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After the Story
TV journalist Mattie Elliott lives for the rush of a breaking story - until she becomes one. Scarred by injury and sudden fame, she retreats to England's south-west coast in search of peace.
Chief Inspector Nell Abraham values calm, control, and solitude. The last thing she needs is a headstrong reporter prying into her world or stirring something she thought she'd buried long ago.
But a suspicious fire pulls them together, and as attraction deepens, secrets and old wounds surface.
Can two guarded hearts learn to trust again, or will fear keep them from a love that could change everything?
Chief Inspector Nell Abraham values calm, control, and solitude. The last thing she needs is a headstrong reporter prying into her world or stirring something she thought she'd buried long ago.
But a suspicious fire pulls them together, and as attraction deepens, secrets and old wounds surface.
Can two guarded hearts learn to trust again, or will fear keep them from a love that could change everything?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
284 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2026
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 29, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy of the book. This is my honest review.
After the Story, Kit Stone’s debut sapphic romance, brings together two women haunted by their pasts and guarded by their secrets. While on holiday on the southwest coast of England, Mattie, a headstrong TV journalist, meets Nell, a well-respected senior police officer who lives a quiet, private life. Sparks fly immediately, but when a suspicious fire pulls them into a professional circumstance, both women begin to question whether they can truly trust each other.
“Mattie snorted, and Nell's heart skipped a beat. She was always the boring, staid one, never the humorous one. The fact that Mattie thought otherwise was delightful, even if she was off-kilter when she said it.”
The chemistry between Nell and Mattie is undeniable, and the romance is sweet while still tackling difficult topics such as trauma. At times, the prose leans a little too heavily into explanation, which slightly dulls the emotional impact, but this didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment. The characters feel believable, their growth is well developed, and it’s impossible not to root for them.
Spice level: The intimate scenes are frequent but not overly explicit. 🌶️🌶️
After the Story, Kit Stone’s debut sapphic romance, brings together two women haunted by their pasts and guarded by their secrets. While on holiday on the southwest coast of England, Mattie, a headstrong TV journalist, meets Nell, a well-respected senior police officer who lives a quiet, private life. Sparks fly immediately, but when a suspicious fire pulls them into a professional circumstance, both women begin to question whether they can truly trust each other.
“Mattie snorted, and Nell's heart skipped a beat. She was always the boring, staid one, never the humorous one. The fact that Mattie thought otherwise was delightful, even if she was off-kilter when she said it.”
The chemistry between Nell and Mattie is undeniable, and the romance is sweet while still tackling difficult topics such as trauma. At times, the prose leans a little too heavily into explanation, which slightly dulls the emotional impact, but this didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment. The characters feel believable, their growth is well developed, and it’s impossible not to root for them.
Spice level: The intimate scenes are frequent but not overly explicit. 🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
A really enjoyable read. I’m no expert, so I apologise if this review doesn’t follow the typical format. I don’t normally read romance because few romance authors tell the story the way I’d like to read it. I want to get lulled into a story via the location, events, and characters — not necessarily in that order, but the balance, momentum, and emotions the author creates through those things have to work together to make the experience enjoyable. It's the whole package.
Kit Stone's 'After the Story' gets 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it a lot, and I look forward to her next novel. I'm not sure how she did it, but I appreciated following the characters as they moved through their story.
I actually started reading it on an airplane flight and got so absorbed I didn’t watch any movies, and I didn’t even fall asleep — which is unusual for me.
The landscape and scenery details took me to those locations but never took me out of the story. None of the roll‑your‑eyes, cringeworthy angst or heavy‑handed, manipulated misunderstandings blown out of proportion that can be found in some romance novels. These characters’ situations were legitimate and well crafted. It wasn’t all smooth sailing and bliss, but there were no wild, outrageous problems and no boring clichés.
Mattie and Nell both had interesting careers and had issues to deal with before they could ‘seal the deal’ and allow the relationship to flourish, but I found nothing to roll my eyes at. No super‑tech, super‑models in high finance, yoga kickboxing at lunch, and whipping up a gourmet meal at the end of the day. The characters were refreshingly real and likeable. Neither was a slouch, and neither was buried in baggage. They could be your friend, neighbour, or the lady walking on the treadmill next to you at the gym. Their situations were realistically plausible.
It’s a cozy, grounded romance with likeable leads, and moments that make you smile.
*For transparency: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Kit Stone's 'After the Story' gets 5 stars because I enjoyed reading it a lot, and I look forward to her next novel. I'm not sure how she did it, but I appreciated following the characters as they moved through their story.
I actually started reading it on an airplane flight and got so absorbed I didn’t watch any movies, and I didn’t even fall asleep — which is unusual for me.
The landscape and scenery details took me to those locations but never took me out of the story. None of the roll‑your‑eyes, cringeworthy angst or heavy‑handed, manipulated misunderstandings blown out of proportion that can be found in some romance novels. These characters’ situations were legitimate and well crafted. It wasn’t all smooth sailing and bliss, but there were no wild, outrageous problems and no boring clichés.
Mattie and Nell both had interesting careers and had issues to deal with before they could ‘seal the deal’ and allow the relationship to flourish, but I found nothing to roll my eyes at. No super‑tech, super‑models in high finance, yoga kickboxing at lunch, and whipping up a gourmet meal at the end of the day. The characters were refreshingly real and likeable. Neither was a slouch, and neither was buried in baggage. They could be your friend, neighbour, or the lady walking on the treadmill next to you at the gym. Their situations were realistically plausible.
It’s a cozy, grounded romance with likeable leads, and moments that make you smile.
*For transparency: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
February 1, 2026
After the Story is the debut sapphic novel for Kit Stone. I found it to be beautifully written, full of gorgeous descriptions which made the coastal, British seaside town setting come to life for me.
This is the story of Mattie and Nell - two women from very different backgrounds, with painful pasts, which are holding them back from living life fully and finding happiness.
Mattie is a broadcast journalist, who was badly injured by an explosion while on assignment. Nell is a Chief Inspector of Police, who escaped an abusive marriage years before. Both of them are wary of relationships, but there is instant chemistry between them when they meet while Mattie is on holiday.
However, they almost miss the chance to act on that chemistry when Mattie stumbles upon a fire and goes into reporter mode. Nell, as the Chief Inspector, needs to protect her case, as the fire was set in a domestic violence survivors shelter, and she doesn't trust Mattie from airing that secret. They eventually work things out and decide to act on their attraction while Mattie is still in town but will they be able to overcome their pasts and create a future together?
I really enjoyed the spicy scenes because they were tender and vulnerable, as well as sexy. There are a lot of beautiful moments between Mattie and Nell.
I read this book in a day, it kept my attention and there were a lot of twists and turns. Kit told me that although she's published a few children's books before, this is her first adult novel. I was very impressed by it and I look forward to reading what she comes up with next! I hope you grab After the Story as your next read!
This is the story of Mattie and Nell - two women from very different backgrounds, with painful pasts, which are holding them back from living life fully and finding happiness.
Mattie is a broadcast journalist, who was badly injured by an explosion while on assignment. Nell is a Chief Inspector of Police, who escaped an abusive marriage years before. Both of them are wary of relationships, but there is instant chemistry between them when they meet while Mattie is on holiday.
However, they almost miss the chance to act on that chemistry when Mattie stumbles upon a fire and goes into reporter mode. Nell, as the Chief Inspector, needs to protect her case, as the fire was set in a domestic violence survivors shelter, and she doesn't trust Mattie from airing that secret. They eventually work things out and decide to act on their attraction while Mattie is still in town but will they be able to overcome their pasts and create a future together?
I really enjoyed the spicy scenes because they were tender and vulnerable, as well as sexy. There are a lot of beautiful moments between Mattie and Nell.
I read this book in a day, it kept my attention and there were a lot of twists and turns. Kit told me that although she's published a few children's books before, this is her first adult novel. I was very impressed by it and I look forward to reading what she comes up with next! I hope you grab After the Story as your next read!
