After the Rain

by Hannah Fox

What do you do when you realise your life is at risk?

Do you stick it out and hope for the best - or do you take your chances and run?

When escape is the only answer, can fate lead you to a new life? A new love? A new you?

Rain knows that his partner is dangerous, and when he finally realises he has to get out, he leaves the most important decision of his life up to fate. Picking a random place from an outdated road atlas, Rain escapes to Fenside Common, a small village in Norfolk, far away from London and the life he’s trying to forget.

Aidan lives a quiet, solitary life. He manages his anxiety the best he can, but it makes it hard to connect with people outside his family. He knows his tendency towards grumpiness could be off-putting, and he’s perfectly happy building boats with his brothers for the family business. But when he finds a man clearly in pain and in need of help, Aidan doesn’t hesitate - he opens his home. His life. His heart.

But Rain’s past isn’t finished with him.

When the storm finally catches up, will their fledgling relationship survive? Will it all wash away— or can they find happiness after the rain?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

Author of MM Romance with lots of heart, lots of emotion, and lots of spice.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy and sweet debut (with a DOG) from Hannah Fox!

I'm obsessed with Aidan, a rugged lumberjack boat building. Thank you Hannah for all the fuzzy chest hair moments. 😌 I loved the way he looooved Rain! It was so sweet.

Rain was a lovely ray of sunshine even after all he's been through, he still tries to take care of everyone around him.

The story gets you invested in the beginning. I love the found family of it all. A lovely warm hug of a book.

[JonathanSamuelReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The problem is that, sometimes, even a bad place is better than no place at all and being with a bad person is better than being alone.’

This was a lovely debut from Hannah Fox and she was lovely enough to send me an arc!

Rainn who’s in a bad situation and is leaving an abusive relationship moves to a new town and finds a home and a budding relationship with Aiden a quiet anxiety ridden lumberjack of a man. Oh and a sweet angel of a not so service dog. Tons of hurt and comfort with a great cast of characters with Aiden’s brothers and Corey!! I feel like we really got to know the author with little nods to locations and different foods. It was very cozy with a dash of angst. I’m excited to see where this series goes.

Read if you like:

🫶Hurt/comfort
🫶Small town setting
🫶Size Difference
🫶Anxiety Rep
🫶Found Family
🫶Cute Dog Moments

[Lore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet debut with lightness but with a few bumps along the way.

This was a very sweet and cute read. Even with some heavier themes in the background, the story keeps a lighter tone that makes it easy to stick with. I liked how both characters had their own vulnerabilities, which made their dynamic feel balanced in the way they cared for each other.There’s also a scene where one of the main characters is processing the abuse he went through, but his mind jumps to spicy thoughts about the other character... it came across a little dismissive in a moment that could have carried more emotional weight.

For a debut, the writing is pretty decent, though the frequent “uhm” and some repeated expressions made the flow feel uneven at times.

Around the halfway mark it started to feel a bit repetitive with a lot of setup for the next book. This made the ending also very predictable. As if the writer was waiting for the 70% mark until the chaos could start.

Overall, it was cute and lighthearted, with some nice character moments, though I didn’t always feel fully pulled into the story.

Tropes:
strangers to lovers
insta love
hurt x comfort
size difference
mmc who wears lace-y lingerie
gentle giant
dog dad
mental health rep (anxiety)

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Info:
characters: Rain and Aiden
nicknames: baby, angel, sweetheart, my love
Pov: dual
No break up

[Abigail | mooretoread | · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful debut novel from Hannah!! The story grips you right away. Rain is escaping an abuser and fate brings him to his sexy lumberjack, Aidan. Hannah handles the trauma with delicate words. I cried and laughed, but was smiling the whole way through.

I had a clear visual of everything because it was so descriptive. The boats, the Foster family, Pax, the pole and dancing. I felt like I was there. And I would happily join the Foster family.

This felt like a warm blanket, but throw in some hot spice! And I truly cannot wait for book 2 with Corey and Nash!!

Well done, Hannah!

[anna_79_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is a debut book! It's so well written and I could really connect with the characters. The sweet lumberjack of a man Aidan who's not afraid to show just how much he cares for and loves Rain. And sweet sweet Rain, who has to go through such hard times but is still the sweetest sunshine.

This book makes you feel like you're cuddled in the corner of the sofa, with your favorite human under a blanket, with the raindrops smattering against the window <3

I love the found family and I'm so excited for Coreys book.

Thank you for the arc. This review is honest and voluntary!

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3.5🌶️



Y’all This Book Was Really Amazing. Rain And Aidan Were Just So Cute And Lovable And Ugh I Loved Them So Much. This Was Also Such A Good Debut Book Like There Was So Much Wholesomeness And Emotions And What Happened Around The End Was Crazy IYKYK But Y’all This Is Such A Great Way To Start Off A Series. I Also Loved This Side Characters A lot And I Cannot Wait For Book 2 To Come Out. But HIGHLY Recommend This Book Y’all It Was Such A Cute Time And I Loved It Definitely Recommend 🫶💕

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this felt like reading a hallmark movie and I LOVE HALLMARK MOVIES!

Cozy and warm, and sooo cute. Rain is such a brave boy. Loved it. and pax 😭 i need him

[Alisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is a debut novel!! Hannah absolutely knocked this out of the park, and her love for these characters and this setting are very apparent in every word. I was hooked immediately and could not put it down once I started. The characters are so beautifully written, I could feel their heartbreak, anxiety, love… I could read about Rain and Aidan everyday and probably not get sick of them. This is a beautiful story about overcoming some really bad sh!t and coming out the other side better for it. Right place almost right time, patience, and perseverance. There is so much to love about this debut book, but the thought and time put in to not just the characters, but the world that they live in, is what made this a five star for me. I can’t wait for the second book, and until then I’ll be looking at properties for sale in the broads via RightMove 😂 thank you so much, Hannah, for giving me the opportunity to fall in love with Rain and his cuddly golden retriever early. I can’t wait for the second book 💜

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a beautiful and warm story about facing hardship, self-love and coming out on the other side stronger.

Rain Johnson decide to finally quit his abusive boyfriend after being hit one too many time. He picks a random spot on the map and it’s going to lead him to Aidan a sweet and sexy boat builder.
Their connection is instantly and it was beautiful to read.

Hannah Fox has a way to describe scene and place like I don’t see often. We feel what the character are feeling and we can see every places she’s described so vividly.

I love the characters so much. I felt for Rain and his journey and I wanted to hug him so many times and tell him everything will be of. Aidan was so teddy bear coded, so protective but he was supportive of Rain’s journey and he didn’t try to control things. On the other side, when he was the one that needed help, Rain showed up and he was the one doing the comfort.

There’s an aspect of found family that I really liked. The side characters were amazing and they became as important in my heart as Rain and Aidan. They added so much more to the story. I got invested in their stories and I can’t wait to see what Hannah will come up with in the future.

I strongly recommend it if you like, hurt/comfort, small town and found family vibe.

[gab_e_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, this story is so beautiful! I love being able to read books that are this great. I laughed and I cried. Hannah's writing style is just so good, she tells with so much charm, wit, bluntness and at the same time so sensitive, emotional and poignant ❤️! Aiden and Rain are two such lovely, amazing men. Both have a life full of burdens from their past. But together they heal! Their interaction with each other is melting 🫠 - but I also liked the hot scenes very very much 🥵🌶️🔥! The whole found family aspect always really touches me, and I also love all the side characters in this book and desperately want to know every single one of their stories too. I've heard the second book is in production and can't wait to read that one too!

[Barbs_booked_on_audio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as sweet as sugar and (at times) hotter than hell *cough* chapter 18 *cough* 👀👀 The MCs in this book are immediately likable, the care they show each other is just so perfect! It’s just so tender, it made my squeeze in on itself many times. And the side characters, ughhhhh, they are the literal best. I wish more people were like this group of family and friends. The world could use it. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series (you almost done with it?)🤣🤣 Amazing debut!

[Julia Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to start with the most important thing: this was a great debut! I was hooked from the start.
I instantly fell in love with this whole story, with Aidan and his family, Rain and Corey. The book was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Rain turned up in Fenside Common by chance but also because of some traumatic and scary things happening to him. The refuge and love he found with Aidan was so beautiful. I loved their connection, their communication; they were such a great couple. I loved that they had so much in common and how they were so in sync in a way. Their love was pure and strong, the type of love we all aspire to, but it also felt realistic.
Aidan and Rain were everything, but Aidan's family and friends really brought the story together and I was so happy to get little snippets of everyone's stories. I'm really excited to see where this series goes and I'm also excited to see who else's stories we are going to get.

I received a copy of this book from Hannah Fox, and this is my honest review.

[Jess.bookrecs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75🌟
It’s a little too predictable but also sickeningly sweet so slay IG.

We’re getting Nash and Corey!!! Thank the stars😭

[Andrew Smith-Mebust · Rating 4 out of 5]

Congrats Hannah on releasing your first book! 💖🥳

This book was so sickeningly sweet! Aiden and Rain (and that precious doggy, Pax) were so cute together. It’s written very cinematically, and I kept thinking to myself that I could see this being turned into a Hallmark or Lifetime movie. If you like those, you’ll love this. It’s slightly melodramatic in all the right ways. LOW angst, and HIGH heat. The spice was spicy, mama. Also, a Cute dog? Hot Lumberjack type of man who builds boats and has a hot hairy chest? A Pocket Gay who pole dances? Yes please! I mean what more could you want?

It’s a solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads

Thanks to Hannah Fox and her team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Madam Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to say a few nice words about this book. It’s a debut and deserves a whole lot of praise. It’s not all cozy vibes, no no. It has huge emotional baggage. At its core is a story about rebuilding yourself after immense trauma. There is a SA off page, but we get to see the aftermath on several occasions. It wasn’t easy, it’s not supposed to be. But with help and hope and lots of love and found family our sweet Rain found his happiness. There is also anxiety/ mental health issues from the other mc Aidan and that was perfectly portrayed. It’s not a short book, almost 400 pages, but it just flows. Once you start it’s very immersive. So yeah don’t hesitate to check this one. It will be a series so I for one can’t wait for the second book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We set out following Rain Johnson as he flees from an abusive relationship, and as he starts his journey from London, he closes his eyes and points at a map to choose his destination. Fate sends him to Fenside Common, a fictional village set on the real Norfolk Broads, where he is taken in by a burly boat builder named Aidan Foster. Comfort, romance, and flavorful splashes of drama and danger ensue.

There is, right away, so much to love about these characters. I immediately felt very attached to Rain. I wanted to save him from his hurts, but I also loved the little flashes of his snark that showed his inner fire hadn't gone utterly dead. I loved Aidan’s immediate drive to comfort, shelter, and protect, and it was so sweet to see Rain already feeling safe and protected after a couple of days in Aidan's presence.

I would call this an insta-love story, as both of them fall immediately for each other. You may not enjoy their story if insta-love turns you off. I have similar feelings about insta-love as I have about large age gaps. In real life, I think those are probably sketchy situations ripe for abuse and taking advantage, and in most cases should be avoided. In fiction, especially dual POV fiction when the audience gets both characters' thoughts and feelings, I enjoy it if it seems right for them. In this case, it definitely felt right and in-character.

I also appreciate that while they're both lovely people, neither is perfect. Rain initially blames himself pretty harshly for what his ex put him through, and for his mother's worries over him. Aidan also initially leans into deciding for Rain what he needs instead of communicating about it, even though his sister, Wren, warns him not to do that exact thing. I imagine being the youngest and only sister of a bunch of brothers has led to Wren experiencing a lot of that herself. Aidan also struggles with anxiety disorder and panic attacks, although he has them managed pretty well between an unofficial emotional support dog, breathing techniques, and several family members and friends who know how to help him through attacks.

Aidan's family and friends are wonderful people, also realistically imperfect each in their own way. Family members are the right balance of exasperating and supportive, and the close-knit friend group has their own collection of messes and dramas, some more evident to Aidan and Rain than others. As much as the cast of characters are Aidan's family, I enjoyed watching them become Rain's own found family as well.

My favorite thing about Aidan is that he's possessive over Rain in a healthy way; the things he wants for Rain are also things Rain wants, and things that are positive for both of their lives. Aidan wants Rain to get to know the larger family and friend group, and to have people other than Aidan to confide in and spend quality time with. Aidan is completely encouraging and supportive of Rain going to therapy, and is able to acknowledge its benefits for himself and for anyone else. When Aidan gets in touch with his bossy dominant side in bed, Rain knows he’s completely safe and grows confident in asking for what he wants as well. They don’t exactly change each other, but they provide each other with the safety to discover and grow into themselves more fully.

As much as this story is about Aidan and Rain falling for each other, it’s about Rain remembering that he’s worth loving, by others and by himself.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was quiet, warm, and deeply healing. It’s about surviving something painful, learning how to choose yourself again, and slowly finding your footing after everything falls apart.

Rain finally walks away from his abusive boyfriend after one moment too many. With nothing but the need to escape, he picks a random place on the map, not knowing it will lead him to Aidan, a kind, grounded boat builder who feels safe in a way Rain hasn’t felt in a long time.

The connection between Rain and Aidan unfolds gently and honestly. It never feels rushed or forced, just two people finding comfort in each other when they need it most. Hannah Fox writes emotions and settings with such care. Every place feels lived in, and every feeling lands exactly where it’s meant to. You don’t just read this book, you sit inside it with the characters.

Rain’s journey broke my heart in the best way. I wanted to wrap him in a hug so many times and tell him that he’s allowed to rest, that he’s allowed to be loved. Aidan, on the other hand, is pure teddy bear energy. Protective without being overbearing, steady without trying to fix everything. He gives Rain the space to heal on his own terms. And when Aidan is the one who starts to unravel, Rain shows up fully, offering the same care and comfort he was once given. That balance meant a lot to me.


If you love hurt/comfort, small-town settings, and found family that feels real and earned, this one is absolutely worth your time.

[Caitlin (Dork.of.the.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The horrors persist, but you can escape it all with this debut bookie. After the Rain is like a warm cuppa tea: delicious, comforting, and cozy. I enjoyed melting into Fenside Common and getting lost in this little village.

After escaping an abusive relationship, Rain ends up in a small village looking for a new start. Aidan to the rescue! He stays with Aidan while he gets back on his feet, and pretty quickly they develop feelings for each other. This is defo an insta-love situation, but they both recognize that their new feelings should be approached with patience and care. There are heavy moments and scary situations, but there is so much love & healing that it doesn’t weigh the story down; it still feels light. I thought the mental health aspects of this were handled well too. I liked the choices made to allow these two to heal from not only their new love, but also from the help of professionals and their community; it gave their insta-love feelings legs to stand on. Their relationship is absolutely dreamy and sexy, and I am so happy for them!

Although this is Rain and Aiden’s story, we get to meet lots of other fun and funny characters, and I’m looking forward to their stories too! Also, this is packed through with Britishness; most importantly, there is tea galore, the cure-all for any ailment and the drink for any occasion!

ARC Review

[Leigha Kwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
After the Rain – Hannah Fox

Hannah, I didn’t know how much my soul needed this story until I read it. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be healing.

