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After All This Time
Fourteen years after their breakup, Zoe Marshall never expects to see Adrian Evans again— until his name appears on her interview schedule.
Suddenly he’s back, steady and patient, slipping into the life she built for herself and her daughter… and stirring feelings she thought she buried long ago.
Some loves don’t fade. Some loves wait.
Now Zoe has to face the question she’s avoided for
What if the love she thought she lost was still hers… after all this time?
Suddenly he’s back, steady and patient, slipping into the life she built for herself and her daughter… and stirring feelings she thought she buried long ago.
Some loves don’t fade. Some loves wait.
Now Zoe has to face the question she’s avoided for
What if the love she thought she lost was still hers… after all this time?
- GenresRomance
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love a good second chance romance with two MCs who never stopped loving each other this could be your next read!
The story follows Zoe and Adrian who were college sweethearts that broke up 14 years ago. They are now reuniting when Adrian comes back to town and boy are the feelings there strong as ever. You’ll see them find their way back to each other while
navigating real life and things that were left unsaid.
This was such a sweet and beautiful story. From the beginning you could see that while there was some hurt between the two
main characters, it was very clear they still loved each other and had that familiarity. It gave a little bit of a slow burn that had you anticipating who would fall first all over again.
The secondary characters in the book were also well written. I really appreciated the close relationships in both families, the humor of the best friends, and how close Zoe was with her sisters. Zoe’s daughter Malia was such a sweetheart and I loved the relationship she has with her mother and the growning one with Ace. I can’t wait to see how all these other relationships develop in the next books to come. This book is definitely set up nicely to continue the series with the other characters in this book.
The author did a really good job of showcasing the ways people deal with grief, loss, illness, and struggling to be the parent who shows up. Everything was written with care.
Overall 4.5/5 stars for me!! I really enjoyed this book and now I cannot wait to follow the stories of the sisters as well!
Thank you so much to Lailah Vaughn for providing me with this ARC! These are my own and honest opinion.
The story follows Zoe and Adrian who were college sweethearts that broke up 14 years ago. They are now reuniting when Adrian comes back to town and boy are the feelings there strong as ever. You’ll see them find their way back to each other while
navigating real life and things that were left unsaid.
This was such a sweet and beautiful story. From the beginning you could see that while there was some hurt between the two
main characters, it was very clear they still loved each other and had that familiarity. It gave a little bit of a slow burn that had you anticipating who would fall first all over again.
The secondary characters in the book were also well written. I really appreciated the close relationships in both families, the humor of the best friends, and how close Zoe was with her sisters. Zoe’s daughter Malia was such a sweetheart and I loved the relationship she has with her mother and the growning one with Ace. I can’t wait to see how all these other relationships develop in the next books to come. This book is definitely set up nicely to continue the series with the other characters in this book.
The author did a really good job of showcasing the ways people deal with grief, loss, illness, and struggling to be the parent who shows up. Everything was written with care.
Overall 4.5/5 stars for me!! I really enjoyed this book and now I cannot wait to follow the stories of the sisters as well!
Thank you so much to Lailah Vaughn for providing me with this ARC! These are my own and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After All This Time was the second-chance romance I didn't know I needed. Zoe and Ace were college sweethearts who separated fourteen years ago, both still in love, both carrying things they never said out loud. When life brings them back together and she ends up hiring him as a teacher and football coach at her school, making her his boss, those feelings don't just resurface. They never left.
This story brings emotional depth, and the chemistry between Zoe and Ace is electric. The slow burn is deeply satisfying, and there is a conversation in this book, long overdue and beautifully written, that had me in tears. The bond Ace naturally builds with Zoe's daughter, Malia, is the sweetest thing, and watching him show up for both of them with so much patience and gentleness is the kind of love this book is all about. I don't want to say more than that, so just know this story has layers, and every single one of them lands.
You’re going to get soft, gentle, and an all-around beautiful story; this one is a must-read. If second-chance romance, emotionally layered characters, and a hero who never stops showing up are your thing, add this to your TBR immediately. Lailah Vaughn delivered in a major way, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
A huge thank you to Lailah Vaughn for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story brings emotional depth, and the chemistry between Zoe and Ace is electric. The slow burn is deeply satisfying, and there is a conversation in this book, long overdue and beautifully written, that had me in tears. The bond Ace naturally builds with Zoe's daughter, Malia, is the sweetest thing, and watching him show up for both of them with so much patience and gentleness is the kind of love this book is all about. I don't want to say more than that, so just know this story has layers, and every single one of them lands.
You’re going to get soft, gentle, and an all-around beautiful story; this one is a must-read. If second-chance romance, emotionally layered characters, and a hero who never stops showing up are your thing, add this to your TBR immediately. Lailah Vaughn delivered in a major way, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.
A huge thank you to Lailah Vaughn for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2026
This book is sooooooooo cute. I’m only 31% in and ugh so so cute. They give that high school crush love. Like they’re so giddy and I love how naturally they fell back into it. Like there’s something deep between them but they’re not bitter towards each other making me root for them even more.
I just finished and ugh like i literally have nothing bad to say. This was such an easy read. No drama fr. I loved how everything flowed. The big conflict was handled perfectly. All the characters were PERFECTTTT (except for Mr baby daddy. I don’t even remember his fuck ass name. He can go on somewhere). One thing I love about black love is when they have a perfect loving supportive family. Only thing I’m sad about is fining this book this early cause babes… Raina and Dovovan.. come to the fronttttt. I need that story nowww. The author also did an amazing job at hinting the next book. I also want a book on Dre and Imani.. I want a book on everybody matter of fact.
I just finished and ugh like i literally have nothing bad to say. This was such an easy read. No drama fr. I loved how everything flowed. The big conflict was handled perfectly. All the characters were PERFECTTTT (except for Mr baby daddy. I don’t even remember his fuck ass name. He can go on somewhere). One thing I love about black love is when they have a perfect loving supportive family. Only thing I’m sad about is fining this book this early cause babes… Raina and Dovovan.. come to the fronttttt. I need that story nowww. The author also did an amazing job at hinting the next book. I also want a book on Dre and Imani.. I want a book on everybody matter of fact.
April 5, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
After All This Time is an emotionally driven contemporary romance that focuses on growth, healing, and the complexities of love over time.
The story explores relationships in a way that feels grounded and realistic, emphasizing emotional depth over dramatic plot twists. The characters are thoughtfully developed, and their journeys reflect the challenges of navigating love, change, and self-discovery.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is its authenticity. The emotions are believable, and the pacing allows readers to fully sit with the characters’ experiences. The writing creates a reflective atmosphere that encourages connection and introspection.
At times, the slower pacing may not appeal to readers seeking high drama or fast-moving plotlines. However, for those who appreciate character-driven stories, this approach enhances the emotional impact.
Overall, a heartfelt and reflective romance that prioritizes emotional growth and realism.
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Tropes/Themes: Second Chances, Emotional Healing, Self-Discovery, Realistic Relationships
After All This Time is an emotionally driven contemporary romance that focuses on growth, healing, and the complexities of love over time.
The story explores relationships in a way that feels grounded and realistic, emphasizing emotional depth over dramatic plot twists. The characters are thoughtfully developed, and their journeys reflect the challenges of navigating love, change, and self-discovery.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is its authenticity. The emotions are believable, and the pacing allows readers to fully sit with the characters’ experiences. The writing creates a reflective atmosphere that encourages connection and introspection.
At times, the slower pacing may not appeal to readers seeking high drama or fast-moving plotlines. However, for those who appreciate character-driven stories, this approach enhances the emotional impact.
Overall, a heartfelt and reflective romance that prioritizes emotional growth and realism.
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
Tropes/Themes: Second Chances, Emotional Healing, Self-Discovery, Realistic Relationships
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good second-chance romance, especially when it’s rooted in real life. A single mom, first love, and that “what if we try again” energy pulled me in.
Zoe’s journey felt soft but strong, navigating love, heartbreak, and growth in a way that felt real and relatable. Watching her open herself back up while still protecting her heart kept me invested. And I loved the women in her life I’m excited to learn more about her sisters and best friend.
If you enjoy emotional, slow-burn romance with depth, this one is definitely worth checking out. Thank you to Lailah Vaughn for the advance copy of After All This Time.
Zoe’s journey felt soft but strong, navigating love, heartbreak, and growth in a way that felt real and relatable. Watching her open herself back up while still protecting her heart kept me invested. And I loved the women in her life I’m excited to learn more about her sisters and best friend.
If you enjoy emotional, slow-burn romance with depth, this one is definitely worth checking out. Thank you to Lailah Vaughn for the advance copy of After All This Time.
April 1, 2026
This was such a cute, and much needed read. I love me a good quick romance with a little toxicity HOWEVER the gentle love with pure emotion, yearning, and that same black woman deserve the best love energy will always be my favorite.
This book was soft, it was loud and gentle at the same time. I truly loved the dynamic of the history, and the yearning of Zoe and Adrian. I love how this story takes us through growth, and healing in a way that we all heal differently, we all take rejection, and also change differently. Sometimes the wrong choice is the right choice and vice versa but we all will end up right where we belong in the end.
This book was soft, it was loud and gentle at the same time. I truly loved the dynamic of the history, and the yearning of Zoe and Adrian. I love how this story takes us through growth, and healing in a way that we all heal differently, we all take rejection, and also change differently. Sometimes the wrong choice is the right choice and vice versa but we all will end up right where we belong in the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vibes
✨ Second chance
✨ Boss Employee
✨ Childloss
✨Healing
This book was so sweet. Zoe is a single mother who works as a Principal at a middle school. They are looking for a new Football coach. She ends up hiring this man named Ace. The thing is Ace is from her past. He’s her ex boyfriend, the one she’s never really got over. He feels the same.
This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved watching Ace and Zoe rekindle their relationship. Their love story was so beautiful and I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series.
I recieved this book as an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
✨ Second chance
✨ Boss Employee
✨ Childloss
✨Healing
This book was so sweet. Zoe is a single mother who works as a Principal at a middle school. They are looking for a new Football coach. She ends up hiring this man named Ace. The thing is Ace is from her past. He’s her ex boyfriend, the one she’s never really got over. He feels the same.
This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved watching Ace and Zoe rekindle their relationship. Their love story was so beautiful and I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series.
I recieved this book as an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow this book had me so hooked. Everything about this book hit me in my feelings. The rawness of the characters. How loveable they can be towards each other while still being hurt. This author packed in a lot of emotions in just under 300 pages. A quick read but this one will stay with me for a while. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
Thank you to Lailah Vaughn for this advanced reading copy! All opinions are my own!
Thank you to Lailah Vaughn for this advanced reading copy! All opinions are my own!
March 31, 2026
After All This Time was such a refreshing read! If you’re a fan of tender second chance romances, I highly recommend. Ace and Zoe rekindle years after college and their journey together the second time around was sweet and consistent. It was the perfect pace and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the books in this series entails.
If you’re a fan of sweet, intentional and emotionally driven romance, I highly recommend.
This honest review is from an ARC received from the author.
If you’re a fan of sweet, intentional and emotionally driven romance, I highly recommend.
This honest review is from an ARC received from the author.
April 6, 2026
This was such a cute second chance, slow burn 🥹
It really had me wanting to know more the entire time. The pacing, the buildup, the way the story came together, it was just done well. I stayed invested from start to finish.
Overall, just a good story. And for a debut novel? Even more impressive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It really had me wanting to know more the entire time. The pacing, the buildup, the way the story came together, it was just done well. I stayed invested from start to finish.
Overall, just a good story. And for a debut novel? Even more impressive.
I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 11, 2026
A mature, slow burn of growth, maturity, accountability and patience. With so many things left unsaid and having to protect not only herself but her baby as well Zoe had to battle her brain and her heart. But the heart wants what it wants.
I’m glad she got her conversation and I’m not mad at how Ace was standing on business to get her back.
I’m glad she got her conversation and I’m not mad at how Ace was standing on business to get her back.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews