is given the appropriate time to grow and not just be instant and within a couple weeks. It absolutely suits the characters and their stories. I adored Jack sr. and how he is characterized by all people involved. I loved the support and unconditional love of the family.
From beginning to end this book just did it for me! It was just perfect and didn't sweeten some ugly truths. The time frame, the characters, the story line...all makes sense.
I recommend tissues to be at hand. I shed a lot of tears throughout reading After You. My heart broke so many times and then was put back together so easily. I giggled and swooned just as well.
February 20, 2017
After You by Stephanie Rose is the final installment in her Second Chances series. It can be read as a standalone.
"A man like that would make any woman's heart skip a beat. Too bad my heart was gone. It was dead and buried right next to my husband."
Ellie has suffered the loss of her first love. He was her everything and she was his. Finding herself a single mom at a young age was not what she had dreamed. But she still had a piece of her heart in Jack Jr. and she knew they would pull each other through. At a formal celebration, Ellie attempted to escape the crowd and found herself spending time with Nick, the suave and sweet friend of the groom.
"You're my favorite kind of trouble. And you're worth every single bit of it."
First pages in a book are like the first bite into an unknown chocolate covered treat. You might get the yummy caramel center, or you could get the fake fruit flavor that makes you close the box and put it away. The beginning of After You was definitely a sweet and savory treat that made me want to dive in for more.
"Life didn't seem so lonely and boring when a good man gave you all his attention and called you beautiful."
Nick was such an inspirational character. His qualities of kindness and compassion touched all of those around him, opening the door for the light to shine in dark places for Ellie. But, this part of his personality was not to overshadow his need for Ellie. When he was with her, his desire was heavy and restraint constantly tested. She turned him inside out, and he tested her willpower to hold onto the past. Their slight cat and mouse game made each of their alone times more tempting and tantalizing. A small nudge, a short push. All of this drove me crazy for more. At the last 10% I couldn't stop from crying, melting into a puddle of goo, and smiling.
Nick and Ellie's story was the definition of romantic perfection. These two great characters, along with their families and friends, gave an unforgettable friends-to-lovers, second chance romance that made every cell In my body stand up and applaud. It was a sensational novel that I quickly placed on my list of favorites for 2017.
"...when my eyes locked with yours, I knew. It was the thunderbolt my grandpa always told me about. He said you'll never know when it will hit you, but when it does, you’re done for. I can't wait to tell him he was absolutely right."
"A man like that would make any woman's heart skip a beat. Too bad my heart was gone. It was dead and buried right next to my husband."
Ellie has suffered the loss of her first love. He was her everything and she was his. Finding herself a single mom at a young age was not what she had dreamed. But she still had a piece of her heart in Jack Jr. and she knew they would pull each other through. At a formal celebration, Ellie attempted to escape the crowd and found herself spending time with Nick, the suave and sweet friend of the groom.
"You're my favorite kind of trouble. And you're worth every single bit of it."
First pages in a book are like the first bite into an unknown chocolate covered treat. You might get the yummy caramel center, or you could get the fake fruit flavor that makes you close the box and put it away. The beginning of After You was definitely a sweet and savory treat that made me want to dive in for more.
"Life didn't seem so lonely and boring when a good man gave you all his attention and called you beautiful."
Nick was such an inspirational character. His qualities of kindness and compassion touched all of those around him, opening the door for the light to shine in dark places for Ellie. But, this part of his personality was not to overshadow his need for Ellie. When he was with her, his desire was heavy and restraint constantly tested. She turned him inside out, and he tested her willpower to hold onto the past. Their slight cat and mouse game made each of their alone times more tempting and tantalizing. A small nudge, a short push. All of this drove me crazy for more. At the last 10% I couldn't stop from crying, melting into a puddle of goo, and smiling.
Nick and Ellie's story was the definition of romantic perfection. These two great characters, along with their families and friends, gave an unforgettable friends-to-lovers, second chance romance that made every cell In my body stand up and applaud. It was a sensational novel that I quickly placed on my list of favorites for 2017.
"...when my eyes locked with yours, I knew. It was the thunderbolt my grandpa always told me about. He said you'll never know when it will hit you, but when it does, you’re done for. I can't wait to tell him he was absolutely right."
February 27, 2017
I was SURE I was going to have a hard time with this one because I loved Jack so much. But Nick--via Stephanie Rose's masterful plotting--won me over. I think this is her best work to date. I mean, any book that starts out with a Sex and the City reference is going to get high marks right there #Carrie4Life, but it was the way in which the prose flowed so smoothly and how *human* the characters were that was such a joy to read. Very real. Stephanie doesn't just write the first kiss and first blush of love, she takes the story well beyond the initial coming together of the H and h, and explores what it means after the fact. I had one brief moment of "WTF are you doing Nick??" at a certain point, but it resolved beautifully and anyway, that's what relationships are: messy, sometimes bumpy, so that by the end of the novel you feel that they've earned their HEA.