This book, while heavy at times, is such a beautiful expression of what it means to create space to heal and grow. It’s about respecting boundaries, loving someone for exactly who they are, and holding space for them instead of treating them as though they’re broken. It’s about fate guiding you to the right place, with the right person, at the right time.

Despite the weight of the themes, there are also laugh-out-loud moments—especially between our two MMCs and Aidan’s chaotic, hilarious brothers. They add so much warmth and balance to the story.

✨ Aidan is the definition of a green flag, wrapped up in a cloak of anxiety. I adored the mental health and therapy rep—this isn’t a “love heals all” story, but rather an honest portrayal of how hard it can be to seek help and take those steps toward healing.

✨ Rain—our beautifully broken boy—absolutely stole my heart. Watching him come out of his shell and reveal the sassy, snarky side of himself once he no longer had to shrink or pretend for survival was just everything.

This book is tender, raw, and swoony all at once. It’s a reminder that love isn’t about fixing—it’s about supporting, understanding, and growing together.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 – Highly recommend.

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

Niggle #1: Constant use of 'um's or in this case it's 'uhm'

Examples:
"He,uhm,beat me up pretty badly and, uhm..."

"Uhm,I..."

"I think I need to go to a hospital for a,uhm, private assessment."

Even the doctor uses it apparently. -"Uhm, hey, Adan? I need some privacy here."

Niggle #2: Getting horny thoughts while being treated for the injuries caused by an abusive ex, including injuries from sexual assault/rape.

" Well, he's every fucking lumber- jack fantasy I've ever had come to life with his massive arms folded over his chest, testing the strength of the seams on his shirt, his dark hair, dark eyes, and even darker beard all add- ing to his intense stare. And is that a man-bun? Be still my beating dick.

"Uhm, I..." I swallow and focus back on the doctor. I cannot ask him to inspect my arsehole when that sexy wall of man hunk is standing right there staring at me. "

I'm willing to overlook a lot of things for my favorite tropes but this just doesn't set the scene for a good hurt/comfort when the abused character is already having lusty thoughts while his literal hole is still in pain from the recent abuse. I wasn't vibing with the writing anyway.

DNF @12%

[Nicole Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I received a free copy of this book through a giveaway.

I love a good small town romance and for a debut novel is well written and the story had such a great promise.

HOWEVER, the repeated use of “uhm” every other sentence throughout the whole book was exhausting and made it almost unreadable at times.

Also the fact while being having a rape exam done the MMC was talking about how turned on he was by the other MMC… just two-three days after being brutally beaten and rape.

Then again at the end of the story after being beaten they are immediately jumping each other.

The story would have went much better if she had at least omitted the rape or even slowed down the immediate jumping into bed with one another.

The author has so much potential, she just needs to slow down and not try to cram too many story lines in one book to set up for a series.

With all that being said I do plan on reading at least the second book and I truly hope she reads the reviews and accepts the constructive criticism well.

[Lyn Solomon-Linville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful book. Well, not all of it. There is some very hard to take scenes of abuse that you should be aware of and protect yourself if you need to do that. There is also so much comfort coming after that hurt that made up for the pain. Aidan's family is one I could easily see anyone wanting to be a part of, one of those fictional families that just support each other through thick and thin. The author growing up in the area gives it so much more depth that I want to vacation there.
The angst is real and takes up a very important part of the book along with Aidan's Generalised Anxiety Disorder which therapy and Rain help him to deal with. I love the few sentences that the author writes about the importance of therapy.
There are a few references that I loved, one to Onley James as Rain's favorite author, one to out of date spices, and one to Alan Ritchson as Reacher!
Oh and loved Rain's pole dancing and its upgraded image and Pax the stray adopted and who took to being an anxiety service dog like a tufted duck to water.

[Lara Sirimarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first sentence pulled me right in, and I was hooked.
After the Rain feels like a warm hug. Its comforting and hopeful, even in its heaviest moments. It's a story about healing and love and finding your person/your home. Aidan and Rain were each what the other needed. This book overflows with hope, warmth, love and strength.
The descriptions are great - I could picture myself right there in Fenside Common.
Don't think because its so warm and cozy that there isnt any spice! The pole studio - thats all I'm gonna say.
I especially loved the way the author writes about the power of movement. Such beautiful insight into how dance can be so healing and an expression of artistry and emotion.
Great pop culture references. And its funny! "Be still my beating dick".
I feel in love with Aidan and Rain, and I can't wait for Nash and Corey's book!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was pretty cute. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Rain. I felt like we got a pretty good background for both Rain and Aiden.
I knewwww this was insta-love going into this so shame on me, I’m not going to reduce the rating for that. It’s just a preference thing.
I liked the end drama that happened and thought it brought some excitement into the story.
I also realllllly liked starting to hear about Corey. I’m excited to read about Corey and Nash (and the daughter - whose name I forgot).
What reduced this rating for me (but only by a little) is that I found it hard to stay engaged at times towards the end, which led to me skimming a couple paragraphs.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
3 🌶️

Such a beautiful debut. There was a lot of heavy topics discussed over handed with such care. Aidan such a sweet gentle giant and Rain, tiny but mighty. I loved the pacing of the story. The quiet dedication Aidan shared for Rain. Just everything about that was so gooey. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens with Corey and Nash.

WHAT TO EXPECT
🩷Pole Dancer x Boat Builder
🩷Size Difference
🩷Small Town
🩷Hurt/Comfort
🩷Anxiety Rep
🩷Adorable Puppy

Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut! I was hooked right from the first page.

I fell in love with this story, with Aidan and his family, with Rain, and with Corey. Rain arrives in Fenside Common while running from trauma, but what he finds is refuge, love, and a true partner in Aidan. Their connection was beautiful, their communication, their shared interests, and the way they just fit together. Their love felt both pure and realistic, the kind you can’t help but root for.

Aidan’s family and friends added so much depth, and I adored the found-family vibes that ran through the entire book. Hannah painted such vivid scenes that I felt like I was right there with them, whether on the boats, with the Foster family, or watching Pax and the dancing. It was all so real in my head.

Rain, even after everything he has been through, shines as this sweet ray of sunshine, and Aidan, the gentle lumberjack, loves him so openly. Together, they were everything.

This book felt like a warm hug with just the right touch of spice, and it made me laugh, cry, and smile the whole way through. I can’t wait to continue the series and dive into Corey and Nash’s story next.

An incredible debut—Hannah Fox is definitely one to watch.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the themes explored in this book, but I was uncomfortable with some things about this book (for example, instalove immediately after leaving an abusive relationship - wow, don't go there) and unsatisfied by the way other things were handled (for example, it never felt like the characters' lives/relationships/etc were affected by their issues/trauma).

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT DEBUT BOOK!!!
Love everything about this book, main characters, side characters, storyline.
Aidan and Rain meet under the worst of circumstances. Rain was fleeing an abusive ex. Aidan recuses him. They both have issues that they are working thru. In the midst of everything, they fall in love.
Love that this is the first book in a series. Can't wait for book 2.

[Bookworm_acre · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful debut!

Hannah Fox delivers a touching and emotional story about two men trying to deal with their lifes. Rain, pure sunshine in human form, escapes an abusive relationship and ends up finding safety and comfort with a quiet, kind-hearted lumberjack who’s dealing with anxiety.

Their relationship is soft, vulnerable, and full of heart. I loved watching them slowly learn how to communicate, trust, and support each other through their struggles. Both characters completely won me over, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Jazmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review!

This was so so sweet and cozy. Aidan was such perfect for Rain, loving him despite everything he’s been through. And sweet baby Rain still tried taking care of everyone. What a fantastic debut! I can’t wait for the next one!!