After the Carousel

The Carousel #2

by Josh Steele

They let go once and called it the right thing.

Now Emma is back in Josh’s world. She is the consultant hired to fix his biggest product launch. He is the boss who never stopped wanting her. The city is wet from a storm. A kiss in a crowded gala turns a quiet reunion into a second chance neither of them planned.

Work comes first. That is the rule. But late nights turn into slow burn heat. Boardroom pressure collides with bedroom pull. Loyalty, power, and timing get tested. Love versus career feels like the real deal they can’t work out.

After the Carousel is a contemporary spicy slow burn second chance office romance. Dual POV. High emotion. High heat. Set on the West Coast with secret meetings, sharp banter, and a payoff that feels earned.

Tropes and vibes
• Second chance office romance
• Slow burn high heat
• CEO and consultant
• Forbidden workplace chemistry
• Boardroom to bedroom
• Love versus career
• And plenty of spice from Ferris Wheel, to toys and travels

Series note
Book two in the Carousel Romance series. Can be read as a standalone. Reading Pleasure Carousel first adds extra punch.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

Josh never planned to become an erotic writer—until a muse named Emma whispered her story into his ear. Now he writes to remember, to relive, and to feel. His stories are confessions, fantasies, and sometimes, a little too real.

When he’s not writing, you’ll likely find him in the corner of a café pretending to work while eavesdropping on strangers’ conversations and over analyzing their body language like it’s a thesis on human desire. He tells himself it’s research.

The baristas are skeptical.

See some of the lines I like most from the book -

IG - https://www.instagram.com/joshsteelea...

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot and dialogues reflect their maturities without losing the fun and heat. The story is believable and relatable, and I found myself quite easily connected with the characters and root for their ups and downs. Like I said in book 1s review, it reminds me of when a relationship first starts and you have all that passion and love that starts to build. Both books were a refreshing read. I liked how the plot and dialogues in both books also reflect their maturities without losing the fun and heat. The banter between them was incredible. The spice was delicious. The plot again hooked me from day 1 of book 1. It’s an absolute rom-com, and I loved every minute of it! And that’s what a relationship is all about, especially when you start to grow old together.
This was an ARC and yes I did read this in one day… again lol. Josh Steele books are now one of my favorites!

Highly recommend!

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic, the plot was very interesting and very well written and the characters were absolutely amazing 🤩

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got my arc copy and finished it WITHIN A DAY! It is such a good book, cute plot with good amount of GREAT CRAZY smut. The holiday theme isn’t too thick or overly done, but it’s there and leave me feeling cozy and warm. Highly recommended!!!!!!!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Arc Review***

“Maybe this is unfinished business. Or maybe it’s just a reminder that some connections don’t fade. They wait. And sometimes, they come back when you least expect them.”

Josh Steele did it again. After the Carousel is the perfect follow-up to Pleasure Carousel — emotional, intimate, and full of that slow-burn ache that lingers long after you turn the last page.

I absolutely loved Josh and Emma. Their love feels raw and real — messy in the best way — the kind that makes you root for them with your whole heart. This story isn’t just about rekindled love; it’s about timing, growth, and finding your way back to what was always meant for you.

If you loved Pleasure Carousel, prepare yourself — this one hits deeper.

Some stories end. This one waited. And honestly, Josh Steele — you outdid yourself. I’m still spinning. 🎠💫

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a woman in her 40s, I am tired of reading romance centered around college students / MCs in their 20s. This book is a refreshing read. It follows the journey of a couple in their mid 30s (FMC) and early 40s (MMC). The plot and dialogues reflect their maturities without losing the fun and heat. The story is believable and relatable, and I found myself quite easily connected with the characters and root for their ups and downs.
A solid 5 stars read and thanks for the ARC copy.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

love a second chance!

When Josh and Emma run into each other again they get a chance to work together and play together. I love their banter, high tension and spice, and unbelievable chemistry. Amazing!!

[Emily Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first one, so l was excited for this one. This one was even better than the first in my opinion. It was very fun and fast paced. I absolutely love the plot, same with the first book and I think the smut is really steamy and hot and frequent (not as frequent as book 1 though).

All the dialogue was great and kinda funny.
The spice happens quite early on, maybe 20% of the book (probably the style of this male author?).The book is very spicy throughout but doesn’t steal away from the plot. It was really well done spice and never a dull / repetitive moment…if anything, there are really quite some creative scenes (and even funny at parts, I ❤️❤️❤️ the epilogue scene, iykyk 🤣🤣🤣🔥)

Emma is such a great female character, love her journals from book 1 and book 2 makes me like her even more. And I am happy to see the character development in Josh and there is some back story to explain the reasons behind their choices in book 1.

Overall, it’s a book I’d recommend to anyone looking for office / second chance / steamy romance. And cherry on top, it has a Christmassy feeling, which makes it a more perfect read for the season.

Thank you for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Genna Zdunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this as an ARC copy and yes you read the start and finish dates correctly, I read this in one day. I chose this book over food and sleep! Josh and Emma have the relationship I can only dream of someday having myself. The banter, incredible. The spice, woah. The plot, hooked. Absolutely a rom-com, and I loved every minute of it.

[Rene Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad we got to see more from Josh and Emma!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dynamic between Josh and Emma is messy, tender, and very real. Their chemistry jumps off the page — both in the bedroom and outside of it.

Solid plot and solid character development. Extremely spicy and bit kinky. The story is fast-paced, I finished the book in one seating.
Thanks for the ARC copy.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh Steele wrote After the Carousel and provided an ARC copy to review. This is book two in The Carousel series. I feel it is almost required that you read Pleasure Carousel before reading this story. It is the back story of Josh and Emma. It is easy to get sucked into their world quickly. So quickly in fact that I read this book in one day, adulting be damned!

This book took me on a crazy roller coaster. Forget the carousel! It is refreshing to read a book with characters that are so relatable. These two people and their second chance love story felt like something so realistic. Life is messy and beautiful. I was cheering for Emma and Josh the whole time.

The Carousel series is a perfect example of right person wrong time and the gravitational pull towards the love you are destined for. I may be alone in this, but this story made me so emotional. The cabin scene on the last day and the airport scene, pass the tissues please. Josh loved Emma and she loved him, that was never questioned. I thought it was mature of them to put themselves first and not just force something that was not sustainable at the time. However, just because it is the right thing to do doesn’t make it hurt any less. Emma and Josh were completely honest with each other and themselves. If it is meant to be, then it will be. These two prove that over and over.

Will there be more story for Josh and Emma to share with us? Only the author can answer that burning question. I hope there is more story to tell for them. If it is just as relatable and perfectly imperfect, then I will read it and you should too.

[Athena Peterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read Pleasure Carousel and liked it, but this book? I'm totally in love. The plot is gripping, and watching Josh's slow descent into obsession is done perfectly. And Emma is a blend of strong and sweet character. Their banter is so fun, the chemistry is fire, and the steamy scenes are seriously creative. It has a Xmas feel but not overly festive, just a cozy background vibe. I binged it all in one go. 10/10 would recommend! Plus, all the different, super hot smut scenes are icing on the cake.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second-chance office forbidden romance with lots of heat. I love how fast paced it is. I also enjoy the fun banter, and off the charts steamy scenes. The book delivers a perfect blend of solid plot and intense chemistry. I love the strong, no-nonsense FMC and the MMC's transformation from book 1 to 2. While it carries a cozy Christmas vibe, the holiday theme isn't overpowering. I finished this book in one sitting and couldn’t recommend it high enough.

[Renee Poselwait · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reader

I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. I discovered that it was the second book in the series, so I decided to read the first book before diving into this one. Pleasure Carousel, the first in the series , set up the back story into Josh and Emma's love affair. It was nice to know where these two started. I also enjoyed that there was more plot to this book. I enjoy spicy scenes, but all spice (as was the case with Pleasure Carousel) was a bit much.

We pick back up with Josh and Emma about a year after Pleasure Carousel, and over the course of about 2 years in the book, we see Josh and Emma's love blossom. We see how love can overcome a lot and does not always fade despite distance and time.

Great second book!

[Anu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the chance to read this book as an ARC reader, and if you’re in the mood for a light, romantic story, this one’s a sweet pick. I found it pleasant, though I personally missed a bit of tension and that addictive pull that keeps you flipping pages.

The happy ending comes with a few twists—one of which, to my delight, takes place in my home country, Finland

Perfect for those everyday moments when you just want a quick romantic escape and a smile on your face.

[Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.
This one was super cute and such an easy, lighthearted read! Definitely gave me all the festive feels, despite it only shows up in the last 40% of the book...snow, white cabin…
The plot was there, the smut was definitely there too. It’s a cozy read but with enough emotional depth to feel what the characters are going through.
If you love second chance/ office forbidden romance, and smutty steamy scenes, this book is for you.
Thanks for the arc copy.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I enjoyed Pleasure Carousel, but I LOVE this one! The plot moves fast and Josh's transformation from a player to someone totally obsessed is chef's kiss. Emma is an amazing, strong female lead who's also sweet and fun. The banter is fun, the chemistry is off the charts, and the steamy scenes are next-level creative. Finished it in one sitting—highly, highly recommended!

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for picking me as an ARC reader. Both MCs are likable characters and their chemistry is off the chart. Love the fast pacing and love how the spice is nicely woven in the story throughout the book. And yes, the spicy is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amanda Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun and easy read that you will not want to put down! The author did an amazing job creating characters that thrive a spicy and adventurous atmosphere. There’s definitely spice, but it was all well loved. I would highly recommend this book!!

[Brooke Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked Pleasure Carousel (book 1) or you enjoy high-heat contemporary romance with real emotional stakes, After the Carousel is a strong pick. It promises more than just sex — there’s character growth, second-chance romance, and a satisfying emotional payoff.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book weaves in feeling of longings, timing and heartbreak alongside with desire. Highly recommend if you want a story that’s as emotional as it’s steamy.

[Leanne Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything, spice, laughter, tears in all the best ways. I loved how this book kept me captivated. It was a good read I didn’t want to put it down. Josh and Emma’s character were well written, the banter, dad jokes and those dirty one liners kept me giggling through out the story.

[Lisa Kimbrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

Awesome book, flew through this book. Great story with some smut.

[Rhian Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story, a love so strong between josh and emma, I wasnt sure which way it was going to go but what an amazing ending a true carousel ride.

[Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling, emotional second-chance office romance, After the Carousel delivers slow-burn tension, sharp banter, and irresistible chemistry. With high stakes at work and even higher heat after hours, Emma and Josh’s reunion is both passionate and deeply satisfying. A perfect blend of angst, spice, and heart.

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read After the Carousel on Kindle Unlimited, and wow this one hit every slow burn, second chance nerve perfectly. Emma and Josh’s chemistry feels electric from page one, full of that mix of longing, tension, and timing that makes you want to yell “just kiss already!” Their past connection gives real emotional depth to all the boardroom drama and late-night scenes, and when the heat finally breaks through, it’s worth it.

The writing is sharp, modern, and emotionally charged without ever losing its balance between career stakes and romance. It’s spicy, smart, and surprisingly tender. Perfect if you love your workplace romances with high heat, real conflict, and a happily ever after that actually feels earned.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion of Josh and Emma’s beautiful, erotic romance.
This is one of the most enjoyable romances I’ve read, especially as it continues from Book 1. Josh and Emma together again - will it last this time around?
Josh and Emma begin their relationship anew after Emma decided she didn’t want to become so deeply involved again. But the carousel and fate have other plans. Josh is transferred to Boston to become CEO. After an agonizing year for both of them, the carousel spins again, reuniting them—can they finally stay together, or will the carousel once again separate them? Rest assured, there is a beautiful HEA ending.

[Charlotte Quante · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sizzling second-chance romance that hits all the right notes! Emma and Josh’s chemistry is undeniable every glance, every moment drips with tension and heat. I loved the mix of corporate drama, emotional depth, and spice. Josh Steele nails that perfect blend of passion and heart. Definitely a must-read if you love slow burns that deliver!

[Jessica Woren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute, fast paced, hallmark movie type book! There is so much spice. Your heart will be ripped out your chest. I definitely shed a couple tears during this read. But overall definitely a fun, quick read you wont regret

[Julie Simpkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, spicy, 2nd chance romance.

It’s kind of dual POV, but the FMC (Emma) POV is a dear diary POV. It’s definitely wrote in a dear diary way.

The smexy time was hot and spicy.

Fun read as a whole.