This is classic contemporary romance right here. Real, honest, not overly angsty, and well written.
Highly recommend.
This is classic contemporary romance right here. Real, honest, not overly angsty, and well written.
Highly recommend.
March 30, 2017
Second chance at its finest! This is Stephanie's best work to date and a story jam-packed with relatable, heart-warming emotion. Tackling the subject of moving on after losing the love of your life is not an easy one, but Nick & Ellie's journey to their HEA is something anyone struggling with living after losing should definitely read.
Nick was a beautiful, selfless soul. His love for Ellie and her son was unwavering, flawless, and flat out swoon worthy. Ellie's battle between holding on to the past and creating a new future was actually painful at times. My eyes often pricked with imminent tears when reading how hard it was for her to let go of Jack even though it was his dying wish to do so. We get special treats from beyond the grave through letters from Jack that only give the reader a sense of relief in wanting what's best for Ellie & Nick.
I also loved getting a glimpse of past characters from the other Second Chances books and feeling like these people could be actual neighbors in my hometown of New York. I felt this book truly grasped real life issues and the daily happenings of someone in my age group (okay, maybe a little bit younger lol) and I found myself nodding my head in agreement as I read, as if it was an accurate account of something my friends or I could have been going through. All in all, you won't be sorry for one-clicking, especially if you're a fan of second chance romance, like I am.
Kudos to Stephanie for another awesome addition to the Second Chances Series. Can't wait to see what she has up her sleeves next.
Nick was a beautiful, selfless soul. His love for Ellie and her son was unwavering, flawless, and flat out swoon worthy. Ellie's battle between holding on to the past and creating a new future was actually painful at times. My eyes often pricked with imminent tears when reading how hard it was for her to let go of Jack even though it was his dying wish to do so. We get special treats from beyond the grave through letters from Jack that only give the reader a sense of relief in wanting what's best for Ellie & Nick.
I also loved getting a glimpse of past characters from the other Second Chances books and feeling like these people could be actual neighbors in my hometown of New York. I felt this book truly grasped real life issues and the daily happenings of someone in my age group (okay, maybe a little bit younger lol) and I found myself nodding my head in agreement as I read, as if it was an accurate account of something my friends or I could have been going through. All in all, you won't be sorry for one-clicking, especially if you're a fan of second chance romance, like I am.
Kudos to Stephanie for another awesome addition to the Second Chances Series. Can't wait to see what she has up her sleeves next.
February 20, 2017
“Fate took away the first best thing that ever happened to me. I had serious doubts it would ever make it right.”
“You’re my favorite kind of trouble. And you’re worth every single bit of it.”
“She owned my thoughts to the point of obsession.”
Stephanie Rose is one of my go-to, automatic one click authors. She delivers real and powerful stories that capture your heart and give you all the feels. So, the moment After You hit my kindle, you know that I dropped everything and dove into Nick and Ellie’s story.
After You owned my heart from the moment that I read the prologue. It was in those first precious moments that I just knew that my heart and emotions were going to be taken for an unforgettable journey.
After You is told from dual points of view and is Nick and Ellie’s story. Ellie already had one great, amazing, and unforgettable love. But, fate had other plans for her and took that love away. For years, Ellie would just be going through the motions. She grieved every day for the loss of her husband, but spent every moment being the most amazing mom that she could be. It wasn’t until Nick came into her life, that she really remembered how to breathe. Nick brought Ellie back to life and gave her the courage to fall in love again. The road to HEA for these two was not an easy one. It is a road riddled with lots of hurt, guilt and fears. There were so many moments that just pulled at my heart and had me yelling at my kindle. But, I promise you, the journey is so incredibly worth it. The pull between these two was intense and one that even fate couldn’t deny. I admired Nick’s strength and determination. He knew that what he had with Ellie had amazing potential, he just had to make her open her eyes. He had me rooting for him and Ellie, even in the bleakest of moments.
After You is an incredibly beautiful and well written story. Ellie and Nick’s story will capture your heart, make you fall in love and believe in second chances. Stephanie Rose has once again provided me with a moving and unforgettable love story. The kind that will give you all the feels and ingrain itself deep into your heart.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“You’re my favorite kind of trouble. And you’re worth every single bit of it.”
“She owned my thoughts to the point of obsession.”
Stephanie Rose is one of my go-to, automatic one click authors. She delivers real and powerful stories that capture your heart and give you all the feels. So, the moment After You hit my kindle, you know that I dropped everything and dove into Nick and Ellie’s story.
After You owned my heart from the moment that I read the prologue. It was in those first precious moments that I just knew that my heart and emotions were going to be taken for an unforgettable journey.
After You is told from dual points of view and is Nick and Ellie’s story. Ellie already had one great, amazing, and unforgettable love. But, fate had other plans for her and took that love away. For years, Ellie would just be going through the motions. She grieved every day for the loss of her husband, but spent every moment being the most amazing mom that she could be. It wasn’t until Nick came into her life, that she really remembered how to breathe. Nick brought Ellie back to life and gave her the courage to fall in love again. The road to HEA for these two was not an easy one. It is a road riddled with lots of hurt, guilt and fears. There were so many moments that just pulled at my heart and had me yelling at my kindle. But, I promise you, the journey is so incredibly worth it. The pull between these two was intense and one that even fate couldn’t deny. I admired Nick’s strength and determination. He knew that what he had with Ellie had amazing potential, he just had to make her open her eyes. He had me rooting for him and Ellie, even in the bleakest of moments.
After You is an incredibly beautiful and well written story. Ellie and Nick’s story will capture your heart, make you fall in love and believe in second chances. Stephanie Rose has once again provided me with a moving and unforgettable love story. The kind that will give you all the feels and ingrain itself deep into your heart.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
February 20, 2017
I met Ellie in Only You and have loved her ever since. In After You, I empathized with the loss of her husband, experienced the hurt through her eyes and was in awe of her strength of being a single mom to Jack Jr.
Every minute of Ellie journey to finding love again with Nick, the caring hot fireman, was beautiful. I love all of Stephanie Rose’s stories and this is her best one yet and Nick… oh Nick. He’s my favorite of all of Stephanie’s heroes, because he embodies all the characteristics of a REAL man. A man who gives fully and loves hard. This is such a feel good romance. Feel good all around! It’ll make you laugh, cry and swoon crazy-style. Everyone should experience this second chance romance. You will not regret it!
Every minute of Ellie journey to finding love again with Nick, the caring hot fireman, was beautiful. I love all of Stephanie Rose’s stories and this is her best one yet and Nick… oh Nick. He’s my favorite of all of Stephanie’s heroes, because he embodies all the characteristics of a REAL man. A man who gives fully and loves hard. This is such a feel good romance. Feel good all around! It’ll make you laugh, cry and swoon crazy-style. Everyone should experience this second chance romance. You will not regret it!
February 20, 2017
This is the first time I've read Stephanie Rose, and I'm so glad I did. What a beautiful depiction of life, love, and healing. I laughed, cried, SOBBED... but all the good feels, all the love packaged in these pages was perfection. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Nick is everything a woman could ever want, and I loved that Ellie wasn't over the top wishy washy, she owned her issues, but could bend and the realism of this couple is what sucked me in. If you're a sucker for warm, fuzzy, stunning romance... one click this book!
January 30, 2018
"Is there a time limit on loving someone?"
I'm not sure why I thought listening to the prologue, and the epilogue, while I was driving home from work was a good idea! I cried when I read this book and hearing the words out loud made them even more poignant!
I was so tied up with Ellie- how and when is it okay to move on from your fist love, after they've passed away??? Poor Ellie, I felt so bad for her. Tracy did such a wonderful job of bringing her to life- her hopes and her fears, her worries about leaving Jack in the past and moving on with her life.
It's one thing to read such a heartfelt book, but then to listen to the words come to life, you feel everything in such a different and even more powerful way.
I loved how patient Nick was with Ellie, even as she did her best to push him away, He's such a kind-hearted man, it's hard not to fall for him. You could feel her anguish as she struggled with falling in love again after Jack.
After You is a lovely, heartfelt book that deals with love, loss, and learning to move on.
I'm not sure why I thought listening to the prologue, and the epilogue, while I was driving home from work was a good idea! I cried when I read this book and hearing the words out loud made them even more poignant!
I was so tied up with Ellie- how and when is it okay to move on from your fist love, after they've passed away??? Poor Ellie, I felt so bad for her. Tracy did such a wonderful job of bringing her to life- her hopes and her fears, her worries about leaving Jack in the past and moving on with her life.
It's one thing to read such a heartfelt book, but then to listen to the words come to life, you feel everything in such a different and even more powerful way.
I loved how patient Nick was with Ellie, even as she did her best to push him away, He's such a kind-hearted man, it's hard not to fall for him. You could feel her anguish as she struggled with falling in love again after Jack.