February 10, 2026
Mattie Elliot has arrived at Cove House guest house to get away from her life as a TV reporter. There she meets her host, Angie, and Nell, who pings her gaydar and might be flirting.
Nell, a police constable, lives there and is usually somewhat aloof. But she noticed Mattie checking her out, and is intrigued, but wary.
Out and about Mattie stumbles over a house fire, and slipping into reporter mode films a dramatic rescue. However Nell is not pleased, as the building is a battered women shelter and it was likely arson.
Mattie grills Nell on it at a news conference, and Nell resolves to be all business. However Mattie nearly collapses from heat stroke later, and Nell has to help care for her.
(We find out that Mattie became news when her and her cameraman were caught in a bombing. With the camera still running she saved him, suffering burns herself.)
Mattie discovers she may have accidentally photographed a suspect, and shares that with Nell. As this all develops they get involved, but Mattie can only stay so long.
After Mattie returns to the city, Nell sulks until, on a news reporter, she sees her wearing one of HER shirts. They start jokingly texting, and meet at a event where Mattie is honored by her former cameraman.
They start a long distance dating thing, but Mattie us running too hard on the job and neglecting Nell. Including canceling for Christmas.
Third act breakup.
All her friends insist she's not coping, Mattie finally accepts they're right, starts therapy and reunites with Nell.
Second half dragged pretty hard. Maybe needed a trim, but yeah....
2.5 stars out of 5, call it a 3.
Nell, a police constable, lives there and is usually somewhat aloof. But she noticed Mattie checking her out, and is intrigued, but wary.
Out and about Mattie stumbles over a house fire, and slipping into reporter mode films a dramatic rescue. However Nell is not pleased, as the building is a battered women shelter and it was likely arson.
Mattie grills Nell on it at a news conference, and Nell resolves to be all business. However Mattie nearly collapses from heat stroke later, and Nell has to help care for her.
(We find out that Mattie became news when her and her cameraman were caught in a bombing. With the camera still running she saved him, suffering burns herself.)
Mattie discovers she may have accidentally photographed a suspect, and shares that with Nell. As this all develops they get involved, but Mattie can only stay so long.
After Mattie returns to the city, Nell sulks until, on a news reporter, she sees her wearing one of HER shirts. They start jokingly texting, and meet at a event where Mattie is honored by her former cameraman.
They start a long distance dating thing, but Mattie us running too hard on the job and neglecting Nell. Including canceling for Christmas.
Third act breakup.
All her friends insist she's not coping, Mattie finally accepts they're right, starts therapy and reunites with Nell.
Second half dragged pretty hard. Maybe needed a trim, but yeah....
2.5 stars out of 5, call it a 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
After the Story is an excellently written story that belies the fact that this is Stone’s first Sapphic novel. It rises and falls in all the right places and ensures the reader is with the main characters and their decisions.
The main characters (Nell and Mattie) have backgrounds and pasts that impinge on their current lifestyle and way of dealing with their emotions. These emotions are so well observed and thought through, that in their on/off dealings they allow the reader to feel their angst or joy themselves.
The different places, both town and house affect Nell and Mattie and become a part of the story with the different feelings they bring. One minute we are hearing about ‘forgettable hotels, which had the same layout regardless of location’, and then we’re above a seaside town where ‘pure joy filled her at the sight of the rocky coastline…beyond the verdant ferns the landscape curved into a natural sandy bay’.
I must mention Angie, the guest house owner and Nells neighbor, who gives advice and guidance throughout the story and always has the right word/food/drink/herbs to make things better.
I really enjoyed the read and followed along with the will they/won’t they questions that came up. If you fancy a weekend read, in front of the fire with your drink of choice, this is the book you need. Go buy it.
The main characters (Nell and Mattie) have backgrounds and pasts that impinge on their current lifestyle and way of dealing with their emotions. These emotions are so well observed and thought through, that in their on/off dealings they allow the reader to feel their angst or joy themselves.
The different places, both town and house affect Nell and Mattie and become a part of the story with the different feelings they bring. One minute we are hearing about ‘forgettable hotels, which had the same layout regardless of location’, and then we’re above a seaside town where ‘pure joy filled her at the sight of the rocky coastline…beyond the verdant ferns the landscape curved into a natural sandy bay’.
I must mention Angie, the guest house owner and Nells neighbor, who gives advice and guidance throughout the story and always has the right word/food/drink/herbs to make things better.
I really enjoyed the read and followed along with the will they/won’t they questions that came up. If you fancy a weekend read, in front of the fire with your drink of choice, this is the book you need. Go buy it.
January 30, 2026
Kit Stone’s sapphic debut is a beautiful story of two walled-off women who find a chance at love with each other.
I was really drawn to Mattie, a news reporter, as she half-heartedly tried to recreate her time on the English coast with her parents and brother. She had been running her whole life from one news story to another like an adrenaline junkie. A scary experience caused her to take a bit of a break, which provided an opportunity for her to meet uptight Nell, a police inspector. Their attraction was immediate, but their approaches to life and stories weren’t.
I particularly liked how Stone presented the backgrounds of both of the women in ways that made their reticence clear and understandable even while they struggled to keep each other at arms length. I truly enjoyed the character arcs of both women and their relationship arc was believable and felt appropriately paced.
I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next installment by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was really drawn to Mattie, a news reporter, as she half-heartedly tried to recreate her time on the English coast with her parents and brother. She had been running her whole life from one news story to another like an adrenaline junkie. A scary experience caused her to take a bit of a break, which provided an opportunity for her to meet uptight Nell, a police inspector. Their attraction was immediate, but their approaches to life and stories weren’t.
I particularly liked how Stone presented the backgrounds of both of the women in ways that made their reticence clear and understandable even while they struggled to keep each other at arms length. I truly enjoyed the character arcs of both women and their relationship arc was believable and felt appropriately paced.
I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next installment by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found “After the Story” by Kit Stone to be intriguing. Two women, Mattie Elliott and Nell Abraham, meet when Mattie goes on holiday in Devon. She’s immediately attracted to Nell even though she’s brandishing a pair of garden shears. That’s the beginning of their journey to find each other. As often happens while discovering the ins and outs of a potential partner they both uncover truths, sometimes uncomfortable, about themselves. Maggie and Nell are both intelligent, resourceful and professional women, and they are very very human. Both of them have unpleasant memories in their pasts, scars really. And both of them struggle to overcome those difficult times and rise above. The author’s description of the Devonshire coastline and countryside fascinated me as well. What a beautiful backdrop for two women to confront their pasts and manage to fall in love!
January 21, 2026
What a wonderful novel! In her debut sapphic novel Kit Stone crafted a beautiful romance between two equally lovely and complex women in their 40s on a journey of finding each other and finding themselves.
Mattie and Nell both are intelligent and career-driven but that’s where the obvious similarities end. Their differences give a sweet grumpy/sunshine flavor that adds to their chemistry. The romance unfolds naturally and their struggles are relatable. At their best, Mattie and Nell are utterly adorable together; at their worst, you feel for them.
It’s a well-rounded and well written story with depth, which however comes with trigger warnings as the author doesn’t shy away from difficult and socially relevant themes. Still she finds a good balance between serious moments, humor, romance and yes, spicy scenes.
It’s a joy to read and bittersweet to finish the last pages and having to say goodbye to Mattie and Nell.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Mattie and Nell both are intelligent and career-driven but that’s where the obvious similarities end. Their differences give a sweet grumpy/sunshine flavor that adds to their chemistry. The romance unfolds naturally and their struggles are relatable. At their best, Mattie and Nell are utterly adorable together; at their worst, you feel for them.
It’s a well-rounded and well written story with depth, which however comes with trigger warnings as the author doesn’t shy away from difficult and socially relevant themes. Still she finds a good balance between serious moments, humor, romance and yes, spicy scenes.
It’s a joy to read and bittersweet to finish the last pages and having to say goodbye to Mattie and Nell.
I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
“After the Story” by Kit Stone is a standout debut sapphic romance, beautifully crafted, confidently paced, and irresistibly readable. The writing has that rare, effortless flow that kept me fully absorbed, and the occasional witty banter between characters gave the story a lively spark making me chuckle more than once. The characters past wounds and emotional threads are treated with genuine care and respect, adding weight without ever overwhelming the story’s warmth.
Mattie and Nell are wonderfully layered leads, each shaped by experiences that make their connection feel earned and deeply human. The supporting cast is equally well drawn, especially Angie, who I genuinely found myself wishing she lived next door to me!
A thoughtful, engaging, and emotionally satisfying debut which I would highly recommend.
Mattie and Nell are wonderfully layered leads, each shaped by experiences that make their connection feel earned and deeply human. The supporting cast is equally well drawn, especially Angie, who I genuinely found myself wishing she lived next door to me!
A thoughtful, engaging, and emotionally satisfying debut which I would highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kit has done a really good job with this romance/mystery. Her characters are fleshed out well, with enough backstory for both that shows us who Mattie and Nell really are. The romance between the two women carries us through the story, with Nell being the private, shielded heart character. Mattie has her own personal story, that is marred by a life changing experience. Both women have their moments of vulnerability and this helps build their relationship when they begin to share their stories with each other. I really enjoyed this work and I hope this author continues writing full length novels.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2026
Fabulous read. An incredibly well-written novel with an important message.
Thoroughly enjoyed this well-written novel by Kit Stone.
The style of writing is such that it draws you into the story. With interesting characters that have complex backstories the want and need to know how they meld together is of importance to the reader.
That the very real issue of mental health and accepting assistance is incredibly difficult should never be discounted and Kit does a wonderful job of portraying this. Definitely recommended.
Thoroughly enjoyed this well-written novel by Kit Stone.
The style of writing is such that it draws you into the story. With interesting characters that have complex backstories the want and need to know how they meld together is of importance to the reader.
That the very real issue of mental health and accepting assistance is incredibly difficult should never be discounted and Kit does a wonderful job of portraying this. Definitely recommended.
January 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was set in the UK which I enjoyed and I liked the main characters and how they developed through the story as well as their own relationship with each other.
It was a great read and I would recommend this to others who enjoy a crime based story. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book, I hope there will be more to come!
It was a great read and I would recommend this to others who enjoy a crime based story. Thank you for the opportunity to read your book, I hope there will be more to come!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly gorgeous love story that completely drew me in. Seriously, the author’s writing is just brilliant. I went into it expecting a lovely read, but it turned out to be so much more profound and insightful than I ever imagined. It really left a lasting impression on me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Like a movie!
Reading this book was like watching a movie. There was action and adventure, family drama and conflict, and two broken people finding comfort in each other. The love story was relatable, and the characters very well developed.
Reading this book was like watching a movie. There was action and adventure, family drama and conflict, and two broken people finding comfort in each other. The love story was relatable, and the characters very well developed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent sapphic romance debut. Scratch the qualifier.... excellent novel. The mysterious fire doesn't really pay a huge part so this is a romance rather than romantic blend which the synopsis, or my reading of it, led me to expect. This however was a romance that held my interest and to be honest barriers that had me holding my breath. I totally got the barriers, and delighted in their overcoming!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Never too sure what to expect from a new author to me but I have to say this one was a blinder. Really well written and far more in depth than I had expected. The author was brave enough not rush the story to an early conclusion but instead extended it to a satisfying end. It had me gripped from the start and never let me go. It is a full well rounded story with flaw-filled MC's and supportive side characters. A great balance of seriousness and humour that had me rooting for Mattie and Nell, I became so invested in it that I don't want to say goodbye to them just yet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kit Stone's debut sapphic romance is utterly captivating from page one . The central characters are the kind of women you want to spend time with and root for throughout the book. You will be left yearning to spend long summer evenings having drinks with them in the garden. The romance is all the more engrossing because of the wise, passionate, and engaging women Stone presents to her readers in a narrative that is beautifully written. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
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