What do you think?
Rate this book
Life After
They seem destined for happiness—but the truth can’t be left behind for long.
Jen Fletcher is grateful to have a job. Any job. Even the boring, daily grind as a courier. Except for Thursdays, when her regular route swings through the swanky side of town, and she gets to flirt with Suzanne Dixon. A dark-haired beauty who dazzles in everything from sweats to business suits. Whose briefest touch sends heat racing through Jen’s body.
For those few precious minutes, Jen can forget she’s an ex-schoolteacher. And an ex-con.
Three years into widowhood, and Suzanne is finally ready to move on. No one is more surprised than she is that it’s a mild-mannered courier who jump-starts her mind—and libido. Confident, sexy, a little masculine, Jen is an oasis in Suzanne’s otherwise dreary week.
When Suzanne boldly asks Jen out, Jen can’t bring herself to reveal her past right off the bat. But she didn’t expect their relationship to become so perfect, so fast. Inevitably, the truth comes out. By the time they realize they’re falling for each other, the rift between them may be too great to repair…
Jen Fletcher is grateful to have a job. Any job. Even the boring, daily grind as a courier. Except for Thursdays, when her regular route swings through the swanky side of town, and she gets to flirt with Suzanne Dixon. A dark-haired beauty who dazzles in everything from sweats to business suits. Whose briefest touch sends heat racing through Jen’s body.
For those few precious minutes, Jen can forget she’s an ex-schoolteacher. And an ex-con.
Three years into widowhood, and Suzanne is finally ready to move on. No one is more surprised than she is that it’s a mild-mannered courier who jump-starts her mind—and libido. Confident, sexy, a little masculine, Jen is an oasis in Suzanne’s otherwise dreary week.
When Suzanne boldly asks Jen out, Jen can’t bring herself to reveal her past right off the bat. But she didn’t expect their relationship to become so perfect, so fast. Inevitably, the truth comes out. By the time they realize they’re falling for each other, the rift between them may be too great to repair…
- GenresContemporaryLesbianLGBT
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2025
198 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
40 books763 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 11, 2025
Substance Lacking
I really wanted to like this one but their whole falling for each other was just so completely unsatisfying. Constantly reassurance seeking, the chronic self doubt, the lack of any real connection besides grief and finding each other attractive, and the speed just made the relationship feel too impossible to sit through.
I really wanted to like this one but their whole falling for each other was just so completely unsatisfying. Constantly reassurance seeking, the chronic self doubt, the lack of any real connection besides grief and finding each other attractive, and the speed just made the relationship feel too impossible to sit through.
May 2, 2025
I thought I had written a review. I'm late to the game here. We meet Jen Fletcher a courier, who is out of prison for minor offenses. But this is the only job she could get. on her route is Suzanne Dixon a wealthy widow. Jen finds Suzanne attractive and is shocked when the older woman flirts with her.
This is a gorgeous age gàp, rich-poor, HOT sexy love story!A FAVORITE! Worth more than 5 stars!
This is a gorgeous age gàp, rich-poor, HOT sexy love story!A FAVORITE! Worth more than 5 stars!
March 16, 2025
Life After
This heartbreaking, recovery book by Melissa Tereze is a must-read. It had an age gap, amazing chemistry, an abundant amount of love, angst; everything you would expect from one of her books.
I read this in one day, and I did not want to leave it unfinished.
Once over the initial angst, we got to see the MC's grow together and how their love grows.
I look forward to each and every one of Melissa's books.
This heartbreaking, recovery book by Melissa Tereze is a must-read. It had an age gap, amazing chemistry, an abundant amount of love, angst; everything you would expect from one of her books.
I read this in one day, and I did not want to leave it unfinished.
Once over the initial angst, we got to see the MC's grow together and how their love grows.
I look forward to each and every one of Melissa's books.
