Happily Ever Aftermath: A Romantic Comedy

by Pru Warren

A young woman trying to get her MBA—a rock band in search of stardom—a guitar player desperate for a decent night’s sleep. Oh, and there’s a dog too. And explicit sex (but not with the dog).

Nicky was supposed to be finishing her masters in a nice, quiet accounting firm, not riding a tour bus across the nation with the opening act in the summer’s hottest tour. She’s out of her depth but swimming hard, because Archer (the band’s lead singer) is the hottest guy she’s ever seen.

Meanwhile, Ian (on lead guitar) is famously grumpy. Nicky’s cheery optimism grates on his nerves…except there’s something about her. Ian would stay out of the way of true love if Nicky really wants Archer. But is that really who she should be with?

HAPPILY EVER AFTERMATH has no social relevance. There will be no thoughtful reviews in the New York Times and it won’t be chosen for anyone’s book club. However, it is sexy, steamy fun for those who are just looking for a few hours of delicious escape!

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2024

About the author

Pru Warren (who is writing this in the third person as if simply too modest to toot her own horn) bores easily and thus has been a daydreamer since roughly the Bronze Age.

She is addicted to writing romcoms because in a novel, you can make things come out the right way. Life and karma really ought to take note. There are better solutions to these pesky daily annoyances!

Besides her in-the-laptop god complex, Pru laughs often and easily, loathes cooking, and plays way too much solitaire. She’s plotting world domination even as you read this, as long as she doesn’t have to wake up too early to accomplish it.

Reviews

[Meg Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re here to quietly ponder the still unsolved mathematical puzzles that have been frustrating scholars for centuries, you’ve come to the wrong place. If you’re here for a deliciously fun romance, replete with all the hidden deets you’ve always wanted to know about just what goes on behind the scenes with your favorite rock band, Happily Ever Aftermath is for you. And most fortuitously, for me, too! Nicky Swanson is, in fact, an academic, sent to work as an intern with the band Aftermath as part of the final important requirement for her MBA. And as luck would have it, her rock idol and dream lover Archer is the lead singer! Even more incredible, Nicky’s going to have to share quarters on the tour bus with the band! Too bad grumpy, scarred Ian is always around, hiding his face with his hair while he strums his guitar. This is a complicated tale of a long tour with many stops, the details of which you can breeze right through. What you will remember, however, is a most WONDERFULLY lovable dog, Charlotte, lots of little incidentals about backstage concert info, and a beautiful slow-burn romance that will leave your heart singing along with the conveniently included lyrics. And here’s the best part: all THREE band members are destined for true love, so more excitement is yet to come. Thanks, Pru Warren!

[Farar Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually one for the romance dodge, but sometime I need a book that won’t challenge my fragile self at the end of a long week of global and civic collapse. And it has to be smart, snappy, with no anachronisms, casual misogyny, or misusage of “comprise”. THIS is that book! Warren’s writing zips right along and she always gives me something more than I expected. In this volume, I learned some of the crazy specifics of life as a roadie. Also, someone ends up walking along I-95 between Baltimore and DC, and if that’s not the best way to illustrate despair, I don’t know what is.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A band is about to hit the big time - they are opening for a huge star on a cross country tour. A young woman, Nicky, about to complete her MBA, finds herself on the tour bus with the band. She lusts for the gorgeous lead singer, but she clicks with the guitarist. Ian is terribly scarred after an accident and he can't sleep until they sleep next to each other. They are best buddies but she wants the lead singer and Ian won't stand in her way. Archer is, after all, Ian's best friend.

Nicky takes her job seriously and she does wondrous things for the band, but there is something truly wrong with the merchandising effort and she is getting blamed. It's causing nightmares and enormous stress.

This book has great story telling. I love all the main characters, except the lead singer, Archer. But I think we'll see some redeeming qualities in him before the series is completed. And of course, the gigantic puppy, Charlotte...

Although this is a Romcom, it's not Pru Warren funny. I'm used to giggling throughout her books, with bursts of outright laughter. This is a longer book, with a deeper story, and wonderful character development. There is explicit sex, so this book might not be for everyone. But for a touring band story, it's clean as a whistle. I loved it, as I've loved all of Pru's books.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love reading Pru Warren books! She brings together great characters in humorous situations, a depth of emotions and an interesting storyline that kept me fully engaged.

I loved Nicky and how she dove into her intern situation. Even though she fell for Archer’s gorgeous appearance she didn’t turn into a simpering groupie. Oh no, Nicky is a young woman with intelligence and a drive to get things done. I loved how she worked so hard to promote the band, assumed the responsibility of Charlotte and was just an incredible addition to the Aftermath family.

Her relationship with Ian developed slowly and neither of them seemed to realize how close they had bonded until it hit them over the head. Ian was a not-so grumpy character who blossomed with Nicky’s care and attention.

While this storyline isn’t as over-the-top hilarious as the Cupid Quest series, it’s still funny. Pru has a way of bringing a reader into the heart of the action and making you feel like the cast of characters are friends. I’m so looking forward to the next books in the series!

I eceived a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Shoppermom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember your first rock concert? I’m going to regret sharing this, but mine was Bobbie Sherman. Here’s a snippet from his bio: “Sherman left show business in the 1970s for a career as a paramedic and a deputy sheriff but performed occasionally into the 1990s.” So how could I have gone to one of his concerts?? It had to have been one of the “occasional” ones, right?! The universe is full of enigmas, so I’m grateful there will always be romances to escape to. Happily Ever Aftermath allowed me to swoon over a beautiful singer, listen to lullabies strummed by a tortured guitarist, and rock to the beat of a wildly talented drummer. It’s packed full of concert t-shirts, late night runs for junk food, and a great bus driver who’s as much a star as any of the band members. There’s also an attention stealing pup which every book of course should have. It’s a rom-com, so thank the rock-and-roll gods there’s also a great romance and tons of comedy. I was so happily immersed in Happily Ever Aftermath that I almost forgot how many decades ago I attended my first concert. Maybe I’ll just start reading it again, so I don’t have to think about things like that!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book! This romantic comedy has captivated me, and I am in love with Nicky and Ian. There is fun and laughter, companionship, challenges, and a gradual descent into love. As always, there is a comedic touch, but in this book, it is a lighter touch that sits perfectly with the story. The bus journeys, the concerts, the merch, and promotions built by Nicky, give a real sense of a journey that is one of growth and promise. I could not help laughing, in a nice way of course, at Archer's antics and unselfconscious vanity, but also love him too. He's ridiculous but in a forgivable way and I look forward to him becoming a real grown 🤣 Mal too. He is so down to earth, funny, protective, and kind and a key part of this fabulous trio.. which increases to a delightful quintet.
Fabulous 💖💖💖💖💖

[Cindy Fong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in LOVE with this series. A funny quirky rockstar rom-com romance was what I needed to read. This story has just about every element you would expect from a Pru Warren novel. Sweet, funny, awkward situations with flawed characters. Add in a little mystery and intrigue an adorable puppy and anything is possible.

Nicky, Ian and the members of Aftermath and the Sheree tour will capture your heart in this light hearted tale of rock stars and being on the road touring entails. The glorious highs and the desperate lows makes this a captivating story. A strong heroine, love with the unexpected guy and a lifetime of friendships. I am excited for Archer's story next.

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this sweet rock star romance. Nicky and Ian dance around each other for a while and it was perfect! Nicky is this amazing, smart intern who turns Aftermath’s band members and their presence on its ear. You will absolutely love every character in this book..ok except Bruce and Vampirella lol. You’ll see why when you read it. This was a truly great first in this new series by an amazing author. It’s funny and sweet but the characters have such a depth that I loved. No one is one note, pun intended, and these characters prove this over and over. You absolutely have to read this page turner! I received an ARC for this wonderful book and am happily leaving my review.

[Nadeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Pru Warren and a pleasant surprise. It didn't quite fit into the typical Romance genres - some angst but not so much you want to bang your head against the wall. Interesting plot and characters that were engaging. Was it totally believable? Not really - I had to suspend belief when it came to how quickly Nickie was able to assume responsibilities not generally granted an intern but if you are reading a romance novel you have to be prepared to suspend belief. I liked the growth the two main characters exhibited and the emphasis on their budding friendship was realistic. I liked it enough to want to see what else Ms Warren has written.

[Toni L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by an author who is quickly becoming a favourite. This standalone, HEA story is well written with interesting characters but it’s the way those characters are drawn and interact in a very realistic and entertaining way that really does it for me.

Ian and Nicky each have their own insecurities and strengths and I love the way all of the characters combine to make a wonderful story.

Long live Aftermath

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! It's like a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, via Legally Blonde crossed with A Star is Born (the Barbara Streisand version) and starring the Energizer Bunny and Bug Potter (of Gordon Korman fame). It was fun, poignant, sweet, confusing and downright messy - just what is needed for a good rom-com.

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Habibah · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed!

Didn’t know what to expect but hoped for the best. Was not disappointed. Judged the book by its cover and expected to have a little fun. Not a let down! Hope to enjoy more from this author.

[Lynn Geth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m now into the second book of the Aftermath series because I devoured the first book in one sitting! It flows so beautifully and kept my interest from the first word to the last. I love Nicky and her enthusiasm for anything that comes her way. Thanks Pru Warren for a delightful series!

[PAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 4 stars

The plot was well thought out and the story line interesting. Word choices are spot on and details are explosive and believable.

Double POV

Past tense, which I’m not a big fan of.

Heat is around a 3 or so, just because the burn is so slow.

[POL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

This was such a cute love story! I enjoyed getting to know all of the endearing characters (to include Charlotte).

[Teri D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was sooooo much fun! Engaging characters, fun plot, excellent writing. Putting Pru in my top five favorite authors list!
I'm trying to imagine this series without Charlotte and I just can't. What a brilliant addition to the cast. I do feel really bad about her ears tho, listening to all that racket, poor puppy!

[Emily Utsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockstar/intern, unrequited love, close proximity, and hot spice. Oh and I can't forget the puppy!!!

Rockband goes on the road and an intern gets thrown on the bus with them. She thinks she wants the pretty boy and not the scarred man. But as they spend time she realizes what she really wants. Along the way there are some mysteries and shenanigans that involve the record company and tour workers so that the 4 of them have to work together.

For those who hate love triangles, I am with you. Don't worry. You know who to root for from the start. The blurb and beginning of the book can make you a bit anxious, don't be worried.

This is the first book in the series and can be read as a complete stand-alone. This is the beginning of a trilogy where we will get HEA for each band member. Next up will be a redemption story for the man sloot. It will be interesting to see how the author pulls this off. The character has some groveling and growing up to do!