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Afterglow Rising Trilogy #2.5
Between the Lines
"Just once, could we follow our hearts over our heads?"
Sometimes survival means picking up the pieces-a fact Brian knows all too well. But in the aftermath of an alien invasion, there just isn't enough time to mend each broken part.
After waking up to find one of their own missing, the group is beyond fractured. The one solace Brian has, is knowing that at least his best friends, the Twenty-Somethings, are still by his side.
Except, when the feelings he's been trying to ignore all but scream to be released, Brian's faced with the biggest question of
What if?
Told from Brian's perspective, Between the Lines follows our camp of survivors on their mission to recruit reinforcements and assemble an army of anarchists to take down the alien-worshipping cult that threatens to destroy them all... basically. More than that, Between the Lines is a love story of found family, timing, risking it all, bearing your soul, and healing.
Sometimes survival means picking up the pieces-a fact Brian knows all too well. But in the aftermath of an alien invasion, there just isn't enough time to mend each broken part.
After waking up to find one of their own missing, the group is beyond fractured. The one solace Brian has, is knowing that at least his best friends, the Twenty-Somethings, are still by his side.
Except, when the feelings he's been trying to ignore all but scream to be released, Brian's faced with the biggest question of
What if?
Told from Brian's perspective, Between the Lines follows our camp of survivors on their mission to recruit reinforcements and assemble an army of anarchists to take down the alien-worshipping cult that threatens to destroy them all... basically. More than that, Between the Lines is a love story of found family, timing, risking it all, bearing your soul, and healing.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2025
6 people want to read
About the author
Stacey LP
4 books44 followersStacey LP was born and raised on Long Island in NY, and currently resides in Texas.
After a major plot twist where she lost her full-time job of almost a decade in a mass layoff, Stacey’s friends urged her to pursue her dream of writing a book of her own…and thus, an author was born.
Stacey writes in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, frequently weaving love stories into each plot. When she isn’t writing (or reading), Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband, children, two cats, and goofball of a dog…or going to pop punk shows. #elderemo4ever
Stacey has an MA in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz and is proud (aka relieved) to finally use her degree for more than just a punchline.
You can find Stacey on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Threads at @authorstaceylp
After a major plot twist where she lost her full-time job of almost a decade in a mass layoff, Stacey’s friends urged her to pursue her dream of writing a book of her own…and thus, an author was born.
Stacey writes in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, frequently weaving love stories into each plot. When she isn’t writing (or reading), Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband, children, two cats, and goofball of a dog…or going to pop punk shows. #elderemo4ever
Stacey has an MA in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz and is proud (aka relieved) to finally use her degree for more than just a punchline.
You can find Stacey on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Threads at @authorstaceylp
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 5, 2026
Well, Stacey has done it again! A breath of fresh air and all the good feels amongst the chaos and anxiety that is the Afterglow series. New POVs and getting to highlight some side characters was such a thrill. This just made me so hyped for the conclusion of the series coming up this year!!
November 16, 2025
5/5 stars
I am genuinely obsessed with this series. I re-read the first two books and did the tandem read of Defiance Ignited with this novella and let me tell you, it was PERFECT.
I love Brian and all the twenty-somethings. Getting to see things through Brian's eyes and seeing what the crew was doing while Jason, Alina, and Carter were gone was so exciting.
I can never get over the genuine love that this crew has for one another, both romantic and platonic. And not only that, but the compassion they have for other people they meet.
We got to meet some new people, most noteworthy: Laurie, everyone's favorite ninja cowboy. Even though he may have gave us a fright at first, he's really just a big cuddly teddy bear and probably my favorite side character we've met so far.
Thank you, Stacey, for the e-ARC copy of this book. I loved every second of it.
I am genuinely obsessed with this series. I re-read the first two books and did the tandem read of Defiance Ignited with this novella and let me tell you, it was PERFECT.
I love Brian and all the twenty-somethings. Getting to see things through Brian's eyes and seeing what the crew was doing while Jason, Alina, and Carter were gone was so exciting.
I can never get over the genuine love that this crew has for one another, both romantic and platonic. And not only that, but the compassion they have for other people they meet.
We got to meet some new people, most noteworthy: Laurie, everyone's favorite ninja cowboy. Even though he may have gave us a fright at first, he's really just a big cuddly teddy bear and probably my favorite side character we've met so far.
Thank you, Stacey, for the e-ARC copy of this book. I loved every second of it.
November 16, 2025
Oh Stacey you've done it again! I adore getting Brian's perspective of what the group was up to while Carter, Jason, and Alina were off on their adventure! Still got me with you know what 😭 but the love story brewing during this just hit me in all the feel good spots. 🥹 A character I was not expecting and I love so much was Laurie! And finding out all the chicken names from Russell was a peak humor moment for me. LOL 😂
I cannot wait for book 3. I just know it's about to get wild in this post invasion world they've all been living in!
This is an ARC review I am leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
I cannot wait for book 3. I just know it's about to get wild in this post invasion world they've all been living in!
This is an ARC review I am leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own.
November 25, 2025
I drink these books up like water. I’m obsessed with the characters, the world, all of it. This novella gave such a fun behind-the-scenes vibe, and I ate that up. My only complaint? I wish it were longer. Please, please, please give me the next book immediately because I need more.
January 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book is the POV of everyone who broke off in the other group in book 2. We basically know the gist of this book because of the letters in book 2. IM OBSESSED WITH THIS SERIES IT’S SO GOOD.
🫑/5
A love story i didn’t anticipate
This book is the POV of everyone who broke off in the other group in book 2. We basically know the gist of this book because of the letters in book 2. IM OBSESSED WITH THIS SERIES IT’S SO GOOD.
🫑/5
A love story i didn’t anticipate
February 11, 2026
This was such a fun side quest in the Afterglow series! I think I may try rereading it in tandem with the second book to experience the "full" immersive effect of each character's interactions as things progress. With so much commotion going on between Alina, Carter, and Jason in Defiance Ignited, it was refreshing to see the group through Brian's eyes and explore his interpersonal relationships.
I am very impatiently waiting for book three and need everyone to read this series!!! A huge thank you to bestie, Stacey, for a sneak peak at this book!
I am very impatiently waiting for book three and need everyone to read this series!!! A huge thank you to bestie, Stacey, for a sneak peak at this book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews