Everything After

by Opal Andrews

One reckless night, one forgotten condom, and a shared moment of panic bring Jamison and Henry into each other’s lives for what was supposed to be a brief, responsible follow-up. Just a few months of check-ins. Just a precaution. Just grown-ups doing the right thing.

But it's hard to stay emotionally detached when you're the only person who understands what the other is going through. Somewhere between anxious texts and bonding over cats, something softer, deeper starts to take root.

They're not calling it a relationship. Not yet. But maybe—just maybe—it’s becoming more than a one-night stand.

Everything After is a heartwarming hurt/comfort MM romance featuring a twink with a faux-hawk, an anxious (human) bear, four nosy cats, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Mental Health

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

About the author

OPAL ANDREWS is a 40-something professional living in the eastern United States. She’s always been a storyteller - many, many NaNoWriMos and fanfics have been written in the past - and has finally decided to pursue publishing her work. She’s passionate about LGBTQIA+ rights and stories. She’s also a total homebody, and when she’s not writing you can usually find her curled up with a cup of tea, reading, crocheting, and/or snuggling with her cats.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Jamieson and Henry meet up and have drunken, unprotected sex. This is the story of everything that comes after. The stress and anxiety of waiting to make sure you’ll be okay. Neither blames the other, regardless, and both recognise they were irresponsible.

I’ll preface the next part by firstly saying I’m definitely an advocate for safe sex. It’s the mature and responsible choice, but shit happens. Life is messy, and we’re human, and we make mistakes.

The first 40% of this book I struggled with. It felt like doomsday. I’m not diminishing their feelings; they were both allowed to be anxious, but it just felt like a death sentence from the start. It was also a little bit repetitive, and there was a lot of texting conversation, which I’m not sure I was a huge fan of. I don’t disagree with the sharing of the news. When you’ve made a mistake and you’re anxious, it’s right to want to pick someone you trust implicitly to help you work through it.

The rest of the book was nice though. They develop a slowly growing strength in their relationship that shows in the way Jamieson supports and fights for Hen to get through this shock. How he rallies Hen’s friends and they make sure he gets the help he needs. It was cute at times, their characters were endearing, and it was also very eye-opening. It was a unique experience for me. I’ve not read a story yet about this topic. It was emotional, angsty, yet enjoyable second half of the story.

………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never had a book throw me over an emotional cliff the way this one did, but here we are. I literally threw my kindle across the room. It took me day - DAYS - to cool off enough to even form a coherent thought about Henry and Jamison, and I'm still mad if I think about this for too long. And I do think about it, because this is the kind of story that gets under your skin and burrows in for a long time. (Which is honestly the best compliment I can give. I read A LOT of books and I rarely find one that makes me react the way I did with this one. The author should be exceptionally proud to have caused such a visceral reaction.)

That said, Henry and Jamison crawled their way in my heart and live there now. Henry's anxiety felt so real and familiar to me that it practically vibrated off the page. It was raw and messy and downright crippling sometimes. But Jamison? His patience and gentle way of just being there for Henry was perfection. Their relationship may have started from the need to be responsible adults after an oopsie, but it turned into something quiet and peaceful and beautiful.

The writing is sharp, the emotional aspect will punch you in the gut and then slap you in the face, but you'll be okay. If you like hurt/comfort, characters who feel like real people working through real fears, and a guaranteed happy ever after, this book delivers. Just...make sure your kindle is in a protective case first.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just…wow. Everything After completely knocked me off my feet. I didn’t expect a story about a responsible follow-up after a one-night stand to hit me this hard emotionally, but Henry and Jamison burrowed into my heart and refused to leave.

Henry’s anxiety is portrayed so vividly that it practically leaps off the page. Every shaky thought, every spiralling moment, every attempt to keep it together felt painfully real. I ached for him, laughed with him, and cheered for him. And Jamison—oh, Jamison—his quiet patience, his steady presence, the way he simply shows up for Henry…he is perfection. Watching them navigate the messiness of their feelings, their fears, and their slowly blossoming connection was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.

The story takes a small premise, a precautionary check-in and turns it into a deep, tender, and utterly relatable romance. The writing is sharp, the pacing smooth, and the emotional payoff is worth every page. By the end, I was smiling, teary-eyed, and completely satisfied with their HEA.

If you love slow-burn, hurt/comfort romances with real, messy-feeling characters and an ending that makes your heart happy, this is an absolute must-read. Just…maybe keep a tissue box handy. And a stress ball. And a sturdy kindle case.

I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me like a freight train in the BEST, most emotional way.

Henry and Jamison have a drunken one-night stand that leads to a whole lot more than either of them planned for. What follows isn’t just consequences; it’s fear, responsibility, vulnerability, and a slow-building connection that feels unbelievably real.

The first part of the book put my heart in a chokehold — the anxiety, the spiralling, the sheer what if panic… it made me want to reach into the pages and hug Henry tight. His mental health journey is messy, raw, and painfully relatable.

But then Jamison steps in, steady, patient, and determined to make sure Henry doesn’t go through any of this alone. The way their relationship shifts from “we should talk about what happened” to soft, safe, quietly falling in love? Stunning. ❤️

✨ What to expect:
• Hurt/comfort that hits hard
• Realistic anxiety + emotional healing
• Gentle, supportive love
• Found family vibes
• A beautiful HEA worth fighting for

This story is like a punch to the gut followed by a warm hug...the kind that lingers long after you’ve closed the book. I’ll be thinking about Henry and Jamison for a very long time.

Highly recommend — just make sure your Kindle is safely out of throwing range.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story that very much did not follow the usual map for a romance novel. I have to admit that the opening scene didn't do anything for me—I'm just not into sex-before-feels—but it probably was needed to set up the whole premise. (Though... couldn't we have started at the point where they woke up in the morning?)

I'm not sure I ever bought the level of AIDS/HIV dread exhibited by guys as young as these are. But I have no first- or even second-hand experience of that situation in current times, so I may be way off base.

I liked the tentative way their relationship developed (though at times the level of insecurity seemed a bit much). I liked the mental health rep. I would have liked to see more of the MCs interacting with other people in person—we got a couple of scenes with a third party, but very few.

Overall, I thought this was a strong debut. Not a perfect one, but definitely enough for me to look for more from this author.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author so I was eager to check them out. Major props for them choosing this story for their first book. It’s a deep powerful emotional read so be prepared to want something light and fluffy next. Having said that I do believe the world needed this story. Being in my 50’s I’ve seen the changes having HIV/AIDS have had in both society and treatment. I remember the fear mongering and the lack of logic in people’s responses. I also have seen the growth of how people react. People are human and brains can do their own thing. Emotions aren’t logical and that is sometimes one of the hardest things to rationalize. I think the author did a great job showing this. As someone who is bi polar I can tell you first hand that mental health is not curable but manageable with the right treatment and therapy. I love how we see that though their lives have changed they were still able to build a strong loving relationship. Sorry this is long but I have so much respect and praise for this author and their book. The world needs to see the more personal side to this disease.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

EVERYTHING AFTER is the first book in the Bad Beginnings series.

Jamieson and Henry meet at the bar and have a hot and heavy drunken hookup where they forget the condom. When they wake up the next morning they remember just enough of the night before to know they have to have a serious conversation. Everything After is what comes next...the tests, the waiting, the anxiety, the needing a friend and only the other would understand, the repeated tests. Somehow through it all they realize they work together.

I was so excited for this book, the plot was nothing like I've read before. Unfortunately, for me it was so slow. I was all in on these characters but I had such a hard time staying in the book. Once I was over 50% in I found a better flow and they were building their relationship. Ultimately I loved how the story played out overall just a bit slow moving for me.

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for GRR.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Everything After is the first book in the Bad Beginnings series by author Opal Andrews. It’s a contemporary get together story that features a very close, frank look at the real-world consequences of unprotected sex, as seen through the lens of a generally sex positive extrovert (Jamison) and a shy introvert (Henry). Henry and Jamison take turns acting as narrator, which helps readers appreciate their poles-apart personalities. Each chapter heading also clearly states how much time has passed since their first night together, so not only is this great for understanding how far removed the narrative is from their “ground zero,” but also made it super easy for me to get a sense of how much time (and therefore how developed) their relationship could be.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Theodore · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 34%

I liked that both Jamison and Henry were reasonable about their HIV scare, but I wasn't really a fan of texts being the majority of their interactions at the beginning. I read books to get the standard paragraph format and texts feel more like scripts than anything.

After both of them got their negative tests the second time, I sort of lost interest. There just wasn't really any real conflict keeping the two of them from just getting with each other aside from having a conversation about what their dynamic was going to be, and something that easy to overcome is never enough to hold my attention. Plus the whole braiding Henry's hair thing was sweet but took way too long imo.

The heavy usage of texts + generally fluff and lack of meaningful conflict ultimately turned me off.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

delicious artery cloggers, go all Tigger, The Mistake(™️), scowly rainbow octopus, braided pubes, GBBO, unique scourge, 1950s virgin

Boy, is this a long book! But, it kept my interest throughout and up to the end. It's well-written and angsty enough. You can't help but fall in love with Henry, a woodworker and Jamison, a social media policy specialist. Given the length of the story, there very few characters. The focus was the MCs' inner thoughts and feelings; the drama between them was front and center. It opens with drunken, careless penetrative sex and with them going through HIV testing together.

I enjoyed this, but wish it was shorter. It's entertaining and grabbed me from the beginning. Apart from the length, I absolutely recommend it.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how big and chunky this was, as it allowed for working through a bunch of emotions without everything feeling rushed. Sometimes, in romances, there's too much sense of "this is happening because the author needs it to happen now", but I didn't get that feeling here. Seeing the two deal with a real concern amongst the sexually active was also a nice change. And I loved Jamison and Henry, so spending more time with them wasn't a problem.

The text conversations between the two were amusing as well. I love a good, enjoyable conversation between the leads. And I learned how to adopt a cat! (I received an advance digital review copy.)

[Vols77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book given that an unforgotten condom during a hook up and fear for days after was realistic, I wish I had know a few things upfront. First, again let me say, I enjoyed this book. Just be prepared for it to be a long read and at times I felt like the waiting on tests and talking about waiting on the test overshadowed the story (but then again that is real). What saved me was that both Jamison and Henry were lovable and their story had me laugh out loud at times and get teared eyed at other times. I will admit I am intrigue by book two in this series. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
This was such an interesting premise, quite grounded in the real world. A drunken hookup without protection it the start of Henry and Jamison’s romance, a setup I’ve not read before. I’m a little mixed on this one. I came to really like these two and I especially love all their conversations and texts. It speaks well of them both that they really try to support each other through the stress and anxiety of the STI scare. It just felt so very long and a bit repetitive with all the angsty doom spiraling. The writing is quite good, as are the characters. I would definitely read more from this author.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

What comes after a drunken hook up - one where you forget the condom? Everything.

Hen and Jamie may not have even stayed in touch if they hadn't forgotten the condom during the one-night stand. But, given that they both needed to be tested, they exchanged numbers and got to know each other as they waited for their health screenings to come back. First they became friends, then they became more. Maybe, even everything to each other.

This book was really well written, and I liked both MCs and the supporting characters, including 4 sweet cats!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read m/m books that glancingly dealt with this topic before, but this is the first to be built around it and to have dealt with it in so much detail and with such concern. Jamison and Henry are beautifully developed and realistic characters who behave like decent, caring adults as they await the results what happened. We get to see them dealing with it personally, together and with friends and I was glued to the book waiting to see what would happen and what their long-term relationship would look like.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly emotional story, full of pain and hardships. But it also shows the power of love, friendship and also the battle that a person must go through on their own to start to heal. The MCs in this book are both really interesting and well written. And they both love cats!! My kind of guys. The side characters in the book are also interesting and fit nicely with the plot and storyline. I can’t wait for more books in the Bad Beginnings series. Note if you have things that can trigger you, please read the authors note.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. It handled some sensitive topics (STI scare) well and since it was a longer read it had time to really flush out some of the big feelings taking place. That being said I didn't expect to have the STI scare be such a focal point in this read and I also felt like some of the parts dragged on a bit much for my taste. Overall it was an enjoyable read, just very different than I expected going in.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Such a fright for both Jamieson and Henry. One drunken night of pure fun and pleasure for both sobered them both pretty fast. It put them very responsibly into a situation of constant contact. Interactions grew and feelings followed. This couple were both adorably insecure at times, then they would have me laughing out loud. Add in the cat/cats and I loved this story! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ⭐️

Ok, so I'm going to be completely honest, this story was too much of a downer for me from the start to get full invested and it's purely personal preference. I think this will either be a hit or miss depending on what the reader is looking for. I can say that the ending was great,the emotion and support throughout the story was on point however this wasn't the book for me.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a lot of books where they gloss over unprotected smex, or nothing bad happens and there is no drama or unsureness, I wondered... what if it wasn't that simple? What if it was more like real life? While fiction is often a welcome escape from reality, sometimes I want to read something a little more authentic. Jamison and Henry are also wonderful characters, in very different ways, who I wanted to root for the entire time. And characters (and a story) I'll remember for a long time!

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry and Jamison were supposed to be having a fun one night stand. But they find that getting swept away with passion is only fun in books and movies. In reality a forgotten condom leads to an awkward morning after. They go for immediate testing and exchange information to trade results. Soon they find themselves texting and getting to know each other better. This was a unique story and I enjoyed reading the ups and downs of a relationship that starts with a lapse in judgement.

[Idril Cecilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book

This book left me giggling & crying at the same time. It's realistic, cosy, snarky and loveable. It us spot on with the description of an introvert with anxiety, and the communication process though the book is so recognizable. This is one of those books I wish I could read for the first time again.

[Susanne Woodfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

Thoroughly enjoyed this sensitive novel. HIV was once an absolute death sentence for so many. The infection can now be treated so differently giving much better outcome. The stigma though remains a tough road.
A very thought provoking, sensitive read. Much appreciated by one who was a small cog in the search for treatments! Thank you…

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything After is the starting book in the new Bad Beginnings series. I just loved the focus of this story, what happens when you have a ONS and forget the condom? You be responsible and exchange numbers and keep in touch. This author handled a sensitive subject really well and I just loved this story.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic

Jamison and Henry's start to their relationship is unconventional.
A sizzling hot hookup leads to a heated moment lack of care and now they struggling through making sure they're safe.
They slowly bond over going through that process.
I loved the snarky banter between them and the introverted anxiety was very well written.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always suit up! Jamison and Henry have an enjoyable one night stand then remember they forgot the condom. The story revolves around needing to be tested, then how their relationship develops while they wait for results. Interesting concept Nicely done. I received and ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Danvers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was torn on what to rate this. 4 is too low, but I can't go to a 5, either. I liked the story. I liked the mental health rep. I liked both main characters a lot, though I think I liked Jameson better. The twist... well it was a twist all right, and yeah I cried at a couple parts of this. I would recommend this, but do check content warnings first.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading this book, I enjoyed its lengthness buuuuut... the anxiety in this book is really high.

The couple is lovable, cats all the way, but it's hard to enjoy it at its fullest when you're heart beats like crazy.

It's real, more real than I can chew, but it's good.

[Rachel Bonitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with an unexpected twist

I don’t want to spoiler, but there is a heavy scene 70ish% through that I didn’t see coming. It’s a definite HEA though and I really liked the book.

[Readingbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book to start a series! I'm wondering where the author will go next... I'm in and can't wait to read the next book in this series! Engaging characters and a very interesting story! I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!