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After Happily Ever After
What if the story didn’t have to end?
Nine best-selling authors have come together to imagine what happened after the happily-ever-after in some of Ylva’s most popular lesbian fiction novels.
Discover the irresistible magic of the morning after, or the month after, or even years later. What happens when it’s not just about discovering new love, but letting love settle a little? What are these passionate lovers, fighters, executives, and explorers up to now?
These charming, funny, and entertaining short stories can each be read as standalone pieces to whisk you into new and different worlds…or immerse you in universes you already know and love, and can’t wait to revisit.
Find out what happens next in this After Happily Ever After anthology, with stories by Jae (Under a Falling Star), Lee Winter (The Brutal Truth), RJ Nolan (L.A. Metro), Lola Keeley (The Music and the Mirror), Chris Zett (Irregular Heartbeat), Cheyenne Blue (Code of Conduct), Roslyn Sinclair (The Lily and the Crown), Alex K. Thorne (Chasing Stars), and G Benson (All the Little Moments).
Nine best-selling authors have come together to imagine what happened after the happily-ever-after in some of Ylva’s most popular lesbian fiction novels.
Discover the irresistible magic of the morning after, or the month after, or even years later. What happens when it’s not just about discovering new love, but letting love settle a little? What are these passionate lovers, fighters, executives, and explorers up to now?
These charming, funny, and entertaining short stories can each be read as standalone pieces to whisk you into new and different worlds…or immerse you in universes you already know and love, and can’t wait to revisit.
Find out what happens next in this After Happily Ever After anthology, with stories by Jae (Under a Falling Star), Lee Winter (The Brutal Truth), RJ Nolan (L.A. Metro), Lola Keeley (The Music and the Mirror), Chris Zett (Irregular Heartbeat), Cheyenne Blue (Code of Conduct), Roslyn Sinclair (The Lily and the Crown), Alex K. Thorne (Chasing Stars), and G Benson (All the Little Moments).
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
129 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Astrid Ohletz
17 books38 followersAstrid Ohletz has an education as a library assistant but worked as a legal secretary for one of the partners of a large, international law firm for more than ten years before she became a publisher, establishing Ylva Verlag and its international pendant, Ylva Publishing, in 2011 and 2012. Publishing combines her love of books with her understanding of legal and economic issues. Being able to publish books where subtext is maintext is a dream come true for Astrid.
In her free time, she writes stories under the pseudonym Emma Weimann.
In her free time, she writes stories under the pseudonym Emma Weimann.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 8, 2020
4.25 Stars. This is a great short story collection. One of the better ones I have read in a long time. I mean the premise is great, getting to see some of our favorite characters after their original story ended. The quality of shorts here is really good with only one short that I was a little blah about. All the rest were enjoyable and I had a lot of fun visiting these favorite characters again.
There were a few shorts that have already been published before. Dress-Tease by Jae which is book 2.5 in her Hollywood collection, Love is Not Nothing by Lee Winter -the short sequel to Requiem for Immortals, All Wrapped up by G Benson -the short sequel to All the Little Moments, and Two Hearts-One Mind by R.J. Nolan which was LA Metro book 1.5. I had read Lee Winters first short before and loved it so I had fun reading it again. While I already owned All Wrapped up, I had not read it yet so it was new for me. It put a big smile on my face and reminded me just how much I loved All the Little Moments. Lastly, I must admit I did not read the R.J. Nolan short. While I planned to, I have not read her series yet so I have to save that one for later.
There were two shorts that didn’t quite fit the theme of the book. Chris Zett’s The Cat Emergency and No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue. Zett’s book did briefly show mains from both Irregular Heartbeat and Heart Failure but the story was about a new main character. It made me wonder if she might be the star of Zett’s next book. Blue’s short I like quite a bit but again it starred a new main character, a character that had been a secondary character from Code of Conduct. Code is one of my favorite if not my favorite Blue book so I was excited about this short. This short feels like it’s just really starting and I hope Blue will turn it into a full length Code of Conduct sequel.
Interlude by Lola Keeley was a lot of fun. I was so happy to see the mains from The Music and the Mirror once again. What was interesting about this short is Keeley wrote it still as a HFN not HEA. What does that mean to me? Well to me it screams that we need a full length sequel to finally see if they get a real HEA. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for that book.
Roslyn Sinclair’s short about The Lily and the Crown, Alex K. Thrones short of Chasing Stars and Jae’s short for Under a Falling Star were all really good. I loved Lily and Chasing so I was very happy to be back with these characters. The Lily and the Crown short was realistic to the characters and Chasing Stars wrapped up a bit of an issue from the original story so I was really happy with both shorts. Jae’s short Partners was really enjoyable too. I had not read Under a Falling Star in years so I didn’t remember a lot at first, but it was so well written that everything clicked into place and was a good read.
Saving the best for last was Lee Winters second short The Brutal Lie a short of The Brutal Truth. This short story was an easy 5 stars and worth getting this collection just for this story alone. It was everything I was hoping for with two characters I love. Plus it was a real HEA for our characters. It tied up a few things from the book and it was the perfect ending you wanted to see. I loved it!
This is one of the better short collections I remember reading. It was a great idea for a collection and it really worked well. It was so much fun to see characters I loved again because there are a lot of great books these shorts are a part of. If you read a lot of YLVA books this short collection is a must!
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
There were a few shorts that have already been published before. Dress-Tease by Jae which is book 2.5 in her Hollywood collection, Love is Not Nothing by Lee Winter -the short sequel to Requiem for Immortals, All Wrapped up by G Benson -the short sequel to All the Little Moments, and Two Hearts-One Mind by R.J. Nolan which was LA Metro book 1.5. I had read Lee Winters first short before and loved it so I had fun reading it again. While I already owned All Wrapped up, I had not read it yet so it was new for me. It put a big smile on my face and reminded me just how much I loved All the Little Moments. Lastly, I must admit I did not read the R.J. Nolan short. While I planned to, I have not read her series yet so I have to save that one for later.
There were two shorts that didn’t quite fit the theme of the book. Chris Zett’s The Cat Emergency and No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue. Zett’s book did briefly show mains from both Irregular Heartbeat and Heart Failure but the story was about a new main character. It made me wonder if she might be the star of Zett’s next book. Blue’s short I like quite a bit but again it starred a new main character, a character that had been a secondary character from Code of Conduct. Code is one of my favorite if not my favorite Blue book so I was excited about this short. This short feels like it’s just really starting and I hope Blue will turn it into a full length Code of Conduct sequel.
Interlude by Lola Keeley was a lot of fun. I was so happy to see the mains from The Music and the Mirror once again. What was interesting about this short is Keeley wrote it still as a HFN not HEA. What does that mean to me? Well to me it screams that we need a full length sequel to finally see if they get a real HEA. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for that book.
Roslyn Sinclair’s short about The Lily and the Crown, Alex K. Thrones short of Chasing Stars and Jae’s short for Under a Falling Star were all really good. I loved Lily and Chasing so I was very happy to be back with these characters. The Lily and the Crown short was realistic to the characters and Chasing Stars wrapped up a bit of an issue from the original story so I was really happy with both shorts. Jae’s short Partners was really enjoyable too. I had not read Under a Falling Star in years so I didn’t remember a lot at first, but it was so well written that everything clicked into place and was a good read.
Saving the best for last was Lee Winters second short The Brutal Lie a short of The Brutal Truth. This short story was an easy 5 stars and worth getting this collection just for this story alone. It was everything I was hoping for with two characters I love. Plus it was a real HEA for our characters. It tied up a few things from the book and it was the perfect ending you wanted to see. I loved it!
This is one of the better short collections I remember reading. It was a great idea for a collection and it really worked well. It was so much fun to see characters I loved again because there are a lot of great books these shorts are a part of. If you read a lot of YLVA books this short collection is a must!
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
May 3, 2020
Well....This was fun. This series is worth it for Ms. Winters' two shorts alone. While I had read the follow-up to Requiem for Immortals awhile ago, I just happen to be listening to the audiobook right now so revisiting the short solidified how fantastic a writer Winters is. And The Brutal Lie....godDAMNED was that satisfying. Very, very good follow up to The Brutal Truth, which I have devoured a few times.
This is just a solid premise for a series of shorts: Take many of our fave couples and show us tidbits after their story ended. I think there were only two that I hadn't read before, and there are a few I didn't quite understand how or why they were added, like Cheyenne Blue's and Chris Zett's. Maybe in another context they would have fit . I actually quite liked Ms. Keeley's f/u to "Music and the Mirror" simply because Victoria and Anna's story is not tied up in a pretty bow, they still struggle, but do they ever sizzle. Keeley really amped up the sex on that one.
Anyway, if you want to pop in and say hey so some of the couples you've read about and wondered "hmm, where are they now?" this is your cup o'tea.
This is just a solid premise for a series of shorts: Take many of our fave couples and show us tidbits after their story ended. I think there were only two that I hadn't read before, and there are a few I didn't quite understand how or why they were added, like Cheyenne Blue's and Chris Zett's. Maybe in another context they would have fit . I actually quite liked Ms. Keeley's f/u to "Music and the Mirror" simply because Victoria and Anna's story is not tied up in a pretty bow, they still struggle, but do they ever sizzle. Keeley really amped up the sex on that one.
Anyway, if you want to pop in and say hey so some of the couples you've read about and wondered "hmm, where are they now?" this is your cup o'tea.
July 31, 2020
I don’t know whether it’s necessary to have read the novels that these stories are a brief interlude of but if you haven’t, you should. They are all, even at worst, really good novels. Ohletz and Thorne have curated a lovely collection of shorts that carry on from where the novel left off. Whether it’s a continuation, a sexy time, a spin-off or a hilarious incident, I loved that some of my favourite characters came back to life, just for a moment. Even those who are not fans of short stories can enjoy these because of the known backstory.
I enjoyed them all but both of Winter’s lead the pack for me. I’d love to see Blue’s short story turned into a novel and more than that, I’d love to see another novel by Thorne (stop editing and get to it please). I would normally review each story individually but I didn’t want to break between each one so for a wonderfully comprehensive review (and one I mostly agree with) read Lex’s.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
I enjoyed them all but both of Winter’s lead the pack for me. I’d love to see Blue’s short story turned into a novel and more than that, I’d love to see another novel by Thorne (stop editing and get to it please). I would normally review each story individually but I didn’t want to break between each one so for a wonderfully comprehensive review (and one I mostly agree with) read Lex’s.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
May 12, 2020
An absolute must read.
Featuring eleven short stories by some of lesfic's best authors, this is an anthology that you will not want to miss. Grab a glas of wine and get comfortable while you catch up with some of your favorite characters as they crank up the heat in the bedroom or simply make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Chances are this collection of stories will no doubt make you fall in love with certain characters all over again and inspire lots of amazing books being re-read.
Featuring eleven short stories by some of lesfic's best authors, this is an anthology that you will not want to miss. Grab a glas of wine and get comfortable while you catch up with some of your favorite characters as they crank up the heat in the bedroom or simply make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Chances are this collection of stories will no doubt make you fall in love with certain characters all over again and inspire lots of amazing books being re-read.
May 5, 2020
As soon as I saw the title of this story collection and the authors who contributed their talents, I jumped at the chance to read After Happily Ever After. Many readers (including myself) often wonder what happened to the characters we have come to know and love in the novels we read. Thanks to Lola Keeley, Jae, Chris Zett, Lee Winter, Roslyn Sinclair, G. Benson, Cheyenne Blue, Alex K. Thorne and R.J. Nolan, we get a glimpse of some of our favorite characters after their book ends.
Most of these stories are based on books that I have personally read. I was very happy to see how my favorite characters are doing in their futures. At least one story is based on a novel I haven’t read yet, but the story is so well written that I had no problem enjoying the tale. I also want to read that book now.
If you are a fan of any or all of these authors, I encourage you to get and read this anthology. I’m sure you will enjoy the stories as much as I did.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
Most of these stories are based on books that I have personally read. I was very happy to see how my favorite characters are doing in their futures. At least one story is based on a novel I haven’t read yet, but the story is so well written that I had no problem enjoying the tale. I also want to read that book now.
If you are a fan of any or all of these authors, I encourage you to get and read this anthology. I’m sure you will enjoy the stories as much as I did.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
April 21, 2020
ARC received via Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
This is a compilation of ‘epilogue’ type stories for past Ylva books. I’d read four of them previously (Dress Tease by Jae, All Wrapped Up by G Benson, Two Hearts One Mind by RJ Nolan and Water Into Wine by Roslyn Sinclair) but it was still nice to touch base with those characters again.
I had mixed feelings about the new stories, Chris Zett’s Cat Emergency was fairly silly, Alex Thorne’s What Happens at Games Night was alright. I enjoyed the re-visit with Austen and Dee in Partners (though the business they were setting up seems to low key for Dee, but maybe that’s just me). Cheyenne Blue’s No Going Back didn’t feel like it should be included here, it’s an actual sequel rather that a follow up with the original characters, and while I loved Music and the Mirror, I found Interlude by Lola Keeley to be a bit... not depressing, but not really uplifting either, it just didn’t seem like it advanced Anna and Victoria’s story any. If anything I felt bad for them both.
The true delight in the newer stories was Lee Winter’s The Brutal Lie, her follow up to the awesome The Brutal Truth. Elena and Maddie shine here, ably supported by their circle of friends, and it also features a topic many of us no doubt feel strongly about. The end of that story had me feeling all the feels.
There’s plenty to enjoy here for fans of all of the previous stories. 4 stars.
This is a compilation of ‘epilogue’ type stories for past Ylva books. I’d read four of them previously (Dress Tease by Jae, All Wrapped Up by G Benson, Two Hearts One Mind by RJ Nolan and Water Into Wine by Roslyn Sinclair) but it was still nice to touch base with those characters again.
I had mixed feelings about the new stories, Chris Zett’s Cat Emergency was fairly silly, Alex Thorne’s What Happens at Games Night was alright. I enjoyed the re-visit with Austen and Dee in Partners (though the business they were setting up seems to low key for Dee, but maybe that’s just me). Cheyenne Blue’s No Going Back didn’t feel like it should be included here, it’s an actual sequel rather that a follow up with the original characters, and while I loved Music and the Mirror, I found Interlude by Lola Keeley to be a bit... not depressing, but not really uplifting either, it just didn’t seem like it advanced Anna and Victoria’s story any. If anything I felt bad for them both.
The true delight in the newer stories was Lee Winter’s The Brutal Lie, her follow up to the awesome The Brutal Truth. Elena and Maddie shine here, ably supported by their circle of friends, and it also features a topic many of us no doubt feel strongly about. The end of that story had me feeling all the feels.
There’s plenty to enjoy here for fans of all of the previous stories. 4 stars.
June 23, 2021
I can’t comment on all the short stories in this collection, but the ones I read are of high quality.
All the short stories continue sometime after a full novel of one of the authors. It’s just fun to read about the lives of the characters after you read their beginning. Obviously my favourites are Lee Winter’s short stories for Requiem and Brutal Truth, they are delicious ;)
Anyway, fun to pick up if you want the story of one of the books to continue. I wouldn’t recommend reading these shorts before reading the full novels.
All the short stories continue sometime after a full novel of one of the authors. It’s just fun to read about the lives of the characters after you read their beginning. Obviously my favourites are Lee Winter’s short stories for Requiem and Brutal Truth, they are delicious ;)
Anyway, fun to pick up if you want the story of one of the books to continue. I wouldn’t recommend reading these shorts before reading the full novels.
April 14, 2020
After Happily Ever After is a delightful combination of throwbacks and things fresh and new.
Lola Keeley’s “Interlude” is a supremely elegant and sexy piece of work, filling in some of the details that up to now had been left to our imaginations. I really liked the fact that newspaper articles filling the reader in on the professional progress of both Anna and Victoria marked the passing of time between the final chapter of The Music and the Mirror and the epilogue. Well, mostly professional, one related to two “Dancing Divas Coupling Up”! “Interlude” gives us an peek into their lives on one all too brief meeting in Berlin.
While most of the stories in this collection are dropping back in on the main characters from previous novels, Cheyenne Blue takes a different tack in “No Going Back”. This is set in the world of Code of Conduct but Viva and Gabriela have only fleeting cameos. Instead this story focuses on Alina Pashin, Viva’s one time rival. This story has no tennis in it but instead has Alina being shadowed by journalist Tova Wright in preparation for an in-depth profile, as well as a few of Alina’s dreaded PR “dates” with fellow Russian, and more importantly male player Mikhail Kreshnov. This is an incredibly moving story about the unseen side of being a sports star and the restrictions that come with it; from Alina’s joyless diet (carefully managed by her nutritionist) to the restrictions that being from a country with a deeply homophobic regime has placed on her life. The wonder of this story is that not only does Cheyenne Blue succeed in making the reader feel sorry for a character who was a total villain in “Code of Conduct” but that she leaves us with hope too.
Lee Winter has some sort of magic going on, every book of hers I've read (and I've read all her published work) has been awesome. Requiem for Immortals is an utterly brilliant synthesis of mystery, danger and musical exploration and “Love is Not Nothing” is the stunning follow up. If you haven’t read Requiem, do so now and don’t read “Love is Not Nothing” until afterwards. This is an excellent if maddeningly short follow up, giving us more insight into both Requiem and her 'little mouse'. Like the first novel it somewhat bucks the trend of traditional Lesfic novels; no romantic cliches, no preposterous plot-twists, it’s just full of beautiful writing and raw emotion.
(oh and some really hot sex!)
In "The Brutal Lie", the much anticipated follow up to Lee Winter's The Brutal Truth, we get Maddie Grey strutting around Bartell Towers, still dressed in jeans, boots and a tshirt but this time around she's a very welcome guest. Elena too, seems to be in the mood for reminiscing, wearing a killer red (sorry Elena, garnet) dress similar to the one that made Maddie lose her battle with gravity back in the early days of “The Brutal Truth”. As the name of the original novel suggests the idea of truth runs right through it, specifically how we use masks to hide ourselves and focus on living up to other people's expectations lest the terrifying truth about ourselves being let into the light. In the opening scene of this story we are allowed to see Maddie and Elena peeling back a few more layers as they watch each other’s reflections in the windows of Elena’s penthouse office just as they did two years ago. This time, however, things are a little bit more intimate!
While there is a lot more to the story; there’s a proposal, Elena’s nemesis Emanuelle Lecoq pops her head up, that scene in Elena’s office is so beautifully crafted that’s it’s all I really wanted to write about. I love that reflections, both literal and figurative play such a key role in a follow up to a novel about how we look at ourselves and those around us.
Lola Keeley’s “Interlude” is a supremely elegant and sexy piece of work, filling in some of the details that up to now had been left to our imaginations. I really liked the fact that newspaper articles filling the reader in on the professional progress of both Anna and Victoria marked the passing of time between the final chapter of The Music and the Mirror and the epilogue. Well, mostly professional, one related to two “Dancing Divas Coupling Up”! “Interlude” gives us an peek into their lives on one all too brief meeting in Berlin.
While most of the stories in this collection are dropping back in on the main characters from previous novels, Cheyenne Blue takes a different tack in “No Going Back”. This is set in the world of Code of Conduct but Viva and Gabriela have only fleeting cameos. Instead this story focuses on Alina Pashin, Viva’s one time rival. This story has no tennis in it but instead has Alina being shadowed by journalist Tova Wright in preparation for an in-depth profile, as well as a few of Alina’s dreaded PR “dates” with fellow Russian, and more importantly male player Mikhail Kreshnov. This is an incredibly moving story about the unseen side of being a sports star and the restrictions that come with it; from Alina’s joyless diet (carefully managed by her nutritionist) to the restrictions that being from a country with a deeply homophobic regime has placed on her life. The wonder of this story is that not only does Cheyenne Blue succeed in making the reader feel sorry for a character who was a total villain in “Code of Conduct” but that she leaves us with hope too.
Lee Winter has some sort of magic going on, every book of hers I've read (and I've read all her published work) has been awesome. Requiem for Immortals is an utterly brilliant synthesis of mystery, danger and musical exploration and “Love is Not Nothing” is the stunning follow up. If you haven’t read Requiem, do so now and don’t read “Love is Not Nothing” until afterwards. This is an excellent if maddeningly short follow up, giving us more insight into both Requiem and her 'little mouse'. Like the first novel it somewhat bucks the trend of traditional Lesfic novels; no romantic cliches, no preposterous plot-twists, it’s just full of beautiful writing and raw emotion.
(oh and some really hot sex!)
In "The Brutal Lie", the much anticipated follow up to Lee Winter's The Brutal Truth, we get Maddie Grey strutting around Bartell Towers, still dressed in jeans, boots and a tshirt but this time around she's a very welcome guest. Elena too, seems to be in the mood for reminiscing, wearing a killer red (sorry Elena, garnet) dress similar to the one that made Maddie lose her battle with gravity back in the early days of “The Brutal Truth”. As the name of the original novel suggests the idea of truth runs right through it, specifically how we use masks to hide ourselves and focus on living up to other people's expectations lest the terrifying truth about ourselves being let into the light. In the opening scene of this story we are allowed to see Maddie and Elena peeling back a few more layers as they watch each other’s reflections in the windows of Elena’s penthouse office just as they did two years ago. This time, however, things are a little bit more intimate!
While there is a lot more to the story; there’s a proposal, Elena’s nemesis Emanuelle Lecoq pops her head up, that scene in Elena’s office is so beautifully crafted that’s it’s all I really wanted to write about. I love that reflections, both literal and figurative play such a key role in a follow up to a novel about how we look at ourselves and those around us.
September 15, 2020
5 Stars for this is a wonderful anthology of epilogues. As the title states it’s what happened After Happily Ever After in 11 Ylva Publishing novels by 9 authors. These stories are based on The Music and the Mirror by Lola Keeley, Irregular Heartbeat by Chris Zett, The Lily and the Crown by Roslyn Sinclair, L.A. Metro by RJ Nolan, Code of Conduct by Cheyenne Blue, Chasing Stars by Alex K. Thorne, All the Little Moments by G Benson and two by Jae, Damage Control (from her Hollywood series) and Under a Falling Star. Lee Winter also had two contributions from Requiem for Immortals and the other for The Brutal Truth.
I’ve read all but two of the novels. When I finally read Cheyenne Blue’s and Alex K. Thorne’s novels, I’ll come back to read their stories.
Since I’m late to the party, others have summarized the individual stories, so I won’t do the same. First – they are all very good. I will give you my favorites in no particular order - Interlude by Lola Keeley, Water to Wine by Roslyn Sinclair, All Wrapped Up by G Benson, and both of Lee Winter’s stories,
This is probably one of the best collection shorts that I’ve read. Perhaps, because we get to visit favorite couples one more time.
I’ve read all but two of the novels. When I finally read Cheyenne Blue’s and Alex K. Thorne’s novels, I’ll come back to read their stories.
Since I’m late to the party, others have summarized the individual stories, so I won’t do the same. First – they are all very good. I will give you my favorites in no particular order - Interlude by Lola Keeley, Water to Wine by Roslyn Sinclair, All Wrapped Up by G Benson, and both of Lee Winter’s stories,
This is probably one of the best collection shorts that I’ve read. Perhaps, because we get to visit favorite couples one more time.
July 7, 2020
Loved these stories! Recommend
April 29, 2020
To say that this short story collection is a treat is an understatement. It's a MUST for fans of Jae, Lee Winter, Cheyenne Blue, Lola Keeley, Roslyn Sinclair, Chris Zett, RJ Nolan, G Benson and Alex K. Thorne. Hell - if you're not a fan, you certainly will be after reading these! I'd read all the novels these short stories were associated with except one and I plan to read that book now. *cough* Alex K. Thorne *cough* The biggest highlights for me were revisiting Maddie and Elena from The Brutal Truth (OMG you CAN'T miss this!) Anna and Victoria from The Music & The Mirror, Grace and Lauren from Damage Control, and Jess & Kim from L.A. Metro. These made me want to go back and read them all again! Additionally, No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue returns to the tennis world in Code Of Conduct and is a stand-alone story so you don't need to have read that to be able to enjoy this. I liked it so much I've already semi-begged Cheyenne for a full length novel for Alina! Most of the others besides Not Going Back are best consumed after reading the associated novels first. You don't HAVE to, but you'd certainly get much more out of them if you did. For fans of Lee Winter and Jae you actually get two short stories - one of each of them previously published. Trust me - if you have read the novels, you'll feel like a kid at Christmas with these! Can't recommend this collection highly enough.
April 29, 2020
Just what I needed *happy sigh*
A cute collection of after the happily ever after endings of some amazing novels from a handful of Ylva’s wonderful authors. It was absolutely perfect, with a little bit of everything you could want from characters you have probably already fallen in love with once, and now the talented team and Ylva publishing have decided to edit together the perfect collection to melt you all over again.
I adored every story that was included in this collection. Some of the characters I had already met and totally in love with and others this was my first meeting of them, but this is why I love anthologies. You can discover new characters and want to read their stories, and you can meet up with old friends (and loves) and feel just as warm and fuzzy as you did at first meeting.
Out of all of the stories, I’d only met four couples in their main stories before, so my reading list just increased, massively, again! And I totally love that. Ylva has quality stories from some seriously talented authors. I was destroyed by two of these stories in particular though, and so Lola Keeley and Lee Winter I hate you both!!!! (Love you really!!!) but now I just need more and my feels are all messed up again! I was sooo happy but now realise I am having withdrawal symptoms and need to do some re-reading!
A seriously brilliant collection! Whether you have met these characters before or not you are going to love this. If you are already an Ylva fan and religiously read the stories from their brilliant, talented authors, and have done so for many years this is going to be like getting a cuddle from all your favourite people. If you are new to Ylva, you’ll be adding to your shopping list (like me!) for some new novels!!!
A cute collection of after the happily ever after endings of some amazing novels from a handful of Ylva’s wonderful authors. It was absolutely perfect, with a little bit of everything you could want from characters you have probably already fallen in love with once, and now the talented team and Ylva publishing have decided to edit together the perfect collection to melt you all over again.
I adored every story that was included in this collection. Some of the characters I had already met and totally in love with and others this was my first meeting of them, but this is why I love anthologies. You can discover new characters and want to read their stories, and you can meet up with old friends (and loves) and feel just as warm and fuzzy as you did at first meeting.
Out of all of the stories, I’d only met four couples in their main stories before, so my reading list just increased, massively, again! And I totally love that. Ylva has quality stories from some seriously talented authors. I was destroyed by two of these stories in particular though, and so Lola Keeley and Lee Winter I hate you both!!!! (Love you really!!!) but now I just need more and my feels are all messed up again! I was sooo happy but now realise I am having withdrawal symptoms and need to do some re-reading!
A seriously brilliant collection! Whether you have met these characters before or not you are going to love this. If you are already an Ylva fan and religiously read the stories from their brilliant, talented authors, and have done so for many years this is going to be like getting a cuddle from all your favourite people. If you are new to Ylva, you’ll be adding to your shopping list (like me!) for some new novels!!!
September 1, 2020
A great collection of follow ups from books I've loved, and books I've now got to get my hands on.
April 7, 2020
Total wish fulfillment for lesfic fans
If you've ever wanted a story followup of some kind done with your favorite lesfic couple or to have the focus shift to the secondary characters who shone in their own right in a story of their own, this collection is total wish fulfillment for 9 authors and 11 of their writings. Jae and Lee Winter have two stories each, and of those, one by each author has been previously released as a stand alone short story. The collection is a good mixed bag and best read one story at a time rather than cover to cover in one sitting so each story can be fully appreciated and savored. If you like the characters in a story you can find information about which book or short story they originate from following each story in this collection; that information is also handy for those who have read the relevant stories already and are wondering why this character/these characters seem familiar to you. The latter happened to me a few times as I read thru After Happily Ever After. They're all well written and satisfying reads; only one story (by Cheyenne Blue) left me wanting for the romantic pair in it to have their own book (which I'd happily read if it ever came to be) in order to have more time with them.
The collection is a great introduction to the featured authors as well as characters they've created in the past who needed more time in the spotlight, either as couples at various stages in their relationships or couples to be. If you're wanting a good sampler of lesfic writing either for a taste of a certain author's style of storytelling or to see what kind of story you're in the mood for, flip thru this collection. After Happily Ever After fits the bill nicely as do all the other short story collections by this publisher to date.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you've ever wanted a story followup of some kind done with your favorite lesfic couple or to have the focus shift to the secondary characters who shone in their own right in a story of their own, this collection is total wish fulfillment for 9 authors and 11 of their writings. Jae and Lee Winter have two stories each, and of those, one by each author has been previously released as a stand alone short story. The collection is a good mixed bag and best read one story at a time rather than cover to cover in one sitting so each story can be fully appreciated and savored. If you like the characters in a story you can find information about which book or short story they originate from following each story in this collection; that information is also handy for those who have read the relevant stories already and are wondering why this character/these characters seem familiar to you. The latter happened to me a few times as I read thru After Happily Ever After. They're all well written and satisfying reads; only one story (by Cheyenne Blue) left me wanting for the romantic pair in it to have their own book (which I'd happily read if it ever came to be) in order to have more time with them.
The collection is a great introduction to the featured authors as well as characters they've created in the past who needed more time in the spotlight, either as couples at various stages in their relationships or couples to be. If you're wanting a good sampler of lesfic writing either for a taste of a certain author's style of storytelling or to see what kind of story you're in the mood for, flip thru this collection. After Happily Ever After fits the bill nicely as do all the other short story collections by this publisher to date.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2020
I really enjoy reading and catching up with some of the wonderful characters created by some of my favorite authors. Whether it’s a book by Jae (you know you can’t go wrong with any of her books) or Lola Keeley, (another great author). Actually any of the authors featured in this follow up book. Hope they do another one because as everyone knows saying goodbye to some of these characters is really hard. Very enjoyable.
ARC via Ylva Publishing
ARC via Ylva Publishing
April 27, 2020
There's not too much to talk about with this one. It is an anthology of short stories that take place after their couples get together. Some of them are older - released as stand alones or in other anthology sets, while some are newer. There's a good mix here.
I have read almost all the novels these couples came from, and I like most of them. These shorts are nice and neat, offering small snapshots from popular couples. I particularly enjoyed "the Brutal Lie" featuring Maddie and Elena from The Brutal Truth. It involves Elena destroying a rival and a fun running gag about Maddie trying to get Elena to have sex on Elena's office desk. These two have a great dynamic and I am glad we got to see more of them. Lola Keeley's Victoria and Anna from The Music and the Mirror are back in "Interlude".
Ylva usually does anthologies well, and this one is no exception, I highly recommend it for fans of all the authors in the book. The mix of older shorts and new ones was nice, and I appreciated going back to reread them.
I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest review.
I have read almost all the novels these couples came from, and I like most of them. These shorts are nice and neat, offering small snapshots from popular couples. I particularly enjoyed "the Brutal Lie" featuring Maddie and Elena from The Brutal Truth. It involves Elena destroying a rival and a fun running gag about Maddie trying to get Elena to have sex on Elena's office desk. These two have a great dynamic and I am glad we got to see more of them. Lola Keeley's Victoria and Anna from The Music and the Mirror are back in "Interlude".
Ylva usually does anthologies well, and this one is no exception, I highly recommend it for fans of all the authors in the book. The mix of older shorts and new ones was nice, and I appreciated going back to reread them.
I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest review.
March 30, 2020
I loved the sneak peek in the lives of some of my favorite characters. All the authors did a great job of giving us glimpses into their characters lives. I would recommend the readers read the main stories before diving into this gem
April 16, 2020
After Happily Ever After is a delicious collection of familiar characters from stand out novels. This is my most favourite style of short story collections. I applaud editors Astrid Ohletz and Alex K. Thorne for soliciting the nine authors featured in this work.
The stories are as diverse as the main characters and each lovable in their own way. The stand out short story for me is Chris Zett’s the Cat Emergency. Laugh out load funny as well as lighthearted this is a story about a Christmas kitten escapee in the Emergency department of a hospital.
I know I am not the only one who wondered what happened to Anna and Victoria’s relationship after Victoria was offered her dream job in Paris. Interlude by Lola Keeley carries on the incredible magic of the ballet world from The Music and the Mirror. You are treated to an erotic ending that will leave you requiring a time out to recover.
Speaking of steamy, Jae’s Dress-Tease has Hollywood film star Grace and her lover Lauren creating a very private “scene” as they ready for a party. The big question is who will end up directing it.
Love is Not Nothing by Lee Winter is a two-part masterpiece. Former assassin Natalya, alias Requiem, was one of the most feared in her profession. Now retired and living with her lover Allison she is a cellist for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra until an acquaintance from her past comes looking for Requiem. Action abounds as power and control is the central theme that runs through this story. Power and control in your life and in your bedroom.
Water Into Wine by Roslyn Sinclair follows galactic pirate Queen Mir as she contemplates breaking her two-year monogamous relationship with Ari.
All Wrapped Up by G.Benson has Anna focusing on a birthday party for two-year-old Toby and the angst of making it perfect. Anna’s brother and sister-in-law passed away suddenly leaving Toby and his older sister Ella in Anna’s care. Expectations verses reality is what Anna needs to resolve.
No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue returns us to the world of elite tennis. Russian state controlled player Alina is surprisingly ousted in the first round of the Australian Open. While staying in Australia to continue her regimented training Alina is giving full access to an out and proud lesbian sports reporter to follow her for an in-depth story.
What Happens at Game Night by Alex K. Thorne is the story of alien Ava and her super heroine alter identity Swiftwing. Game night for earthlings can be trying at the best of times. Throw in a super heroine and anything can happen.
Two Hearts – One Mind by RJ Nolan is a sweet romantic story about Jess and Kim having the same idea for Valentine’s Day.
The Brutal Lie by Lee Winter finds fashion media mogul Elena Bartell outed by her nemesis. What really burns Elena are the verbal attacks made against her lover Madeleine. This short story sizzles with sexual heat between the lovers that Ms Winter fully explores for our pleasure.
Partners by Jae return us to Austen and Dee in their fledgling new company. The dynamics of their working relationship slowly evolves from both trials and tribulations.
Cover to cover this was an extremely enjoyable and entertaining read.
4.5 ⭐️
The stories are as diverse as the main characters and each lovable in their own way. The stand out short story for me is Chris Zett’s the Cat Emergency. Laugh out load funny as well as lighthearted this is a story about a Christmas kitten escapee in the Emergency department of a hospital.
I know I am not the only one who wondered what happened to Anna and Victoria’s relationship after Victoria was offered her dream job in Paris. Interlude by Lola Keeley carries on the incredible magic of the ballet world from The Music and the Mirror. You are treated to an erotic ending that will leave you requiring a time out to recover.
Speaking of steamy, Jae’s Dress-Tease has Hollywood film star Grace and her lover Lauren creating a very private “scene” as they ready for a party. The big question is who will end up directing it.
Love is Not Nothing by Lee Winter is a two-part masterpiece. Former assassin Natalya, alias Requiem, was one of the most feared in her profession. Now retired and living with her lover Allison she is a cellist for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra until an acquaintance from her past comes looking for Requiem. Action abounds as power and control is the central theme that runs through this story. Power and control in your life and in your bedroom.
Water Into Wine by Roslyn Sinclair follows galactic pirate Queen Mir as she contemplates breaking her two-year monogamous relationship with Ari.
All Wrapped Up by G.Benson has Anna focusing on a birthday party for two-year-old Toby and the angst of making it perfect. Anna’s brother and sister-in-law passed away suddenly leaving Toby and his older sister Ella in Anna’s care. Expectations verses reality is what Anna needs to resolve.
No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue returns us to the world of elite tennis. Russian state controlled player Alina is surprisingly ousted in the first round of the Australian Open. While staying in Australia to continue her regimented training Alina is giving full access to an out and proud lesbian sports reporter to follow her for an in-depth story.
What Happens at Game Night by Alex K. Thorne is the story of alien Ava and her super heroine alter identity Swiftwing. Game night for earthlings can be trying at the best of times. Throw in a super heroine and anything can happen.
Two Hearts – One Mind by RJ Nolan is a sweet romantic story about Jess and Kim having the same idea for Valentine’s Day.
The Brutal Lie by Lee Winter finds fashion media mogul Elena Bartell outed by her nemesis. What really burns Elena are the verbal attacks made against her lover Madeleine. This short story sizzles with sexual heat between the lovers that Ms Winter fully explores for our pleasure.
Partners by Jae return us to Austen and Dee in their fledgling new company. The dynamics of their working relationship slowly evolves from both trials and tribulations.
Cover to cover this was an extremely enjoyable and entertaining read.
4.5 ⭐️
June 16, 2020
After I’ve put down a book I’ve loved, I can spend ages thinking about what might have happened to the main protagonists after the story ends. So I’m a sucker for short stories that give a glimpse into the characters’ lives after they have fallen in love and committed to each other.
This is one of the best anthologies I’ve read in that regard. It includes short stories by some of my favourite writers in the Ylva catalogue, including Jae and Lee Winter. I had read Jae’s short story Dress Tease before, but it’s so good I enjoyed reading it again. It’s a story about Lauren and Grace from Damage Control, one of Jae’s Hollywood series of books. Jae demonstrates that getting dressed can be as erotic as getting undressed.
I have also previously read and loved the short story from Lee Winter Love is not Nothing following on from Requiem for Immortals. Brilliant writing and well worth rereading.
The rest were new to me. I think my favourite was Lola Keeley’s short story with the characters from The Music and the Mirror. It is especially poignant because of the ending of that novel, even though Keeley leaves us with a similar ending here. Hopefully that means we could get a full novel sequel? I can only hope.
Or was my favourite the short story from Roslyn Sinclair? The Lily and the Crown was one of my favourite novels from last year (seems so much longer ago given everything that has happened this year).
Or maybe my favourite was Jae’s other short story based on Under a Falling Star? Or Lee Winter’s second short story The Brutal Lie with the characters from The Brutal Truth?
It’s really too hard to choose because all of the stories in this anthology are so good and so incredibly satisfying. Absolutely bloody lovely!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the best anthologies I’ve read in that regard. It includes short stories by some of my favourite writers in the Ylva catalogue, including Jae and Lee Winter. I had read Jae’s short story Dress Tease before, but it’s so good I enjoyed reading it again. It’s a story about Lauren and Grace from Damage Control, one of Jae’s Hollywood series of books. Jae demonstrates that getting dressed can be as erotic as getting undressed.
I have also previously read and loved the short story from Lee Winter Love is not Nothing following on from Requiem for Immortals. Brilliant writing and well worth rereading.
The rest were new to me. I think my favourite was Lola Keeley’s short story with the characters from The Music and the Mirror. It is especially poignant because of the ending of that novel, even though Keeley leaves us with a similar ending here. Hopefully that means we could get a full novel sequel? I can only hope.
Or was my favourite the short story from Roslyn Sinclair? The Lily and the Crown was one of my favourite novels from last year (seems so much longer ago given everything that has happened this year).
Or maybe my favourite was Jae’s other short story based on Under a Falling Star? Or Lee Winter’s second short story The Brutal Lie with the characters from The Brutal Truth?
It’s really too hard to choose because all of the stories in this anthology are so good and so incredibly satisfying. Absolutely bloody lovely!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2020
A great collection of shorts that should encourage you to read the originals. I definitely recommend that you do that as they’re all good reads.
Interlude - more an addendum to the original than a short story as it picks up right where the full length book left off. Still it’s nice to read that their relationship continued to survive despite the distance of career clashes.
Dress-tease - hot action; basically an added scene.
Cat emergency - cute tale of a runaway cat and a cameo from ‘the bench’.
Love is not nothing - fierce and possessive.
Water into Wine - even more fierce and possessive.
All Wrapped up - warm and loving, but also poignant. I wish they all lived next door.
No Going Back - recognition that homophobia and denying who you are is still rife in many countries and professions.
What a Happens at Game Night - standard jealousy from the best friend; you just know she thinks you’re not good enough!
Two hearts one mind - sweet and charming. You just want to hug them.
The Brutal Lie - love this couple. I immediately went back and read the original and then this chapter again.
Partners - I’d forgotten Toby. I love him. Nice to know this couple are doing ok.
Interlude - more an addendum to the original than a short story as it picks up right where the full length book left off. Still it’s nice to read that their relationship continued to survive despite the distance of career clashes.
Dress-tease - hot action; basically an added scene.
Cat emergency - cute tale of a runaway cat and a cameo from ‘the bench’.
Love is not nothing - fierce and possessive.
Water into Wine - even more fierce and possessive.
All Wrapped up - warm and loving, but also poignant. I wish they all lived next door.
No Going Back - recognition that homophobia and denying who you are is still rife in many countries and professions.
What a Happens at Game Night - standard jealousy from the best friend; you just know she thinks you’re not good enough!
Two hearts one mind - sweet and charming. You just want to hug them.
The Brutal Lie - love this couple. I immediately went back and read the original and then this chapter again.
Partners - I’d forgotten Toby. I love him. Nice to know this couple are doing ok.
Read
March 4, 2024i can excuse lying, manipulation, treason, torture, murder and all the war crimes mir commited but i draw the line at cheating!!! i know she didn’t actually go for it but the fact she thought about it so many times made me angry and a little bit sad ngl. and then she had the audacity to say she would destroy worlds for ari??? excuse me i’m trying to be mad at you! *sigh* i wish the story was longer though, i can't get enough of them.
wont be rating this since i only read the lily and the crown story. will be back when or if i read the other books.
wont be rating this since i only read the lily and the crown story. will be back when or if i read the other books.
July 29, 2024
It's always so nice to catch up with characters and see what they're up too after the hea. It's even so much nicer to read about how they're thriving and still blissfully in love, if not more so.
I was mostly here for Jules and Vivian but I absolutely loved seeing what other couples like Emily and Camila & Alice and Joy were up to too!
I need more mini sequels. <3 <3 <3
I was mostly here for Jules and Vivian but I absolutely loved seeing what other couples like Emily and Camila & Alice and Joy were up to too!
I need more mini sequels. <3 <3 <3
May 6, 2020
The best part of the short stories was catching up with one or My favorite couples in 'The Brutal Lie'
December 5, 2020
I read Lee Winters updates to her stories. Outstanding.
May 22, 2020
Telling you I loved this book would be a bit of an understatement because, honestly, I adored it. It was just what I needed and can guarantee it will lift many peoples spirits, especially if you have read the books that come before these shorts.
Top 5
(and in no particular order)
Interlude by Lola Keeley
This is a follow-up story from The Music and the Mirror book. I hadn’t realised how much I have been wanting a follow up to these two until reading this. Wow! Lola Keeley does a stand-up job in bringing all the sexiness Anna and Victoria emanate in a beautiful short burst. This short left me thinking there is more to come… Now that would make all my days!
Water to Wine by Roslyn Sinclair
Oh, Mir! Be still my beating heart, you dreadful Pirate you! It turns out I still have the biggest crush on Mir (and Ari too now). This was a follow up to the completely awesome The Lily and the Crown which if you haven’t already read it you simply must. Then follow it up with this delicious and sexy story.
All Wrapped Up by G Benson
A follow up to one of my all-time favourite Lesbian Fiction novels? Oh! Hells yes. This beautiful story is the follow up to my favourite fiction family from Melbourne Anna, Lane and their adorable kids, Ella and Toby. Lane is still navigating dating a woman with two kids but all credit to her she only ever sees the abundance of love that comes with it all. Lane is the perfect woman… She just keeps giving. I’ve got the main story All The Little Moments queued on my Kindle for this weekend, you going to want to do the same.
No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue
The tennis queens from Code of Conduct are back, and this time Alina is front and centre. I loved this little follow-up, especially because I was left wondering when I finished Code of Conduct about Alina. Here’s what I said: I loved the secondary characters, especially Jelina and Alina. I finished the book and pondered straight away if there was a sequel there for them, almost like the Ice Queen and the nice girl… food for thought! So this was a delightful and welcomed surprise. And I loved spending more time with Alina… Honestly, I want to be greedy and ask Cheyenne Blue for more!
The Brutal Lie by Lee Winter
The Brutal Truth was my first book by Lee Winter, and it set me on my journey to finding one of my all-time favourite authors and this short story gave me all the irresistible feels that Elena and Maddie give me every time they hit the page together. I adored The Brutal Lie, and anytime Maddie and Elena are given page time I am going to be there front and centre.
Want something to lift your spirits and make you forget the craziness of the world right now? Then this is your book. And if you haven’t read any of the main novels, then you are good to go for the next few months because you need to catch up!
Star Rating:
5
Top 5
(and in no particular order)
Interlude by Lola Keeley
This is a follow-up story from The Music and the Mirror book. I hadn’t realised how much I have been wanting a follow up to these two until reading this. Wow! Lola Keeley does a stand-up job in bringing all the sexiness Anna and Victoria emanate in a beautiful short burst. This short left me thinking there is more to come… Now that would make all my days!
Water to Wine by Roslyn Sinclair
Oh, Mir! Be still my beating heart, you dreadful Pirate you! It turns out I still have the biggest crush on Mir (and Ari too now). This was a follow up to the completely awesome The Lily and the Crown which if you haven’t already read it you simply must. Then follow it up with this delicious and sexy story.
All Wrapped Up by G Benson
A follow up to one of my all-time favourite Lesbian Fiction novels? Oh! Hells yes. This beautiful story is the follow up to my favourite fiction family from Melbourne Anna, Lane and their adorable kids, Ella and Toby. Lane is still navigating dating a woman with two kids but all credit to her she only ever sees the abundance of love that comes with it all. Lane is the perfect woman… She just keeps giving. I’ve got the main story All The Little Moments queued on my Kindle for this weekend, you going to want to do the same.
No Going Back by Cheyenne Blue
The tennis queens from Code of Conduct are back, and this time Alina is front and centre. I loved this little follow-up, especially because I was left wondering when I finished Code of Conduct about Alina. Here’s what I said: I loved the secondary characters, especially Jelina and Alina. I finished the book and pondered straight away if there was a sequel there for them, almost like the Ice Queen and the nice girl… food for thought! So this was a delightful and welcomed surprise. And I loved spending more time with Alina… Honestly, I want to be greedy and ask Cheyenne Blue for more!
The Brutal Lie by Lee Winter
The Brutal Truth was my first book by Lee Winter, and it set me on my journey to finding one of my all-time favourite authors and this short story gave me all the irresistible feels that Elena and Maddie give me every time they hit the page together. I adored The Brutal Lie, and anytime Maddie and Elena are given page time I am going to be there front and centre.
Want something to lift your spirits and make you forget the craziness of the world right now? Then this is your book. And if you haven’t read any of the main novels, then you are good to go for the next few months because you need to catch up!
Star Rating:
5
May 12, 2020
Recensione presente anche su BookLover
Libro ricevuto da Ylva in cambio di una recensione onesta.
Questa è una raccolta di racconti di personaggi visti nei vari romanzi delle autrici. Personalmente ho letto solo uno dei libri da cui originano le storie brevi, quindi ho letto le altre storie come se fossero normalissime storie brevi.
Interlude - Lola Keeley 3/5
Dress-Tease - Jae 4/5
The Cat Emergency - Chris Zett 3/5
Love is Not Nothing - Lee Winter 3.5/5
Water into Wine - Roslyn Sinclair 3.5/5
All Wrapped Up - G Benson 4/5
Not going back - Cheyenne Blue 3.5/5
What Happens At Game Night - Alex K Thorne 4/5
Two Hearts-One Mind - RJ Nolan 4/5
The Brutal Lie - Lee Winter 5/5
Partners - Jae 4/5
Come potete vedere, la raccolta in sé è molto consistente per quanto riguarda la qualità dei racconti. Queste sono autrici che conosco per i loro romanzi (come Jae, Lola Keeley e Lee Winter) o per altre raccolte di storie brevi pubblicate da Ylva Publishing.
Ho dato il massimo alla storia di Lee Winter perché conoscevo già i personaggi e mi è piaciuto rivedere le protagoniste di The Brutal Truth, letto, se non erro, l'anno scorso.
Adoro anche Jae, l'autrice di cui ho letto più romanzi (ma non quelli da cui provengono i personaggi delle storie brevi), che si è rivelata costistente con la qualità dei suoi scritti.
Interlude e The Cat Emergency, rispettivamente di Lola Keeley e Christ Zett, sono le storie che mi sono piaciute di meno, non solo perché non conoscevo i personaggi e non mi è parso di poterli davvero capire, ma perché, rispetto al resto delle storie nella raccolta, le ho trovate a un livello minore, almeno per me.
Altra storia che ho adorato è What Happens at Game Night di Alex K Thorne, perché si può leggere benissimo senza aver letto il romanzo, come anche Partners di JAe e Two Hearts-One Mind di RJ Nolan.
Nel complesso, vediamo coppie già insieme da molto (o poco) tempo lavorare per restare nella relazione, o proporre il matrimonio, o avere tempo da sole. È un buon mix di emozioni e scene osé, momenti di crisi e momenti di estrema felicità. E poi, ormai lo sapete, le raccolte di racconti solitamente beccano dei voti bassi da parte mia, ma questa mi è piaciuta parecchio per il buon mix di autrici.
Ovviamene Jae è una delle mie autrici preferite in generale, ma ho apprezzato molto lo stile di altre autrici che spero di poter leggere presto, o comunque leggere, ecco.
Per me, Ylva Publishing non si smentisce e ci dona un'ottima pubblicazione come sempre. Ovviamente, consigliato.
Libro ricevuto da Ylva in cambio di una recensione onesta.
Questa è una raccolta di racconti di personaggi visti nei vari romanzi delle autrici. Personalmente ho letto solo uno dei libri da cui originano le storie brevi, quindi ho letto le altre storie come se fossero normalissime storie brevi.
Interlude - Lola Keeley 3/5
Dress-Tease - Jae 4/5
The Cat Emergency - Chris Zett 3/5
Love is Not Nothing - Lee Winter 3.5/5
Water into Wine - Roslyn Sinclair 3.5/5
All Wrapped Up - G Benson 4/5
Not going back - Cheyenne Blue 3.5/5
What Happens At Game Night - Alex K Thorne 4/5
Two Hearts-One Mind - RJ Nolan 4/5
The Brutal Lie - Lee Winter 5/5
Partners - Jae 4/5
Come potete vedere, la raccolta in sé è molto consistente per quanto riguarda la qualità dei racconti. Queste sono autrici che conosco per i loro romanzi (come Jae, Lola Keeley e Lee Winter) o per altre raccolte di storie brevi pubblicate da Ylva Publishing.
Ho dato il massimo alla storia di Lee Winter perché conoscevo già i personaggi e mi è piaciuto rivedere le protagoniste di The Brutal Truth, letto, se non erro, l'anno scorso.
Adoro anche Jae, l'autrice di cui ho letto più romanzi (ma non quelli da cui provengono i personaggi delle storie brevi), che si è rivelata costistente con la qualità dei suoi scritti.
Interlude e The Cat Emergency, rispettivamente di Lola Keeley e Christ Zett, sono le storie che mi sono piaciute di meno, non solo perché non conoscevo i personaggi e non mi è parso di poterli davvero capire, ma perché, rispetto al resto delle storie nella raccolta, le ho trovate a un livello minore, almeno per me.
Altra storia che ho adorato è What Happens at Game Night di Alex K Thorne, perché si può leggere benissimo senza aver letto il romanzo, come anche Partners di JAe e Two Hearts-One Mind di RJ Nolan.
Nel complesso, vediamo coppie già insieme da molto (o poco) tempo lavorare per restare nella relazione, o proporre il matrimonio, o avere tempo da sole. È un buon mix di emozioni e scene osé, momenti di crisi e momenti di estrema felicità. E poi, ormai lo sapete, le raccolte di racconti solitamente beccano dei voti bassi da parte mia, ma questa mi è piaciuta parecchio per il buon mix di autrici.
Ovviamene Jae è una delle mie autrici preferite in generale, ma ho apprezzato molto lo stile di altre autrici che spero di poter leggere presto, o comunque leggere, ecco.
Per me, Ylva Publishing non si smentisce e ci dona un'ottima pubblicazione come sempre. Ovviamente, consigliato.
May 22, 2020
OMG, OH WOW!!
This book is beyond AMAZING! It had nine awesome stories by nine fantastic authors. Each story is written as a follow up to the author’s full length novel. For example, Lola Keeley wrote Interlude, as a follow up to The Music and the Mirror. These stories are dynamic and electric. They have heat and intensity, love, desire and depth. It was such a lovely feeling to visit some of my favourite characters again, it felt like visiting old friends. I adored all of the tales, even the one that I hadn’t read the book for. They are all so good it is really hard to pick a favourite, although I did manage… After all, The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter is one of my top ten favourites! To pick a second choice… I’m not sure I can, they are just too wonderful! This is a perfect book when you only have a bit of time as you can read one story and leave it for a bit. However, you are going to have a hard time not reading it cover to cover in one go and when you are done, you will want to go back and read the novels. This book is going to become very addicting and will have a permanent place in my Must Read Again pile!!!
This book is beyond AMAZING! It had nine awesome stories by nine fantastic authors. Each story is written as a follow up to the author’s full length novel. For example, Lola Keeley wrote Interlude, as a follow up to The Music and the Mirror. These stories are dynamic and electric. They have heat and intensity, love, desire and depth. It was such a lovely feeling to visit some of my favourite characters again, it felt like visiting old friends. I adored all of the tales, even the one that I hadn’t read the book for. They are all so good it is really hard to pick a favourite, although I did manage… After all, The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter is one of my top ten favourites! To pick a second choice… I’m not sure I can, they are just too wonderful! This is a perfect book when you only have a bit of time as you can read one story and leave it for a bit. However, you are going to have a hard time not reading it cover to cover in one go and when you are done, you will want to go back and read the novels. This book is going to become very addicting and will have a permanent place in my Must Read Again pile!!!
April 27, 2020
It was fun to revisit characters from several novels. Some of these short stories were published elsewhere before but some are new. I especially appreciated the new ones. The Brutal Lie was one of my favorites, and I enjoyed Cat Emergency for the humor. I felt like I got to see familiar characters reveal new sides to themselves in the latter, and watched the ice queen melt a bit in the former. A couple felt like they had the same introspective moodiness energy but they were very well written, with lots of insight. All in all, a satisfying anthology.
I received an ARC for review.
I received an ARC for review.
October 5, 2024
After Happily Ever After is a delightful collection! The diverse voices and imaginative twists keep each story fresh and engaging. Astrid Ohletz and Alex K. Thorne have curated a truly enchanting anthology that beautifully explores love, adventure, and self-discovery. It's a joy to see the characters take on their respective journeys journeys. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story with a sprinkle of romance! Highly recommended!
November 26, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book of short stories
having not read some of the books in this compendium book of short stories i found it didnt distract in fact it interested so much that i took a note of each book referred to after each short story so that i can buy the books myself to read
these stories were fun to read and i cant wait to get the books that they refer to... a good mix of authors and styles
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