After You is a lovely, heartfelt book that deals with love, loss, and learning to move on.
February 12, 2017
Do you know this great feeling when you start reading a book and can already foresee after the prologue that you are going to fall madly in love with it? That happend to me with After You. This story was an unforgettable emotional journey. It starts with a tragedy that will rip your heart out and make it bleed. You will find yourself wanting to console Ellie and hold her hand during the hardest moments of her life. Everyone who has ever lost the person he/she loved more than life itself will find a piece of oneself in this story. They will understand Ellie's grief, guilt and reluctance to move on.
Ella-Jane once had it all. She met her husband Jack when she was very young and fell immediately in love with him at first sight. They married and lead a happy and content life together until Jack got suddenly sick with leukemia. When he died Ellie was left alone with their sweet baby boy. Although Jack asked her to try to move on after his death she didn't intend to do it. Nobody could ever replace Jack or fill in the void he left behind.
"At the end of the day, I was a girl who loved a boy her entire life, struggling to function in a world without him."
At her friends' wedding a very handsome stranger invites her for a drink. They have a pleasant chat together but since Ellie is recently widowed she rejects his offer for more. She is not ready for someone new.
"You wouldn't want to waste time with me."
"I've only known you for an hour, but I'm pretty sure any time with you would be worth it."
5 years later Ellie is accompanying her son Jack to a Tiger Scout meeting. It turns out that the gorgeous den leader is the man she met years ago. Nick moved back from Florida to New York and is now working in one of the local firehouses. He is still charming, single and interested. Nick is aware that Ellie is still stuck in the same sad life and that convincing her to give him a chance would be a tough fight. Ellie is scared of the effect Nick has on her. For the first time since Jack's death she feels attracted to a man. He is caring, patient and understanding. Little Jack jr. adores him and finally has someone to look upon to. If only Ellie could stop feeling guilty and convince her mind of what her heart is already telling her ...
"... I never thought it was possible to have two true loves ... There was no shame in having more than one in a lifetime. In fact, it was a blessing ..."
I worship the ground Nick walks on. This man has stolen my heart from the first moment he appeared in the book. When Nick loves, he loves with all his heart and soul. I admired him for his persistency and his understanding for Ellie's situation. He was amazing with Jack and I loved their interactions. Ellie is such an incredible woman. She went through a horrible tragedy and still came out strong. I can imagine how frightening it was for her to open up her heart and to love again.
This story has a beautiful and important message written all over it: Believe in second chances! Don't be afraid to love again! Sometimes the universe grants you the precious gift of not just one but more loves during your lifetime. Embrace it!
Stephanie Rose's writing has touched me deeply and her characters have forever engraved themselves into my heart. I strongly recommend you to read this story and to let yourself experience it. But first make sure to stock up with tissues! You are definitely going to need them.
Ella-Jane once had it all. She met her husband Jack when she was very young and fell immediately in love with him at first sight. They married and lead a happy and content life together until Jack got suddenly sick with leukemia. When he died Ellie was left alone with their sweet baby boy. Although Jack asked her to try to move on after his death she didn't intend to do it. Nobody could ever replace Jack or fill in the void he left behind.
"At the end of the day, I was a girl who loved a boy her entire life, struggling to function in a world without him."
At her friends' wedding a very handsome stranger invites her for a drink. They have a pleasant chat together but since Ellie is recently widowed she rejects his offer for more. She is not ready for someone new.
"You wouldn't want to waste time with me."
"I've only known you for an hour, but I'm pretty sure any time with you would be worth it."
5 years later Ellie is accompanying her son Jack to a Tiger Scout meeting. It turns out that the gorgeous den leader is the man she met years ago. Nick moved back from Florida to New York and is now working in one of the local firehouses. He is still charming, single and interested. Nick is aware that Ellie is still stuck in the same sad life and that convincing her to give him a chance would be a tough fight. Ellie is scared of the effect Nick has on her. For the first time since Jack's death she feels attracted to a man. He is caring, patient and understanding. Little Jack jr. adores him and finally has someone to look upon to. If only Ellie could stop feeling guilty and convince her mind of what her heart is already telling her ...
"... I never thought it was possible to have two true loves ... There was no shame in having more than one in a lifetime. In fact, it was a blessing ..."
I worship the ground Nick walks on. This man has stolen my heart from the first moment he appeared in the book. When Nick loves, he loves with all his heart and soul. I admired him for his persistency and his understanding for Ellie's situation. He was amazing with Jack and I loved their interactions. Ellie is such an incredible woman. She went through a horrible tragedy and still came out strong. I can imagine how frightening it was for her to open up her heart and to love again.
This story has a beautiful and important message written all over it: Believe in second chances! Don't be afraid to love again! Sometimes the universe grants you the precious gift of not just one but more loves during your lifetime. Embrace it!
Stephanie Rose's writing has touched me deeply and her characters have forever engraved themselves into my heart. I strongly recommend you to read this story and to let yourself experience it. But first make sure to stock up with tissues! You are definitely going to need them.
February 18, 2017
Each time Stephanie Rose releases a new book, I find myself saying "this is her best one yet!" And After You is no exception. This really, truly is her best one yet. Stephanie Rose has found the beauty in tragedy and woven a stunning tale of life and love after devastating loss.
While After You is a standalone, the characters are all interconnected in this Second Chance series. We originally met Ellie back in Only You and we were left heartbroken at the direction her journey took. Ellie is a character of ALL THE FEELS and Jack left some remarkably big shoes to fill...because let's be honest, Jack was perfection. I've personally always felt most connected to Ellie's character and have been craving a worthy man for her -- if only she can get out of her own way and let love in. Let's just say this book DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! Nick will incinerate the panties right off your body and leave you swooning for more. Stephanie always manages to craft the most amazing fictional men!
"You and me. No more running away. I kiss you. I touch you. And you stay." <-- SEE WHAT I MEAN!?
I'm never one to give anything away plot-wise in my reviews to keep things spoiler-free, but I will say to prepare for an emotional roller coaster and brace yourself to fall in love with your new book boyfriend!!! Nick is seriously smoking' hot (and no pun intended).
Five Fire-Hot Stars from this fan!!!!
While After You is a standalone, the characters are all interconnected in this Second Chance series. We originally met Ellie back in Only You and we were left heartbroken at the direction her journey took. Ellie is a character of ALL THE FEELS and Jack left some remarkably big shoes to fill...because let's be honest, Jack was perfection. I've personally always felt most connected to Ellie's character and have been craving a worthy man for her -- if only she can get out of her own way and let love in. Let's just say this book DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! Nick will incinerate the panties right off your body and leave you swooning for more. Stephanie always manages to craft the most amazing fictional men!
"You and me. No more running away. I kiss you. I touch you. And you stay." <-- SEE WHAT I MEAN!?
I'm never one to give anything away plot-wise in my reviews to keep things spoiler-free, but I will say to prepare for an emotional roller coaster and brace yourself to fall in love with your new book boyfriend!!! Nick is seriously smoking' hot (and no pun intended).
Five Fire-Hot Stars from this fan!!!!
February 19, 2017
Stephanie Rose knows just how to break my heart into tiny little pieces and carefully stitch it back together. I’ve loved all of her books, but I believe this is her best work yet. The ever present pain of what’s been lost, the new yearning for what could be—I felt Ellie’s struggle and loved every minute of her journey. Nick and Ellie’s story is one that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. I highly recommend this beautiful second chance romance!
March 5, 2017
It would be hard to get into a relationship with someone who lost a spouse. As this book so aptly points out, the ghost is ever present in the relationship. I would hope that if this ever happened to me, the person I dated would be a bit more understanding than Nick was about Ellie's ghost.
I mean it's almost like he was completely insensitive at one point. I wouldn't have blamed Ellie if she never forgave him. I dunno, losing the love of her life, a man she still loves, isn't easy. To let someone in takes time and finesse. I liked Nick, but there are some things that can't be forced like he did. Emotional blackmail is how he forced her hand. It tainted his character.
Other than that, it was a nice, slow-building romance that seemed fated from the beginning.
I mean it's almost like he was completely insensitive at one point. I wouldn't have blamed Ellie if she never forgave him. I dunno, losing the love of her life, a man she still loves, isn't easy. To let someone in takes time and finesse. I liked Nick, but there are some things that can't be forced like he did. Emotional blackmail is how he forced her hand. It tainted his character.
Other than that, it was a nice, slow-building romance that seemed fated from the beginning.
November 30, 2018
I like this book ok. The blurp seems very promising. The first 10% very promising. But it fells flat after 50%. Minimum angst, minimum drama. I do not understand ella/elli. Her husband is dead. But yet she is keep nick at a arm lenght. The author did not really explore that. So it feels weird that u have this handsome loving nick but ella just keep putting nick at the arms lenght.
The chemistry between ella and nick is romantic. Sweet. But not explosive. Just so so.
Again like i said i like this book ok.
3 stars
The chemistry between ella and nick is romantic. Sweet. But not explosive. Just so so.
Again like i said i like this book ok.
3 stars
February 3, 2017
You know what they say. You know you've found a great author when you read her book in one day.
I have followed Stephanie since book one. She is an amazing author.
Ellie is just living it one day at a time with her son Jack Jr. She's doing the best she can after her husband passed away a few years back. At Paige and Evans wedding she meets Nick. After a few years she runs into him again. Will Nick be able to open Ellie's eyes and get her to love again and to get on with her life. Can she do it?
Loved this book so much.
I have followed Stephanie since book one. She is an amazing author.
Ellie is just living it one day at a time with her son Jack Jr. She's doing the best she can after her husband passed away a few years back. At Paige and Evans wedding she meets Nick. After a few years she runs into him again. Will Nick be able to open Ellie's eyes and get her to love again and to get on with her life. Can she do it?
Loved this book so much.
February 24, 2017
"How can there be anyone After You?"
Ellie had the perfect life with her husband Jack and son Jack, Jr., until one day, it wasn't. She had found her happily ever after, until one day, it wasn't. Her future wasn't what she had envisioned it to be. But does that mean that it can't be? That she can't find a new happily ever after?
Oh. My. God! I will begin by stating that I have always been a fan of Stephanie Rose and her books. She has a way with words and can write some awesome characters. She doesn't fail with After You. In fact, I will go so far as to say that I think this is her best book yet (and that kills me to say, because I hold a special place in my heart for Evan in Only You). Nick.... Holy Hotness! He is a special kind of man, that hot firefighter! Not only is he hot, but he is great with kids. Ellie is so strong, surviving and raising her son the best that she can. Nick comes along and manages to break down the walls that Ellie built and heal a family.
"Some of the worst hurt came from the greatest love. And a life without love, wasn't a life at all."
Seriously, I love this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. It has all the feels- it made me laugh, cry, and I felt all the emotions that the characters experienced. If there is one book that you must read, this is it. What a great way to end the Second Chance series!!
Ellie had the perfect life with her husband Jack and son Jack, Jr., until one day, it wasn't. She had found her happily ever after, until one day, it wasn't. Her future wasn't what she had envisioned it to be. But does that mean that it can't be? That she can't find a new happily ever after?
Oh. My. God! I will begin by stating that I have always been a fan of Stephanie Rose and her books. She has a way with words and can write some awesome characters. She doesn't fail with After You. In fact, I will go so far as to say that I think this is her best book yet (and that kills me to say, because I hold a special place in my heart for Evan in Only You). Nick.... Holy Hotness! He is a special kind of man, that hot firefighter! Not only is he hot, but he is great with kids. Ellie is so strong, surviving and raising her son the best that she can. Nick comes along and manages to break down the walls that Ellie built and heal a family.
"Some of the worst hurt came from the greatest love. And a life without love, wasn't a life at all."
Seriously, I love this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. It has all the feels- it made me laugh, cry, and I felt all the emotions that the characters experienced. If there is one book that you must read, this is it. What a great way to end the Second Chance series!!
February 22, 2017
**ARC received voluntarily for review**
This is the first book I've read by Stephanie Rose and she didn't disappoint. I cried reading the prologue, got tired of smiling reading this beautiful story and cried again reading the epilogue. Talk about emotional but in a beautiful way that seriously gets you thinking.
Ellie loses the love of her life and the only man she's ever been with to leukemia. At the time of her husband death, she was a new mom with a baby boy. It was only her and her baby boy Jack Jr. Close to a year after losing her husband a gorgeous man approaches her at her husband cousin and best friend wedding. They share a drink and she leaves. Nick was mesmerized by the beautiful woman.
Five years later they run into each other again when Nick is the new den leader of her son scouts. The minute he sees her he still feels the same attraction. Ellie fought it because she was still grieving her husband even though five years had passed. She never dated and still wore her wedding rings. Nick never rushed her and little by little starting breaking down those walls. She was still reserved but Nick wasn't only falling in love with her but also with her son and Jack Jr wanted Nick to be around all the time.
Ellie was still stubborn about completely letting go and Nick had all the patience in the world. It was such a beautiful, emotional love story with no drama with heroes with big hearts. Jack Sr. was also swoony but I won't give that away just that he will have you in tears.
Loved this story, ❤️
This is the first book I've read by Stephanie Rose and she didn't disappoint. I cried reading the prologue, got tired of smiling reading this beautiful story and cried again reading the epilogue. Talk about emotional but in a beautiful way that seriously gets you thinking.
Ellie loses the love of her life and the only man she's ever been with to leukemia. At the time of her husband death, she was a new mom with a baby boy. It was only her and her baby boy Jack Jr. Close to a year after losing her husband a gorgeous man approaches her at her husband cousin and best friend wedding. They share a drink and she leaves. Nick was mesmerized by the beautiful woman.
Five years later they run into each other again when Nick is the new den leader of her son scouts. The minute he sees her he still feels the same attraction. Ellie fought it because she was still grieving her husband even though five years had passed. She never dated and still wore her wedding rings. Nick never rushed her and little by little starting breaking down those walls. She was still reserved but Nick wasn't only falling in love with her but also with her son and Jack Jr wanted Nick to be around all the time.
Ellie was still stubborn about completely letting go and Nick had all the patience in the world. It was such a beautiful, emotional love story with no drama with heroes with big hearts. Jack Sr. was also swoony but I won't give that away just that he will have you in tears.
Loved this story, ❤️
October 25, 2017
I'm still crying as I sit here and write this review. I had a feeling I would cry reading this book but not how much I would. I adored Ellie in Only You and when I found out she was getting a story, let's just say I was super excited! Especially after everything with Jack. That being said I'm jumping right in.
The letter at the beginning had me in tears. I've read it in a newsletter and knew exactly what it said but it didn't stop the tears! Jack is just, he's special. He really is. It's no wonder Ellie is in a world of hurt. It's the night of Paige and Evan's wedding that Ellie meets Nick for the first time..... and neither of their lives will ever be the same. It takes 5 years until our story starts but it's all over from there!!
Nick enters back into Ellie's life and it's anything but easy. He's moved back to New York and Ellie is teaching and Jack Jr is growing up. At first he doesn't really fit in, until Scouts. And who should be the leader? Nick of course. And so starts Nick and Jacks friendship and a little something more for Ellie. Nick, he's special. Not many men could step up and do what he potentially is trying to do. Jack made a huge impact on my heart and I knew Ellie had to have the best after Jack. And goodness gracious did she! Nick had to work and work and multiple times do things that I hated but knew would work out for him in the long run. He had to make Ellie see what she needed! And he did a damn fine job of it!!
Add in Evan and Paige and it's a sweet reunion of some of my favorite characters. All helping each other through life. There are some surprises in this story but still have you rooting for two of my favorite characters ever. Ellie and Nick along with Jack Jr have made one lasting impression on my heart. As well as Nick making one with both Jack Jr and Ellie. And if I hadn't cried enough, the epilogue tore my heart up even more in the best way possible.
And before I go, I'll leave you with one quote that sums up this entire story and speaks more to my heart than anything. It makes me believe in Ellie and Nick even more than I did and to love them even more. "Losing the most important person to you is not only life changing, it can feel life ending-until someone makes you want to start living again." To me this quote says it all, in this story and in actual life! ❤️
The letter at the beginning had me in tears. I've read it in a newsletter and knew exactly what it said but it didn't stop the tears! Jack is just, he's special. He really is. It's no wonder Ellie is in a world of hurt. It's the night of Paige and Evan's wedding that Ellie meets Nick for the first time..... and neither of their lives will ever be the same. It takes 5 years until our story starts but it's all over from there!!
Nick enters back into Ellie's life and it's anything but easy. He's moved back to New York and Ellie is teaching and Jack Jr is growing up. At first he doesn't really fit in, until Scouts. And who should be the leader? Nick of course. And so starts Nick and Jacks friendship and a little something more for Ellie. Nick, he's special. Not many men could step up and do what he potentially is trying to do. Jack made a huge impact on my heart and I knew Ellie had to have the best after Jack. And goodness gracious did she! Nick had to work and work and multiple times do things that I hated but knew would work out for him in the long run. He had to make Ellie see what she needed! And he did a damn fine job of it!!
Add in Evan and Paige and it's a sweet reunion of some of my favorite characters. All helping each other through life. There are some surprises in this story but still have you rooting for two of my favorite characters ever. Ellie and Nick along with Jack Jr have made one lasting impression on my heart. As well as Nick making one with both Jack Jr and Ellie. And if I hadn't cried enough, the epilogue tore my heart up even more in the best way possible.
And before I go, I'll leave you with one quote that sums up this entire story and speaks more to my heart than anything. It makes me believe in Ellie and Nick even more than I did and to love them even more. "Losing the most important person to you is not only life changing, it can feel life ending-until someone makes you want to start living again." To me this quote says it all, in this story and in actual life! ❤️
February 21, 2017
Honestly was a little nervous to read this one...Jack left some pretty big shoes to fill and honestly wasn't ready to move on. This can surely be read as a standalone but it would be best to read Only You first since that is we first meet Ellie. This one pulled at my heart strings and pulled me through a rollercoaster of emotions that I felt right along with Ellie. Some bittersweet moments and Seriously!!! That Epilogue...was pure awesomeness at the highest!! This one has loved up the ranks and was the authors best one to date. Can't wait to see what she gives us next.
March 12, 2017
This is my first book by this author and I loved it. Heartbreaking and brilliant at the same time. Nick is charming, lovable and a good man. He sees Ellie and knows she's someone special. I can't imagine Ellie, a widow at such a young age and also a young mom. This book was written so well. I look forward to reading the first two books in the series.
September 16, 2017
Woah! Hold the phone! This has got to be one of the best romance audio books I’ve listened to! I don’t go for the romance that much… the sex is a bit awkward to listen to out loud. But this book is so different! The story line is amazing but the narrator brings it up a whole other level! I’ve never listened to Tracey Marks before and she just has a lovely voice. She did the voices of both sexes like a serious pro! I’m not sure if could have been better if there was both male and female narrators. Marks worked so well with this story!
Besides the narrator being perfectly on point, this story has a extremely meaningful and breath-taking message held within its pages… Believe in yourself and in second chances! Don't be afraid to love again… to put yourself out there! This is a message I believe fully in!
Stephanie Rose's writing has touched my heart deeply! The characters are so real and you can’t help but feel a pull towards them… towards the situation. I strongly recommend you at least read this story but listening to it is a whole other experience!!! So take a chance and give this a listen or a read! Just prepare yourself to cry… to perhaps curl up into yourself and feel your heart break! Grab those tissues!
Besides the narrator being perfectly on point, this story has a extremely meaningful and breath-taking message held within its pages… Believe in yourself and in second chances! Don't be afraid to love again… to put yourself out there! This is a message I believe fully in!
Stephanie Rose's writing has touched my heart deeply! The characters are so real and you can’t help but feel a pull towards them… towards the situation. I strongly recommend you at least read this story but listening to it is a whole other experience!!! So take a chance and give this a listen or a read! Just prepare yourself to cry… to perhaps curl up into yourself and feel your heart break! Grab those tissues!
February 14, 2017
Let me preface my review by saying that I love Stephanie and I love her words. I have been following her since she first published Always You and she has not disappointed me yet. But this book... THIS. BOOK. *sigh* It's definitely my favorite.
If you have read Only You then you have met Ellie. She and Jack were my favorites in that book (I have a thing for side characters) and you know what happened in their story. If you haven't read it, WHY NOT? Go read it and stop reading this! I cried, I bawled, I curled up into a ball and thought the sun would never shine again. Jack was my absolute favorite character out of all of the books in this series and I was so worried that I would not be able to get into this book because of how amazing he was. And I have never been so happy to be wrong.
Stephanie was able to create yet another perfect match for Ellie. And I was so glad she did so because Ellie deserved it. Nick was perfection. He is sweet and hot and understanding and HOT. I completely fell in love with him. I loved watching him and Ellie grow together and learn to adapt and just live and love. (and those letters?! They ripped my heart out and were perfectly done.)
I have come to realize that Stephanie's books will leave you with a smile on your lips and tears streaming down your face. And I absolutely can't wait for more!
If you have read Only You then you have met Ellie. She and Jack were my favorites in that book (I have a thing for side characters) and you know what happened in their story. If you haven't read it, WHY NOT? Go read it and stop reading this! I cried, I bawled, I curled up into a ball and thought the sun would never shine again. Jack was my absolute favorite character out of all of the books in this series and I was so worried that I would not be able to get into this book because of how amazing he was. And I have never been so happy to be wrong.
Stephanie was able to create yet another perfect match for Ellie. And I was so glad she did so because Ellie deserved it. Nick was perfection. He is sweet and hot and understanding and HOT. I completely fell in love with him. I loved watching him and Ellie grow together and learn to adapt and just live and love. (and those letters?! They ripped my heart out and were perfectly done.)
I have come to realize that Stephanie's books will leave you with a smile on your lips and tears streaming down your face. And I absolutely can't wait for more!
June 16, 2019
After You by Stephanie Rose is an emotional getting a second chance romance. Ellie Taylor was living her happily ever after until her husband, Jack succumbed to leukemia. Now she is a thirty-something single mom/Kindergarten teacher living in New York. When she attends the wedding of her best friends, Evan and Paige, she briefly talks to Evan's friend Nick who lives in Florida. Five years later, she sees Nick again. He now lives in New York and is her son's scout leader! He is also a handsome lieutenant at the fire house! This book is the story of their journey to find a lasting loving relationship. The author includes letters written by Nick that really add something special. I enjoyed this book: the characters, the story line, and watching the characters' relationship change.
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