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Love Me After
Willow lost everything the day her dad died.
Her grief stole herself, her future, and the home she once knew. Forced to move back in with the mother who abandoned her for a new family, she’s trapped in a place that’s never felt like hers.
River, her half-brother, is the only reason she stays. The only thread keeping her tethered to the world. And even that is starting to fray.
Then there’s Elijah Reed Lawson.
Ruggedly handsome, tattooed, and impossibly magnetic. A mechanic with oil-stained hands and a quiet patience that melts her defenses. He’s River’s father. The man she swore she hated. The last person she should want.
And yet, he makes her feel alive again.
He teases her into laughter, draws her back to dancing, and ignites a fire she thought grief had killed.
One look, one touch, and the heat between them becomes impossible to ignore.
Loving him is forbidden.
He’s her half-brother’s father.
Her mother’s husband.
But can she resist the man who makes her feel wanted, desired, and alive—no matter the cost?
Her grief stole herself, her future, and the home she once knew. Forced to move back in with the mother who abandoned her for a new family, she’s trapped in a place that’s never felt like hers.
River, her half-brother, is the only reason she stays. The only thread keeping her tethered to the world. And even that is starting to fray.
Then there’s Elijah Reed Lawson.
Ruggedly handsome, tattooed, and impossibly magnetic. A mechanic with oil-stained hands and a quiet patience that melts her defenses. He’s River’s father. The man she swore she hated. The last person she should want.
And yet, he makes her feel alive again.
He teases her into laughter, draws her back to dancing, and ignites a fire she thought grief had killed.
One look, one touch, and the heat between them becomes impossible to ignore.
Loving him is forbidden.
He’s her half-brother’s father.
Her mother’s husband.
But can she resist the man who makes her feel wanted, desired, and alive—no matter the cost?
- GenresRomance
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2026
About the author
Autumn Fielding
3 books24 followersAutumn is a British author, wife, and mother who balances everyday life with a lifelong love of reading. Powered by plenty of coffee and the occasional Friday-night wine, she writes in the quiet hours, when the house settles, and ideas come alive.
She loves fantasy, enjoys a touch of dark romance, and has a particular soft spot for why-choose stories, where a heroine is adored by more than one man.
Autumn is passionate about creating rich worlds and characters readers can connect with, offering stories that feel like an escape from the real world.
She loves fantasy, enjoys a touch of dark romance, and has a particular soft spot for why-choose stories, where a heroine is adored by more than one man.
Autumn is passionate about creating rich worlds and characters readers can connect with, offering stories that feel like an escape from the real world.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 20, 2026
Arc read
I really enjoyed Love me after, what a beautiful story of grief and healing as well as finding love in the most unexpected way.
I really resonated with this book and honestly could not put it down, I laughed at times and I cried even more.
I really enjoyed Love me after, what a beautiful story of grief and healing as well as finding love in the most unexpected way.
I really resonated with this book and honestly could not put it down, I laughed at times and I cried even more.
September 7, 2026
Got too deep in the frank castle text threads on tiktok and ended up here.
June 16, 2026
Arc Review
If you love a forbidden romance, this book is for you!! This book follows Elijah and Willow. Elijah is married to Willows mom (who we hate). In the midst of losing her father to cancer, she realizes the only person she has left is her younger brother River. She ends up moving in with her mom and her husband. Her mom is absolutely AWFUL to her on top of this soul crushing grief. Even though she hates Elijah, she begins to realize maybe there is more to him than she previously thought. This book was so angsty. The forbidden romance and sneaking around, the growing feelings, the emotions both of them were feeling… it was all just so good! I loved how well Elijah took care of Willow in every moment she needed it. When she felt like the world was falling apart around her, he was there to help her through it every single time. I went into this book pretty blind and I really loved that experience! This book was such an enjoyable read for me and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a forbidden love story.
If you love a forbidden romance, this book is for you!! This book follows Elijah and Willow. Elijah is married to Willows mom (who we hate). In the midst of losing her father to cancer, she realizes the only person she has left is her younger brother River. She ends up moving in with her mom and her husband. Her mom is absolutely AWFUL to her on top of this soul crushing grief. Even though she hates Elijah, she begins to realize maybe there is more to him than she previously thought. This book was so angsty. The forbidden romance and sneaking around, the growing feelings, the emotions both of them were feeling… it was all just so good! I loved how well Elijah took care of Willow in every moment she needed it. When she felt like the world was falling apart around her, he was there to help her through it every single time. I went into this book pretty blind and I really loved that experience! This book was such an enjoyable read for me and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a forbidden love story.
June 21, 2026
4.5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Forbidden? Check
Age Gap? Check
Taboo? Check
Half-Brothers Dad and Mum’s Ex-Husband? Yes Honey!
I absolutely devoured this book! It’s complicated, messy and full of layers. It’s like peeling back an onion!
Willow is 20 years old and just lost her father, the only person who was always there for her. She now has to move in with her half brother, her Mum who abandoned her and continues to treat her so horribly and the man who played a part in tearing her family apart when she was young, Elijah Lawson.
Willow is drowning in grief, using alcohol and hookups to numb herself. Elijah is sexy and tattooed with the filthiest mouth, but he’s the man she should hate, not the person she should want. But through it all, he’s the one who makes her feel alive again and brings her back to herself.
The angst was off the charts and the pull between the two of them was palpable. The love and connection these two shared vibrated off the page and the way the author portray the different stages of grief, showing how unexpected it can be and doesn’t always show how you expect it to felt extremely accurate.
The spice was banging and somewhat adventurous!
Overall this is a sexy, taboo but emotional read that I found addictive.
Thank you Autumn Fielding for the advanced copy.
Forbidden? Check
Age Gap? Check
Taboo? Check
Half-Brothers Dad and Mum’s Ex-Husband? Yes Honey!
I absolutely devoured this book! It’s complicated, messy and full of layers. It’s like peeling back an onion!
Willow is 20 years old and just lost her father, the only person who was always there for her. She now has to move in with her half brother, her Mum who abandoned her and continues to treat her so horribly and the man who played a part in tearing her family apart when she was young, Elijah Lawson.
Willow is drowning in grief, using alcohol and hookups to numb herself. Elijah is sexy and tattooed with the filthiest mouth, but he’s the man she should hate, not the person she should want. But through it all, he’s the one who makes her feel alive again and brings her back to herself.
The angst was off the charts and the pull between the two of them was palpable. The love and connection these two shared vibrated off the page and the way the author portray the different stages of grief, showing how unexpected it can be and doesn’t always show how you expect it to felt extremely accurate.
The spice was banging and somewhat adventurous!
Overall this is a sexy, taboo but emotional read that I found addictive.
Thank you Autumn Fielding for the advanced copy.
June 17, 2026
Autumn you did it again baby! Thank you for letting me apart of this ARC read. You’re doing great things boo and I’m so proud of you.
ARC Review:
This one got me a little more choked up than most, especially the flashbacks involving Willow's father. There was something so beautifully cathartic about watching that part of the story unfold.
The connection between Willow and Elijah had me completely glued to the pages. I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like when would they get caught? Who was going to walk in? The tension of their forbidden relationship kept me hooked from start to finish.
And let's talk about the steam, because it was absolutely steaming.
As a side note, Willow's mom can kick rocks. It's been a minute since I've genuinely despised a character this much, and every time she appeared on the page, my irritation only grew.
- Taboo romance
- Age gap
- Mechanic x dancer
- Grief Rep
- He falls first
ARC Review:
This one got me a little more choked up than most, especially the flashbacks involving Willow's father. There was something so beautifully cathartic about watching that part of the story unfold.
The connection between Willow and Elijah had me completely glued to the pages. I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like when would they get caught? Who was going to walk in? The tension of their forbidden relationship kept me hooked from start to finish.
And let's talk about the steam, because it was absolutely steaming.
As a side note, Willow's mom can kick rocks. It's been a minute since I've genuinely despised a character this much, and every time she appeared on the page, my irritation only grew.
- Taboo romance
- Age gap
- Mechanic x dancer
- Grief Rep
- He falls first
July 2, 2026
My Rating: 4⭐️ 3🌶️
Tropes
❤️ Taboo Romance
🖤 Forbidden Love
❤️ Step-father/step-daughter
🖤Age Gap
❤️ Grief & Healing
Willow is forced to move in with her mam and step-dad, after her dad passes away. She’s completely consumed by her grief, struggling to function and having to deal with her poor excuse of a mam, who abandoned her as a child. To top it all off, she has to face Elijah, her mam’s husband who she blames for ruining her parent’s marriage. The more she gets to know him though, the more she realises she was completely wrong about him.
Willow’s grief was written so well. It was hard to read at times, the pain was so raw and consuming, I was devastated for her. Elijah took care of her from the start, no matter how much she pushed him away or refused to let him in, he was there for her to make sure she didn’t have to go through it all alone.
I love a taboo romance and the step-family trope is my favourite. I’m all for the forbidden love, tension and chemistry and Willow and Elijah were instantly drawn to each other, no matter how hard they tried to fight it. I loved the secrecy, drama and spice.
There were some great side characters too. Elijah’s family were a great mix of characters and Quinn and Ezra are hilarious.
Overall, this was an emotional, spicy and fun read. I rate it 4⭐️ and 3🌶️.
Tropes
❤️ Taboo Romance
🖤 Forbidden Love
❤️ Step-father/step-daughter
🖤Age Gap
❤️ Grief & Healing
Willow is forced to move in with her mam and step-dad, after her dad passes away. She’s completely consumed by her grief, struggling to function and having to deal with her poor excuse of a mam, who abandoned her as a child. To top it all off, she has to face Elijah, her mam’s husband who she blames for ruining her parent’s marriage. The more she gets to know him though, the more she realises she was completely wrong about him.
Willow’s grief was written so well. It was hard to read at times, the pain was so raw and consuming, I was devastated for her. Elijah took care of her from the start, no matter how much she pushed him away or refused to let him in, he was there for her to make sure she didn’t have to go through it all alone.
I love a taboo romance and the step-family trope is my favourite. I’m all for the forbidden love, tension and chemistry and Willow and Elijah were instantly drawn to each other, no matter how hard they tried to fight it. I loved the secrecy, drama and spice.
There were some great side characters too. Elijah’s family were a great mix of characters and Quinn and Ezra are hilarious.
Overall, this was an emotional, spicy and fun read. I rate it 4⭐️ and 3🌶️.
July 20, 2026
Unbearably dull. Could have cut out 300 pages and it still would have been unnecessarily long. Very “pick me”, “not like other girls”, misogynistic energy.
May 27, 2026
This book was honestly the perfect read when you want something that completely satisfies that romance craving while still giving you depth alongside all the tension and chemistry.
First of all… Elijah. HELLO. The things that came out of this man’s mouth??? Absolutely filthy in the best way and I was eating it up every single time 😭🔥 But beyond the chemistry and all the sexy goodness, what I really loved was that this book had heart.
I’m always weak for a good age gap romance when it’s done right, and this one really worked for me because the connection felt genuine. There was longing, tension, comfort and that feeling of two people finding something in each other they didn’t expect.
What surprised me most though was how beautifully grief was handled throughout the story. It wasn’t rushed or used just for emotional impact, it actually felt like we got to see how grief shapes people, how they carry it, and how healing doesn’t always look the way you expect. There were some really lovely moments woven through that side of the story.
I also absolutely loved the found family aspect. Watching the FMC find people, connection and a place where she truly belonged added so much to the story and made it feel bigger than just the romance.
Overall this was sexy, emotional, comforting and addictive in equal measure. Such an easy book to sink into and one I flew through.
If you love:
🖤 Age gap romance
🖤 “We shouldn’t be doing this” tension
🖤 Protective MMC energy
🖤 Grief & healing themes
🖤 Found family
🖤 Chemistry that jumps off the page
…then definitely pick this one
First of all… Elijah. HELLO. The things that came out of this man’s mouth??? Absolutely filthy in the best way and I was eating it up every single time 😭🔥 But beyond the chemistry and all the sexy goodness, what I really loved was that this book had heart.
I’m always weak for a good age gap romance when it’s done right, and this one really worked for me because the connection felt genuine. There was longing, tension, comfort and that feeling of two people finding something in each other they didn’t expect.
What surprised me most though was how beautifully grief was handled throughout the story. It wasn’t rushed or used just for emotional impact, it actually felt like we got to see how grief shapes people, how they carry it, and how healing doesn’t always look the way you expect. There were some really lovely moments woven through that side of the story.
I also absolutely loved the found family aspect. Watching the FMC find people, connection and a place where she truly belonged added so much to the story and made it feel bigger than just the romance.
Overall this was sexy, emotional, comforting and addictive in equal measure. Such an easy book to sink into and one I flew through.
If you love:
🖤 Age gap romance
🖤 “We shouldn’t be doing this” tension
🖤 Protective MMC energy
🖤 Grief & healing themes
🖤 Found family
🖤 Chemistry that jumps off the page
…then definitely pick this one
August 9, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review: Love Me After was such an emotional read. It deals with grief, loss, complicated family relationships, and finding comfort in someone when you feel completely lost.
I absolutely devoured this book. Once I became invested in Willow and Elijah, I wanted to keep reading because I needed to see where their relationship would go. The emotional side of the story gives the romance much more depth, and I loved that Willow’s grief remains an important part of her journey rather than simply being used as a reason to bring the characters together.
And there is one other thing this book has permanently changed for me: I will never look at strawberry Twizzlers the same way again. If you know, you know 🤣
The story follows Willow, a twenty-year-old woman whose life changes completely after the death of her father. He was an incredibly important part of her life, and his loss leaves her struggling with grief and unsure how to move forward.
Her circumstances force her into a living situation involving the mother she has a difficult relationship with and Elijah, her stepfather. Willow already has strong opinions about Elijah before she properly gets to know him, but living under the same roof begins to challenge what she thought she knew.
As Willow struggles with her grief, Elijah becomes someone who notices when she is not coping and refuses to ignore it.
Overall, Love Me After was emotional, addictive, and surprisingly heartfelt.
I absolutely devoured it. I expected the forbidden romance and the tension, but I really enjoyed how much attention was also given to Willow’s grief and the slow process of learning how to continue living after losing someone.
It manages to be heartbreaking, romantic, spicy, funny, and hopeful without losing the grief at the centre of Willow’s story.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review: Love Me After was such an emotional read. It deals with grief, loss, complicated family relationships, and finding comfort in someone when you feel completely lost.
I absolutely devoured this book. Once I became invested in Willow and Elijah, I wanted to keep reading because I needed to see where their relationship would go. The emotional side of the story gives the romance much more depth, and I loved that Willow’s grief remains an important part of her journey rather than simply being used as a reason to bring the characters together.
And there is one other thing this book has permanently changed for me: I will never look at strawberry Twizzlers the same way again. If you know, you know 🤣
The story follows Willow, a twenty-year-old woman whose life changes completely after the death of her father. He was an incredibly important part of her life, and his loss leaves her struggling with grief and unsure how to move forward.
Her circumstances force her into a living situation involving the mother she has a difficult relationship with and Elijah, her stepfather. Willow already has strong opinions about Elijah before she properly gets to know him, but living under the same roof begins to challenge what she thought she knew.
As Willow struggles with her grief, Elijah becomes someone who notices when she is not coping and refuses to ignore it.
Overall, Love Me After was emotional, addictive, and surprisingly heartfelt.
I absolutely devoured it. I expected the forbidden romance and the tension, but I really enjoyed how much attention was also given to Willow’s grief and the slow process of learning how to continue living after losing someone.
It manages to be heartbreaking, romantic, spicy, funny, and hopeful without losing the grief at the centre of Willow’s story.
June 25, 2026
This book has me in a chokehold.
I have the been dreaming about reading this book ever since the trope reveal and it’s safe to say it lived up to expectations! I mean mums ex husband… it’s messy and I’m here for it 🫡
My baby Willow, you had me sobbing my heart out, I’ve never connected to a character like you before and girl I just wanted to reach through the page and give you a hug 🥰
Elijah. Elijah. Elijah. The. Man. You. Are. Enough said. 🙂↕️
As always the side characters were PEAK, Elijah’s family had me feeling lonely af, anyone know where to find a guy that’ll just take me in as their daughter as well 😂 I need a Moira in my life 🤭
This book was just written beautifully start to finish, it’s rare to find a book that makes me laugh at loud and be sobbing the next chapter (Leon 💔) I can definitely see myself coming back to read this book as it has to be an absolute favourite of mine now!
Honourable mentions: Twizzlers (I’ll never be able to look at them the same way 😂 and ‘Pond’ 😭😭😭😭 ifykyk I couldn’t stop myself from laughing 😆
I have the been dreaming about reading this book ever since the trope reveal and it’s safe to say it lived up to expectations! I mean mums ex husband… it’s messy and I’m here for it 🫡
My baby Willow, you had me sobbing my heart out, I’ve never connected to a character like you before and girl I just wanted to reach through the page and give you a hug 🥰
Elijah. Elijah. Elijah. The. Man. You. Are. Enough said. 🙂↕️
As always the side characters were PEAK, Elijah’s family had me feeling lonely af, anyone know where to find a guy that’ll just take me in as their daughter as well 😂 I need a Moira in my life 🤭
This book was just written beautifully start to finish, it’s rare to find a book that makes me laugh at loud and be sobbing the next chapter (Leon 💔) I can definitely see myself coming back to read this book as it has to be an absolute favourite of mine now!
Honourable mentions: Twizzlers (I’ll never be able to look at them the same way 😂 and ‘Pond’ 😭😭😭😭 ifykyk I couldn’t stop myself from laughing 😆
July 1, 2026
Love Me After by Autumn Fielding is a beautiful story about grief, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected place. It's a book that will have you laughing one moment and crying the next.
It's a forbidden romance with an age gap, told through a dual POV from Willow and Elijah. I also just need to take a moment to say that Rose, Willow's mum, is absolutely awful. She is one of those characters you'll love to hate.
Willow is just 20 years old and has recently lost her dad, the one person who had always been there for her. As you can imagine, she's struggling to come to terms with her loss. She moves in with her half-brother, River, along with her mum, who abandoned her, and Elijah.
There's plenty of spice throughout the book, and I don't think I'll ever look at a strawberry Twizzler the same way again. 😃 Elijah has an absolutely filthy mouth. 😂
Overall, if you enjoy a spicy romance with plenty of emotion, heartbreak, healing, and love, then this is definitely the book for you.
It's a forbidden romance with an age gap, told through a dual POV from Willow and Elijah. I also just need to take a moment to say that Rose, Willow's mum, is absolutely awful. She is one of those characters you'll love to hate.
Willow is just 20 years old and has recently lost her dad, the one person who had always been there for her. As you can imagine, she's struggling to come to terms with her loss. She moves in with her half-brother, River, along with her mum, who abandoned her, and Elijah.
There's plenty of spice throughout the book, and I don't think I'll ever look at a strawberry Twizzler the same way again. 😃 Elijah has an absolutely filthy mouth. 😂
Overall, if you enjoy a spicy romance with plenty of emotion, heartbreak, healing, and love, then this is definitely the book for you.
July 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Breathtaking angst and raw emotion!
I absolutely devoured this book! It checks every single box if you love taboo, forbidden, and age-gap romances.
The story follows Willow, a 20-year-old drowning in grief after losing her father, as she forced to move in with a messy family dynamic—including Elijah, a sexy, tattooed man she has every reason to hate.
The chemistry and pull between Willow and Elijah are off the charts. Beyond the incredible spice and forbidden romance, the portrayal of grief and emotional healing felt deeply authentic.
It’s a beautifully complicated story, thank you Autumn for the ARC!
I absolutely devoured this book! It checks every single box if you love taboo, forbidden, and age-gap romances.
The story follows Willow, a 20-year-old drowning in grief after losing her father, as she forced to move in with a messy family dynamic—including Elijah, a sexy, tattooed man she has every reason to hate.
The chemistry and pull between Willow and Elijah are off the charts. Beyond the incredible spice and forbidden romance, the portrayal of grief and emotional healing felt deeply authentic.
It’s a beautifully complicated story, thank you Autumn for the ARC!
July 1, 2026
Love Me After is a great book that follows the story of Willow who suffered grief after losing her father. Her mother is more like the devil itself.
Elijah, her step father becomes the closest to her and unlike his wife, he's the nicest man alive. was Willow wrong to hate him? Will he prove to her that she isn't as lonely as she thinks she is? Will she find a true family?
Let's not forget River, Willow's cute half-brother who you will all love!
Thank you Autumn Fielding for the ARC, I loved the book.
Elijah, her step father becomes the closest to her and unlike his wife, he's the nicest man alive. was Willow wrong to hate him? Will he prove to her that she isn't as lonely as she thinks she is? Will she find a true family?
Let's not forget River, Willow's cute half-brother who you will all love!
Thank you Autumn Fielding for the ARC, I loved the book.
August 6, 2026
Wow what a read!!
Firstly I’d like to thank you Author for choosing me to have an ARC copy of this book. Apologies for the delayed read but I was determined to read and review.
This book showed grief in its rawest form and how some people deal with it differently to others. It hit me in the gut with all the things Willow had to deal with in such a short time and then to have a mother like she had. Elijah came to her at the right time. A messy relationship turns into something beautiful and I was hooked from start to finish.
Firstly I’d like to thank you Author for choosing me to have an ARC copy of this book. Apologies for the delayed read but I was determined to read and review.
This book showed grief in its rawest form and how some people deal with it differently to others. It hit me in the gut with all the things Willow had to deal with in such a short time and then to have a mother like she had. Elijah came to her at the right time. A messy relationship turns into something beautiful and I was hooked from start to finish.
June 24, 2026
Such an incredibly beautiful, emotional, and moving forbidden romance. It brings age gap and step father/step daughter vibes. Our FMC, Willow, deals with extreme grief from losing her father. We watch her grow and learn how grow without her father. The MMC, Elijah, creates a safe space for Willow to land. To grow and move forward. This story is absolutely gorgeous and memorable. I felt so invested from the first page. I can't wait to read the rest of the series one day!
June 30, 2026
I got this book as an ARC and really enjoyed it. It did have it's emotional parts. Willow lost her father who was her whole world, and moved in with her mother, her half brother, and her half brother's father. Willows mother is a piece of work and I HATED everything about her! But Elijah was the best person for her to help her find herself and took care of her when she wouldn't take care of herself. It is an age gape forbidden romance but it was so well done!
June 24, 2026
If you love age gap romance, a found family, and a MMC who is down bad for the FMC, then you need to read this amazing book.
This is about finding love while your on grief. The pull between those two was litterly from another world, it’s a sexy emotional story that you need in your life
This is about finding love while your on grief. The pull between those two was litterly from another world, it’s a sexy emotional story that you need in your life
June 24, 2026
A journey of love and grief
Sometimes the most horrible of situations can bring you what you needed most, even if you didn't realize it. That's what happens to Willow in Love Me After. If you love age gap romance, found family, and a MMC who is down bad for the FMC, then you need to check out this book.
Sometimes the most horrible of situations can bring you what you needed most, even if you didn't realize it. That's what happens to Willow in Love Me After. If you love age gap romance, found family, and a MMC who is down bad for the FMC, then you need to check out this book.
June 4, 2026
“Grief isn’t something you simply overcome. It’s a path you learn to walk, one step at a time.”
This is a taboo, age gap romance about finding love amongst grief.
When Willow’s father, and only true parent (Leon) dies she has nowhere to go. So, she moves in with her mother (Rose) who left before Willow was even a year old, her half brother (River), and River’s father (Elijah).
Willow gave up everything to take care of Leon when he got sick. 2 years later the cancer took him. She has nothing now and has to rebuild her life. But it’s not easy when the one person she loved more than life is gone.
Rose says “get a job or get out, end of discussion”. River is focused on school and soccer. Elijah seems to be the only one who notices when Willow doesn’t eat, sleep, or even leave her room.
He brings her food, brings her around his family and even makes her laugh again. She’s finding that the person she thought she’d hate forever is actually the one person who can make her feel alive again.
The found family aspect of this book after everything she went through is absolutely amazing!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good taboo age gap romance!!
✨I don’t want to give spoilers so to truly understand the full dynamic of the situation you have to read the story.✨
This is a taboo, age gap romance about finding love amongst grief.
When Willow’s father, and only true parent (Leon) dies she has nowhere to go. So, she moves in with her mother (Rose) who left before Willow was even a year old, her half brother (River), and River’s father (Elijah).
Willow gave up everything to take care of Leon when he got sick. 2 years later the cancer took him. She has nothing now and has to rebuild her life. But it’s not easy when the one person she loved more than life is gone.
Rose says “get a job or get out, end of discussion”. River is focused on school and soccer. Elijah seems to be the only one who notices when Willow doesn’t eat, sleep, or even leave her room.
He brings her food, brings her around his family and even makes her laugh again. She’s finding that the person she thought she’d hate forever is actually the one person who can make her feel alive again.
The found family aspect of this book after everything she went through is absolutely amazing!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good taboo age gap romance!!
✨I don’t want to give spoilers so to truly understand the full dynamic of the situation you have to read the story.✨
August 19, 2026
While I do believe in supporting indie authors I also believe that support comes in honest criticism. This book had basic grammar and spelling errors all throughout with the author also getting confused and writing in the past tense when the book is written in the present tense. Sometimes even changing tenses mid-sentence.
The plot itself was okay but it sometimes felt like trauma porn for the sake of making the reader feel bad for the main character. This can be seen most evidently in the way Rose is written as a cartoonish villain and says the most outlandish lines. Instead of giving the antagonist depth, she is instead portrayed as the textbook definition of “evil”. For example tells the daughter to do everyone a favor and go join her [dead] dad. Adults don’t talk like that and it just made me roll my eyes.
Another issue I had was substance abuse being seen as almost a moral failing ? Maybe I’m reading too much into that part but it was used to push the plot along and I feel like something else could’ve been used or maybe written a bit more clear if that wasn’t the intention. It just PERSONALLY didn’t sit right with me. Personally. In my opinion lol.
In conclusion, a quick editing session to correct the grammar and spelling errors would have elevated the book. Again the plot itself was intriguing but needed a bit more depth or meaningful character development instead of what felt like trauma being used as a catalyst for most interactions or internal monologues. It also could have been a lot shorter. There was a lot of rambling and repetition of the main characters explaining their love for each other that I started to skim over those parts. Also a lot of rambling and repetition throughout on the description of grief. Being concise and purposeful would have also made a huge difference and made more of an impact.
I do wish the author the best of luck and I hope my review was helpful in its criticism rather than mean. That was not my intention. Okay thank you for reading my review!
The plot itself was okay but it sometimes felt like trauma porn for the sake of making the reader feel bad for the main character. This can be seen most evidently in the way Rose is written as a cartoonish villain and says the most outlandish lines. Instead of giving the antagonist depth, she is instead portrayed as the textbook definition of “evil”. For example tells the daughter to do everyone a favor and go join her [dead] dad. Adults don’t talk like that and it just made me roll my eyes.
Another issue I had was substance abuse being seen as almost a moral failing ? Maybe I’m reading too much into that part but it was used to push the plot along and I feel like something else could’ve been used or maybe written a bit more clear if that wasn’t the intention. It just PERSONALLY didn’t sit right with me. Personally. In my opinion lol.
In conclusion, a quick editing session to correct the grammar and spelling errors would have elevated the book. Again the plot itself was intriguing but needed a bit more depth or meaningful character development instead of what felt like trauma being used as a catalyst for most interactions or internal monologues. It also could have been a lot shorter. There was a lot of rambling and repetition of the main characters explaining their love for each other that I started to skim over those parts. Also a lot of rambling and repetition throughout on the description of grief. Being concise and purposeful would have also made a huge difference and made more of an impact.
I do wish the author the best of luck and I hope my review was helpful in its criticism rather than mean. That was not my intention. Okay thank you for reading my review!
June 6, 2026
What a beautiful book! Oh my god I’ve never felt such raw emotion from a book, the way the grief is described and talked about makes it’s all way to real and emotional!
Loved the way Elijah lets willow navigate her way through her grief while helping her without pushing to far, he give his all for her. Also encouraging her and finding herself.
Loved the way Elijah lets willow navigate her way through her grief while helping her without pushing to far, he give his all for her. Also encouraging her and finding herself.
September 21, 2026
I really wanted to enjoy this book, and there are ideas within it that I think could have made for an interesting story. Unfortunately, I found the execution quite difficult to get past.
My biggest issue was the writing itself. The prose is incredibly repetitive, often reiterating information, emotions or character dynamics that have already been established. The grammar also needs considerably more editing. There are frequent sentence fragments, awkwardly constructed sentences and seemingly random changes in tense, sometimes within the same passage. Together, these made the book much harder to read than it needed to be.
There are also some strange choices in terminology. Elijah, for example, is Willow's stepfather, yet the narration repeatedly seems to avoid simply referring to him as her stepdad, instead using phrases such as "her half-brother's dad". It feels unnecessarily convoluted and, more importantly, unnatural from Willow's perspective.
I also struggled considerably with Willow as a protagonist. While she is only 21 and therefore understandably isn't going to have everything figured out, her behaviour frequently feels much younger than her stated age — at times closer to an early teenager than a young adult. Her characterisation also occasionally falls into what I would describe as "pick-me" territory, particularly in the way she is positioned as a woman in relation to other characters. For me, this made her a frustrating and somewhat disappointing representation of a young woman rather than the complicated but sympathetic protagonist she seems intended to be.
The setting is another area that needs more consistency. The story is supposedly set in England, but there are numerous Americanisms and American cultural references throughout, to the point that I frequently forgot it was meant to be taking place in the UK. Small details such as Twizzlers might seem insignificant individually, but when they accumulate they make the setting feel poorly researched and considerably less believable.
Finally, I found Willow's relationship with her mother difficult to invest in. Her mother is written almost like a Disney villain, but the story gives the reader surprisingly little material with which to understand why Willow's hatred of her is quite so extreme. The major justification we are given is that she cheated on Willow's father around eighteen years earlier. That could obviously cause complicated feelings within a family, but Willow was a very young child when it happened, and we learn so little else about her mother's personality, behaviour or their relationship that the intensity of Willow's resentment doesn't feel sufficiently earned. Giving her mother more depth — and allowing the reader to see why their relationship deteriorated rather than simply being told that Willow despises her — would have made this conflict much more convincing. As written, she feels less like a flawed person and more like an antagonist the reader is expected to dislike because Willow does.
There is potential underneath all of this, particularly in the premise and some of the relationships, but I think the book would have benefited enormously from another substantial round of editing. Tighter prose, consistent grammar and tense, stronger attention to the British setting, and more nuanced characterisation would have made a significant difference.
Most importantly, I think the story needs to trust its readers more: emotions and relationships are often much more powerful when we're allowed to infer them from what the characters say and do rather than repeatedly being told how we're supposed to interpret them.
My biggest issue was the writing itself. The prose is incredibly repetitive, often reiterating information, emotions or character dynamics that have already been established. The grammar also needs considerably more editing. There are frequent sentence fragments, awkwardly constructed sentences and seemingly random changes in tense, sometimes within the same passage. Together, these made the book much harder to read than it needed to be.
There are also some strange choices in terminology. Elijah, for example, is Willow's stepfather, yet the narration repeatedly seems to avoid simply referring to him as her stepdad, instead using phrases such as "her half-brother's dad". It feels unnecessarily convoluted and, more importantly, unnatural from Willow's perspective.
I also struggled considerably with Willow as a protagonist. While she is only 21 and therefore understandably isn't going to have everything figured out, her behaviour frequently feels much younger than her stated age — at times closer to an early teenager than a young adult. Her characterisation also occasionally falls into what I would describe as "pick-me" territory, particularly in the way she is positioned as a woman in relation to other characters. For me, this made her a frustrating and somewhat disappointing representation of a young woman rather than the complicated but sympathetic protagonist she seems intended to be.
The setting is another area that needs more consistency. The story is supposedly set in England, but there are numerous Americanisms and American cultural references throughout, to the point that I frequently forgot it was meant to be taking place in the UK. Small details such as Twizzlers might seem insignificant individually, but when they accumulate they make the setting feel poorly researched and considerably less believable.
Finally, I found Willow's relationship with her mother difficult to invest in. Her mother is written almost like a Disney villain, but the story gives the reader surprisingly little material with which to understand why Willow's hatred of her is quite so extreme. The major justification we are given is that she cheated on Willow's father around eighteen years earlier. That could obviously cause complicated feelings within a family, but Willow was a very young child when it happened, and we learn so little else about her mother's personality, behaviour or their relationship that the intensity of Willow's resentment doesn't feel sufficiently earned. Giving her mother more depth — and allowing the reader to see why their relationship deteriorated rather than simply being told that Willow despises her — would have made this conflict much more convincing. As written, she feels less like a flawed person and more like an antagonist the reader is expected to dislike because Willow does.
There is potential underneath all of this, particularly in the premise and some of the relationships, but I think the book would have benefited enormously from another substantial round of editing. Tighter prose, consistent grammar and tense, stronger attention to the British setting, and more nuanced characterisation would have made a significant difference.
Most importantly, I think the story needs to trust its readers more: emotions and relationships are often much more powerful when we're allowed to infer them from what the characters say and do rather than repeatedly being told how we're supposed to interpret them.
June 23, 2026
My Rating: ★★★★★
Love Me After by Autumn Fielding is an emotionally charged forbidden romance that explores grief, healing, and the unexpected ways love can find us when we feel completely lost. Blending heartbreak, longing, and a deeply comforting romance, this story delivers an experience that is both devastating and hopeful; reminding readers that surviving loss is not the same as learning how to live again.
For me, this was a five-star read from the very first page.
The opening line, "I never thought I would be burying my dad at twenty," immediately hit me harder than I ever expected. Having lost my own father just before turning twenty, Willow's grief felt incredibly authentic. Her pain, anger, confusion, and overwhelming sense of loss weren't simply described; they were felt. Even seven years after losing my dad, many of the emotions Willow experiences throughout this story are emotions I still carry today. There was something profoundly comforting about seeing those feelings translated into words with such honesty and care.
Willow's journey through grief is undoubtedly the heart of the novel. Rather than treating loss as a plot device, Autumn Fielding allows readers to sit with the reality of it; the loneliness, the displacement, and the struggle to find yourself after losing someone who shaped your entire world. Watching Willow slowly rediscover pieces of herself felt both heartbreaking and inspiring, creating an emotional depth that remained with me long after I finished reading.
Of course, much of that healing is influenced by Elijah Reed Lawson.
Elijah is the kind of book boyfriend who effortlessly steals every scene he's in. Patient, protective, attentive, and endlessly supportive, he becomes a source of stability for Willow when her world feels as though it's falling apart. What makes their connection so compelling is that he never tries to fix her grief. Instead, he gives her the space to feel it while gently reminding her that life still exists beyond the pain. The way he encourages her to laugh again, dance again, and ultimately live again made their romance feel incredibly meaningful.
The chemistry between Willow and Elijah is undeniable, but it is the emotional intimacy that truly shines. Every interaction feels layered with tenderness, understanding, and a growing sense of trust that makes their relationship impossible not to root for. And honestly, if all men took notes from Elijah, the world would be a much better place.
The pacing flows beautifully, balancing emotional moments with romantic tension in a way that keeps the story engaging throughout. While the forbidden nature of their relationship creates plenty of conflict and anticipation, the novel never loses sight of the emotional journey at its core.
I would strongly recommend Love Me After to readers who enjoy forbidden romance, age-gap relationships, emotionally driven love stories, and narratives centered around grief and healing. Readers looking for a romance that offers both heartbreak and hope will likely find themselves completely invested in Willow and Elijah's story.
Overall, this is a beautiful, emotional, and deeply healing romance that captures the reality of grief while celebrating the courage it takes to open your heart again. With authentic emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a romance that feels both tender and transformative, Love Me After is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Love Me After by Autumn Fielding is an emotionally charged forbidden romance that explores grief, healing, and the unexpected ways love can find us when we feel completely lost. Blending heartbreak, longing, and a deeply comforting romance, this story delivers an experience that is both devastating and hopeful; reminding readers that surviving loss is not the same as learning how to live again.
For me, this was a five-star read from the very first page.
The opening line, "I never thought I would be burying my dad at twenty," immediately hit me harder than I ever expected. Having lost my own father just before turning twenty, Willow's grief felt incredibly authentic. Her pain, anger, confusion, and overwhelming sense of loss weren't simply described; they were felt. Even seven years after losing my dad, many of the emotions Willow experiences throughout this story are emotions I still carry today. There was something profoundly comforting about seeing those feelings translated into words with such honesty and care.
Willow's journey through grief is undoubtedly the heart of the novel. Rather than treating loss as a plot device, Autumn Fielding allows readers to sit with the reality of it; the loneliness, the displacement, and the struggle to find yourself after losing someone who shaped your entire world. Watching Willow slowly rediscover pieces of herself felt both heartbreaking and inspiring, creating an emotional depth that remained with me long after I finished reading.
Of course, much of that healing is influenced by Elijah Reed Lawson.
Elijah is the kind of book boyfriend who effortlessly steals every scene he's in. Patient, protective, attentive, and endlessly supportive, he becomes a source of stability for Willow when her world feels as though it's falling apart. What makes their connection so compelling is that he never tries to fix her grief. Instead, he gives her the space to feel it while gently reminding her that life still exists beyond the pain. The way he encourages her to laugh again, dance again, and ultimately live again made their romance feel incredibly meaningful.
The chemistry between Willow and Elijah is undeniable, but it is the emotional intimacy that truly shines. Every interaction feels layered with tenderness, understanding, and a growing sense of trust that makes their relationship impossible not to root for. And honestly, if all men took notes from Elijah, the world would be a much better place.
The pacing flows beautifully, balancing emotional moments with romantic tension in a way that keeps the story engaging throughout. While the forbidden nature of their relationship creates plenty of conflict and anticipation, the novel never loses sight of the emotional journey at its core.
I would strongly recommend Love Me After to readers who enjoy forbidden romance, age-gap relationships, emotionally driven love stories, and narratives centered around grief and healing. Readers looking for a romance that offers both heartbreak and hope will likely find themselves completely invested in Willow and Elijah's story.
Overall, this is a beautiful, emotional, and deeply healing romance that captures the reality of grief while celebrating the courage it takes to open your heart again. With authentic emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a romance that feels both tender and transformative, Love Me After is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from the author Autumn Fielding
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feels: 💗💗💗💗💗
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Love Me After = Hot whilst Healing
First of all I want to say a huge thank you to Autumn for trusting me to read an ARC of Love Me After, it means a lot.
Ok I feel that this review is going to be a bit all over the place but bear with me because I hope you find it worth it.
Let’s start with the easy bit, the dedication ❤️, it’s a flawless start (but I’m going to circle right on back to that later). The playlist 🔥a must listen to whilst reading, it adds to the feels and the spice! Top Tier tuneage.
Now, Willow and Elijah!….forbidden, age gap, forced proximity, I ATE THIS UP. Should it have happened between them, absolutely not, did I spend time holding my breath speed reading to the next page just to ensure it did...OF COURSE I DID and so will you. The whole story is packed full of every emotion imaginable, add a little side dish of sizzling tension and the kinda spice that should be mandatory in all books for the rest of time… then readers we have ourselves a winner.
Honestly I Iaughed, I cried, I swooned and may have blushed periodically. You’re going to want to be friends with Quinn and will love every single sentence she says, she’s seriously a 10/10 side character (Autumn please tell me she gets her own book eventually?) And as for the other 4 Lawson brothers, we need more from these genetically blessed men very soon.
Favourite Quotes:
- “Holy water, I need holy water immediately”
- “It absolutely does not mean nothing with the way my ovaries just flipped and my vagina melted”😂
- “You’re going to get on you knees like the good girl you are and put that bratty mouth to use”🌶️
- “I’ve never been a jealous man, princess….But when it comes to you, I’m nothing short of feral”🔥🔥
If that little snippet hasn’t encouraged you to immediately add Love Me After to the top of your TBR then it’s time to get serious!
I honestly would have been sold on the book with just the love story, characters and spice but you finish this book with so much more. It’s so much deeper and if I’m honest it caught me off guard – in a way I didn’t know I needed it too.
Willow the FMC is on a journey, one that will resonate with so many of us readers. She’s learning to exist in a world when the person she loved most has left. I’ve not read a book where the raw, angry, complete loss of self-whilst navigating grief has been written with such accuracy and understanding. I had the privilege of caring for my Dad while he battled and subsequently lost his battle with Cancer so some chapters hit hard, I had to take a breath and then I just needed to keep reading.
I wanted to hug Willow so hard and encourage her to just take one step at a time, not to give up and then scream with her, to tell her that it was ok that she felt so angry because anticipatory grief is completely torturous.
I finished this book an absolute mess and to quote Willow…”looking like I’ve just completed an Olympic event I didn’t train for” 😂but I wouldn’t have changed a page!!!
Autumn thank you for you, for your words, for Willows journey and thank you most of all for reminding us that it’s ok to sit in the darkness of grief for a while, just don’t forget to look for the light.
Love Me After – Thank you 💗
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feels: 💗💗💗💗💗
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Love Me After = Hot whilst Healing
First of all I want to say a huge thank you to Autumn for trusting me to read an ARC of Love Me After, it means a lot.
Ok I feel that this review is going to be a bit all over the place but bear with me because I hope you find it worth it.
Let’s start with the easy bit, the dedication ❤️, it’s a flawless start (but I’m going to circle right on back to that later). The playlist 🔥a must listen to whilst reading, it adds to the feels and the spice! Top Tier tuneage.
Now, Willow and Elijah!….forbidden, age gap, forced proximity, I ATE THIS UP. Should it have happened between them, absolutely not, did I spend time holding my breath speed reading to the next page just to ensure it did...OF COURSE I DID and so will you. The whole story is packed full of every emotion imaginable, add a little side dish of sizzling tension and the kinda spice that should be mandatory in all books for the rest of time… then readers we have ourselves a winner.
Honestly I Iaughed, I cried, I swooned and may have blushed periodically. You’re going to want to be friends with Quinn and will love every single sentence she says, she’s seriously a 10/10 side character (Autumn please tell me she gets her own book eventually?) And as for the other 4 Lawson brothers, we need more from these genetically blessed men very soon.
Favourite Quotes:
- “Holy water, I need holy water immediately”
- “It absolutely does not mean nothing with the way my ovaries just flipped and my vagina melted”😂
- “You’re going to get on you knees like the good girl you are and put that bratty mouth to use”🌶️
- “I’ve never been a jealous man, princess….But when it comes to you, I’m nothing short of feral”🔥🔥
If that little snippet hasn’t encouraged you to immediately add Love Me After to the top of your TBR then it’s time to get serious!
I honestly would have been sold on the book with just the love story, characters and spice but you finish this book with so much more. It’s so much deeper and if I’m honest it caught me off guard – in a way I didn’t know I needed it too.
Willow the FMC is on a journey, one that will resonate with so many of us readers. She’s learning to exist in a world when the person she loved most has left. I’ve not read a book where the raw, angry, complete loss of self-whilst navigating grief has been written with such accuracy and understanding. I had the privilege of caring for my Dad while he battled and subsequently lost his battle with Cancer so some chapters hit hard, I had to take a breath and then I just needed to keep reading.
I wanted to hug Willow so hard and encourage her to just take one step at a time, not to give up and then scream with her, to tell her that it was ok that she felt so angry because anticipatory grief is completely torturous.
I finished this book an absolute mess and to quote Willow…”looking like I’ve just completed an Olympic event I didn’t train for” 😂but I wouldn’t have changed a page!!!
Autumn thank you for you, for your words, for Willows journey and thank you most of all for reminding us that it’s ok to sit in the darkness of grief for a while, just don’t forget to look for the light.
Love Me After – Thank you 💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖 Love Me After
✍️ Autumn Fielding
📚 Contemporary Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌸 Forbidden
🌸 Age Gap
🌸 Stepdaughter/Stepfather
🌸 Trauma healing
I would recommend as a predictable, safe and sometimes emotional read. I shed a tear or two reading this book and I enjoyed it. Before the book starts, Willow’s dad, Leon, recently died. She’s eighteen, but Leon was a single dad, he was her entire world, the best father and she isn’t sure how to navigate life without him. She picks up unhealthy habits to distract herself from her grief and her half-brother, River, tries to save her from herself. And then Elijah comes to the rescue.
Elijah was her father’s best friend when they were younger, but Rose, her mother, actually cheated on her dad with Elijah and then left both her dad and Willow to marry Elijah. Honestly, I understood why Willow hated Elijah at the beginning, but I also didn’t. The drama between her parents and Elijah didn’t involve her and was in the past. All three had moved on, but Willow held it against Elijah.
Elijah is already in the process of divorcing Rose, when he acknowledges his feelings with Willow. I liked how this author really didn’t make Willow act older than she was even though this was an age gap. Willow acted immature, Elijah acted his age and they worked through their issues. It was a nice change and helped with character development later. My only issue was holding what Leon would have thought over their heads for so long. Like of course Leon would want them to be happy - although I’m sure he never thought they would find that happiness with each other. As unconventional as the relationship was, she needed an Elijah to save her from herself (and Rose) and I’m so glad she had him.
Also I loved Quinn. I hope we get more of her. Her constantly referring to River by other body of water names (Lake, Pond) made me laugh every time.
This really reminded me of Gratify by Katelyn Taylor. If you read Gratify and loved it, you’ll enjoy this book.
✍️ Autumn Fielding
📚 Contemporary Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌸 Forbidden
🌸 Age Gap
🌸 Stepdaughter/Stepfather
🌸 Trauma healing
I would recommend as a predictable, safe and sometimes emotional read. I shed a tear or two reading this book and I enjoyed it. Before the book starts, Willow’s dad, Leon, recently died. She’s eighteen, but Leon was a single dad, he was her entire world, the best father and she isn’t sure how to navigate life without him. She picks up unhealthy habits to distract herself from her grief and her half-brother, River, tries to save her from herself. And then Elijah comes to the rescue.
Elijah was her father’s best friend when they were younger, but Rose, her mother, actually cheated on her dad with Elijah and then left both her dad and Willow to marry Elijah. Honestly, I understood why Willow hated Elijah at the beginning, but I also didn’t. The drama between her parents and Elijah didn’t involve her and was in the past. All three had moved on, but Willow held it against Elijah.
Elijah is already in the process of divorcing Rose, when he acknowledges his feelings with Willow. I liked how this author really didn’t make Willow act older than she was even though this was an age gap. Willow acted immature, Elijah acted his age and they worked through their issues. It was a nice change and helped with character development later. My only issue was holding what Leon would have thought over their heads for so long. Like of course Leon would want them to be happy - although I’m sure he never thought they would find that happiness with each other. As unconventional as the relationship was, she needed an Elijah to save her from herself (and Rose) and I’m so glad she had him.
Also I loved Quinn. I hope we get more of her. Her constantly referring to River by other body of water names (Lake, Pond) made me laugh every time.
This really reminded me of Gratify by Katelyn Taylor. If you read Gratify and loved it, you’ll enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love Me After by Autumn Fielding absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
I went into this book expecting an age-gap romance with a tattooed bad boy and some swoony moments. What I got was an emotional roller coaster that completely stole my heart.
Willow is the kind of heroine who stays with you long after the final page. My heart shattered for everything she endured, and don’t even get me started on her mother. Calling that woman a menace feels generous. Watching Willow navigate grief, heartbreak, and years of feeling unworthy of love was both devastating and beautiful.
Then there’s Elijah. At first, Willow sees him as the villain, but page by page you realize he’s anything but. He’s patient, protective, and exactly what she never knew she needed. Their connection felt authentic, raw, and deeply emotional. Neither of them realized how much they needed saving until they found each other.
This story delivers everything: drama, heartache, healing, family, laughter, and a romance that will leave your chest aching. I laughed, cried, got angry, and fell completely in love with these characters. Watching Willow finally find people who loved her unconditionally was one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve read all year.
And the spice? Let’s just say Elijah sets the bar dangerously high. 🌶️🔥
If you love emotional romances filled with grief, healing, found family, a hero who falls first, and enough heart to leave you emotionally hungover, pick this one up immediately.
One of my favorite reads of the year. 10/10. A book I’ll absolutely reread because there’s so much beauty packed into every chapter. ❤️📚✨
Thank you Autumn for the advanced copy!!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Love Me After by Autumn Fielding absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
I went into this book expecting an age-gap romance with a tattooed bad boy and some swoony moments. What I got was an emotional roller coaster that completely stole my heart.
Willow is the kind of heroine who stays with you long after the final page. My heart shattered for everything she endured, and don’t even get me started on her mother. Calling that woman a menace feels generous. Watching Willow navigate grief, heartbreak, and years of feeling unworthy of love was both devastating and beautiful.
Then there’s Elijah. At first, Willow sees him as the villain, but page by page you realize he’s anything but. He’s patient, protective, and exactly what she never knew she needed. Their connection felt authentic, raw, and deeply emotional. Neither of them realized how much they needed saving until they found each other.
This story delivers everything: drama, heartache, healing, family, laughter, and a romance that will leave your chest aching. I laughed, cried, got angry, and fell completely in love with these characters. Watching Willow finally find people who loved her unconditionally was one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve read all year.
And the spice? Let’s just say Elijah sets the bar dangerously high. 🌶️🔥
If you love emotional romances filled with grief, healing, found family, a hero who falls first, and enough heart to leave you emotionally hungover, pick this one up immediately.
One of my favorite reads of the year. 10/10. A book I’ll absolutely reread because there’s so much beauty packed into every chapter. ❤️📚✨
Thank you Autumn for the advanced copy!!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
July 1, 2026
I have always been a sucker for A "forbidden" age gap and this book just had a stronghold on me from the very first chapter
This was such a beautiful book on both grief and healing and it completely swept me away. Willow's journey through her grief felt heartbreakingly raw. We watch her learn how to live after such a devastating loss and Autumn wrote it so beautifully with such raw honesty you could feel it on every page. And then there is Elijah. THE MAN THAT HE IS. I don't even blame Willow for falling for him. He became exactly what she needed, a safe place, steady support, and someone who never tried to rush her healing, just stood there holding her through it all. Even though she hated him at first, their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the complete tenderness and trust between them that made me fall in love with their story and I was just rooting for them all the way through.
I adored the found family aspect and the side characters, especially Quinn, who brought so much warmth and humor to the heavier moments. Quinn is the friend everyone needs even if she is a little bit wild and has no filter. And of course Ezra, he'd not appreciate not being mentioned. This book pulled every single emption out of me but it especially reminded me that healing is never a straight path and it's okay to take your time in the midst of grief. There is no exact timeline on how long we should grieve. I already can't wait to read more from this series.
This was such a beautiful book on both grief and healing and it completely swept me away. Willow's journey through her grief felt heartbreakingly raw. We watch her learn how to live after such a devastating loss and Autumn wrote it so beautifully with such raw honesty you could feel it on every page. And then there is Elijah. THE MAN THAT HE IS. I don't even blame Willow for falling for him. He became exactly what she needed, a safe place, steady support, and someone who never tried to rush her healing, just stood there holding her through it all. Even though she hated him at first, their chemistry was undeniable, but it was the complete tenderness and trust between them that made me fall in love with their story and I was just rooting for them all the way through.
I adored the found family aspect and the side characters, especially Quinn, who brought so much warmth and humor to the heavier moments. Quinn is the friend everyone needs even if she is a little bit wild and has no filter. And of course Ezra, he'd not appreciate not being mentioned. This book pulled every single emption out of me but it especially reminded me that healing is never a straight path and it's okay to take your time in the midst of grief. There is no exact timeline on how long we should grieve. I already can't wait to read more from this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love Me After By Autumn Fielding 🩰
Release Date: 24th June 2026
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
4.5 ⭐️
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🩰 Age-Gap
✨️ Forbidden Romance
🩰 Dancer X Mechanic
✨️ He Falls First
🩰 Grief Rep
“𝕀’𝕞 𝕤𝕠 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕘𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀'𝕧𝕖 𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖'𝕤 𝕟𝕠 𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖.”
I think I can go into this review by saying I'm never going to look at twizzlers the same again. But other than that I can say I throughly loved this book and so need more from this author!!! If I could I think this would be another book added to my list of selling my soul to read for the first time again.
“𝕐𝕠𝕦'𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕠𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕞𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕠 𝕦𝕤𝕖.”
Love me after is a beautifully curated book that shines the light on grief and the unexpected tolls it can take on a person. Autumn Fielding has written a story that was so haunting but cleverly plotted I'm not ashamed to admit I did cry a little. Thoughout the entirety of this book, you will be left with wanting to know what happens after every chapter. You will love all the characters expect from the MFC mother (she can burn for all I care) and not only that you won't just be left crying you'll be left sweating and wanting from the spice in this because damn the MMC has a filthy mouth!!
Thank you to the author and her team for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: 24th June 2026
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
4.5 ⭐️
🅃🅁🄾🄿🄴🅂
🩰 Age-Gap
✨️ Forbidden Romance
🩰 Dancer X Mechanic
✨️ He Falls First
🩰 Grief Rep
“𝕀’𝕞 𝕤𝕠 𝕗𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕘𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀'𝕧𝕖 𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖'𝕤 𝕟𝕠 𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖.”
I think I can go into this review by saying I'm never going to look at twizzlers the same again. But other than that I can say I throughly loved this book and so need more from this author!!! If I could I think this would be another book added to my list of selling my soul to read for the first time again.
“𝕐𝕠𝕦'𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕠𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕘𝕚𝕣𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕞𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕠 𝕦𝕤𝕖.”
Love me after is a beautifully curated book that shines the light on grief and the unexpected tolls it can take on a person. Autumn Fielding has written a story that was so haunting but cleverly plotted I'm not ashamed to admit I did cry a little. Thoughout the entirety of this book, you will be left with wanting to know what happens after every chapter. You will love all the characters expect from the MFC mother (she can burn for all I care) and not only that you won't just be left crying you'll be left sweating and wanting from the spice in this because damn the MMC has a filthy mouth!!
Thank you to the author and her team for gifting me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Autor
Willow loses her father, the most important person in her life. Then, she has to move to the house where her half brother, River, lives with his parents, her mother, Rose, who she can't stand. Rose, who never cared about her and her father, since she left them to be with Elijah. And Elijah, her father's ex bestfriend, who is now River's father.
She arrives to the house grieving, hating them all except River. But Elijah treats her well, listens to her, he genuinely cares, and she begins to realize that maybe he isn't so bad after all. That maybe things aren't exactly as she thought.
And well, we all know where this goes...
I really felt the way she grieved for her father; I felt the denial, the sadness, the helplessness, and how little by little, but never ceasing to miss him, she goes healing.
I also loved Elijah's character, how he treats her and all, but above all, the way he doesn't deny the things he did; how he knows the only thing he can do is not forget them, to be better now, and maybe try to fix what can still be fixed.
Their story, even with all the mess and the spicy scenes, was really beautiful and cute. I think they were perfect for each other.
Also, the parts with their hobbies, ballet and photography, were really nice to read.
"I don't have to keep everything together all the time. It's safe to drop the weight and trust someone else to carry it with me."
On the other hand, I loved her best friend Quinn, the way she is simply herself, no filters.
Also Elijah's entire family, his parents and siblings. I need a book about each of those brothers, please.
As for her mother, she is simply the villain of the story. All my hatred and resentment was directed to her. She doesn't care about anything or anyone, as long as she can mantain her lifestyle and appearances, not even her children. All she does is to create problems over and over again.
It's a story full of drama, you experience it right alongside the characters. It's a book that you want to keep reading all the time, just keep passing the pages to know what happens, and when you finish it, you want more.
Thanks to the author, Autumn Fielding, for the ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
She arrives to the house grieving, hating them all except River. But Elijah treats her well, listens to her, he genuinely cares, and she begins to realize that maybe he isn't so bad after all. That maybe things aren't exactly as she thought.
And well, we all know where this goes...
I really felt the way she grieved for her father; I felt the denial, the sadness, the helplessness, and how little by little, but never ceasing to miss him, she goes healing.
I also loved Elijah's character, how he treats her and all, but above all, the way he doesn't deny the things he did; how he knows the only thing he can do is not forget them, to be better now, and maybe try to fix what can still be fixed.
Their story, even with all the mess and the spicy scenes, was really beautiful and cute. I think they were perfect for each other.
Also, the parts with their hobbies, ballet and photography, were really nice to read.
"I don't have to keep everything together all the time. It's safe to drop the weight and trust someone else to carry it with me."
On the other hand, I loved her best friend Quinn, the way she is simply herself, no filters.
Also Elijah's entire family, his parents and siblings. I need a book about each of those brothers, please.
As for her mother, she is simply the villain of the story. All my hatred and resentment was directed to her. She doesn't care about anything or anyone, as long as she can mantain her lifestyle and appearances, not even her children. All she does is to create problems over and over again.
It's a story full of drama, you experience it right alongside the characters. It's a book that you want to keep reading all the time, just keep passing the pages to know what happens, and when you finish it, you want more.
Thanks to the author, Autumn Fielding, for the ARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
August 25, 2026
2.5🌟 2.5🌶
I had the pleasure of ARC reading this and while I did enjoy it overall, it lacked a little for me.
First off, the depiction of grief and hurt was realistic and something I heavily resonated with. And probably the only aspect I've really connected with in this book. I love love age gap and forbidden romance, and while the premise was there, it didn't sink its claws into me the way I had hoped.
While the FMC and the MMC were likeable, I feel like they lacked the complexity I needed for me to be invested in them.
I did, however, love the relationship between River and Willow. And between Elijah and Ezra. They were always there for eachother, even though they frustrated/pushed eachother to no end. I also quite liked Quinn and her wit and sarcastic remarks. She was a great friend but also provided comedic relief.
The first 130 pages or so, I ate up. But I feel like the book could have been much shorter and achieved the same outcome.
That being said, I will still give this author a try with any release that piques my interest. (For example, Fury of the Bound). Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
I had the pleasure of ARC reading this and while I did enjoy it overall, it lacked a little for me.
First off, the depiction of grief and hurt was realistic and something I heavily resonated with. And probably the only aspect I've really connected with in this book. I love love age gap and forbidden romance, and while the premise was there, it didn't sink its claws into me the way I had hoped.
While the FMC and the MMC were likeable, I feel like they lacked the complexity I needed for me to be invested in them.
I did, however, love the relationship between River and Willow. And between Elijah and Ezra. They were always there for eachother, even though they frustrated/pushed eachother to no end. I also quite liked Quinn and her wit and sarcastic remarks. She was a great friend but also provided comedic relief.
The first 130 pages or so, I ate up. But I feel like the book could have been much shorter and achieved the same outcome.
That being said, I will still give this author a try with any release that piques my interest. (For example, Fury of the Bound). Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
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