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After #2
Afterglow
Everyone has limits, but sometimes they hurt.
Loud-mouthed firefighter Chris Black is newly out and should be having the time of his life. But booty calls from his ex-boyfriend and coming home to an empty house have his optimistic spirits low. When he answers Ash’s cry for help, Chris finds his total opposite—and everything he wants.
Ash never expected to wake up to a gorgeous stranger fighting to save him. It’s just the start of a long road, and at last, he isn’t walking it alone. Without a safe home to return to, Chris offers Ash his guest room—and more. Ash is drawn to his savior, but he’s not going to be used ever again.
It’s the perfect arrangement at first. Ash gets the help he needs to adjust to his new limits, and Chris gets a friendly face at home. But where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Can they clear the air in time, or will their new love fizzle out?
Afterglow is the second book in the After series, which explores mental health challenges with gentle humor and heart while hunky firefighters turn up the heat. It can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after.
Loud-mouthed firefighter Chris Black is newly out and should be having the time of his life. But booty calls from his ex-boyfriend and coming home to an empty house have his optimistic spirits low. When he answers Ash’s cry for help, Chris finds his total opposite—and everything he wants.
Ash never expected to wake up to a gorgeous stranger fighting to save him. It’s just the start of a long road, and at last, he isn’t walking it alone. Without a safe home to return to, Chris offers Ash his guest room—and more. Ash is drawn to his savior, but he’s not going to be used ever again.
It’s the perfect arrangement at first. Ash gets the help he needs to adjust to his new limits, and Chris gets a friendly face at home. But where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Can they clear the air in time, or will their new love fizzle out?
Afterglow is the second book in the After series, which explores mental health challenges with gentle humor and heart while hunky firefighters turn up the heat. It can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after.
288 pages, ebook
First published October 19, 2016
55 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books728 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 8, 2018
****This is a tale of a depressed man and a firefighter, who are drawn into each other's lives ! Firefighter, Chris, muscled, and well liked, is sad about his personal life. He's tired of one night stands, and his clingy, toxic, ex won't leave him alone.
Ash recently threw his boyfriend out after coming home to find him screwing another man, and more. Ash lost his job, his slum apartment was awful, so, with nothing, he brought his ex's stuff to his friend.
Chris was headed to see his friends Liam and Dylan,
when, CRACK ! THUD! A man was lying on the sidewalk, bleeding, and with a broken leg.
After calling 911, he went to his side. The injured guy had brown hair, and eyes, and would be cute if he wasn't grimacing in pain.
Broken leg man, Ash, grabbed Chris, hung on tight,
he said Chris had nice abs, said "I wanted to die", and slumped.
Chris visited Ash and realized he was going to help this man.
These characters are so wonderful, realistic, genuine, and layered. It begins with a slow burn friends with benefits and turns into much more. Super sexy hotness and deep emotions are here, along with great friends who help. There are a few side stories going on, too.
Ash feels broken inside and out,
but does realize this is a chance at turning his life around. Chris is seeing glimpses of what a good relationship could be like and he's never had these deep feelings for anyone before.
It is marvelous to watch their progress and bumps along the way.
E. Davies gives us terrific story and HEA.
You will be glad you chose it. ENJOY !
=================================
Ash recently threw his boyfriend out after coming home to find him screwing another man, and more. Ash lost his job, his slum apartment was awful, so, with nothing, he brought his ex's stuff to his friend.
Chris was headed to see his friends Liam and Dylan,
when, CRACK ! THUD! A man was lying on the sidewalk, bleeding, and with a broken leg.
After calling 911, he went to his side. The injured guy had brown hair, and eyes, and would be cute if he wasn't grimacing in pain.
Broken leg man, Ash, grabbed Chris, hung on tight,
he said Chris had nice abs, said "I wanted to die", and slumped.
Chris visited Ash and realized he was going to help this man.
These characters are so wonderful, realistic, genuine, and layered. It begins with a slow burn friends with benefits and turns into much more. Super sexy hotness and deep emotions are here, along with great friends who help. There are a few side stories going on, too.
Ash feels broken inside and out,
but does realize this is a chance at turning his life around. Chris is seeing glimpses of what a good relationship could be like and he's never had these deep feelings for anyone before.
It is marvelous to watch their progress and bumps along the way.
E. Davies gives us terrific story and HEA.
You will be glad you chose it. ENJOY !
=================================
November 6, 2016
2.5 stars
This started out great. It had a lot of hurt/comfort, but somewhere along the way I got more and more annoyed.
Ash has hit rock bottom in his life. When he's had a rough night, that open window looks very good, so he jumps off the balcony in the hotel room he is at.
Firefighter Chris is walking by the hotel when he sees the body on the ground. He immediately tries to help and sees that although the guy is hurt, it is not life threatening.
After a few days Chris can't get the jumper out of his mind, so he visits Ash in the hospital. When he sees that Ash had no visitors and he is basically all alone in the world, Chris decided to help him and asks Ash to stay at his house until he has his life back on track.
This could have been a great book, if not for two things.
One, the relationship and how it developed (or not developed). First they were hesitant towards each other because they weren’t sure the other one wanted more, despite the fact that they were both constantly flirting with each other. Then when they finally started something, they were hesitant to touch each other. Then there were doubts about what to call their relationship. Then they both called what they had a friendship. And then at the end, there were the I love yous. And don’t forget the sudden
I got a headache from these guys.
And my other problem was that I had a very hard time believing that everyone suddenly turned out to be a drug addict who screwed around. First there was the so-called recruiter who coerced Ash into taking drugs, and then got up in the morning to put on his suit and go to his respectable job. And then there was the husband of a coworker who Ash recognized as one of the guys who banged his boyfriend while high a couple of weeks back.
I had to admit, the writing was not bad, although I was a bit confused at times when things were said but not explained.
Overall I had a hard time enjoying this.
This started out great. It had a lot of hurt/comfort, but somewhere along the way I got more and more annoyed.
Ash has hit rock bottom in his life. When he's had a rough night, that open window looks very good, so he jumps off the balcony in the hotel room he is at.
Firefighter Chris is walking by the hotel when he sees the body on the ground. He immediately tries to help and sees that although the guy is hurt, it is not life threatening.
After a few days Chris can't get the jumper out of his mind, so he visits Ash in the hospital. When he sees that Ash had no visitors and he is basically all alone in the world, Chris decided to help him and asks Ash to stay at his house until he has his life back on track.
This could have been a great book, if not for two things.
One, the relationship and how it developed (or not developed). First they were hesitant towards each other because they weren’t sure the other one wanted more, despite the fact that they were both constantly flirting with each other. Then when they finally started something, they were hesitant to touch each other. Then there were doubts about what to call their relationship. Then they both called what they had a friendship. And then at the end, there were the I love yous. And don’t forget the sudden
I got a headache from these guys.
And my other problem was that I had a very hard time believing that everyone suddenly turned out to be a drug addict who screwed around. First there was the so-called recruiter who coerced Ash into taking drugs, and then got up in the morning to put on his suit and go to his respectable job. And then there was the husband of a coworker who Ash recognized as one of the guys who banged his boyfriend while high a couple of weeks back.
I had to admit, the writing was not bad, although I was a bit confused at times when things were said but not explained.
Overall I had a hard time enjoying this.
October 29, 2017
So this started out with some odd formatting and I thought, oh here we go, I am going to have to suffer through some editing issues. Then the writing was a little clunky and I also thought, oh great, this is going to be a 2 or 3 star read, not sure I can continue. Well.... boy was I wrong. Ash and Chris jumped off of the page for me. Yes, the writing remained somewhat clunky and one dimensional but as I got inside Ash's head and his issues and how he deals with those issues, I respected the hell out of him. Depression, low self-esteem, unemployment - you name it, and Ash experienced it. His cry for help was heartfelt and well rendered. Chris, at times, was quite the jerk. I really enjoyed that the author slowed down the development of the relationship between them. Could have gone full speed ahead but that inexorable slide to friendship to love was so realistic. Then what happened at about 70% - let's just say that a woman sitting on the subway at 10p at night sobbing into her Kindle is not a good look. Just wanted to hug Ash. I didn't quite understand the whole Mike thing but I finally got it at the end. I think this is the second book with these characters. The first, Afterburn, introduces Liam and Dylan, Chris' fellow firefighters. But Afterglow can easily be read as a standalone. This is my first by this author who has quite the backlist. Will definitely check out some of his other work. By the way, there are a few sort of non-American phrases/words that threw me "motorsports" What???? - is the author Canadian??? Anyway.
November 4, 2016
I read this book because the reviews were better than Afterburn and I really wanted to read a good fire fighter story. It was better than most of the E. Davies books that I have read. It kept my interest and didn't have any stupid drama. It was a nice sweet comfort hurt read - so nice and sweet I probably won't remember it next month though - like boxed Kraft mac & chz.
October 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
Ash is in a very bad emotionial state when Chris meets him. Even though, it seems like a horrible idea to get involved with him, Chris offers him a place to stay and they fall in love despite being really different people.
I enjoyed this 'I love you as you are" romance. There are parts that are rushed over for the kind of character exploration I like best but I liked Chris's sunny honesty and Ash's willingness to let him in.
Ash is in a very bad emotionial state when Chris meets him. Even though, it seems like a horrible idea to get involved with him, Chris offers him a place to stay and they fall in love despite being really different people.
I enjoyed this 'I love you as you are" romance. There are parts that are rushed over for the kind of character exploration I like best but I liked Chris's sunny honesty and Ash's willingness to let him in.
December 10, 2017
I loved it; I did not read the first book of the series but I did not feel too out of the loop in reading Afterglow. The book blur tells the story, but it was different reading it. I tool fall into depression and the with Ash's dialog, it hit pretty much at home. A hot firefighter, Chris, with all the stuff they are required to do and be, and a needy, feisty Ash seems like a match made in heaven. Depression takes the individual to his knees, but he has to find his way out of the clutches of the depression. Chris can only support him. Loved it.
November 1, 2016
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
Even better than the first volume *^* Loved this so much. <3
Chris is such a sweet person, you want to hug him and want to laugh along with him. You also accept his damn childish pranks. xD
I love when friends turn into lovers, this times it is even better because Chris didn’t know Ash and so he gave in all his generosity. Boom baby, you got my heart.
Also the appearance of the minor character and of Liam and Dylan from book 1 was great, you can read the book though as a stand alone. :) But it is only half the fun.
Explosive mixture with Ash and Chris, especially Ash seems like to rise out the dirk like a phoenix. :3
I am really interesed in the next books of the series and so I can’t wait to read the third book – Aftermath.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Double Review with Afterburn.
Even better than the first volume *^* Loved this so much. <3
Chris is such a sweet person, you want to hug him and want to laugh along with him. You also accept his damn childish pranks. xD
I love when friends turn into lovers, this times it is even better because Chris didn’t know Ash and so he gave in all his generosity. Boom baby, you got my heart.
Also the appearance of the minor character and of Liam and Dylan from book 1 was great, you can read the book though as a stand alone. :) But it is only half the fun.
Explosive mixture with Ash and Chris, especially Ash seems like to rise out the dirk like a phoenix. :3
I am really interesed in the next books of the series and so I can’t wait to read the third book – Aftermath.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Double Review with Afterburn.
November 11, 2016
I'm so dense sometimes. I was well into the third chapter before I realized this was book 2 in the After Series. I don't know how I missed this little tidbit before starting the book. I was in the hospital while reading this book and had my nurse worried those first 7 chapters. One minute I would be smiling or laughing and the next I would be crying. Ash's story had me completely heartbroken and I could do nothing but cry for him. Then we get Chris' POV and he's so upbeat and easygoing you can't help but smile and some of the things he did, hilarious. I really enjoyed this book and absolutely loved Ash and Chris. We also get to catch up with Liam and Dylan and a few others from the firehouse which was awesome. I can't wait for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
March 21, 2021
I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author.
Chris is the awesome friend of Liam from Afterburn, and I was glad to get to read more of him. He comes across Ash one day after Ash jumped off of a balcony when he was at a very low point in his life. Chris can't get him out of his mind, and visits him in the hospital. They end up becoming friends and roommates while Chris helps Ash out. My heart felt for Ash, but Chris's bright personality and spirit just warmed everything up. He was a great complement to Ash, and they worked very well together as characters. I enjoyed this a lot.
Chris is the awesome friend of Liam from Afterburn, and I was glad to get to read more of him. He comes across Ash one day after Ash jumped off of a balcony when he was at a very low point in his life. Chris can't get him out of his mind, and visits him in the hospital. They end up becoming friends and roommates while Chris helps Ash out. My heart felt for Ash, but Chris's bright personality and spirit just warmed everything up. He was a great complement to Ash, and they worked very well together as characters. I enjoyed this a lot.
October 29, 2016
4.5 stars- I loved this book. Friendsip+healing+comfort=Love and HEA.
Both MC's are damaged men, Ash had been betrayed by his boyfriend and then lost his job. Chris wanted someone who love him in his life but can't let go of the guilt he felt towards his ex so he stayed in a abusive relationship with Davey.
I loved Ash and Chris. Ash for being the man Chris needed, for loving and fighting for Chris. Chris for taking good care and giving Ash the support he needed.
Can't wait for more.
Both MC's are damaged men, Ash had been betrayed by his boyfriend and then lost his job. Chris wanted someone who love him in his life but can't let go of the guilt he felt towards his ex so he stayed in a abusive relationship with Davey.
I loved Ash and Chris. Ash for being the man Chris needed, for loving and fighting for Chris. Chris for taking good care and giving Ash the support he needed.
Can't wait for more.
October 30, 2016
Afterglow is a beautiful love story by E. Davies of Chris and Ash. Chris just happened to be the first responder when Ash scared the hell out of me. They are a very unlikely couple and they have their ups and downs but you will be very happy when you get your HEA! Chris has no filters, and ash just needs time to heal, and try to get his life in order. This is one smooth reading book that you will totally enjoy.
June 28, 2017
Touching story
This is a sweet story that covers a lot of tough issues. There is depression, suicide, self loathing, emotional manipulation, and loss. The characters are very well developed and realistic. Luckily the poor guys also find strength within, trust, the ability to recognize when they need help, deep emotional connections, and love.
I really appreciated this book and all that it has to say. This is a great read that I think you will enjoy.
This is a sweet story that covers a lot of tough issues. There is depression, suicide, self loathing, emotional manipulation, and loss. The characters are very well developed and realistic. Luckily the poor guys also find strength within, trust, the ability to recognize when they need help, deep emotional connections, and love.
I really appreciated this book and all that it has to say. This is a great read that I think you will enjoy.
June 6, 2017
I loved it. An emotionally realistic romance. Always has such believable characters. Each book just gets better. A great author who just keeps getting better. I can't wait for book 3. I have no doubt it'll be as good as or better than this one.
February 6, 2017
3.75 ⭐️
Sweet read, two hot guys ( firefighter - yum) medium level angst, HEA sounds like great way to spend an afternoon.
Sweet read, two hot guys ( firefighter - yum) medium level angst, HEA sounds like great way to spend an afternoon.
July 26, 2017
Guardian angels
They appear when you least expect them too. But it's always best when their actually human and love you - flaws and all.
Loved it!
They appear when you least expect them too. But it's always best when their actually human and love you - flaws and all.
Loved it!
Read
February 10, 2024In the first chapter, the MC, Chris, was having sex with his on-and-off-again boyfriend, Davey. He was a weak character with no backbone, and he thought Davey was the only one who suited him, so whenever Davey asked for booty calls, he accepted. I thought maybe Ash would be a better character than Chris, but to my disappointment, he was even worse than Chris.
Ash caught his boyfriend cheating on him with another man, but when the other man texted him, asking him to have "fun" together, he agreed. So, Ash and that man were having sex while using drugs that Ash's ex had left.
For fuck sake! Does Ash have no shame?! I knew Ash's life right now was hard; there's must be a backstory about his past, and he felt like he was drowning, but I thought he would do better than that, yet he did something he never did before: using drugs and getting high and drunk in a stranger's house.
I hate both Chris and Ash already, so totally do not finish.
Ash caught his boyfriend cheating on him with another man, but when the other man texted him, asking him to have "fun" together, he agreed. So, Ash and that man were having sex while using drugs that Ash's ex had left.
For fuck sake! Does Ash have no shame?! I knew Ash's life right now was hard; there's must be a backstory about his past, and he felt like he was drowning, but I thought he would do better than that, yet he did something he never did before: using drugs and getting high and drunk in a stranger's house.
I hate both Chris and Ash already, so totally do not finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2018
Gut-wrenching and sweet and difficult and hopeful and wonderful! This might be my favorite book by E. Davies that I've read so far...and I really like how he writes, so that's saying something. I love that he doesn't gloss over the awful things in life. Sometimes Real Life just SUCKS, but we all need to find those people that help it be worth sticking around for. Good job!
March 25, 2021
OMG! Poor sweet lovable Ash, my heart goes out to you. I cried sad tears and happy tears for you.
E. Davies, Gurrl! What do you put in your coffee in the mornings?
A totally enjoyably heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of love, second chances and believing in oneself. Not an easy read but a remarkable read.
E. Davies, Gurrl! What do you put in your coffee in the mornings?
A totally enjoyably heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of love, second chances and believing in oneself. Not an easy read but a remarkable read.
June 30, 2022
Really a great story.
I didn't particularly like the way the story started out, but I'm glad that I continued reading. Ash had some deep rooted problems that led him to do what he did. Chris even though he had problems, he was Ash's hero. Their chemistry was right on and it worked for them. It's trust in each other.
I didn't particularly like the way the story started out, but I'm glad that I continued reading. Ash had some deep rooted problems that led him to do what he did. Chris even though he had problems, he was Ash's hero. Their chemistry was right on and it worked for them. It's trust in each other.
January 16, 2018
Amazing
Love can heal. After a horrendous tragedy self doubt brought Ash to his knees. Chris saved him and together they worked on bringing their lives back in order with a very HEA. I loved the characters and their commitment to each other
Love can heal. After a horrendous tragedy self doubt brought Ash to his knees. Chris saved him and together they worked on bringing their lives back in order with a very HEA. I loved the characters and their commitment to each other
April 14, 2020
Emotional
This series let alone book has been had mentally to read. They are so good but so many different reactions and emotional/mental triggers. Definitely not light and fluffy Ed writing so be prepared if diving I to this series
This series let alone book has been had mentally to read. They are so good but so many different reactions and emotional/mental triggers. Definitely not light and fluffy Ed writing so be prepared if diving I to this series
did-not-finish
July 5, 2023Dnf at pg 137. While this couple is far more intriguing than the first, the book is still a slog to get through. Maybe this author isn't for me.
August 25, 2025
DNF @ 35%
November 2, 2016
Decent read, nothing outstanding but nothing terrible either.
March 1, 2017
Chris and Ash are sweet, both a little lost and trying to figure life out. There is low angst however, there are triggers in this story.
I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
February 22, 2017
3.5 stars
October 30, 2016
4.25 stars
Oh shucks. That was a sweet read. I loved Chris and Ash. I'm glad there was minimal angst, I actually thought there might of been a little more issue with Kevin or Davey, but glad it didn't. I liked also to revisit a previous books characters. Liam and Dylan were all over this book as well.
Oh shucks. That was a sweet read. I loved Chris and Ash. I'm glad there was minimal angst, I actually thought there might of been a little more issue with Kevin or Davey, but glad it didn't. I liked also to revisit a previous books characters. Liam and Dylan were all over this book as well.
October 30, 2016
I loved this book! Ash's journey is so beautiful; discovering himself and Chris and overcoming all that life has thrown at him.
I haven't read the first in the series; this can be read as a stand alone.
The characters have amazing depth and emotions, I really did care about them.
Very good story, well written. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC at no cost from the author.
I haven't read the first in the series; this can be read as a stand alone.
The characters have amazing depth and emotions, I really did care about them.
Very good story, well written. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC at no cost from the author.
October 28, 2016
This one was sooo good. Couldn't stop reading from start to finish. I swear Ed's books just keep getting better and better, cannot wait till the next one. And I hope there's another one to this little "series" cause Afterburn was really good too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews