Quick Summary: An "another place, another time" romance

My Review: Only After We Met by Alice Kellen is a NA romance that tells the story of star-crossed lovers. The audiobook is scheduled for release on January 21, 2025.

About the Book: "...the romantic story of how a chance encounter can last a lifetime."

In My Own Words: Two people who happen to meet in Paris bond in a special way. As they venture through their lives and have new experiences, they stay in touch. They soon find a beautiful rhythm together.

What I Loved: Ginger and Rhys had such a deep and meaningful relationship. From the moment they met, their connection was real. I loved how they couldn't hide and didn't want to hide from each other. They supported, encouraged, and had feelings for each other. They cared and showed concern in a very real way that worked and went beyond the obvious.

Favorite Quote: "We live on the moon." (There is so much to that simple statement.)

About the Characters: The cast of characters, from the leads to the supports, presented the just right texture to the story. I really liked the differences the story featured - the generational differences, the differences between siblings, the differences between partners, the differences regarding the approaches to living life, the differences between expectations. Even in the differences, there existed similarities.

About the Narration: This novel was narrated by Gail Shalan and Benjamin Crow. I enjoyed the way they carried the characters. They expressed the story perfectly.

My Final Say: I appreciated that this novel was about finding one's true self. It was also about two people finding each other, in spite of the up and down challenges they faced. I loved how the story's movement and timing flowed. It was brilliantly done.

Other: I absolutely love the writing of Alice Kellen. Every one of her books that I've read has left a mark. Her characters are flawed but redeemable. She also does a sensational job with emotional arcs. I can always count on her writing to impact my heart.

#lunalove #USontheMoon

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA/A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties-of-All-Time: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the narrators, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to an audio ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. The listening experience was wonderful. I am grateful for the opportunity.

Alice Kellen’s Only After We Met is a tender and emotional exploration of love, heartbreak, and the unbreakable connection between two souls. This beautifully written story follows two characters as they navigate the highs and lows of falling in love, only to be pulled apart time and time again by circumstances and their own imperfections.

At the heart of the novel is the unique and heartfelt bond the characters share, maintained through a series of intimate emails. These exchanges allow their friendship to deepen even as life and mistakes push them further apart. Kellen’s portrayal of their relationship is both raw and poignant, showcasing the beauty of vulnerability and the resilience of true connection.

The characters are richly developed, their flaws and struggles making them achingly real. The push-and-pull dynamic between them is infused with genuine emotion, and readers will find themselves rooting for their happiness despite the challenges they face. Kellen masterfully balances moments of hope and heartbreak, creating a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is moving.

What makes Only After We Met truly exceptional is its ability to evoke deep feelings in the reader. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring pain, regret, and the bittersweet nature of love. Yet, it also celebrates the power of forgiveness and the strength found in enduring friendships.

If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on the complexities of love and relationships, Only After We Met is an absolute must-read. Alice Kellen has crafted a deeply affecting novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.