After Hours: A Steamy Instalove Romance

Port Arbor Pulse #1

by A.K. Sarai

TBA!

90 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2025

About the author

I write short, steamy romances with irresistible cinnamon roll heroes who secretly melt for sharp, sassy heroines. Lots of steam, low drama, and guaranteed HEAs right at your doorstep. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me binge-watching K-dramas with my dog.

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Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Hours is Book 1 of the Port Arbor Pulse series. It's a short and steamy, OTT, instalove with an enemies-to-lovers vibe, forced-proximity, mutual-pining, opposites-attract, girl gets her hunk office romance. Josie is a 32-year-old social media executive. Liam is a hunky lawyer who works with her. The two have secret feelings for each other but act like they hate one another. One night when they end up stuck in an elevator, they confront their feelings. But what happens when it's over? These two had such great chemistry, the banter was snarky, and the ending was ending was happy after some angst. I loved it.

[Kiley]

After Hours, Book 1 of the Port Arbor Pulse series, was about 31-year-old Liam Lennox, a corporate attorney at Pulse Communications, and 32-year-old Jocelyn "Josie" Farnsworth, a co-owner and social media executive of Pulse Communications.

Well...not a lot to say about this novella. With only 11 chapters and an epilogue, it left a lot to be desired. There was almost no backstory, and from what the author did provide, it wasn't enough to explain the hostility between the two main characters. While there was angst and conflict, there was no plausible reason for them. Oh, so Josie's father was a hardass, and Liam was a "charity case" that her father favored when Liam was in college...that is, until the man learned that his pet project had the hots for his daughter (aka Josie) and "ruined his life".

Then, after Josie helped start up Pulse Corporation, she made certain to hire Liam as their corporate attorney, although he didn't know that. So for the next five years, instead of either of them confessing to their feelings for the other, they turned mortal enemies right up until Liam's last day. Yep, two weeks earlier, he had handed in his resignation because he couldn't be a part of "her world" anymore. He hated his job, hated working for a "stuck-up, spoiled princess" who didn't do an honest day's work in her life. Yep, that was his opinion of the woman he supposedly loved for more than five years.

So, they got stuck in the elevator around 1 in the morning, had sex, then walked away from each other one last time, again without confessing their feelings. Oh, Liam confessed to his harsher feelings towards her and her father, but not to his love. It wasn't until the next day that he found out just how wrong he was.

The thing about this novella was that the storyline was choppy, the plotline was nonexistent, and the backstory that would have melded the whole thing together was never given. There were too many unresolved issues. It was an incomplete novella that left the world hanging by a thread. It even had a bit of a cliffhangerish feeling where Max (Josie's business partner) was concerned. Supposedly, this was to prepare the reader for the next book in the series? However, all it provided was a reason not to continue the series. I definitely won't be reading any more books by this author. Yes, it was that bad. I couldn't even rate it a single star. Yes, I am extremely sorry I read it.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie and Liam have been paired together to complete a work project. It's now mostly finished, and Liam has decided to leave. On the outside it seems like they don't like each other however the two of them have wanted each other for a long time but something happened in their past that had separated them. When they end up stuck in an elevator together, emotions start to surface, their passion for each other is evident, and they aren't able to hold back!

I felt for the two of them for what happened in the past and how they never got the chance to be together. I was happy when they finally talked things out and found out the truth.

If you're looking for a cute, second-chance romance novella with a few spicy scenes then try this one out!
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 2.5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️.5
Main Characters: Liam & Josie
Darkness: n/a
Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: Port Arbor Pulse Series- After Hours: Book 1
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*Workplace Romance
*Second Chance
*Forced proximity (stuck in an elevator together)
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Teneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3🔥 | Short, spicy, and surprisingly sweet

This was exactly the read I needed to get back into the swing of things after a busy, burnouty week where reading just didn’t happen. I was genuinely worried I’d lost my reading groove (which is always a stressful spiral), but After Hours helped snap me out of it.

It’s a quick instalove story (around 90 minutes to read) with forced proximity, trapped-in-an-elevator chaos, enemies-to-lovers snark, and a spicy elevator scene that definitely delivers. The dynamic between Josie and Liam had that "we hate each other but also want to tear each other’s clothes off" energy that works so well in short romances.

I don’t often read novellas like this, but I’m glad I did — the pacing worked for what it was, and it gave me a little break from heavier reads. Would definitely check out more from the Port Arbor world!

CW: panic attack (claustrophobia), emotionally harsh conflict, unprotected sex (briefly discussed).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jezebel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, addictive, and emotionally loaded - After Hours had me hooked from page one. If you’re craving a fast-paced second-chance romance with tension, resentment, and just the right amount of angst, this one’s for you.

Liam, the broody lawyer with a chip on his shoulder, is impossible not to obsess over. His judgment of Josie - all because her dad has money - adds layers to their dynamic that feel raw and real. But it’s not just class tension. Years ago, Josie’s dad chased Liam away when he found out about Liam’s crush, and Liam never forgave her for it. That resentment? It simmers. And when they cross paths again, it burns.

Josie’s strength and vulnerability shine through, especially as she navigates Liam’s cold exterior and the history that still haunts them both. Watching them unravel the past and fight for something real made this a one-sitting read for me.

💼 Lawyer angst? ✅
💔 Resentment-fueled tension? ✅
🔥 Second-chance payoff? Absolutely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Short, Sexy, and Surprisingly Satisfying✨

After Hours by A.K. Sarai is a quick, steamy workplace romance that packs a punch despite its short length (just 17k!). If you love tension-filled, resentment-to-lovers stories with that delicious "I shouldn't want you but I do" energy, this one’s for you. 😏

Jocelyn and Liam have a complicated history — one marked by longing, unspoken feelings, and a line they never dared to cross. But all it takes is one night, one kiss, and the walls between them come tumbling down. 🔥

What I really appreciated is that despite being a novella, it didn’t feel rushed or superficial. There's enough backstory to give emotional weight to their connection, and enough spice to make the tension absolutely worth it. A short read, yes—but one that doesn’t skimp on the feels or the heat.

If you're looking for a bite-sized romance with a guaranteed HEA and a good dose of angst and passion, give After Hours a try. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more stories from Port Arbor! 💼💋

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance romance.
Josie is a young heiress and businesswoman trying not to follow in the footsteps of her arrogant billionaire father. Since college she has had a crush on Liam, one of her very talented friends, unfortunately from one day to the next he disappeared and when he reappeared as an employee in her company his behavior towards her completely changed until that night stuck in the elevator.
Liam is a man who grew up in poverty so when he got a scholarship for his law studies he knew he had to work hard to succeed. So when he sees Josie again, a wealthy heiress, he can't help but think that she got it all without effort. But despite everything he can't help his crush on her when he finds himself stuck in the elevator with her.
Will Liam and Josie give in to their attraction or will their past separate them….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review for ‘After Hours’ by A.K Sarai.
A brand new series of short, steamy books has started!
The Port Arbor Pulse series starts with Josie and Liam. They have known each other for years, pining after one another. But being from totally different worlds, can they build their own world together?
The characters have great energy together, their 🌶️ is deliciously written!
Great short story to get out of a rut or for just a quickie 🤣
5/5⭐️ for the first book in this new series🥰
#arc #arcreview #arcreader #bookreview #bookrecs #booktok #bookgram #instagram #afterhours #aksarai #portarborpulse @A.K. Sarai ❤️

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this.
It was instalove, without being instalove.
This short story centred on Josie and Liam, and I’ll be honest, her name for him was very apt for quite a bit of the story.
I was p[leasantly surprised at how well this story flowed, the emotions that were brought out and even the pacing.
At no time did it feel rushed - I just wish it could have been a little longer to really flesh it out. But hey, that’s the nature of short stories and novellas…
Can't wait for Max's story now...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've read by this author. The blurb drew me in, and the cover was pretty, so I decided to give it a try.
The story had potential, but I felt that Jocelyn and Liam were forcing their feelings a bit too much. I don't know how to explain it, but their chemistry felt flat to me. They were driven apart by her father, and now that they are finally adults, they have kept their animosity towards one another.
I don't know. The story was mildly steamy, quick, and easy to read. You should give it a try!

[MaRissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a short, yet spicy read!

I felt the instant connection with both characters immediately and their chemistry.

Liam and Josie were definitely made for each other and had always been!

I wish the book had been longer, as I was instantly obsessed and read it in one sitting. The word building and plot were definitely brilliant. I can’t wait to read more from this author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“After Hours” by A.K. Sarai

-A second-chance love that is short, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Josie and Liam reunite in a sizzling elevator scene packed with past regrets and fresh passion. Great chemistry, emotional depth, and just the right dose of angst.

A fast-paced novella that leaves you wanting more from Port Arbor Pulse.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good second chance love story. Liam is a lawyer who has worked for the same company for five years but hates it. He has loved Josie since college but she comes from a rich family and he doesn't. Josie has loved Liam since college but doesn't know why he suddenly left and went cold. Their HEA is a page-turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced, addictive read that pulls you in from the first page. Josie and Liam’s chemistry crackles, tangled in a mix of past tension, class divide, and long-buried feelings. The tension is palpable, the buildup delicious, and when everything finally comes to a head—let’s just say you won’t be putting this one down. A.K. Sarai delivers a perfectly spicy escape wrapped in a story full of heart.

[Christina Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.K. Sarai does it again! Another great story that manages to have so much plot and character development in so few pages. This is more angsty between the FMC and MMC than the Blackwater Peaks series, but not in a dramatic way. There's miscommunications, family issues, and societal differences all wrapped up in a short love story (HEA of course!) Josie and Liam are really interesting characters, both independently and together, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the rest of the series.

[Sarah LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your going to write a 2 hour read, take notes. She sets up a whole back story, drama, and steam perfectly. None of this stupid I just meet him and love him crap. I felt like I was ready a great synopsis of a bigger book that keep in at the spicy parts.

Fun quick read even for this slow reader.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story with lots packed into its few pages. I’m amazed at how much character insight there is. Liam had assumed that Josie was just like her father. She assumed that he hated her. After 5 years and an elevator ride could they overcome those assumptions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenea Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great and short read. These two had me just as mad at them as they were initially at each other. Though I would have preferred more detail in the sex scenes, they still delivered the right amount of steam to have you feel the longing between Josie and Liam. Although there was a bonus scene at the end, I really enjoyed the way it ended so didn't want to know any more. ☺️.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good story. The characters were likeable and relateable. Liam and Josie had a history that impacted their working relationship at Pulse. It wasn't until they got locked in an elevator together that they finally dealt with the elephant in the room. They both were in for a surprise.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to kick off a new series. This short but sweet and steamy novella has plenty to draw you in and keep you involved in the book. It’s a great short read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evelyn Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of hiding their feelings for each other Josie and Liam finally share their feelings and things get intense! Short and spicy, enjoy! I know I did 🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short romance with secret love that manifests as resentment but leads to a great HEA. Funny how, as usual, everyone around them knows but they don't.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooo!!!!! A.K.Sarai REALLY know how to write steamy, sexy scenes🤩🤩🤩. This quickie was super hot, and very sweet! Great 1 hr read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have both had feelings for each other secretly for years . Unfortunately her father ruined an internship for him when he found out about his feelings for the daughter ..: one elevator malfunction rings them back together FOR good

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25


Novella
Workplace Romance
From Different Worlds
Forced Proximity
Resentment-to-Lovers
Secret Pining
One Night-to-HEA
F*ck It Moment

AK Sarai does it again with another quick read, fast burn, steamy romance! This bite size novella is an easy read that will draw you in from the beginning, keep you entertained with the heat coming from our MCs, and leave you feeling satisfied with a guaranteed HEA all within 60-90 minutes!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing sweet and spicy novella! Josie and Liam left me wanting more, the elevator scene was everything!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise ~ The Serial Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was fun, cute with a bit of spice! I loved the characters! Strong FMC but not annoying. I wish there were more to Liam and Josie's story.

Looking forward to more stories from A. K. Sarai.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I love this one so much! Liam and Josie - what can I say? They've got sizzling chemistry. Really love how their story unfolded. I can't wait for the rest. 😍

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, slightly emotional and steamy.

Josie and Liam work together, but don’t get along. Liam avoid Josie as much as he can, but on his last day they get stuck on an elevator and their attraction can no longer be contained.

Do you do have a bit of a past together that motivates Liam to resent Josie, or at least use his resentment as a defense mechanism. They have a few bumps and troubles communicating, but in the end, their love wins out. I enjoyed this short, sweet story.

I have received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Nicole Calhoun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read that I read in one sitting. Read thing your looking for a nice read. Enemies to lovers, workplace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.