June 20, 2025
🩶
Tropes:
🩶 Widow x Courier
🩶 Butch/Femme
🩶 Secret past (👀 she’s got a record)
🩶 Healing & Second Chances
I wanted this to wreck me—in the best way—but it didn’t quite hit like some of Tereze’s other books. That said… the tension was hot, the chemistry was definitely there, and there are scenes that had me 👀🔥. Not a top fave, but still gave me a few moments to clutch my Kindle.
Tropes:
🩶 Widow x Courier
🩶 Butch/Femme
🩶 Secret past (👀 she’s got a record)
🩶 Healing & Second Chances
I wanted this to wreck me—in the best way—but it didn’t quite hit like some of Tereze’s other books. That said… the tension was hot, the chemistry was definitely there, and there are scenes that had me 👀🔥. Not a top fave, but still gave me a few moments to clutch my Kindle.
May 28, 2025
Cute but …
I liked it or more so the premise of it. While there were some great parts most of it just read like … super highs and super lows and a whole lot of mundane.
Both characters were cute but Suzanne and her outburst to say the least made no sense, especially after her revelation about John. And while I get Jens hang up’s she was imprisoned for the most ridiculous thing ever! So yes while she was on a downward spiral of drinking and drugs I guess because there was no in depth acknowledgment of any outlandish activities it made no sense for her to be so down on herself.
Jen came off whiny at times and Suzanne came off clingy. But whatever works!
I liked it or more so the premise of it. While there were some great parts most of it just read like … super highs and super lows and a whole lot of mundane.
Both characters were cute but Suzanne and her outburst to say the least made no sense, especially after her revelation about John. And while I get Jens hang up’s she was imprisoned for the most ridiculous thing ever! So yes while she was on a downward spiral of drinking and drugs I guess because there was no in depth acknowledgment of any outlandish activities it made no sense for her to be so down on herself.
Jen came off whiny at times and Suzanne came off clingy. But whatever works!
May 8, 2025
I wanted to like this more
I never felt any depth in the Jen character and it all seemed kind of formulated. This one just didn’t click with me. Not bad just not the best.
I never felt any depth in the Jen character and it all seemed kind of formulated. This one just didn’t click with me. Not bad just not the best.
March 12, 2025
Overwhelming grief from the loss of a loved one sometimes brings us to limits that we cannot see and so we cross them.
That is what happened to poor Jen when her absolute best friend simply passed away and she did not know how to deal with this huge hole in her heart.
Drugs, alcohol and the steep downhill path is all she saw.
But this path only put her behind bars. Now, sober and rehabilitated, she tries to make a fresh start and has to realize that her worst expectations are coming true.
As an ex-con, you have hardly any opportunities.
Neither professionally nor privately with old friends or sometimes even family.
In romantic terms, Jen does not even want to think about it, although there is someone who has aroused her interest completely unexpectedly and seems to share it.
A woman who is so far out of her league that she simply enjoys being within this woman's radius for a few minutes and seeing her beautiful smile.
That has been Jen's ray of joy and sunshine for a few weeks and she is grateful for it.
She would never have expected what follows and has to decide what she should and shouldn't reveal about herself...Wrong decisions, wrong reactions, judgments made too quickly and many other topics are dealt with in this wonderful romance by Melissa Tereze and it is certainly difficult at times - but also quite easy and so, so hot and sexy!
New beginnings, a great love and a second chance at life and love are beautifully written in „Life After“.
I really enjoyed spending time with Jen and Suzanne!
The great thing is that I almost always hear Kate Walsh's voice when I read her books and anyone who hasn't listened to an audiobook by K.A. Walsh should do so in combination with the books by Melissa Tereze! All of them are fantastic!
Thanks so much for the ARC! I loved it and this is my honest review.
That is what happened to poor Jen when her absolute best friend simply passed away and she did not know how to deal with this huge hole in her heart.
Drugs, alcohol and the steep downhill path is all she saw.
But this path only put her behind bars. Now, sober and rehabilitated, she tries to make a fresh start and has to realize that her worst expectations are coming true.
As an ex-con, you have hardly any opportunities.
Neither professionally nor privately with old friends or sometimes even family.
In romantic terms, Jen does not even want to think about it, although there is someone who has aroused her interest completely unexpectedly and seems to share it.
A woman who is so far out of her league that she simply enjoys being within this woman's radius for a few minutes and seeing her beautiful smile.
That has been Jen's ray of joy and sunshine for a few weeks and she is grateful for it.
She would never have expected what follows and has to decide what she should and shouldn't reveal about herself...Wrong decisions, wrong reactions, judgments made too quickly and many other topics are dealt with in this wonderful romance by Melissa Tereze and it is certainly difficult at times - but also quite easy and so, so hot and sexy!
New beginnings, a great love and a second chance at life and love are beautifully written in „Life After“.
I really enjoyed spending time with Jen and Suzanne!
The great thing is that I almost always hear Kate Walsh's voice when I read her books and anyone who hasn't listened to an audiobook by K.A. Walsh should do so in combination with the books by Melissa Tereze! All of them are fantastic!
Thanks so much for the ARC! I loved it and this is my honest review.
April 10, 2025
Not Quite a Hook, But Full of Heart
This book took a while to hit the mark. The pacing started off slow, and while it eventually grew on me, it never quite reached the level of engagement I’ve come to expect from Melissa Terese. The plot felt somewhat lackluster, predictable and not exactly what I expected based on the tone of some of her previous work. That said, the story wasn’t bad. It just lacked the compelling hook and emotional depth that usually draws me into her novels.
What did stand out, however, were the main characters. Jen and Suzanne are both incredibly likable and bring sincerity to the page. I particularly appreciated the message Terese aimed to convey: that second chances are not only possible but necessary, and that our past mistakes, no matter how heavy, don’t have to define us.
Jen, in particular, was a standout in this regard. I admired the way she never shied away from owning her past and the consequences that came with it. Her character embodied quiet strength, vulnerability, and emotional maturity, which added a necessary layer of depth to the otherwise straightforward romance.
While the storyline didn’t grip me the way some of her other books have, the narrative still offers a thoughtful perspective on redemption, grief, and opening oneself up to love again. For fans of second-chance romance and slow-burn sapphic stories, this might be the gentle, reflective read you’re looking for.
This book took a while to hit the mark. The pacing started off slow, and while it eventually grew on me, it never quite reached the level of engagement I’ve come to expect from Melissa Terese. The plot felt somewhat lackluster, predictable and not exactly what I expected based on the tone of some of her previous work. That said, the story wasn’t bad. It just lacked the compelling hook and emotional depth that usually draws me into her novels.
What did stand out, however, were the main characters. Jen and Suzanne are both incredibly likable and bring sincerity to the page. I particularly appreciated the message Terese aimed to convey: that second chances are not only possible but necessary, and that our past mistakes, no matter how heavy, don’t have to define us.
Jen, in particular, was a standout in this regard. I admired the way she never shied away from owning her past and the consequences that came with it. Her character embodied quiet strength, vulnerability, and emotional maturity, which added a necessary layer of depth to the otherwise straightforward romance.
While the storyline didn’t grip me the way some of her other books have, the narrative still offers a thoughtful perspective on redemption, grief, and opening oneself up to love again. For fans of second-chance romance and slow-burn sapphic stories, this might be the gentle, reflective read you’re looking for.
March 27, 2025
Melissa Tereze's books are reliable and dependable. That sounds boring but that couldn't be further from the truth. You know they will feature an age gap romance, they are going to have realistic, believable characters, a good plot, plenty of spicy scenes and they are all well written. They are guaranteed to be at least good and they never let you down.
I read on Kindle and have taken to buying a paperback of the ones I like the most. I have quite a Melissa Tereze collection these days.
This story features Suzanne, a widow, who takes a liking to the courier who delivers her parcels. Jen, fresh out of prison, is kind, helpful, thoughtful and trying to make a clean start in life after she was unable to deal with her grief and went off the rails.
When is it a good time it tell someone new that you've just come out of prison?!
There is of course an epilogue which shows how to move on and not forget at the same time.
I read on Kindle and have taken to buying a paperback of the ones I like the most. I have quite a Melissa Tereze collection these days.
This story features Suzanne, a widow, who takes a liking to the courier who delivers her parcels. Jen, fresh out of prison, is kind, helpful, thoughtful and trying to make a clean start in life after she was unable to deal with her grief and went off the rails.
When is it a good time it tell someone new that you've just come out of prison?!
There is of course an epilogue which shows how to move on and not forget at the same time.
March 18, 2025
Suzanne, a widower, finds herself more and more charmed by the butch courier, Jan. After her getting increasingly flirty in conversations, she asks the younger woman out.
Jen is doing the courier job as it was the only job she could get after a short stay in prison. Now she's trying to rebuild her life, but the stigma of being in prison makes that hard. She's nervous about dating again, and doesn't tell Suzanne about her past... which blows up in her face.
(Okay, mild suspension of disbelief fail. The well off and living in posh side of town Suzanne is good friends with a prison guard who knows Jen's past? Seriously?)
After a short separation, Suzanne realizes she overreacted and reaches out to Jen. They forgive each other and start over, while Jen is trying to deal with her asshole brother-in-law.
3.5 out of 5. Good read, didn't blow me away.
Jen is doing the courier job as it was the only job she could get after a short stay in prison. Now she's trying to rebuild her life, but the stigma of being in prison makes that hard. She's nervous about dating again, and doesn't tell Suzanne about her past... which blows up in her face.
(Okay, mild suspension of disbelief fail. The well off and living in posh side of town Suzanne is good friends with a prison guard who knows Jen's past? Seriously?)
After a short separation, Suzanne realizes she overreacted and reaches out to Jen. They forgive each other and start over, while Jen is trying to deal with her asshole brother-in-law.
3.5 out of 5. Good read, didn't blow me away.
August 6, 2025
3.5⭐️
Ok, this book was perfectly fine and I did like it, but it was far from a favorite by this author. And I think thats my fault. It was well written and it was a good story. And I know that all of the inner negative thoughts that the main character had and kept expressing totally made sense when it came to the story, but so many times I just wanted to shake Jen’s character and tell her to snip out of it and stand up for herself. So much of the story was just Jen expressing her gratitude, but I just kept feeling depressed about the whole thing. And I absolutely claim responsibility that it’s probably more about my own current mood than the story itself. I give it 3.5 stars because it was good, but it just also annoyed me a good portion of the story. But I love this author and will continue to read anything she offers!
Ok, this book was perfectly fine and I did like it, but it was far from a favorite by this author. And I think thats my fault. It was well written and it was a good story. And I know that all of the inner negative thoughts that the main character had and kept expressing totally made sense when it came to the story, but so many times I just wanted to shake Jen’s character and tell her to snip out of it and stand up for herself. So much of the story was just Jen expressing her gratitude, but I just kept feeling depressed about the whole thing. And I absolutely claim responsibility that it’s probably more about my own current mood than the story itself. I give it 3.5 stars because it was good, but it just also annoyed me a good portion of the story. But I love this author and will continue to read anything she offers!
March 17, 2025
Melissa did it again..
Melissa writes books that feel like I've lived parts of them She often has a lot of angst, but she also has a lot of love and in the end, the love is what shines through. I was a little anxious reading this one, because the situation felt a little closer to home than I was okay with I am a widow, and I dated somebody very briefly that reminds me a lot of Jen. And yes, I cried a bit. This one is very very good though, even better than her usual standard, and it felt like it was healing parts of me that I didn't even know were wounded. I highly recommend it.
Melissa writes books that feel like I've lived parts of them She often has a lot of angst, but she also has a lot of love and in the end, the love is what shines through. I was a little anxious reading this one, because the situation felt a little closer to home than I was okay with I am a widow, and I dated somebody very briefly that reminds me a lot of Jen. And yes, I cried a bit. This one is very very good though, even better than her usual standard, and it felt like it was healing parts of me that I didn't even know were wounded. I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2025
When they leave...
When a significant person in ones life dies, living is impacted. Married or single at the time, it can feel like the oxygen has been sucked out of your lungs. The days after filled w pain, confusion, rage, alot of poor decisions.
This book portrays those things for 2 women. 2 seperate losses, 2 different experiences but finding he strength the continue, the courage to try to open up to love and hope again. The anniversary of loss one day being diminished by those who come after and help direct our hearts to heal.
Well written, with some spice and romance to bring smiles when it is hard to find a reason to smile again. Well done.
When a significant person in ones life dies, living is impacted. Married or single at the time, it can feel like the oxygen has been sucked out of your lungs. The days after filled w pain, confusion, rage, alot of poor decisions.
This book portrays those things for 2 women. 2 seperate losses, 2 different experiences but finding he strength the continue, the courage to try to open up to love and hope again. The anniversary of loss one day being diminished by those who come after and help direct our hearts to heal.
Well written, with some spice and romance to bring smiles when it is hard to find a reason to smile again. Well done.
August 11, 2025
I love Melissa Tereze’s writing style. Dialogue and communication between the characters is important to me. Yes there are points in almost all of her books that I want to scream “just talk to her” at the MC’s but that’s part of the angst. When it comes to emotion and expression, she has a way of writing that appeals to me. This book is no different in that but I particularly like this one as it deals with grief and learning to love yourself and fall in love after grief and after not dealing with it so well. I have a story similar to Jen’s so maybe that’s also why I loved this book. I will say in MHO this is one of Tereze’s best.
July 1, 2025
beautiful
A truly amazing story about love, loss, and Life After.
Everyone handles loss in different ways, in this book we see two sides of it. On one side we have Suzanne who is managing day to day but not really living. Then we have Jen whose life has totally blown up, from the lowest of the lows she tries to piece her life back together one day at a time.
This is a very emotional story, it had me blinking back tears a few times. Along with those moments I was also smiling and fanning myself. Typical MT book really.
A truly amazing story about love, loss, and Life After.
Everyone handles loss in different ways, in this book we see two sides of it. On one side we have Suzanne who is managing day to day but not really living. Then we have Jen whose life has totally blown up, from the lowest of the lows she tries to piece her life back together one day at a time.
This is a very emotional story, it had me blinking back tears a few times. Along with those moments I was also smiling and fanning myself. Typical MT book really.
March 15, 2025
Wow what a raw story, grief is so hard hitting especially when it's sudden add into it spiralling behaviour it's a recipe for disaster the fact one main characters knows too well but then a chance on a future with the women who she thinks is out of her league but holds back the trust only adds to the heartbreak but love really does come through it's a beautiful emotional rollercoaster you will cry, laugh and cheer them on it's a highly recommend MUST READ congratulations
March 15, 2025
A beautiful love story that hooked me from the start. The connection between Jen and Suzanne feels real and heartfelt. Jen's struggle with her past and Suzanne's journey to love again make this book touching and genuine. The mix of tender moments and suspense kept me turning the pages. The characters are relatable, and the theme of second chances is handled perfectly. Well written, emotional and steamy, a Melissa Tereze staple.
April 29, 2025
I liked it overall
Although I liked this book overall….it was pretty low angst & Jen deserved her happy ever after…….there were a few issues. Jen is an alcoholic so I will just say non alcoholic drinks are for non alcoholics. End of. Also it was a bit too sickly sweet. Although I get - what I assume is the point - the necessity of good communication: it was just a bit too close to diabetes for my liking. Nevertheless well done Melissa on another great achievement.
Although I liked this book overall….it was pretty low angst & Jen deserved her happy ever after…….there were a few issues. Jen is an alcoholic so I will just say non alcoholic drinks are for non alcoholics. End of. Also it was a bit too sickly sweet. Although I get - what I assume is the point - the necessity of good communication: it was just a bit too close to diabetes for my liking. Nevertheless well done Melissa on another great achievement.
April 30, 2025
Tapping in
Melissa Terese has written an uplifting story about how two grief stricken women find each other and connect to bring themselves back to living full lives again.
The story is slow moving but maintained my interest, and I don’t have any recommendations for increasing its pace since it reflects the battle Jen has to wage to get back to forgive herself and reclaim her happiness.
Melissa Terese has written an uplifting story about how two grief stricken women find each other and connect to bring themselves back to living full lives again.
The story is slow moving but maintained my interest, and I don’t have any recommendations for increasing its pace since it reflects the battle Jen has to wage to get back to forgive herself and reclaim her happiness.
December 21, 2025
It was a good book concept. I listened on audio and the pace was very slow and almost in whispers — not romantic ones — just quiet. There is no energy. But I like the book overall. I’m a fan of realistic drama and this book has serious issues and struggles. The people are likable. In theory the perfect book for me. It just needed a shot of adrenaline unfortunately. But I stand behind the fact 4 stars is a decent rating.
May 5, 2025
Emotion
This book will take you on a journey of emotions. The bad, the good and just down out cry. The MC feel like they are real an you want to fight or cheer them on. A wonderful story about having a second chance at life and love. Melissa did an amazing job writing this story good there is a second one to follow
This book will take you on a journey of emotions. The bad, the good and just down out cry. The MC feel like they are real an you want to fight or cheer them on. A wonderful story about having a second chance at life and love. Melissa did an amazing job writing this story good there is a second one to follow
March 16, 2025
Life after loss
Of course Melissa Tereze hands us a tear jerker. I loved this story so much and I would love to see it transformed into a movie. The characters are lovely and convincing. The whole story is relatable, and I also think it’s nice there was no overdose of angst in there.
Of course Melissa Tereze hands us a tear jerker. I loved this story so much and I would love to see it transformed into a movie. The characters are lovely and convincing. The whole story is relatable, and I also think it’s nice there was no overdose of angst in there.
March 17, 2025
beautiful
Second chances in life are meant to be taken for what it is. Revel in it and stay present with grace and gratitude for once you let it in it will lead to your happily ever after.
Second chances in life are meant to be taken for what it is. Revel in it and stay present with grace and gratitude for once you let it in it will lead to your happily ever after.
March 27, 2025
I have read all of Melissa Tereze’s books and this is one of her best. The sentiment in the plot was obviously close to the author’s heart. These two main characters found solace in each other following their grief of loosing a loved one. Jen who lost her best friend suddenly and unexpectedly, whilst Suzanne had lost her much loved husband,
A great plot and so very well written. What’s next Melissa?
A great plot and so very well written. What’s next Melissa?
April 29, 2025
loved
The only thing that was cringe is how often they used the names-Jen said Jen felt. I love you Jen. Jen Jen Jen…. Would have been perfect if it had a bit more pronouns.
Personal weird preference. Haha. Loved it tho!
The only thing that was cringe is how often they used the names-Jen said Jen felt. I love you Jen. Jen Jen Jen…. Would have been perfect if it had a bit more pronouns.
Personal weird preference. Haha. Loved it tho!
March 20, 2025
A great read
As usual,Melissa doesn't disappoint. I love all of her books. I really loved the plot and
characters. I can't wait till her next one.
As usual,Melissa doesn't disappoint. I love all of her books. I really loved the plot and
characters. I can't wait till her next one.
March 25, 2025
An excellent story, recommended.
March 28, 2025
Emotional
This is such a good book. It is very emotional. It really caught the feelings one would have suffering such a loss. Melissa Tereze never fails to impress!
This is such a good book. It is very emotional. It really caught the feelings one would have suffering such a loss. Melissa Tereze never fails to impress!
April 19, 2025
Beautiful
This was a beautiful story about overcoming harsh realities in coming out better on the other side. I was actually in tears for most of the last 10% of the story.
This was a beautiful story about overcoming harsh realities in coming out better on the other side. I was actually in tears for most of the last 10% of the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews