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After We Burned

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Love made you weak.
Obsession made you fatal.
Possessiveness made you delirious.


We were all of those things - A mirage of love splattered on a gritty canvas. Painting distorted figures chasing empty hearts.
A dark romance of survival.
Quaking hearts burning slow.
A ruse branded by greed’s honeycomb sweetness and betrayal’s tang.

His love was real and I pretended…
She exposed her wounds and I attempted to heal them forgetting my own.

Love tested time.
Lies replaced vows.
Secrets created chaos.

And with every sin, there is a consequence…

584 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2021

38 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

Chelsea Maria

32 books237 followers
Chelsea Maria is rebirthing the idea of love for the millennial generation. Armed with a desire to define the union of faith and love, Chelsea Maria writes relatable stories that challenges society’s warped view of love. With a clearly defined purpose, Chelsea puts her passion and talents to use for the betterment of the generation.
Tasked with changing the narrative, Chelsea gives it her all. With no abandon, she pens fervently the stories of her heart and the hearts of her readers. Using her God-given talent, she employs wit and artistry to plant seeds of conviction and force reflection of her readers. Every addition to her growing catalog is penned with the purpose to revive the faith in love.
Now, with an arsenal of love-inspiring chronicles she is claiming her spot in the world of fiction. Bringing a new wave to the industry and reshaping the twisted perceptions.

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5 stars
168 (85%)
4 stars
23 (11%)
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4 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Annecia Smith.
Author 1 book3 followers
November 19, 2021
I’d written an entire review and it got deleted! I’m devastated! This book gave me everything from rage, frustration, disgust, horror, hope, love, and joy! This was a seriously great redemption story where everyone had to dig deep! I don’t do spoilers, so I’ll simply say that I’m keeping my eye on Cashton and that Amell will be forever bae! I highly recommend reading this book! It was a perfect conclusion!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,141 reviews130 followers
November 19, 2021
Burned to a Crisp!

The edition this time singed my eyelashes with the sheer amount of drama. Secrets, lies, villains, deception, hurt feeling and an unexpected resurgent power structure within the Kalmin family. Sometimes it is difficult to wrap my brain around the sources surrounding Amell, and his spiritual self- they don't match.... Cassian, Atlas and the others all scare the loop out of me. In another word, Coco, Massey and Dre's story, filled me to the brim. I adored this couple, especially the way Dre supported his new family. Veronica, along with Cassidy and her evil minions received what was due. I have mixed feelings about Cassian's children and the issue with Noelani. Noelani was a b word on so many levels, so don't get this thought wrong in your heads. I am not sure about the actions towards her. Amell is the Kalmin strength, Cassian, and Atlas hold him in such high regards, it is scary. The story had lots of volatile issues and drama, along with a deep and abiding love story.
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 71 books193 followers
January 13, 2022
whew!

I don't know where to begin. It's so much to say but I don't want my review to be super long. Amell...that man, that man. I just absolutely love him. Cassian, he made a little mad lashing out at the wrong person but finally got it together. Noelani, well she got what she deserved. The other villains got what they deserved as well. I can't wait to see what's in store for the second generation as well as Cassian and the rest of the clan. I would HIGHLY recommend reading this story.
Profile Image for  Allegra BourbonStreetBookers .
115 reviews13 followers
November 15, 2021
🥵

Chelsea has captured my entire heart with this series. Every emotion I am capable of emitting was on full display throughout these pages. This book exceeded all expectations. Looking forward to the spin offs!
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
514 reviews20 followers
November 17, 2021
👑 King Amell

This book was such a blessing to me! Amell's intellectual & spiritual wisdom is absolutely worth the days spent reading this baby! 💯 The experience of manipulation and betrayal by those you love can be so devastating, but the experience of healing properly and being a walking testimony makes it all worth it! 🙌🏽 I enjoyed reading this series so much! There isn't a person this novel can't speak to in times of tribulation and growth. With all the seriousness, it DID NOT LACK humor! We can always count on Cassian and his theatrics to carry us thru! Massey, PJ & Cashton rocked my world & I am so looking forward to their stories to come! Chelsea did an amazing job with leaving it all on these pages! 💯🎊🎉👏🏽👏🏽
4 reviews
November 20, 2021
Disappointed

I was hoping to read Landon and Andrea story but that didn’t happened. It was definitely a disappointment. The Kalmin’s storyline was dragged out to the point that it was becoming boring.
131 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2021
OMGoodness🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

After We Burn

Can I just say that this was Ms. Chelsea Marie’s best book yet? She just keeps getting better and better..book after book🔥🔥. This book was on another level and if you’ve read her books before, after reading this one, you’ll understand what I mean. I recommend this book. You won’t regret reading it😉

Now, let’s begin my review. Please understand that I can’t mention all the players because then the review would be too long and y’all may get mad. I’m a beta reader but this book is so good that I got it for myself and I’m leisurely re-reading it..it’s that good and because I know what’s gonna happen, I can enjoy it the second time around and not be on pens and needles🤣👏🏽. Okay let’s go💃🏽💃🏽

Amell. This man just keeps getting better with every book. His depth and spiritual awareness..🤷🏽‍♀️no words. He knows everything, but he’s tired. Tired cleaning up after grown men; tired carrying them..just tired..but he does it anyway cause he’s that person. Those water scenes..Chelsea knows how to get to you. Experience it and you’ll understand what I can’t articulate. Love me some Amell❤️❤️.

Cassian. Wow. Cassian lashing out at Coco cause he’s all in his feelings over his heaux of a wife😒. Cassian finally wakes up to what Amell was trying to tell him about cleaning his house. Hoelani is really something else. 🤦🏽‍♀️. The beast awakens🤣🤣

Hoe-Lani. Then there’s this heaux of a wife that’s just gotten worse as time has gone by🤦🏽‍♀️. The fact that she’s so focused on becoming Queen of the South and letting everything else fall to the side..shameful but not surprising seeing as how she was always a heaux🙄. Then there’s the fact that she’s lusting after Amell while thinking Krishna is beneath her (Hoelani) and him. The woman is delusional, disgusting and just plain awful. Then she’s sleeping with all the enemies..well just one..and a little boy..well, he’s of age but still younger than her🙄🙄, not shocking at all..just sad. By any means necessary? Sadly, her ending wasn’t shocking to me but the hand that dealt it was🤔.

Cashton. A/k/a mini-Amell. That’s a story for another day..but can I just say, that pool scene🤯. Read it. Nuff said😉.

PJ. Can we talk about this little dude? This little boy learned a lot from his pops and I’m proud of him. He treats Massey like the Princess she is. Men could learn a lot from PJ on how to treat, guard and love on their women. The way he asked Massey to his homecoming dance❤️❤️❤️👍🏽👍🏽. I cried. Yup. I sure did and so will you😉. I love me some PJ and Massey. Those grills though😍😍😜.

Massey. Oh boy. The fact that she ran off to stay with Kassidy🙄🙄. I was like why you going to stay with Kassidy? Why? You’re safer with PJ. He won’t let nothing get to you, but you wanna be fast so there’s that😩

Coco. Poor baby had it rough growing up. Fell in love with a selfish boy🙄🙄. Mother/aunt was disgusting. That’s all I’m gonna say on her. Baby daddy was a dog of all dogs. I’m glad she left him alone with his lying self. After being that hurt I can see why she was afraid to give her all to Dre but I’m glad she did anyway. She deserves happiness and I’m glad she got it.

Dre. Wow. The growth of this man from Burn Me Slow to After the Burn..priceless. So glad he was able to connect with the Kelmans and Amell was able to help him through his spiritual journey. That scene though..😍😍. He was such a great caregiver of Coco that Massey fell in love with him for her mom💃🏽💃🏽. The lengths he went through to ensure Coco’s happiness😍😍.

All I can say after this journey is that it was a rollercoaster from start to finish. I enjoyed every aspect of it and you will too. The evil ones got dealt with, there were some HEAs and I’m looking forward to more from this family in the future. Thanks for an awesome reading experience Ms. Chelsea Maria🥳🥳🏆🏆.
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews12 followers
November 23, 2021
Whew Child

This book took me through all the emotions, I laughed, I screamed, I cried, I cussed, I was shocked, I was sad and I was happy. The evil players in this book Veronica, Noelani, and Jaali took evil to exceptional levels. Dafina and Kassidy though not as evil as the previous three their level of deception was monumental
Dre and Coco were great together, I loved his devotion to her and her finding herself while in her coma and opening herself to completely loving him. I always love the Kalmin brothers and I was so sad for what Cassian went through with his kids ( Massey and Cashton)mainly because of his no good wife Noelani ( Iknow Chelsea has a HEA for him in the future). Tai, Melly, Ari and Mace those kids were AWESOME so smart and funny. My heart went out to Cashton and later London (can't wait to read her HEA story). Massey and PJ their young love is swoon worthy can't wait to read more about their adult love story.
This story unfolded and answered many questions from Burn Me Slow. The love and strength of the Kalmin's and their extended family is a deep profound love within the family they may suffer hurt and pain but they deal with it, work through and as a result it strengthens the family bond. Amell will not have it any other way.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,509 reviews23 followers
January 15, 2022
EXCELLENT 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Whew what a book but also worth the read. Very well written, great storyline and character development. The author gave us just the right amount of drama, suspense, family love, bonding and healing. Let's not forget those hidden gems and words of wisdom from the man himself Mr Amell Kalmin. This man will always be bae in my eyes. What I also loved about this book is that we get to experience the Kalmin children especially Massey and Cashton go through some really difficult moments in their lives. Molly and Tai were too cute and brought the laughter in this book. I also loved Ari and Mace. They were the little scientists of the bunch and I can actually see them one day develop crushes on each other. The evil doers got exactly what they deserved.
There was no denying Dre's love for Coco. Two people broken from the things in their past but managed to be each others healing grace. They definitely deserved their HEA. I'm all for Massey and PJ's story. Young and in love, a beautiful thing. Their journey will be worth reading. Overall this was an excellent book and highly recommend reading.
64 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2021
Masterful!

First, let me get this off my chest. Chelsea’s work (writing) has expanded to the next level. She’s one of the most formidable writers out here, one of a very few that I would drop what I’m currently reading to pick up her new release.

Now, about this beautiful story. Simply, just epic! The way she humanized these characters where one minute, you can be mad at them, feel sorrow at their woes, laugh at their antics, and ultimately cheer them on to a place of redemption. What is this story about, you may ask? Truly, everything. Of course, love and redemption. However, Chelsea also touches on the topics of complacency and not following through, insecurities and division. You get it all!

I’m glad Cassian will get another chance at love and the young folks! Baby, I’m ready for their stories. If you have not done so, please read this series. You will not be disappointed. Kudos, Chelsea!
143 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2021
5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! This book was so much more than I expected. This was more than a novel. This was a manual for self healing and lessons of self worth and love beyond measures. I’m so in love with Dre and the Kalmins. The women in this book were amazing aside from a few. The way this story was crafted was unbelievable. I’m more amazed each time I read from this author. So many additional stories can be written from reading this book alone but you will still be left completely fulfilled after reading this one. This series is a must read and I will be starting from the beginning and reading them again in its entirety. I cannot wait for the next installment about Cassian and also this amazing journey for Massey and that damn PJ. That young love is everything. Whew!!!!
Profile Image for martha fountain.
843 reviews18 followers
January 3, 2022
Talk about twist and turns!

This book was everything! Suspense, drama, engaging storyline, character development. The author held nothing back in generating this story. To get to the HEA was a brutal yet healing path. The nuggets Amell gave throughout confirms that he will always be bae. I want more of Massey and PJ, absolutely adorable. Cassian deserves his HEA and I am looking forward to reading it. By the way he is hilarious. My heart ached for Cashton but I am glad that Amell is with him. Oh yeah,, Noelani was certifiable crazy with her obsession. Her delusion led to her demise.. This story put me through every emotions. I don't know why it took me so long to get into this series but I am glad I finally did. This author owes me nothing! Definitely delivered in this one.
220 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2021
What a read!

Chelsea Marie never misses! This book took me through a range of emotions. First, Noelani did not surprise me, I had a feeling she was a snake from the beginning. I feel bad for her daughters because we know Cashton does not care. Cassian didn't deserve what she put him through. Massey is so strong. I'm happy she has the family she always longed for. I can't wait to see how she & PJ navigate their long distance relationship. Despite his issues and flaws, Andre has always been top tier book bae. I'm happy Coco got to experience all of the love he had to give. I'm excited for the next generation & family friends' stories. I know Cashton will have a profound story to tell.
Profile Image for Alice Kendrick.
107 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2021
The Secrets are Out

This book had my eyes watering so many times! Amell is the man! Like Michael the archangel. Noelani..... Man o man! She ought to be ashamed of herself but then again it be like that sometimes. Jealousy and bitterness is a disease. Cassian, his character had me laughing the whole book. He kept getting the short end of the stick, one day I hope he finds his happy place. I liked how their kids mimicked another brother. Veronica was terrible and she acted like what she did was normal. The funny thing is that stuff happens everyday. Sick and hurt people project off on others and make it seem like it's okay. PJ that boy was too sweet and romantic. Dre was a dream! I'm glad Coco got her HEA. This book was good. Comedy, crying, suspense, and romance.
64 reviews
November 19, 2021
I'm Blown Away

I've been anticipating book 3 as soon as I read the last pages if book 2. But never in my wildest dream would I feel sooo many emotions. I laughed, cried, yelled, screamed, and was completely speechless. Chelsea Maria is my book bae crush forever! I felt like a reading a movie script with vivid descriptions, especially Big Keisha & Nut-Nut. I swear Tai & Kelly needs a reality show 😂. She dropped so many "Easter Eggs' hidden in each chapter that I was shocked by the aftermath. But each of the 'villains' got EXACTLY what they had coming to them. I'm already on pins & needles anticipating London's story. I want to suit up with Amell, Cassian, & Aaron (Atlas) to handle that situation.
272 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2021
Deadly Secrets

This was one the most anticipated book releases in my reading repertoire for 2021. 628 pages of heart racing excellence by Author Chelsea Maria. Every single page and word was necessary!
Chile, Amell and the Holy Spirit! Whew!

I won’t drop any spoilers in this review but I will tell y’all, have tissues close by. There will tears of heartache and disappointment. Tears of angst and anger. Tears of jubilance. And most definitely tears of laughter.

I love these characters so much. And I look forward to any and all future books featuring them.

Bravo Author Chelsea Maria. Bravo!
Profile Image for Pinks.
185 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2021
OH LORD

oh my goodness my emotions were all over the place and I love when an author gets me into these feelings. One minute I’m disappointed like I’m there or laughing my butt off or crying like a big baby or heated ready to fight, or shocked as hell. I was so entranced by this book that I finished it in one day and one sitting I moved from my bed to the chair to the floor. Chelsea got me alright 😂 like I’m literally so happy and shocked and overwhelmed I really want more after this just to catch up with them imma for real miss them 🥺. Thank you Ms.Chelsea for this masterpiece of your hard work. BRAVO 🙌
82 reviews
February 1, 2022
Chelsea Chelsea

I saved this series for a reason, unbeknownst to me. There were times I screamed laughing st Kelly and Tai, cried for Dre ,Massey and Cast on and Coco. You got so many feelings that I have to take a break from reading for a few days.
You have to read this series and I can't wait for all the new stories from the next generation. I need London to find happiness and please make sure we know when Cassian takes care of the funeral home boys. I need Cassian a happy after as well.
You did this and I will always be your #1fan. Thanks B.Love for introducing me to Chelsea Maria.
Profile Image for T.T. Dorsett.
Author 6 books51 followers
November 19, 2021
Best book!

I love everything about this book. It was so many gems 💎 given from being abused to forgiveness. I can't even explain the depth of this book. The heartache for Cashston and Cassian from the comedy of Melly and Tai the two little divas. The love this family have for each other is deep. The ALPHA male of them all... AMEL! He is always ahead of everything and it's crazy how intune he is with God. This book gave me chills. Great finish! Can't wait for the second generation.
49 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2021
Need more

I waited so long for this book to be a little let down although good but somethings and characters could have been eliminated to focus on Dre and Coco’s love she spend more than half of the book in a coma when I thought this book was about them so I am assuming more to come with marriage and kids and a book on London and Cassian and Cashton relationship too many unanswered questions for this long book.
1,138 reviews8 followers
November 21, 2021
Amazing!

This book was amazing! I loved this finale to Dre and Coco’s story and being able to read about all that happened in between with the rest of the Kalmin family. There are so many gems in this book about loving unconditionally and having faith and stepping out on that faith. I highly recommend reading the entire series and reading about the Kalmins because they are amazing.
Profile Image for Micaiah.
Author 4 books19 followers
November 24, 2021
Deep

This book was a whole lot to unpack. I love Amell and his gift. I'm glad Veronica and Noe got their just reward. You know we now need a HEA for Cassian and London too. Yeah I'm going to be waiting patiently on those. But I feel this book was motivational for me, to push my forward into my purpose and stop playing myself small. And we all deserve a love like Dre has for Coco but hold the childhood trauma. Long read but great story and even greater messages.
Profile Image for AMarie.
51 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2021
Nothing but greatness!!

A beautiful work of art that will pull every emotion out of you. The depth of her writing is like non other and I’m appreciative for all the blood, sweat and I’m sure tears that was pored into it. Please read in order because you don’t want to miss a moment.
My goodness I’m grateful for that ending. Talk about coming full circle. Whew! Lol I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’m already giddy inside. :)
Profile Image for Kris.
20 reviews
November 29, 2021
One of thee best series!

Ok I can't even talk right now cause I'm still teary. These books are amazingly put together. The perfect blend of thug life, love, and Jesus. I'm always so inspired to up my healing game of other black women after reading he'd books. I can't wait for Cassian to meet his real match. I always thought Amel or Atlas had my heart but babbbbby Dre....whew child. A must read....start at the beginning!
Profile Image for Kia.
1,163 reviews
November 30, 2021
Damn

Man I was not expecting Noelani to be that evil but then again she wanted to be a boss so bad and she hid her obsession with Amell very well. I don't know how she got it in her head that he would leave his wife for her. Amell needs peace at home not someone who wants to buss her guns too and I think that is where she messed up at. Hope Cassian finds his peace. I can't wait to see more from the kiddies and family friends
98 reviews
December 4, 2021
Excellent 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Chelsea Maria is an excellent writer. Her writing skills have gone to yet another level once again. I thought that I was blown away by her skills with the Kalmin Brothers Trilogy, but this Trilogy here…OMG 🤯 I look forward to reading more from this author. Especially regarding the Kalmin and Luciano Kids. I’m almost afraid to see how Cashton turns out in the future. I can’t wait 😜
Profile Image for Geri.
1,209 reviews6 followers
October 9, 2022
Next generation got next!

After We Burned was a lot to digest.. for me all in my feelings. There was a lot revealed in this story and many things left unresolved. Which leads me to… will there be a book 9 or a spin off from this series? We gotta know what happens with Cassian, London, Massey and PJ, and Cashton! Im’ma have some serious issues with Ms. Chelsea Maria if she leaves us hanging!!
Profile Image for Pamela Rose.
20 reviews
January 31, 2023
Portraying of love and trials and tribulations at its finest

This the 8th book I read and my heart is so full from the love these couples have. I also, love how you incorporate God in all y'all books I read so far. It gave me hope and faith of finding a love so so fulfilling that my heart would bust from the over flow of love. You have a craft that I know was created with loving God in your heart. Thank you for your master skills of writing.....
Profile Image for Kwastina Jackson.
660 reviews6 followers
November 20, 2021
Loved it!

This is definitely a journey worth taking. The characters were developed fluidly, allowing you to gain your own opinion of them and their flaws while they lived their lives. The author literally gave us a show instead of just telling or narrating the story. Get into this series! I can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Mary N Monroe.
27 reviews
November 20, 2021
ChelseaMarie👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

The layers of the characters in this series will have you all over the place emotionally❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥. I cried, I cheered, and I was like the bad people deserved what happened to them🤣🤣🤣. I really couldn’t put this one down and I recommend this book. AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED‼️‼️‼️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews