Love In The After: A Spicy Contemporary Romance About Love After Loss, Fast Attraction, and Second Chances

by Nicole Bazley, Chloe Higgins (Editor)

When the past holds your heart, can the future still have your soul. I didn’t think it was possible to feel love again after losing Callum. My husband and the father of our three chaotic boys. Grief swallowed me whole, leaving me to pick up the pieces of a life I no longer recognised.

I wasn't looking for love. I wasn't even after commitment. I just wanted to feel alive again. But if I thought navigating life after loss was hard, then navigating a love life was damn right diabolical.

A flat tyre, a man who swears he is the bear, and a passionate weekend away change everything. Clark's shy, endearing nature and quiet strength have me wrapped up in feelings I thought died with Callum.

Falling for him felt like a betrayal…until suddenly, it didn't. Until I accepted that falling in love doesn't erase the past. It learns to live alongside it.

But life has a cruel way of testing resilience. Unexpected losses and brutal truths shattered my mending heart all over again. Through the heartbreak, I discovered something I never believed I would find.

Love In The After

554 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 18, 2026

About the author

Hi, I am Nicole Bazley.

Ok, ok, I am going to be completely honest here. Nicole Bazley is a pen name. She is an alter ego created to gain the confidence to publish my first book.

It's not that I don't think my book is worthy. I do. It's just a daunting experience putting it out there. One I've held myself back from for many many years. Ten to be exact!

While the name is fake, I definitely am NOT. Nicole embodies me in so many ways. She is me! She is the creative author who has so many love stories to tell. This name means something to me on a deep level.

A little about me.

I love the beach, my family, being outdoors and staying active. I have always been a book lover and will read almost anything. My favourite authors are Jodie Picoult and Lee Child. I could read the Jack Reacher stories on repeat till the day I died.

I have always loved to write. Poems, songs and little stories, this is my first time actually putting my work out there.

I would say, I write contemporary romance stories that will have you free falling.

I hope you love my stories as much as I love writing them.

Nicole x

Reviews

[Pamela E · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 would recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book sucked me in from the very first chapter, hook line and sinker!

I have laughed, cried and felt utterly devestated, and I still couldn’t put it down!

The chemistry between them is off the charts and I LOVE their banter. They are perfect for each other: “With everything I am” ❤️‍🩹

Also, the visual surprises did not dissapoint 🥵

Thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader, I have loved every minute of it ❤️ #NicoleBazly #LoveInTheAfter #TNNArcTeam

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, there are a few triggering contents contained within this book - infertility, miscarriage, consensual rough play, death of a loved one & cheating (past relationship)

Now that’s out of the way, allow me to insist that you add this to your TBR. It is literal perfection.

We have mature-age MC’s who accidentally meet, decide to have a weekend of fun, which turns into regular fun. But we all know that fun doesn’t come without feelings. It’s raw, honest & emotional.

My favourite part of this book is the way the MC’s communicate so clearly & talk through their emotions & fears.

Oh, did I mention there is spice? & it is spicyyyyy

So grateful to receive an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracey Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in the After
I knew going in that this book would touch on heavy topics like infertility and miscarriage, but I honestly wasn’t fully prepared for just how deeply it would hit me. This story had me feeling everything. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and at times I was gripping my Kindle so hard I thought I might snap it in half. There were even moments where I read with my Kindle tilted slightly away from my face, half scared to see what was coming next.

The book opens in a devastating way, but by chapter three I was already giggling and completely charmed by the banter between Hannah and Clark. Their connection feels easy, warm, and comforting—one of those relationships that draws you in effortlessly. What starts as a casual “situationship” quickly hits an emotional speed bump, sending you on a rollercoaster of OMG YAY! followed immediately by NO, THIS CAN’T HAPPEN.

Through it all, Clark is the steady rock Hannah needs. He never falters. Even while navigating his own emotional struggles, he remains her safe place and becomes the most incredible “bonus dad” to Noah, Liam, and Ethan. The found-family aspect of this book is beautifully done, and as someone with siblings who have a different dad—and a father who stepped up as the bonus dad they needed—this hit especially close to home.

The final quarter of the book is pure magic. You’ll be smiling nonstop, and any tears left will be the happy kind.

Set in Western Australia, this story felt even more special. It was so refreshing to read a book where I recognised every place mentioned—it added an extra layer of connection and authenticity.

Nicole packs humour, pain, love, and joy into every chapter. Buckle up, because emotional whiplash is absolutely a possibility. Hannah and Clark have both had their lives turned upside down. Their happily-ever-afters were taken from them, forcing them to redefine what the future looks like. Their meet-cute—Hannah getting a flat tyre on the way to a wedding and Clark stopping to help—is one of the funniest and most memorable I’ve read. A passionate weekend leads to an agreement to keep things casual… but of course, feelings have other plans.

Hannah is vibrant, sassy, and completely kickass. Her story had me sobbing one minute and kicking my feet with glee the next. Clark is wonderful, but my favourite thing about him is the way he loves Hannah—always prioritising her comfort and happiness, even when he messes up and is trying to find his way back.

This book is an emotional journey that shows love can be found again, no matter your age or past heartbreak, and that families don’t have to look traditional to be whole. Heartbreaking, healing, funny, and hopeful—this story truly has it all. Highly recommend. 💖📖

[Christie Bonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in the After - Nicole Bazley (ARC Review)
Releases January 18, 2026

Nothing excites me more than a beautifully written spicy contemporary romance by an Australian Author. I was chosen to receive an ARC of this Book and I am so grateful I applied. This story did not disappoint!

By Chapter 2 of this book I was sold! Then the meet cute between Hannah and Clark, the tension, the banter and the inner monologue and relationship trauma these two are dealing with from their past experiences both very different reeled me in. The stories progression flowed effortlessly and was quite fast paced with lots of heartfelt and shock moments throughout the story.

The spice level was just the perfect amount and not overdone it had a bit of everything and it was hot. I believe every woman deserves a Clark because he was everything.

Hannah was confident, didn’t shy away from what she wanted. However she was grieving and the battle she faced with the guilt of trying to move forward as a single woman looking for companionship following the shock loss of her Husband while trying to juggle mum life. This was tastefully done and it felt real. Had me feeling all the feels for her and her boys as a happily married boy mum.

Clark was mature, evolved, he understood the assignment and there was understanding, compassion and no pressure when it came to Hannah ever, even as the story progressed and things started to change for him. I think this was heavily due to the fact that both main characters were in their 40’s this was a refreshing change.

Side note - I loved the sexy grey scale sketches that appeared between chapters this was unexpected visual that had me wondering what was coming in the next chapter. Fantastic.

What to expect:
Second Chance Love
Fast Burn
Confident MFC
Meet Cute
Fun Banter
Love After Loss
MC’s in their 40’s

Please visit the authors website for a list of content/trigger warnings. As this story touches on subjects that may be sensitive to some readers.

10/10 recommend
5 stars I really enjoyed this story!
#tnnarcteam #secondchancelove #aussieauthor #loveintheafter

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely lucky to be chosen to be an ARC reader for Nicole’s new release Love in the After coming out January 18th!
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect!
I knew there were some heavy topics (infertility/miscarriage) but I can’t say I was fully prepared!
This book had me feeling all the feels!
I was laughing, crying, griping my kindle so hard at times I thought I might break it! I may have also been reading with my kindle tilted away from my face at times a bit scared to read on also!
Straight up the book opens devastatingly but by chapter three you’re giggling and welcoming the banter of Hannah and Clark as the book goes on!
Their easy, warm, comforting ‘situationship’ quickly hits a bump in the road only a few months in and then you’re going through a new emotional roller coaster of ‘OMG YAY’ to then ‘NO THIS CANT HAPPEN’
Through it all Clark is the rock Hannah needs and he ever falters. Even through his own emotional struggles he is the perfect safe space for Hannah and an absolutely amazing ‘Bonus Dad’ to Noah, Liam & Ethan!
The found family aspect of was so beautifully articulated and being the sister of siblings from a different dad and my dad being the ‘bonus dad’ that they needed was so easy to relate to!
The last quarter of this book will have you smiling and the only tears will be happy tears!
This book is set in Western Australia and it was so refreshing to read a book and know every where that was referenced!
Nicole’s writing is deep and heart felt and I was captivated from the very start!
Oh it’s also unexpectedly spicy, NICOLEEEE I was not prepared haha!
I read this book just picturing a tv show and how perfect it would be to be watch this unfold!
Highly recommend this to anyone who loves a romance novel that also has a lot of topics that are real & raw!

[Sarah Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love In The After by Nicole Bazley

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Warning - ⚠️ Please review the Trigger Warnings before proceeding.⚠️

This second chance romance shows that nothing is forever and in the blink of an eye things can unexpectedly change.

Nicole has written a truly beautifully detailed and impactful book, which evokes a diverse range of emotions and thoughts.

Our MC’s first encounter is truly one that is unforgettable. It had me cracking up in laughter, which only continued throughout. The chemistry between them is insanely hot! What started out as a weekend with no expectations soon turns into something more special.

Some things to expect -
- A hot pink hooded towel.
- Pam the savage goat, Banjo the rescue dog who turned into an emotional support companion, salt and pepper the horse and a random duck.
- Fist Microphones
- Watching episodes of Bones together over FaceTime
- Margaritas, taco & sex

Favourite Quote - “I know, Hannah. I know you have lived through the worst case. And I can’t promise you that I will outlive you. You’re right, I can’t control time or death. But I can control what I do while I am here. And I want to give you all of me. All my time, all my energy, all my love, all my money. All of me. I want to give it to you and those kids. If you let me. I want to spend the time I do have loving you and this family.”

I would like to thank Nicole and The Naughty Nook for this fantastic opportunity. I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I highly recommend reading🫶🏼🩷

[Karen Bowness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC of Love In The After by Nicole Bazley thanks to The Naughty Nook, and I finished it in two days and didn’t want it to end!

This story follows Hannah, a 40-year-old widow raising three teenage boys, and Clark, who’s reeling after his marriage ends in betrayal. After a very sweet, very meet-cute moment on the way to a wedding, their connection starts off wild but slowly grows into something neither of them expected. It is tender, emotionally honest and not just about falling in love- it’s about finding your way back to yourself after everything falls apart.

What really stood out to me was how real the characters felt. Hannah and Clark aren’t perfect, and they don’t pretend their pasts didn’t shape them. Their grief, hesitation and longing for connection are handled so beautifully and respectfully. Some moments hit close to home for me and definitely brought on a few tears, but in a way that felt healing rather than heavy.

I also loved that this is an Australian romance with older main characters who’ve actually lived, loved and lost. It gave the whole story so much depth. If you enjoy heartfelt, emotionally rich romances about second chances and finding love after heartbreak, this one is a must-read. 💕

[And So She Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - I received an advance reader copy of Love in the After from the author, and this book absolutely broke me — in the best way.

This story is raw, heartbreaking, and painfully real. It pulls you into the lives of two characters carrying immense loss, love, and grief, and asks you to sit with every emotion alongside them. I felt everything while reading — the pain, the hope, the longing, the love… and the devastation.

Please read the trigger warnings before diving in, and if you do, have tissues ready. This book doesn’t just tug at your heart, it shatters it.

For me, this story hit close to home, which made it even more powerful. It felt honest and vulnerable in a way that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Nicole did an incredible job bringing these characters to life — their pain, their healing, and their love felt so real.

Clark is the kind of MMC you fall for quietly — kind, gentle, and steady. Paired with a confident widowed mum who knows exactly what she wants, the chemistry is instant and undeniable. Sparks fly from their very first meeting.

This book destroyed me… and I loved every second of it. I can’t wait to read more from Nicole.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ARC review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story touches on heavy themes such as loss and miscarriage, which are written about in a beautiful, thoughtful, and respectful way. The emotions felt genuine, and I appreciated the care the author took in handling these sensitive topics.

Overall, I truly enjoyed the book. The only thing I found a bit challenging at times were the time jumps, which occasionally disrupted the flow of the story. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat rushed to me, and I would have loved a little more space to fully settle into the conclusion.

That said, it’s a moving and well-written story that stayed with me after finishing, and one I would certainly recommend.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really heartwarming read and one that resonated with me so much.
Seeing two people who’d been burned before, in different ways but ultimately with the same outcome of deciding they didn’t want relationships, be exactly what they needed for each other was fantastic.
I loved that there was no pretence, they were just open and honest about what they were looking for.
I loved that they were older too. There’s a wisdom in knowing yourself a bit better that comes with age and I loved the maturity of them knowing when things had evolved.
There were parts that felt a bit repetitive and it was possibly longer than it needed to be, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
Check the content warnings though because there’s some really hard bits in there.

[Maxine Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a contemporary romance with the main characters in their 40's, great communication, and all the feels, Love in the After is the book for you.

It so perfectly captures the beauty of Western Australia. I love that its literally set where i live and it is so true not just to the Aussie lifestyle but the WA vibes. These characters could walk of the page and fit perfectly as they are so real.

Nicole has packed so much humour, love, pain and joy into this book, you really do have to buckle up as whiplash is a possible side effect.

Hannah and Clark have both had their lives turned upside down. They had their happily ever afters torn away and have had to readjust to life and what their future looks like.
They have the most adorable meet cute and are both open and honest with what they are looking for. Hannah has already experienced the love of her life, she isnt looking for that again. She has her business and family, she just wants to have some casual friendship and bondage. Clark has accepted his infertility and knows he wont be getting the kids he has dreamed of, but he is absolutely willing to do new things with Hannah.

Hannah is such a vibrant, kickass, sassy woman. Reading her story had me sobbing, kicking my feet and giggling.
Clark is really great too and I loved everything about him. But my favourite thing about him is the way he loves Hannah. Its always about her and making her comfortable and happy and even when he is fucking up he still communicates. He listens, is patient and kind. He also has a broad knowledge of knots and is willing to learn, which is very handy. Him coming out of his shell was so fun. The fucking champagne scene, OMG, im still not over it.

Love in the After looks like a cute contemporary romance and it is, but dont let the cute fun part fool you. Nicole brings the heavy themes when she starts writing. Return To Sender dove into things like domestic violence, sexual assault, grief and finding your place in the world.
Love in The After says hold my beer, and dives into divorce, death, grief and finding a way to live again.

I always think that if an author can make me feel big feelings, they have done their job. If their characters start living rent free in my head, they have done their job. If they can make me laugh, cry and shout all within 30 minutes of reading, they have done their job.
Nicole did her job and I want to be a whole lot like Hannah when i grow up (Ignore the fact im probably older than her).

I also think that considering nothing makes me dnf a book faster than an accidental pregnancy, the fact i finished it, rated it 5 stars and then have shouted about it ever since, gives you a pretty fair idea of just how phenomenal this book is.

[Lisa Hambridge (lisamareebooks1109) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that had me obsessed. Hannah and Clark definitely took me on an emotional ride, and I enjoyed every moment. This book was well written, I loved how it dealt with the sensitive issues and made them realistic, especially infertility and love after loss. The characters had amazing chemistry, and I enjoyed how their relationship developed. The moments between Clark and Hannah were amazing.

[Ellie Rodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional rollercoaster this book took me on .. OMG! I loved every second of it and I’m so glad Hannah and Clark got their happy ending. The story was great and the spice was just as good. Very impressed.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So incredibly lucky to be selected as an ARC reader for this book! If you are looking for a book that gives you a roller coaster of emotions, this is the one! A beautiful book that is all about giving love a second chance.

[samreadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions than look no further than Love in The After.

Hannah and Clark's story is one that takes you on a journey of personal growth, acceptance, love and second chances.

Hannah has the perfect life, she has a husband who loves her and kids who are a little chaotic, but she loves with her whole heart. When tragedy strikes her perfect world is thrown into turmoil and she has to learn to live without her husband and still be there for her kids.

Clark is happy and in love but struggling to start a family with his wife, when he receives some news that devastates him only to really have a knife twisted into his heart when he returns home to share the news his world is thrown upside down and he packs up his life and moves across the country.

Hannah and Clark meet under what I would say is one of the funniest circumstances. Hannah gets a flat tyre on the way to a wedding and when Clark stops to help sparks fly. Hannah and Clark have a passionate weekend and agree to casual.

Hannah and Clark both grow with each other and find love again. Their connection is off the charts, and they both realise that there is something more there. They both go through heartbreak, but they are there for each other through it all.

This book had me laughing, crying, smiling and going through all the emotions but it also shows you that you can find love a second time regardless of your age and that families can be blended.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, and loved the way it captured the conflicting emotions and how two things can be true at once.

[Mariska Myburgh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity to be able to walk this road. I have never experienced what these characters have been through but man did I feel it. Each emotion whether good or bad

What a great book to end my year with

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh, I really loved this book, it really was amazing! It had me laughing and crying. Clark - the book boyfriend of dreams - caring, gorgeous, thoughtful and just AMAZING! Hannah - such a strong FMC, confident, funny and just real.

I could not put this book down!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of this book, the clear communication between mc's was so refreshing, the humour, the spice and everything about Hannah and Clark's relationship was just *chefs kiss*
I was so lucky to receive this book as an arc

[ShellsBooksandCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reader and I'm so glad to have found a new author to add to my list

This book was amazing in every way possible from beginning to end - even though it made me cry several times

We follow our 2 MC's Hannah and Clark as they enter into a new relationship learning how to love again after heartbreak and loss.

Hannah (40 single mum to 3) and Clark (42 single mechanic) have both had devastating past relationships, which have left them not wanting to commit but have something casual and fun.
And FUN they do have - there are a number of spicy scenes throughout this book which are really well written.

I really don't want to give too much away about the characters backgrounds or what happens during their time together but just know the following topics are talked about in a raw and honest way;

* infertility
* talk of abortion
* miscarriage
* death of a partner
* live after loss / depression
* cheating of a partner
* BDSM / sexual acts

Love In The After: A Spicy Contemporary Romance About Love After Loss, Fast Attraction, and Second Chances, Nicole Bazley

[Alanna]

No stars - DNF

Unfortunately this book was a Dnf for me. I gave it until 33% and I was just getting annoyed. I was thoroughly enjoying the very start of this book and the interactions between the two main characters.
What I didn’t like was that after the first intimate conversation between these two it immediately became a high heat, mild bdsm and constant monologue of sex. Now don’t get me wrong I love a good smutty scene as much as the next but not every other chapter when for me, it felt like the main focus was pivoted to just highlight the sexual chemistry between the characters. They both gave the potential for a deep connection and both have deep emotional backstories but those were kind of an afterthought once the two came together.
I also felt like the rest of the story was being delivered in summary terms like a quick run down of what they did for the week or the day but only briefly talked about before diving back into the spice. I would’ve enjoyed just a little bit more into the details of each characters movements not just a blow over the top.

Thankyou so much to The Berry Agency for the chance to read this ARC

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be part of the ARC team for Nicole Bazley’s new novel ‘Love in the After’.

The grief of losing someone you love is palpable throughout the novel. Hannah’s husband didn’t leave by choice, there was no drawn out goodbye. Police arrived at her door and Hannah’s life was forever altered.
When Clark enters her life, so to do the silly songs she once sung around the house. He helps her find her happy again in both a sweet and kinky manner 😉

Clark’s character took a bit of a icky turn for me during the baby chapters (the story probably could have done without that section) but he turns it around and the story gets back on track when he meets Hannah’s boys.

It’s a story of love, grief, happiness and sorrow with just the right amount of kinky fun interwoven!

Release date is 18th January 2026!

[CeeJay Reads.27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*read the trigger warnings please as the topics covered may be sensitive for some readers.

To say this book is an emotional journey is an understatement and yet I cannot recommend it enough.
This book had me enraptured from the start. I laughed. I cried. I felt the sadness and happiness in my soul. I felt the love and care of the characters, both main and side, through the pages.

Love the Western Australian setting.

The little hidden art works are just amazing.

The banter, cheekiness and relationship building between the MCs was fabulous and so very engaging. The spice was hot, hot, hot, but so well written that it was tasteful, safe and consensual throughout.

Everyone deserves a Clark…

Thank you to #TNNArcTeam and #NicoleBazey for the opportunity to ARC read this book and support an amazing Australian Author.

[Emma Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very lucky to get an ARC copy for this book.
This book is about love after loss & the themes are so well written.
The first few chapters you get to know the FMC & MMC and it’s all fun, games and devastation from there on.
It’s set in Western Australia - which having lived there at some point was an interesting point of the book for me.
Hannah & Clark are adorable and very much the opposite of each other.
The family concepts throughout the books are beautiful and the bonus parent concept (as one myself) was genuinely great to read.
I recommend this to anyone but more so if you’ve experienced loss, love after that, cheating or a mixed family.
Thanks Nicole for this experience!!

[alex’s reading corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen to receive an ARC of this Book and I am so happy I applied.

I only know there are some trigger warnings about the book, but I was so impressed by the story and the way of writing.

I absolutely loved how the characters are written and it just gave me a good feeling seeing that after loss, there can still be a chance for love. The story flowed effortlessly and was completely sold by the first pages.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Please visit the authors website for a list of content/trigger warnings. As this story touches on subjects that may be sensitive to some readers.

[brittanybeams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far surpassed my expectations!!! Amazing. Perfectly imperfect people on a journey together after loss and heartbreak. This book does not shy away from exploring the complexities of grief, parenthood, blending families, guilt, and fear. I loved the point of view swapping between the two main characters and how they each told their own story, but it was still one story in the big picture. Loved the sister dynamics and the way families were represented in this book. I was happy to be an ARC reader for this book. It was truly amazing and kept me wanting to read it from start to finish!

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book that after loss and tragedy you can still find love.

Sadly I found the book to be to repetitive and I felt that sex was used to fill in story lines. I do like spice in my books but this detracted from the story and I found I skimmed through them.

I am sorry to say I do not think this authors writing is for me.

[Hollie Grainger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldnt put this book down! It is the perfect blend of romance and lust! It is an easy read that gets you hooked from the first chapter. I loved the characters and im so happy with how it ended for them. I cant wait for the next instalment from Nicole!! 😍