What do you think?
After #3
Aftermath
I’m not supposed to like him.
Santa Barbara fire chief Jace Williams’ perfectly organized life fell apart: he’s newly-divorced, suspended from work, and haunted by memories. Where did he go so wrong? And why on earth would anyone trust him to put together their wedding?
Hang-gliding instructor Charlie Bryan hides it with a smile, but he’s haunted by his past, too. His dad’s memory is failing him, and he hasn’t had the heart to tell him he dumped the abusive jerk years ago. He’s never let a guy tie him down since.
The hot clash between messy Charlie and neat Jace gives way to growing affection, but neither of them know what to do about it. They didn't expect to find the one at the best, yet worst, possible time. Is this what real love feels like?
Aftermath is the third 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.
Santa Barbara fire chief Jace Williams’ perfectly organized life fell apart: he’s newly-divorced, suspended from work, and haunted by memories. Where did he go so wrong? And why on earth would anyone trust him to put together their wedding?
Hang-gliding instructor Charlie Bryan hides it with a smile, but he’s haunted by his past, too. His dad’s memory is failing him, and he hasn’t had the heart to tell him he dumped the abusive jerk years ago. He’s never let a guy tie him down since.
The hot clash between messy Charlie and neat Jace gives way to growing affection, but neither of them know what to do about it. They didn't expect to find the one at the best, yet worst, possible time. Is this what real love feels like?
Aftermath is the third 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.
280 pages, ebook
First published February 16, 2017
About the author
E. Davies
144 books734 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst M/M romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! A Canadian who's planted roots in north London (the British one), Ed has been a full-time author since 2013.
Multiple bestselling series and 50+ novels later, he’s still inspired by his husband and their constellation of friends, lovers, and chosen family to tell the joyful stories we all need—about dreaming big and loving even bigger.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
Multiple bestselling series and 50+ novels later, he’s still inspired by his husband and their constellation of friends, lovers, and chosen family to tell the joyful stories we all need—about dreaming big and loving even bigger.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 15, 2021
This is my first book by this author, and I haven't read the previous books in this series either, but that wasn't a problem, although the characters from the previous two books are strongly present in the story. Overall, it's a very cute story, much more than I expected, I guess.
Although there are many more sex scenes than I anticipated. But they are skillfully written. You definitely feel the emotions of the main characters, the sex scenes cement their relationship and are part of their relation, they move their relationship forward.
Besides, this is to some extent a love at the first sight story. But it's written so well you don't notice it at all. Which is good, because I usually don't like this theme. Jace and Charlie complement each other very well and make a lovely couple with interesting dynamics. I love that their relationship is based on banter. This is something unique and I would like to find something like that more often in my books.
But Jace and Charlie are also interesting and multidimensional characters on their own. Each of them carries a baggage of life experiences that they have to deal with. The author did a good job of showing how the past shapes their current behavior and ability to enter into new relationships. I think this makes Jace and Charlie stand out from other characters in books like this.
There are also some very difficult and dark topics in the book, including domestic violence and drug addiction. But they are all handled quite delicately. These are not triggers for me, so to tell you the truth, I would even prefer that these topics were treated more strongly. They would add depth to the story, but certainly make it darker as well. The topics that are more present are the anxiety attacks and past mental health issues of Charlie. These are the strong points of this book that give it depth despite the light tone of the whole story.
Overall, I am nicely surprised by this book, especially since I have not heard of this author before. I would certainly consider reading at least the rest of the books in this series.
Although there are many more sex scenes than I anticipated. But they are skillfully written. You definitely feel the emotions of the main characters, the sex scenes cement their relationship and are part of their relation, they move their relationship forward.
Besides, this is to some extent a love at the first sight story. But it's written so well you don't notice it at all. Which is good, because I usually don't like this theme. Jace and Charlie complement each other very well and make a lovely couple with interesting dynamics. I love that their relationship is based on banter. This is something unique and I would like to find something like that more often in my books.
But Jace and Charlie are also interesting and multidimensional characters on their own. Each of them carries a baggage of life experiences that they have to deal with. The author did a good job of showing how the past shapes their current behavior and ability to enter into new relationships. I think this makes Jace and Charlie stand out from other characters in books like this.
There are also some very difficult and dark topics in the book, including domestic violence and drug addiction. But they are all handled quite delicately. These are not triggers for me, so to tell you the truth, I would even prefer that these topics were treated more strongly. They would add depth to the story, but certainly make it darker as well. The topics that are more present are the anxiety attacks and past mental health issues of Charlie. These are the strong points of this book that give it depth despite the light tone of the whole story.
Overall, I am nicely surprised by this book, especially since I have not heard of this author before. I would certainly consider reading at least the rest of the books in this series.
October 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
This is an opposites attract romance between two men who have been closed off in different ways. It is a lovely story in which they can't seem to help falling in love with each other.
Jace is going through a painful divorce. Charlie is dealing with his ill parent.
They both have jobs which define them and they find each other and comfort each other and banter and heal.
Good stuff!
This is an opposites attract romance between two men who have been closed off in different ways. It is a lovely story in which they can't seem to help falling in love with each other.
Jace is going through a painful divorce. Charlie is dealing with his ill parent.
They both have jobs which define them and they find each other and comfort each other and banter and heal.
Good stuff!
Did Not Finish
June 6, 2026DNF @ 23% - Okay, so. Jace gets a call to set up a meeting about the incident at work. Then the next scene is after the meeting, and there's all this relationship development/sex, and I'm pretty much skipping through a large chunk of this book because I just want to know what happened at the meeting, damn it. I don't think I can deal with this book.
March 7, 2017
A wonderful story
This is the third in a series. although each stands alone the other characters make an appearance and it is lovely to see them so happy together. Like most of E Davies' stories I found myself smiling through my tears.
I loved both Jace and Charlie and seeing their development as the story progressed was wonderful.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third in a series. although each stands alone the other characters make an appearance and it is lovely to see them so happy together. Like most of E Davies' stories I found myself smiling through my tears.
I loved both Jace and Charlie and seeing their development as the story progressed was wonderful.
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2017
I thought that Chris and Ash's story in book 2 was the best of the series. But in Aftermath the author has managed to take it up another notch! Beautifully written with memorable characters you just have to root for. E. Davies has become one of my favorite m/m romance writers!
February 24, 2017
Jase’s story for those of you who have read Afterburn and Afterglow.
The book starts off with Charles (Charlie) who we met in Afterburn. He’s the hang gliding instructor Ash meets and gets lessons from. Charlie is doesn’t do relationships, rather enjoying casual hookups but the guys he hook up with tend to fall in love with him and ruin his arrangement with the guy of the moment.
Jace Williams is the fire chief of Liam and Chris’s unit. In the last book readers get the brief glimpse that Jace’s marriage falling apart and a tragedy befalling his unit on the job. He’s trying to get back into the groove of things but is awaiting the decision on pending investigation into the tragic accident. He’s also just filed for divorce. It’s during this time that Liam calls for a favor. Jace is more than happy to act as best man for the wedding.
Planning mode throws Charlie and Jace together. The two don’t exactly get off on the right start since the two are a bit of opposites. But time together has them seeing each other in a better light.
Jace and Charlie’s meeting was interesting, considering first impressions are major. Jace and Charlie needling each other was fun in a way. Neither took the other too serious and enjoyed flirting with each other.
Both characters have their own issue to deal with. Jace has a bit of survivor’s guilt and thinks he failed his unit and also his divorce wouldn’t be finalized for six months. Relationship wise he wasn’t read to get back on the horse and even if he was he was pretty darn sure no one would want to stick it for him until his divorce was final. Charlie on the other hand had a relationship a few years ago that kind of messed him up a bit resulting in him seeking uncomplicated hookups. I glad the two were introduced to each other and made it work out for themselves. I liked seeing their interaction and how both of them tried to seem like their relationship wasn’t affecting them so much. The tension between was a low burn and it was interesting how each helped and supported the other. I also liked seeing the slight change they had on each other.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts off with Charles (Charlie) who we met in Afterburn. He’s the hang gliding instructor Ash meets and gets lessons from. Charlie is doesn’t do relationships, rather enjoying casual hookups but the guys he hook up with tend to fall in love with him and ruin his arrangement with the guy of the moment.
Jace Williams is the fire chief of Liam and Chris’s unit. In the last book readers get the brief glimpse that Jace’s marriage falling apart and a tragedy befalling his unit on the job. He’s trying to get back into the groove of things but is awaiting the decision on pending investigation into the tragic accident. He’s also just filed for divorce. It’s during this time that Liam calls for a favor. Jace is more than happy to act as best man for the wedding.
Planning mode throws Charlie and Jace together. The two don’t exactly get off on the right start since the two are a bit of opposites. But time together has them seeing each other in a better light.
Jace and Charlie’s meeting was interesting, considering first impressions are major. Jace and Charlie needling each other was fun in a way. Neither took the other too serious and enjoyed flirting with each other.
Both characters have their own issue to deal with. Jace has a bit of survivor’s guilt and thinks he failed his unit and also his divorce wouldn’t be finalized for six months. Relationship wise he wasn’t read to get back on the horse and even if he was he was pretty darn sure no one would want to stick it for him until his divorce was final. Charlie on the other hand had a relationship a few years ago that kind of messed him up a bit resulting in him seeking uncomplicated hookups. I glad the two were introduced to each other and made it work out for themselves. I liked seeing their interaction and how both of them tried to seem like their relationship wasn’t affecting them so much. The tension between was a low burn and it was interesting how each helped and supported the other. I also liked seeing the slight change they had on each other.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
Great read
This is a great ending to this trilogy. Jace and Charlie are great characters that while both hurt, are still strong, feisty and loveable. They both have had bad relationships and Jace is going through anxiety attacks after losing one of his firemen.
We get to see these two characters accept their differences and each other for who they are. We also get to see our main characters, from the other two books, become engaged and married.
This is such a good book. Overcoming troubles and learning to accept love and not push it away. Great things to be aware of.
Read this book and series.
This is a great ending to this trilogy. Jace and Charlie are great characters that while both hurt, are still strong, feisty and loveable. They both have had bad relationships and Jace is going through anxiety attacks after losing one of his firemen.
We get to see these two characters accept their differences and each other for who they are. We also get to see our main characters, from the other two books, become engaged and married.
This is such a good book. Overcoming troubles and learning to accept love and not push it away. Great things to be aware of.
Read this book and series.
March 28, 2017
A very enjoyable romance
You get the sex (which my friends love) but you get so much more out of the characters and what they have to deal with in life. I enjoyed this story.
You get the sex (which my friends love) but you get so much more out of the characters and what they have to deal with in life. I enjoyed this story.
April 22, 2018
These two characters had great depth, and I really enjoyed how their relationship grew. I really believed their opposites attract dynamic. They both have their struggles, and quite possibly my favorite part of this story was that those struggles, particularly the mental health ones, weren't cured. The two just knew how to cope, use therapy, and be there for the other when the moments were bad, and that's how a relationship should be.
March 26, 2021
The final entry into the After series finds Hunky and handsome Fire Chief Jace Williams reeling and stumbling after the death of one of his men during the horrifying mall fire at the end of Book #2 and the dissolution of his marriage, hinted at in book #2 as well.
Grabbling with themes of self-hurting, abuse, guilt, accountability, grief, crippling anxiety and drug addiction E. Davies offers up a moving and touching glimpse into the life and love of both Jace and Charlie.
A heartwarming read.
Grabbling with themes of self-hurting, abuse, guilt, accountability, grief, crippling anxiety and drug addiction E. Davies offers up a moving and touching glimpse into the life and love of both Jace and Charlie.
A heartwarming read.
July 3, 2022
A great ending for the series.
Charles and Jace both have their anxieties that they have to live with. I think that Charles helps out Have with his more than anything. Suicidal thoughts are hard to put down when you are along and don't have someone to reach out as Charles has in Jace. they'll work it out between them. It's hard to face your demons by yourself.
Charles and Jace both have their anxieties that they have to live with. I think that Charles helps out Have with his more than anything. Suicidal thoughts are hard to put down when you are along and don't have someone to reach out as Charles has in Jace. they'll work it out between them. It's hard to face your demons by yourself.
July 28, 2017
Another great end to a series
I really enjoy the complexity of your characters and the issues they face. All of which are day to day occurrences for some, it to others are non existent. Sharing them the way you do sheds a lot of light on challenges others have to work through.
I really enjoy the complexity of your characters and the issues they face. All of which are day to day occurrences for some, it to others are non existent. Sharing them the way you do sheds a lot of light on challenges others have to work through.
April 23, 2020
Another one
This is the final book in this series and just like the first 2 it packed a punch of emotions. There are definitely not an easy read not was I able to sit and read them together or in 1 sitting.
This is the final book in this series and just like the first 2 it packed a punch of emotions. There are definitely not an easy read not was I able to sit and read them together or in 1 sitting.
February 25, 2017
Really good read
Lovely read , two unlucky in love,life ,relationships men brought together by friends to mend each other. Really enjoyed this book
Lovely read , two unlucky in love,life ,relationships men brought together by friends to mend each other. Really enjoyed this book
February 26, 2017
Sorry, but this wasn't for me. Couldn't relate to it.
December 30, 2017
I love this one
A slow shaky start but after that everything was wonderful . I only wish it had gone on much longer .
A slow shaky start but after that everything was wonderful . I only wish it had gone on much longer .
January 28, 2018
4.5 stars -- a great ending to this series! Not the most typical of romances, but it worked beautifully for this pair.
February 11, 2018
💜 Jace and Charlie, my favorite in this series!
February 21, 2017
Everyone has their own aftermath!
Jace and Charles - Charlie are both broken in their own way.
Charles had an abusive ex who trashed his self-esteem. It left him with suicidal tendencies. He is also dealing with a father in an assisted living facility who has increasing dementia. He also has very limited support from his brother and sister.
Have is going through a divorce from his husband of refers years. Mike his husband is an addict and compulsive cheater. In addition, he is a local fire chief. In a recent fire his youngest fire fighter died in a bad fire incident. Suspended due to administrative policy, he is going through therapy but he still has a lot of issues plaguing him.
Together they find strength and an unexpected developing relationship. The joy that their growing happiness brings to the reader is compelling. I was unable to put the book down and read it in a couple of hours
Well developed characters and a storyline that brings happiness to the reader as you go chapter by chapter. The latest in a series set amongst the fire fighters in Santa Barbara, the characters that you know from the previous books are wound throughout this book.
The book did end very harsh and suddenly. I think that there should have been a couple more chapters to get to where the story ended. But a full thumbs up 5*s to Mr Davies for another great book.
Jace and Charles - Charlie are both broken in their own way.
Charles had an abusive ex who trashed his self-esteem. It left him with suicidal tendencies. He is also dealing with a father in an assisted living facility who has increasing dementia. He also has very limited support from his brother and sister.
Have is going through a divorce from his husband of refers years. Mike his husband is an addict and compulsive cheater. In addition, he is a local fire chief. In a recent fire his youngest fire fighter died in a bad fire incident. Suspended due to administrative policy, he is going through therapy but he still has a lot of issues plaguing him.
Together they find strength and an unexpected developing relationship. The joy that their growing happiness brings to the reader is compelling. I was unable to put the book down and read it in a couple of hours
Well developed characters and a storyline that brings happiness to the reader as you go chapter by chapter. The latest in a series set amongst the fire fighters in Santa Barbara, the characters that you know from the previous books are wound throughout this book.
The book did end very harsh and suddenly. I think that there should have been a couple more chapters to get to where the story ended. But a full thumbs up 5*s to Mr Davies for another great book.
February 26, 2017
*** 2 dissapointed stars ***
This book was definitely not for me. There was too much telling and not showing. And as a result the supposed "hate" between both main characters was so unbelievable. And the constant mentioning how much they "hate" each other was both exhausting and irritating.
But what irked me the most was the misleading information in the blurb:
Aftermath is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
This book is not a standalone!
We were introduced to four other guys that we should care about, but their stories were somehow lacking. And after a short research (yep, stalking author's profile is nowadays called a research), it was easy to see that there are two other books set in this universe. And if the characters are mingling with others in various volumes, the book is a part of the series. The end of the story. (Maybe I wanted to read those books too, and now I know how they will end.)
This book was definitely not for me. There was too much telling and not showing. And as a result the supposed "hate" between both main characters was so unbelievable. And the constant mentioning how much they "hate" each other was both exhausting and irritating.
But what irked me the most was the misleading information in the blurb:
Aftermath is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
This book is not a standalone!
We were introduced to four other guys that we should care about, but their stories were somehow lacking. And after a short research (yep, stalking author's profile is nowadays called a research), it was easy to see that there are two other books set in this universe. And if the characters are mingling with others in various volumes, the book is a part of the series. The end of the story. (Maybe I wanted to read those books too, and now I know how they will end.)
February 25, 2017
E. Davies is such a talented young writer. His books might not be everyone's cup of tea, but one cannot refute that his stories are so beautifully spun. Every book was thought out carefully. Every story has a little lesson you walk away with.
This book is the third in the series of the yummylicious firemen. It can be read as a stand alone, but it does make references to previous characters from the first two books.
This is the story of Jace, the fire chief and Charlie-Charles, the sometimes-spacey hand-gliding instructor. Tasked with being bestmen in their friends' double wedding, they were forced to spend more time with each other. And from there a reluctant-hesitant friendship-romance started. With peeks into the fall of Jace's marriage and Charlie's family issues, we also see two men, two broken men finding in each other a safe place for them to land.
The sarcastic innuendos, the flirty exchanges just adds to the flow of the story, adding different facets to the characters.
I have so enjoyed this series. I have no doubt I will revisit the characters and make it a solitude afternoon with some yummy firemen! Thanks again, E. Davies. Can't wait to read the next one!
This book is the third in the series of the yummylicious firemen. It can be read as a stand alone, but it does make references to previous characters from the first two books.
This is the story of Jace, the fire chief and Charlie-Charles, the sometimes-spacey hand-gliding instructor. Tasked with being bestmen in their friends' double wedding, they were forced to spend more time with each other. And from there a reluctant-hesitant friendship-romance started. With peeks into the fall of Jace's marriage and Charlie's family issues, we also see two men, two broken men finding in each other a safe place for them to land.
The sarcastic innuendos, the flirty exchanges just adds to the flow of the story, adding different facets to the characters.
I have so enjoyed this series. I have no doubt I will revisit the characters and make it a solitude afternoon with some yummy firemen! Thanks again, E. Davies. Can't wait to read the next one!
March 3, 2017
Charlie and Jace both broken in their own ways. They start off not really liking each other but along the way they really do have feelings that turns into more than either one was looking for.
February 23, 2017
Just the kind of story I enjoy reading. Nothing too heavy. Not overly sweet. No cliche angst. It was a great story with great characters and I loved every second of reading it.
I absolutely recommend this one.
I plan on going back and reading the first two of this 'series'. This one can be read as a stand alone IMO so no worries there though if you want to read them out of order I think. The MC's from the other books are present in this one, and we see their HEA's from their stories, but it didn't make me feel lost at all.
Bottom line here.....this was a really good one.
I absolutely recommend this one.
I plan on going back and reading the first two of this 'series'. This one can be read as a stand alone IMO so no worries there though if you want to read them out of order I think. The MC's from the other books are present in this one, and we see their HEA's from their stories, but it didn't make me feel lost at all.
Bottom line here.....this was a really good one.
February 25, 2017
Great to see the happy ending for Jace and Charles.
Love E. Davies.
Love E. Davies.
February 19, 2017
Satisfying
In More ways than one. A lovely gentle story of two people who meet up to to help out friends. At first there is no attraction, rather friction,but gradually their underlying issues lead them to find solace and strength in each other.
In More ways than one. A lovely gentle story of two people who meet up to to help out friends. At first there is no attraction, rather friction,but gradually their underlying issues lead them to find solace and strength in each other.
February 19, 2017
Aftermath is the third in the series and is one of the best that E. had done so far! Jace and Charles are a mismatch pair if I ever seen one. Jace is freshly divorced and Charles has ex-boyfriend issues and they brings a load of baggage to their relationship, but they over come. This is a great read, you will not want to miss it. This book can totally be read as a stand along but it does have men from the Afterburn and Afterglow so you might want to pick up these two other great books by E. Davies.
February 24, 2017
Great read
Loved all the books so far. I think Jace and Charlie might be my favorite couple. Even with their issues they managed love
Loved all the books so far. I think Jace and Charlie might be my favorite couple. Even with their issues they managed love
February 19, 2017
Two men, strong men, each with oversized baggage
This author delivers the story with such talent and passion, dealing with mental health and social issues in the context of big, big love. Well done, Sir!
This author delivers the story with such talent and passion, dealing with mental health and social issues in the context of big, big love. Well done, Sir!
February 18, 2017
I really like this author and the stories. Love me some sexy firefighters too. This book was a cute story. I really enjoyed the guys banter. Great ending.
March 22, 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC copy I received from the author
YES! We finally get the Chief's story!!! I felt so bad for him when we found out his husband was horrible, and this book picked up right at the divorce. Charlie and Jace couldn't stand each other when they first meet, and then find that they become really good friends (sometimes with benefits). Neither man was looking for a relationship and didn't want one, but they found a comfort with each other as they struggled with personal demons. They were a fabulous complement to each other, and I absolutely loved this.
YES! We finally get the Chief's story!!! I felt so bad for him when we found out his husband was horrible, and this book picked up right at the divorce. Charlie and Jace couldn't stand each other when they first meet, and then find that they become really good friends (sometimes with benefits). Neither man was looking for a relationship and didn't want one, but they found a comfort with each other as they struggled with personal demons. They were a fabulous complement to each other, and I absolutely loved this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews