What do you think?
Rate this book
After the Fire
This is the story of girl meets boy.
And then everything goes wrong . . .
Ever since they first met at university, Beth and Nick have circled in and out of one another's supporting each other through grief, marriage, divorce, career crises and family dramas.
Fourteen years ago, when they were on the cusp of adulthood, they both survived a devastating fire that sent their lives in different directions. And they've been running ever from the pain, from the memories, and most devastatingly of all, from the guilt.
But no matter how hard they try, there's something else they can't run from. The inescapable, terrifying they're in love with each other.
But how can they move forward, when neither of them can stop looking back?
And then everything goes wrong . . .
Ever since they first met at university, Beth and Nick have circled in and out of one another's supporting each other through grief, marriage, divorce, career crises and family dramas.
Fourteen years ago, when they were on the cusp of adulthood, they both survived a devastating fire that sent their lives in different directions. And they've been running ever from the pain, from the memories, and most devastatingly of all, from the guilt.
But no matter how hard they try, there's something else they can't run from. The inescapable, terrifying they're in love with each other.
But how can they move forward, when neither of them can stop looking back?
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
9 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 27, 2024
Oh my goodness, finally I read something that I enjoyed and was engaged with emotionally. The thing is that whatever I tell you about this book it won`t do it justice. Here: it`s about friendship, family, love, trauma, timing, loneliness, longing, distance, and domestic violence. How does it sound? Not great, right? But it is great! This is a beautifully written story about finding yourself and the one and only at the right time, plus all of the above. It still sounds messy, but honestly, this book is worth your time. It`s not perfect, but it`s gripping, immersing, sad, yet hopeful. This is not another stupid romance, it`s so much more.
June 5, 2024
I really enjoyed Charlotte's previous book The One That Got Away so when I came across the chance to read and review After The Fire, I jumped.
I was gripped from the first page, Nick and Beth have a very "will they, or won't they" dynamic, and I loved that the book was written in different sections. They come together quick but just as things start to settle a tragedy rips them apart, this book tells us the aftermath over the years and it's very thought provoking.
This book covers themes of loss, domestic violence, mental health and grief, but Charlotte expresses them in a way that adds to the book in a sensitive manner. I enjoyed the moments we go through with the MCs in After The Fire, thinking back I always find something new to admire. I'll definitely need to reread it again in the near future.
I can wholeheartedly recommend picking this book up if you're looking for something real, raw and compelling all the way through. I loved the journey this book took me on and I'm so excited to see what Charlotte may do next.
I was gripped from the first page, Nick and Beth have a very "will they, or won't they" dynamic, and I loved that the book was written in different sections. They come together quick but just as things start to settle a tragedy rips them apart, this book tells us the aftermath over the years and it's very thought provoking.
This book covers themes of loss, domestic violence, mental health and grief, but Charlotte expresses them in a way that adds to the book in a sensitive manner. I enjoyed the moments we go through with the MCs in After The Fire, thinking back I always find something new to admire. I'll definitely need to reread it again in the near future.
I can wholeheartedly recommend picking this book up if you're looking for something real, raw and compelling all the way through. I loved the journey this book took me on and I'm so excited to see what Charlotte may do next.
June 21, 2024
thank you to netgalley and head of zeus for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! 💭
i can definitely see this being the it book for fans of one day by david nicholls, and if you're in a numbed-down state after watching the show you should go for it. beth and nick’s relationship is a perfect blend of will-they-won’t-they, and the exploration of how grief and trauma manifests in each of them is executed painfully well. i, however, was not much of a fan of the aforementioned book… and the same goes for this one. i thought that there was a lot going on with the time-skips and everything, and would have loved to feel a bit more emotionally connected to the characters, considering what they’d been through together. we only briefly saw them interact at university before the tragedy took place, and between that and the aftermath, too much time had passed for me to believe they could pick up their relationship where they’d left off. i also felt that rosa and beth’s relationship dynamics could have been explored a bit more during the in-between years. aside from these small criticisms, the book has its strengths. i was happy they got the ending they did, and i did like how delicately the story was handled (even the dramatic and gripping bits!) i always love me a dual pov because we get to see both sides of the story, and this delivered on that front. didn’t cry like i’d expected to (no emotional connection), but some scenes — especially them going to nick’s house together at the end, and the conversation that ensued — did tug at my heartstrings.
among the numerous sensitive topics addressed, i was surprised — in a good way — to see the inclusion of male victims of domestic violence. the portrayal underscores that a perpetrator of domestic violence has no gender, and as heartbreaking as it was to see nick go through what he did, i appreciated how carefully this side of the novel was put forth. all in all, a solid novel.
-
rating: 3.25/5
i can definitely see this being the it book for fans of one day by david nicholls, and if you're in a numbed-down state after watching the show you should go for it. beth and nick’s relationship is a perfect blend of will-they-won’t-they, and the exploration of how grief and trauma manifests in each of them is executed painfully well. i, however, was not much of a fan of the aforementioned book… and the same goes for this one. i thought that there was a lot going on with the time-skips and everything, and would have loved to feel a bit more emotionally connected to the characters, considering what they’d been through together. we only briefly saw them interact at university before the tragedy took place, and between that and the aftermath, too much time had passed for me to believe they could pick up their relationship where they’d left off. i also felt that rosa and beth’s relationship dynamics could have been explored a bit more during the in-between years. aside from these small criticisms, the book has its strengths. i was happy they got the ending they did, and i did like how delicately the story was handled (even the dramatic and gripping bits!) i always love me a dual pov because we get to see both sides of the story, and this delivered on that front. didn’t cry like i’d expected to (no emotional connection), but some scenes — especially them going to nick’s house together at the end, and the conversation that ensued — did tug at my heartstrings.
among the numerous sensitive topics addressed, i was surprised — in a good way — to see the inclusion of male victims of domestic violence. the portrayal underscores that a perpetrator of domestic violence has no gender, and as heartbreaking as it was to see nick go through what he did, i appreciated how carefully this side of the novel was put forth. all in all, a solid novel.
-
rating: 3.25/5
July 30, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a very emotional and intriguing read. I enjoyed reading about Beth and Nick’s separate life progressions, and how they kept coming back together in various ways.
However, the timeline felt very clunky to me. We barely got to spend any time with Beth and Nick before the fire happened, so the opportunity to build up valuable character development was lost. After that, the timeline jumps seemed quite sporadic, and I struggled to remain engaged with the story as a result.
This could have been an absolutely phenomenal read, but sadly the pacing lets it down.
That being said, I liked the writing style and the romantic monologues were done very well, so I would be interested in reading more works by this author 🥰
This was a very emotional and intriguing read. I enjoyed reading about Beth and Nick’s separate life progressions, and how they kept coming back together in various ways.
However, the timeline felt very clunky to me. We barely got to spend any time with Beth and Nick before the fire happened, so the opportunity to build up valuable character development was lost. After that, the timeline jumps seemed quite sporadic, and I struggled to remain engaged with the story as a result.
This could have been an absolutely phenomenal read, but sadly the pacing lets it down.
That being said, I liked the writing style and the romantic monologues were done very well, so I would be interested in reading more works by this author 🥰
July 20, 2024
I quite liked this book. I think it did well to show how different people process grief over the years. This book does centre around a few deaths (massive TW) but not only that, it also has representation for hoarding and dealing with a family member who hoards. I think this book is perfect for those who enjoyed One Day by David Nicholls.
April 22, 2025
3.75⭐
January 2, 2026
wasn’t very believable now was it
May 27, 2024
Nick and Beth meet at university and fall for each other pretty quickly, but just as they're about to embark on their future together a tragedy devastates them both learning them apart.
The story follows them over the years, through new relationships, family troubles and career highs and lows. Never quite letting each other back in, but always in each other's lives.
I loved this story so much, it had me hooked from the start.
Fans of Rixons debut novel The One That Got Away won't be disappointed with this offering. If you loved One Day, you won't go far wrong with this.
With thanks to Aria &Aries and Netgalley for this ARC.
The story follows them over the years, through new relationships, family troubles and career highs and lows. Never quite letting each other back in, but always in each other's lives.
I loved this story so much, it had me hooked from the start.
Fans of Rixons debut novel The One That Got Away won't be disappointed with this offering. If you loved One Day, you won't go far wrong with this.
With thanks to Aria &Aries and Netgalley for this ARC.
September 9, 2024
Excellent read, very well written about the aftermath effects of a fire in halls of residence on all concerned. I had all types of emotions whilst reading this book. Brilliant 👏🏼 👏🏼
October 18, 2024
Beth and Nick met during their first few weeks at university. Something blossomed between them, but before their relationship could take off, a terrible fire tore through their accommodation block, killing their flatmate (Nick's recently-ex girlfriend) Anna. The tragedy created a complex tangle of grief and guilty feelings between them, that they have never been able to address.
Over the next fourteen years, Beth and Nick have done their best to remain friends, supporting each other through the hard knocks of relationship and work issues. Time and time again their lives touch, but the trauma of the past always gets in the way of them allowing their friendship to become more. There is no denying that they love each other, but how can they ever move forward when memories of the past continue to haunt them?
As in Charlotte Rixon's excellent debut novel for Aria, The One That Got Away, this is a novel all about confronting difficult emotions concerning events from the past, but unlike her first book, this really is a love story.
Beth and Nick are a couple who are meant to be together, but their budding relationship is knocked off course by a tragic fire that builds a wall between them, bound together by the complicated feelings that unresolved trauma brings. The story unfurls through the points of view of Beth and Nick over fourteen years, dropping into their lives at various points between their meeting and time they are finally able to confront the ghosts that haunt them.
This is a tale wreathed in gut-wrenching emotions. Nick is sent reeling by survivor's guilt, and his response is to runaway from feelings he has no idea how to deal with. In parallel, Beth, sees the only way forward is to pull together and salvage something from the ashes, and she finds his abandonment impossible to fathom. Over the years, they learn to forge a friendship of a kind, with love simmering under the surface, but the timing is never right for them to be together - even if they could move past the deep-seated issues they simply do not speak about.
At its heart, this is a story about dealing with unresolved trauma, and not just of the kind that the fire brings to the surface. As the pair find a way to work through their heart-ache, Nick by going back to his roots and Beth by writing about her own view of their relationship, Rixon weaves in really thought provoking storylines about mental health, unhealthy coping mechanisms, abusive relationships, and finding a way to move on from tragedy, particularly when it comes to Nick. I was really struck by the tenderness she brings to the difficult relationship Nick has with his mother (although his saviour complex was a bit wearing), and the way she brings Nick and Beth to the point where they can finally lay bare their feelings is beautifully orchestrated.
This is a hard-hitting book, but is is also deeply touching, and displays a maturity in the writing that is remarkably compelling. It is not your typical love story, taking you through a series of very difficult scenes, and yet Nick and Beth's journey is a rewarding one that ends with warmth, healing, and hope. I am beginning to find Charlotte Rixon's books quite addictive. I cannot wait for the next one...
Over the next fourteen years, Beth and Nick have done their best to remain friends, supporting each other through the hard knocks of relationship and work issues. Time and time again their lives touch, but the trauma of the past always gets in the way of them allowing their friendship to become more. There is no denying that they love each other, but how can they ever move forward when memories of the past continue to haunt them?
As in Charlotte Rixon's excellent debut novel for Aria, The One That Got Away, this is a novel all about confronting difficult emotions concerning events from the past, but unlike her first book, this really is a love story.
Beth and Nick are a couple who are meant to be together, but their budding relationship is knocked off course by a tragic fire that builds a wall between them, bound together by the complicated feelings that unresolved trauma brings. The story unfurls through the points of view of Beth and Nick over fourteen years, dropping into their lives at various points between their meeting and time they are finally able to confront the ghosts that haunt them.
This is a tale wreathed in gut-wrenching emotions. Nick is sent reeling by survivor's guilt, and his response is to runaway from feelings he has no idea how to deal with. In parallel, Beth, sees the only way forward is to pull together and salvage something from the ashes, and she finds his abandonment impossible to fathom. Over the years, they learn to forge a friendship of a kind, with love simmering under the surface, but the timing is never right for them to be together - even if they could move past the deep-seated issues they simply do not speak about.
At its heart, this is a story about dealing with unresolved trauma, and not just of the kind that the fire brings to the surface. As the pair find a way to work through their heart-ache, Nick by going back to his roots and Beth by writing about her own view of their relationship, Rixon weaves in really thought provoking storylines about mental health, unhealthy coping mechanisms, abusive relationships, and finding a way to move on from tragedy, particularly when it comes to Nick. I was really struck by the tenderness she brings to the difficult relationship Nick has with his mother (although his saviour complex was a bit wearing), and the way she brings Nick and Beth to the point where they can finally lay bare their feelings is beautifully orchestrated.
This is a hard-hitting book, but is is also deeply touching, and displays a maturity in the writing that is remarkably compelling. It is not your typical love story, taking you through a series of very difficult scenes, and yet Nick and Beth's journey is a rewarding one that ends with warmth, healing, and hope. I am beginning to find Charlotte Rixon's books quite addictive. I cannot wait for the next one...
August 8, 2024
God, I absolutely love stories of first loves - the intensity, the drama, the effect it has on the rest of your life! - and 'After The Fire' from Charlotte Rixon is a total winner. The comparisons to 'One Day' are well-deserved.
Beth and Nick are in the same student flat at university (in fact, her first ever sighting of Nick was walking into their shared bathroom and getting an eyeful!). Beth has arrived a few weeks late following an ongoing bout of illness, and is trying to make friends with her new flatmates -as well as Nick, she's also sharing with Rosa and Anna, best friends from way back when. Nick and Anna have already started up a relationship, so when Beth feels a spark of chemistry between her and Nick, she does her best to ignore it. Its harder than she thought though, its such a strong pull calling her to Nick and she is fairly sure that he feels the same way. He even goes to watch her in drama club read-throughs - he's got it bad.
Nick breaks up with Anna and invites Beth out for a midnight walk - god, these scenes were so delicious, filled with the anticipation of what is going to happen, but neither of them wanting to make the first move. Just as they have their first kiss, which is every bit as amazing as they'd both hoped, they spot a fire raging through their flat - and the aftermath of what happens changes their lives forever.
Nick drops out of university and moves away. Beth completes her drama degree and starts to piece together a living as an actor. They both start other relationships and build their own lives. When Beth breaks up with a long term partner, the only person she wants to talk to is Nick. And so they rekindle their friendship, tentatively building connections again but both aware that they can only ever be friends.
The story is told from both Beth's and Nick's perspective; by hearing their internal thoughts, you can feel the ongoing longing and need for the other, but also the fear that they can never restart that very first relationship with all of its promise of a brighter future.
Charlotte Rixon has created such a wonderful book, it doesn't shy away from thornier issues of mental health and domestic abuse but it is told in a supportive empowering way. Definitely one I will be recommending.
And before I go -congratulations to the cover designer, I love those colours together and the design was so eyecatching.
Beth and Nick are in the same student flat at university (in fact, her first ever sighting of Nick was walking into their shared bathroom and getting an eyeful!). Beth has arrived a few weeks late following an ongoing bout of illness, and is trying to make friends with her new flatmates -as well as Nick, she's also sharing with Rosa and Anna, best friends from way back when. Nick and Anna have already started up a relationship, so when Beth feels a spark of chemistry between her and Nick, she does her best to ignore it. Its harder than she thought though, its such a strong pull calling her to Nick and she is fairly sure that he feels the same way. He even goes to watch her in drama club read-throughs - he's got it bad.
Nick breaks up with Anna and invites Beth out for a midnight walk - god, these scenes were so delicious, filled with the anticipation of what is going to happen, but neither of them wanting to make the first move. Just as they have their first kiss, which is every bit as amazing as they'd both hoped, they spot a fire raging through their flat - and the aftermath of what happens changes their lives forever.
Nick drops out of university and moves away. Beth completes her drama degree and starts to piece together a living as an actor. They both start other relationships and build their own lives. When Beth breaks up with a long term partner, the only person she wants to talk to is Nick. And so they rekindle their friendship, tentatively building connections again but both aware that they can only ever be friends.
The story is told from both Beth's and Nick's perspective; by hearing their internal thoughts, you can feel the ongoing longing and need for the other, but also the fear that they can never restart that very first relationship with all of its promise of a brighter future.
Charlotte Rixon has created such a wonderful book, it doesn't shy away from thornier issues of mental health and domestic abuse but it is told in a supportive empowering way. Definitely one I will be recommending.
And before I go -congratulations to the cover designer, I love those colours together and the design was so eyecatching.
March 24, 2025
When Beth and Nick meet at university, there is an instant connection. What starts off as a friendship quickly simmers into something more - an exciting, inevitable flirtation. But just when they are teetering on the edge of falling deeply for each other, a devastating fire wrenches them apart, their relationship irrevocably altered as they both try to figure out what happens next.
From here, the story follows Beth and Nick as they head in different directions, dipping in and out of each other's lives but never coming back to the missed moment of many years earlier. Structurally different but tonally similar, David Nicholls' One Day is a natural point of comparison, as readers are drawn into the will they-won't they friendship between the male and female lead. Author Charlotte Rixon does an admirable job of establishing the dynamic between Beth and Nick in a very short period of time, which is the key to the narrative being successful: the reader has to believe that the connection between two teenagers is strong enough to endure not only the tragedy but everything which keeps them apart over the subsequent years, and believe it I did. The way in which the two leads are drawn back to each other over and over again, but struggle to overcome the tarnishing of what should have been the beginning of their relationship, is a compelling driving force for the narrative. Will they ever find their way back to each other?
Rixon sensitively explores the different ways in which grief and trauma can haunt us; Nick cannot untangle his feelings for Beth from the guilt he feels at not having been there when the fire broke out in their halls of residence, while the attraction Beth felt for Nick now seems tasteless in light of what has happened. Other themes tackled include family, distance and domestic violence; Rixon should be commended for writing a horribly believable depiction of what it is like to be a male victim of abuse at the hands of a partner.
Overall, After the Fire is a tender, poignant story of first love, loss and finding yourself. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From here, the story follows Beth and Nick as they head in different directions, dipping in and out of each other's lives but never coming back to the missed moment of many years earlier. Structurally different but tonally similar, David Nicholls' One Day is a natural point of comparison, as readers are drawn into the will they-won't they friendship between the male and female lead. Author Charlotte Rixon does an admirable job of establishing the dynamic between Beth and Nick in a very short period of time, which is the key to the narrative being successful: the reader has to believe that the connection between two teenagers is strong enough to endure not only the tragedy but everything which keeps them apart over the subsequent years, and believe it I did. The way in which the two leads are drawn back to each other over and over again, but struggle to overcome the tarnishing of what should have been the beginning of their relationship, is a compelling driving force for the narrative. Will they ever find their way back to each other?
Rixon sensitively explores the different ways in which grief and trauma can haunt us; Nick cannot untangle his feelings for Beth from the guilt he feels at not having been there when the fire broke out in their halls of residence, while the attraction Beth felt for Nick now seems tasteless in light of what has happened. Other themes tackled include family, distance and domestic violence; Rixon should be commended for writing a horribly believable depiction of what it is like to be a male victim of abuse at the hands of a partner.
Overall, After the Fire is a tender, poignant story of first love, loss and finding yourself. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2024
TW: fire, domestic violence, death
I was kindly asked to read and review “After the fire” by the publisher, to whom I thank this opportunity. I also thank everyone involved in NetGalley in allowing me early access. All opinions are my own.
“After the fire” is the story of young Beth and Nick over the years. They’ve met at college, but a fire will determine the dynamics of their relationship and this is the aftermath of such traumatic experience for both of them.
The book follows the two MCs over the years, counting from after the fire, this means, one, two, three, etc, years after. It’s a book that’s ideal for fans of “One Day” by David Nicholls, as this has the same progression. It’s a slow burn romance of missed opportunities over the years, with an alternating point of view between the MCs. It is not, however, my kind of book, as I feel it relies too much on the miscommunication trope, which is present from earlier on, even when the MCs are together.
I felt their initial love was too sudden, which might make sense given they were only eighteen, but still it felt rushed and not in line with the remaining progression of the narrative. I felt the beginning was maybe too rushed, as Beth and Anna did not have that much proximity (neither did Anna and Nick). Nick felt too much Anna’s death while Beth felt too little. It gets clearer in the end, but I felt it could have been better achieved earlier on.
I always like to end on a positive note, highlight the parts I’ve enjoyed the most and for this one was, without a doubt, the portrait of domestic violence. As a society, we tend to believe only women are victims of domestic violence, which, being true in the majority of the cases, does not cover all of the spectrum. It was really interesting seeing the other face of domestic violence and the character’s conflicted feelings being a male suffering from it. It added realism to the overall plot and gave opportunity for character growth.
I was kindly asked to read and review “After the fire” by the publisher, to whom I thank this opportunity. I also thank everyone involved in NetGalley in allowing me early access. All opinions are my own.
“After the fire” is the story of young Beth and Nick over the years. They’ve met at college, but a fire will determine the dynamics of their relationship and this is the aftermath of such traumatic experience for both of them.
The book follows the two MCs over the years, counting from after the fire, this means, one, two, three, etc, years after. It’s a book that’s ideal for fans of “One Day” by David Nicholls, as this has the same progression. It’s a slow burn romance of missed opportunities over the years, with an alternating point of view between the MCs. It is not, however, my kind of book, as I feel it relies too much on the miscommunication trope, which is present from earlier on, even when the MCs are together.
I felt their initial love was too sudden, which might make sense given they were only eighteen, but still it felt rushed and not in line with the remaining progression of the narrative. I felt the beginning was maybe too rushed, as Beth and Anna did not have that much proximity (neither did Anna and Nick). Nick felt too much Anna’s death while Beth felt too little. It gets clearer in the end, but I felt it could have been better achieved earlier on.
I always like to end on a positive note, highlight the parts I’ve enjoyed the most and for this one was, without a doubt, the portrait of domestic violence. As a society, we tend to believe only women are victims of domestic violence, which, being true in the majority of the cases, does not cover all of the spectrum. It was really interesting seeing the other face of domestic violence and the character’s conflicted feelings being a male suffering from it. It added realism to the overall plot and gave opportunity for character growth.
June 23, 2024
After the Fire is a story that delves into the complexities of timing and fate. The story opens before the tragedy of the fire at university, where the Beth and Nick, first cross paths. This initial meeting lays the foundation for a profound connection that will shape their lives in unexpected ways.
The story masterfully transitions from the early days of Beth and Nick's acquaintance to the years following the devastating fire. Then it explores the deep friendship and unspoken bond that ties Beth and Nick together, despite the passage of time and the scars of tragedy. Their annual reunions around the anniversary of the fire serve as a poignant reminder of their shared past and the enduring nature of their connection.
Character development is a standout feature in After the Fire. Beth and Nick are intricately developed, each embarking on their own personal journeys of healing and growth. Charlotte Rixon paints a really vivid picture of their individual struggles and triumphs. Beth's resilience and determination to rebuild her life are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, while Nick's own path is marked by moments of introspection and a search for meaning in the aftermath of the fire.
Their enduring friendship, despite the years and distance, is beautifully depicted. The recurring theme of finding their way back to each other year after year adds a layer of depth to their relationship, highlighting the power of fate and the indomitable human spirit.
It's a beautifully written story that explores themes of timing, fate, and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted narrative filled with emotional depth and compelling characters.
The story masterfully transitions from the early days of Beth and Nick's acquaintance to the years following the devastating fire. Then it explores the deep friendship and unspoken bond that ties Beth and Nick together, despite the passage of time and the scars of tragedy. Their annual reunions around the anniversary of the fire serve as a poignant reminder of their shared past and the enduring nature of their connection.
Character development is a standout feature in After the Fire. Beth and Nick are intricately developed, each embarking on their own personal journeys of healing and growth. Charlotte Rixon paints a really vivid picture of their individual struggles and triumphs. Beth's resilience and determination to rebuild her life are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, while Nick's own path is marked by moments of introspection and a search for meaning in the aftermath of the fire.
Their enduring friendship, despite the years and distance, is beautifully depicted. The recurring theme of finding their way back to each other year after year adds a layer of depth to their relationship, highlighting the power of fate and the indomitable human spirit.
It's a beautifully written story that explores themes of timing, fate, and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted narrative filled with emotional depth and compelling characters.
August 7, 2024
#gifted
When tragedy strikes in their university dorm, just as Beth and Nick are finally coming together, everything goes wrong. Nick leaves and Beth is left alone, feeling abandoned and heartbroken.
They reconcile after a year and promise to remain friends. Despite the tragedy that tore them apart, Nick and Beth always find their way back to each other in times of need.
Unfortunately, this story just did not resonate with me at all. I didn't like either of the main characters and I didn't feel any way about their relationship. We barely got any interaction between Beth and Nick yet somehow they were in love, I think I just needed more of them together and seeing them fall.
The circumstances in which they kept coming back together I found strange too.
I understand both were struggling with survivors guilt after the tragedy but I also didn't find it believable if I'm honest.
One aspect of the book that I can commend though was the domestic violence that was portrayed between Nick and his wife Maggie. It was a very real and brutal perspective on DV with male victims and I applaud the author for dealing with it in a succinct and respectable way. That said, Beth disappointed me massively with this when we learned that she knew it was happening yet did nothing. The man she supposedly loves and she ignored it.
I really don't like leaving negative reviews but I didn't take much away from this book and I had to force myself to finish, mainly because I thought there was something more happening with a side character but that turned out to be nothing.
I received this book as part of a tour with Love Books Tours, thank you to them and the author for a copy of the book.
When tragedy strikes in their university dorm, just as Beth and Nick are finally coming together, everything goes wrong. Nick leaves and Beth is left alone, feeling abandoned and heartbroken.
They reconcile after a year and promise to remain friends. Despite the tragedy that tore them apart, Nick and Beth always find their way back to each other in times of need.
Unfortunately, this story just did not resonate with me at all. I didn't like either of the main characters and I didn't feel any way about their relationship. We barely got any interaction between Beth and Nick yet somehow they were in love, I think I just needed more of them together and seeing them fall.
The circumstances in which they kept coming back together I found strange too.
I understand both were struggling with survivors guilt after the tragedy but I also didn't find it believable if I'm honest.
One aspect of the book that I can commend though was the domestic violence that was portrayed between Nick and his wife Maggie. It was a very real and brutal perspective on DV with male victims and I applaud the author for dealing with it in a succinct and respectable way. That said, Beth disappointed me massively with this when we learned that she knew it was happening yet did nothing. The man she supposedly loves and she ignored it.
I really don't like leaving negative reviews but I didn't take much away from this book and I had to force myself to finish, mainly because I thought there was something more happening with a side character but that turned out to be nothing.
I received this book as part of a tour with Love Books Tours, thank you to them and the author for a copy of the book.
August 4, 2024
This is the story of girl meets boy.
And then everything goes wrong . . .
Ever since they first met at university, Beth and Nick have circled in and out of one another's lives: supporting each other through grief, marriage, divorce, career crises and family dramas.
Fourteen years ago, when they were on the cusp of adulthood, they both survived a devastating fire that sent their lives in different directions. And they've been running ever since: from the pain, from the memories, and most devastatingly of all, from the guilt.
But no matter how hard they try, there's something else they can't run from. The inescapable, terrifying truth: they're in love with each other.
But how can they move forward, when neither of them can stop looking back?
I know it’s a bit of a cliche but this really was an emotional rollercoaster.
For fourteen years after the fire the magnetism drawing Beth and Nick together was so strong - but like the same polar magnets they also repelled each other with force.
Although they hadn’t known each other long when the fire happened, the events of that night shaped their relationship together and with others for all their adult life.
There are some tough topics covered in this novel - domestic violence and abuse, loss of loved ones, hoarding disorder and troubled families and they have been addressed with compassion and understanding.
I loved their characters and throughout I was heartbroken each time they had their chances and they missed again and again and again…
I adore Charlotte’s writing - this is the first of hers I’ve read that wasn’t a thriller - I enjoyed every page and it certainly won’t be my last.
I know it’s a bit of a cliche but this really was an emotional rollercoaster.
For fourteen years after the fire the magnetism drawing Beth and Nick together was so strong - but like the same polar magnets they also repelled each other with force.
Although they hadn’t known each other long when the fire happened, the events of that night shaped their relationship together and with others for all their adult life.
There are some tough topics covered in this novel - domestic violence and abuse, loss of loved ones, hoarding disorder and troubled families and they have been addressed with compassion and understanding.
I loved their characters and throughout I was heartbroken each time they had their chances and they missed again and again and again…
I adore Charlotte’s writing - this is the first of hers I’ve read that wasn’t a thriller - I enjoyed every page and it certainly won’t be my last.
August 7, 2024
The Blurb :
Ever since they first met at university, Beth and Nick have circled in and out of one another's lives: supporting each other through grief, marriage, divorce, career crises and family dramas.
Fourteen years ago, when they were on the cusp of adulthood, they both survived a devastating fire that sent their lives in different directions. And they've been running ever since: from the pain, from the memories, and most devastatingly of all, from the guilt.
But no matter how hard they try, there's something else they can't run from. The inescapable, terrifying truth: they're in love with each other.
But how can they move forward, when neither of them can stop looking back?
My Thoughts :
We meet Beth and Nick who first met each other in College when they were 18 years old.
Having started the beginings of a new relationship their time is short lived when tragedy strikes and there is a massive fire, this meant lives were ripped apart and they both ran away from the pain and trauma the fire caused.
Soon we go on a journey which spans over 15 years and is told from duel point of views. This helps us understand more of the back story and how they got to where they are now in life and what troubles they have both been through.
As their lives progressed over the years it shows us how they kept coming back together in many different ways and weather they can find their way back to each other for good.
Charlotte Rixon writes with an empathy and covers lots of topics from love, loss, growth and mental health.
An emotional entertaining read, looking forward to more in the future from this author.
Ever since they first met at university, Beth and Nick have circled in and out of one another's lives: supporting each other through grief, marriage, divorce, career crises and family dramas.
Fourteen years ago, when they were on the cusp of adulthood, they both survived a devastating fire that sent their lives in different directions. And they've been running ever since: from the pain, from the memories, and most devastatingly of all, from the guilt.
But no matter how hard they try, there's something else they can't run from. The inescapable, terrifying truth: they're in love with each other.
But how can they move forward, when neither of them can stop looking back?
My Thoughts :
We meet Beth and Nick who first met each other in College when they were 18 years old.
Having started the beginings of a new relationship their time is short lived when tragedy strikes and there is a massive fire, this meant lives were ripped apart and they both ran away from the pain and trauma the fire caused.
Soon we go on a journey which spans over 15 years and is told from duel point of views. This helps us understand more of the back story and how they got to where they are now in life and what troubles they have both been through.
As their lives progressed over the years it shows us how they kept coming back together in many different ways and weather they can find their way back to each other for good.
Charlotte Rixon writes with an empathy and covers lots of topics from love, loss, growth and mental health.
An emotional entertaining read, looking forward to more in the future from this author.
May 19, 2024
After the Fire is a compelling "will they or won't they" story that centers on Beth and Nick. Meeting at university, their budding friendship and romance are interrupted by a shared tragedy that profoundly impacts their relationship. After spending a year apart, they reenter each other's lives, providing support through difficult times and celebrating significant milestones together.
The storyline is thought-provoking, addressing themes of loss, coping with grief, domestic violence, and mental health conditions. These complex issues are handled with sensitivity, adding depth to the narrative.
Going in, I anticipated an emotional rollercoaster that would leave me in tears. While the book was certainly moving, I didn't feel the intense emotional connection I expected. However, the dual timeline of "before" and "after" was well-executed and flowed smoothly, adding an engaging dynamic to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and developed a genuine affection for both Beth and Nick.
Thanks to NetGalley for the download.
The storyline is thought-provoking, addressing themes of loss, coping with grief, domestic violence, and mental health conditions. These complex issues are handled with sensitivity, adding depth to the narrative.
Going in, I anticipated an emotional rollercoaster that would leave me in tears. While the book was certainly moving, I didn't feel the intense emotional connection I expected. However, the dual timeline of "before" and "after" was well-executed and flowed smoothly, adding an engaging dynamic to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and developed a genuine affection for both Beth and Nick.
Thanks to NetGalley for the download.
August 2, 2024
After the Fire follows the threads of Beth and Nick’s relationship after their very brief romance is shattered by tragedy while at university.
I really enjoyed the time jumps in this story, and the way the author captured the impact of the trauma and grief, for Beth and Nick, personally, and in their relationships with others. The story was well paced, and gently explored the various ways unprocessed grief can express itself in daily life. I was particularly intrigued by Nick’s relationship with his mother and the thoughtful conclusion to their story.
The story grapples with some heavier themes including grief and loss, domestic violence, mental health and substance use. The writing was rich with sensitivity, empathy and insight, making this a moving and engaging read.
A great book to pick up if you enjoyed David Nichols One Day, or Love Rosie.
Thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed the time jumps in this story, and the way the author captured the impact of the trauma and grief, for Beth and Nick, personally, and in their relationships with others. The story was well paced, and gently explored the various ways unprocessed grief can express itself in daily life. I was particularly intrigued by Nick’s relationship with his mother and the thoughtful conclusion to their story.
The story grapples with some heavier themes including grief and loss, domestic violence, mental health and substance use. The writing was rich with sensitivity, empathy and insight, making this a moving and engaging read.
A great book to pick up if you enjoyed David Nichols One Day, or Love Rosie.
Thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2024
After The Fire is a moving story about first love, second chances and how much we are each shaped by our past in very different ways.
It is the story of Beth and Nick, who meet at the beginning of university and form an instant connection. But tragic events mean their lives follow very different paths and whilst they never entirely lose touch, they drift in and out of each others lives as they each face their own challenges, but somehow always seem to find their way back to each other.
Told from both points of view, we see how much both of them are impacted by their past, and how differently grief impacts us all - and as a reader it is hard not to emphasise with them both, flaws and all. Timing is everything - and that seems to be against them for so many years … are they meant to be together or not?
It is an enthralling story which deals with some serious topics whilst leaving you longing for their happy ending - and one that I raced through in a couple of days.
It is the story of Beth and Nick, who meet at the beginning of university and form an instant connection. But tragic events mean their lives follow very different paths and whilst they never entirely lose touch, they drift in and out of each others lives as they each face their own challenges, but somehow always seem to find their way back to each other.
Told from both points of view, we see how much both of them are impacted by their past, and how differently grief impacts us all - and as a reader it is hard not to emphasise with them both, flaws and all. Timing is everything - and that seems to be against them for so many years … are they meant to be together or not?
It is an enthralling story which deals with some serious topics whilst leaving you longing for their happy ending - and one that I raced through in a couple of days.
January 31, 2025
A solid 3 star read, slightly rounded up. The premise and concept this story sounded promising but I found myself unfortunately struggling to connect with either of the main characters.
Ever since meeting at university, Nick and Beth instantly connected but a tragedy causes them both to spend years running from the past and each other.
I adored "Love, Rosie" and wanted to love this one but
The runaround through out this whole book was a little frustrating for me. Too much miscommunication not enough chemistry I just didn't feel it. I was rooting for them in the beginning but as soon as the fire happened it was just a not meant to be kind of vibe unfortunately. Nick was annoyingly in denial, Beth should have moved on and relished in her own success.
Just wasn't my favourite, but all in all an easy, cozy read
thank you NetGalley, Aria publishing and author Charlotte for an e arc in exchange for my honest review.
Ever since meeting at university, Nick and Beth instantly connected but a tragedy causes them both to spend years running from the past and each other.
I adored "Love, Rosie" and wanted to love this one but
The runaround through out this whole book was a little frustrating for me. Too much miscommunication not enough chemistry I just didn't feel it. I was rooting for them in the beginning but as soon as the fire happened it was just a not meant to be kind of vibe unfortunately. Nick was annoyingly in denial, Beth should have moved on and relished in her own success.
Just wasn't my favourite, but all in all an easy, cozy read
thank you NetGalley, Aria publishing and author Charlotte for an e arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2024
My second book by this author. We meet Beth and Nick who are two students sharing University accommodation. They have only just met, but it's obvious there is a connection between them. However, when a tragedy occurs in the building where they are staying, they find themselves drifting apart. We then follow both of their lives after University, but see that the trauma and guilt of what happened is still firmly embedded and affects them both for many years.
This was such a well-written story. I liked both Beth and Nick's characters, but it was obvious that they both have so many flaws and issues that need working on, especially after the fire at their old University building. Beth does initially seemed to have moved on more than Nick has, although as we go through the years we see that there are still things she struggles with. I liked Nick's character and could empathise with him more. He does have more issues than Beth and you can understand why he behaves like he does sometimes. It's clear that so many things should have happened in the years after the fire - they should have got together and they should have sought counselling to work through their own individual issues. But they didn't and we get to see what the affects of this are. It's a very emotional book, and at times I could feel the tears welling up - I particularly felt for Nick in his marriage.
The pace was a little slow at times though, especially in the earlier years. But as the storyline moves on, the pace picks up and whilst it isn't necessarily a happy read, it does have some happy moments which gives warmth to their stories. There are some trigger points, namely grief, mental health issues and domestic violence, but these are written sensitively. It was a lovely read, with lots of hope and second chances throughout the story and I would definitely recommend.
This was such a well-written story. I liked both Beth and Nick's characters, but it was obvious that they both have so many flaws and issues that need working on, especially after the fire at their old University building. Beth does initially seemed to have moved on more than Nick has, although as we go through the years we see that there are still things she struggles with. I liked Nick's character and could empathise with him more. He does have more issues than Beth and you can understand why he behaves like he does sometimes. It's clear that so many things should have happened in the years after the fire - they should have got together and they should have sought counselling to work through their own individual issues. But they didn't and we get to see what the affects of this are. It's a very emotional book, and at times I could feel the tears welling up - I particularly felt for Nick in his marriage.
The pace was a little slow at times though, especially in the earlier years. But as the storyline moves on, the pace picks up and whilst it isn't necessarily a happy read, it does have some happy moments which gives warmth to their stories. There are some trigger points, namely grief, mental health issues and domestic violence, but these are written sensitively. It was a lovely read, with lots of hope and second chances throughout the story and I would definitely recommend.
August 1, 2024
I absolutely adored After the Fire by Charlotte Rixon. This is 'One Day' meets 'Love, Rosie'. We go back to where it all began, when Beth and Nick met at university and immediately sparks flew. But it isn't plain sailing, and it's not your usual romance book. It tracks where both Beth and Nick are over a series of years since the fire.
Rixon's writing gets you immediately, and I was enthralled by the start. Beth and Nick have their flaws, their litanies, and their reasons why they do what they do. Everything is reasoned, and I felt true empathy for them.
I found myself staying up far too late to read this amazing book, and felt true love and true pain. I will easily be picking up more of Rixon's writing.
You should read this book if you're after a story that leaves you hanging again and again, but where you feel like you're in the relationships yourself.
There are strong themes of mental health struggles and domestic abuse in this book.
Rixon's writing gets you immediately, and I was enthralled by the start. Beth and Nick have their flaws, their litanies, and their reasons why they do what they do. Everything is reasoned, and I felt true empathy for them.
I found myself staying up far too late to read this amazing book, and felt true love and true pain. I will easily be picking up more of Rixon's writing.
You should read this book if you're after a story that leaves you hanging again and again, but where you feel like you're in the relationships yourself.
There are strong themes of mental health struggles and domestic abuse in this book.
August 2, 2024
After the fire is the first book I have read from Charlotte Rixon and I enjoyed it. I was weary going in as it's not my usual type of romance but I was pleasantly surprised. It is told in duel timelines after and before a tragedy and shows how two people deal with it differently following the characters Nick and Beth over the course of 15 years. I liked having the duel timelines as it really gave depth to the story. It deals with themes of trauma and mental health, domestic violence and ultimately friendship and love. I really liked the writing style and could feel the emotions from the characters as their story unravelled, it is written in 3rd person which I did struggle to get into after I started but after a while I was immersed. I highly recommend After this fire if you like a hard hitting contemporary romance.
August 1, 2024
3.5🌟
If your looking for something to fill a hole after One Day then this may be just the ticket.
After The Fire explores alot of themes that are all handled carefully and sensitively. Nick and Beth's story is a slow burn that suffers many twist and turns. I was hooked with the will they won't they scenario. Both go through some really hard moments and it was tough reading and experiencing the heartache that came with their individual stories. I enjoyed watching the story unfold and never really knew how it was going to pan out. I was happy with the conclusion to the story and once I got into it I found it a real page turner that I couldn't put down. My only real niggle was I had a hard time getting into the writing style as I prefer to read in 1st person not 3rd.
If your looking for something to fill a hole after One Day then this may be just the ticket.
After The Fire explores alot of themes that are all handled carefully and sensitively. Nick and Beth's story is a slow burn that suffers many twist and turns. I was hooked with the will they won't they scenario. Both go through some really hard moments and it was tough reading and experiencing the heartache that came with their individual stories. I enjoyed watching the story unfold and never really knew how it was going to pan out. I was happy with the conclusion to the story and once I got into it I found it a real page turner that I couldn't put down. My only real niggle was I had a hard time getting into the writing style as I prefer to read in 1st person not 3rd.
August 13, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this story. I particularly enjoyed their initial interaction, as it showed a strong connection between them. They fall in love instantly but never had the opportunity to see what could have been. They should have been together, but circumstances beyond their control tore them apart.
Haunted by guilt, Nick struggles to move forward, while Beth unknowingly serves as a reminder of that fateful day. He runs away. It becomes clear that Nick may actually blame Beth for what happened. He views it as an insurmountable barrier, preventing him from pursuing a relationship with Beth. Beth recognizes that Nick's reluctance stems from fear, leading her to confront him by labeling him a coward. The situation is filled with intense emotions.
Haunted by guilt, Nick struggles to move forward, while Beth unknowingly serves as a reminder of that fateful day. He runs away. It becomes clear that Nick may actually blame Beth for what happened. He views it as an insurmountable barrier, preventing him from pursuing a relationship with Beth. Beth recognizes that Nick's reluctance stems from fear, leading her to confront him by labeling him a coward. The situation is filled with intense emotions.
August 17, 2024
In this compelling story, Beth and Nick's lives intertwine from their university days, sharing moments of joy and sorrow through grief, marriages, divorces, career upheavals, and family dramas. Fourteen years ago, they survived a devastating fire that changed their paths forever, leaving them haunted by pain, memories, and guilt. Despite their attempts to move on, they can't escape the undeniable truth: they’re in love with each other. As they confront their past and the lingering effects of the fire, they must find a way to embrace their future together while overcoming the shadows that keep pulling them back.
January 8, 2025
Read this in under a day.
Pros: good to see a depiction of relationships where people hold on to hurt for years; depiction of domestic violence where the man is the victim; depiction of hoarding as a mental illness; to see people opening up later in life after having held onto the pain for so long.
Cons: I get they were at a very special time of life where they were open to new people, hence why they fell so hard for each other, but it still feels a tad hard to believe they held on when they knew little of each other; Nick was getting harder to like as he seemed flakey, emotionally absent, almost fkboi like.
Pros: good to see a depiction of relationships where people hold on to hurt for years; depiction of domestic violence where the man is the victim; depiction of hoarding as a mental illness; to see people opening up later in life after having held onto the pain for so long.
Cons: I get they were at a very special time of life where they were open to new people, hence why they fell so hard for each other, but it still feels a tad hard to believe they held on when they knew little of each other; Nick was getting harder to like as he seemed flakey, emotionally absent, almost fkboi like.
August 18, 2024
After the Fire follows Beth and Nick over the course of fifteen years. From their very first meeting at university there is a strong connection between them, but a tragic fire in their accommodation block tears them apart before they even get started. Although they remain friends, anything more always seems to be just out of reach somehow. They live their separate lives with careers and other relationships, meeting up through the years, and the story shows the trajectory their lives take and how what happened ripples down, continually taking its toll on them.
Charlotte Rixon's first book, The One That Got Away, had a similar theme, that of two people who had an unbreakable bond but who seemed destined to be apart. It's a theme that she excels at and one that I find particularly appealing. There are definite One Day vibes going on in this book, with the story being told from both perspectives over a varying number of years from the fire.
I found After the Fire to be a compelling and moving story. It considers the effects of survivor's guilt and mental health, loss, the price of success, domestic abuse and of course, love. One of my favourite tropes is 'love against the odds' and I was hoping that Beth and Nick's love would triumph against all the odds. Rixon is a fantastic writer, creating characters that I cared about and who felt real. I enjoyed this book very much.
Charlotte Rixon's first book, The One That Got Away, had a similar theme, that of two people who had an unbreakable bond but who seemed destined to be apart. It's a theme that she excels at and one that I find particularly appealing. There are definite One Day vibes going on in this book, with the story being told from both perspectives over a varying number of years from the fire.
I found After the Fire to be a compelling and moving story. It considers the effects of survivor's guilt and mental health, loss, the price of success, domestic abuse and of course, love. One of my favourite tropes is 'love against the odds' and I was hoping that Beth and Nick's love would triumph against all the odds. Rixon is a fantastic writer, creating characters that I cared about and who felt real. I enjoyed this book very much.
October 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Nick and Beth meet in their first week at uni and feel an instant connection. Before their relationship even gets started, a fatal fire occurs in their hall of residence. Nick is filled with at not being able to save the victim and leaves university. The two keep in touch over the years, very much in the One Day mould, supporting each other through life experiences. It was easy reading and tugs at the heart strings, though you really want to bang their heads together at times!!
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews