After the Red Carpet

“After the Red Carpet is a modern masterpiece and a perfect romance narrative from the more literary side of the book world.” ― Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Leavy, an acclaimed romance novelist, brings us a brave, emotionally charged, and deceptively subtle story about the intensity of love and the complexity of forging a new world for oneself. This is both a deeply beautiful love story for the ages and a smart exploration of what happens to our identities when ‘me’ becomes ‘we.’ I could not put this book down. The ending is everything.” -- Jessica Smartt Gullion, author of October Birds

“After the Red Carpet offers a brilliant spin on a Cinderella story that is equal parts whimsical fairy tale and insightful meditation on the true meaning of love. Ella and Finn show us that happily ever after is possible once you let go of the fairy tale and your fears, and that the greatest gift is simply loving someone for who they really are. Readers of women’s fiction and romance novels will devour this book. The ending is supremely satisfying.” -- U. Melissa Anyiwo, editor of Gender Warriors

“I absolutely loved this book. After the Red Carpet is a delicious celebrity romance, but it’s so much more. This is a smartly written novel about different kinds of love, forging one’s own identity, friendship, family, and real partnership. Ella and Finn show us that real magic happens out of the Hollywood spotlight. A perfect read whether you’re on the beach, cozy at home, or in your book club.” -- Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Both as a sequel to The Location Shoot and as a metaphor for the depth beyond the beginning of a relationship, After the Red Carpet is Patricia Leavy’s latest romantic masterpiece. It is a stunning exploration of intimacy, insecurity, innovation, and intense love during the everyday aspects of ever after, both the happiest and the hardest. This novel will thrill the romantic in you while also leading you to reflect upon what matters most in love, relationships, and intimacy over time.” -- J. E. Sumerau, George Garrett Fiction Prize–winning author of Transmission

“After the Red Carpet shows us what happens in the happily ever after. Finn and Ella turn love into a verb while navigating their own identities in this epic love story about building a life together. For the first time, I understood how hope, art, respect, reciprocity, and passion are the recipe that make love a concrete presence in our lives and relationships. I loved this book.” -- Sandra L. Faulkner, author of Poetic Inquiry: Craft, Method and Practice

“In the second installment of Finn and Ella’s story, After the Red Carpet, we expand our view and understanding of their lives, including how they navigate difficult personal challenges as they celebrate triumphs with friends and share loving memories of lost loved ones. With each development in their stories, the characters reinforce that the most romantic thing in life is actively choosing someone over and over. Readers seeking enchanting romance narratives imbued with healing and personal growth will savor this book!” –Alexandra Nowakowski, coauthor of Other People’s Oysters

“Leavy’s novels invite you into a world of love and romance like no other. After the Red Carpet is a charming, tender, smart, and thought-provoking story about how to maintain personal autonomy after love and marriage. This gorgeous book is so cozy and satisfying it’s like being wrapped in a hug. The ending will make you believe in happily-ever-after. Highly recommend!”—Jessie Voigts, PhD, founder of Wandering Educators

“Leavy's writing shines in its ability to delve into the emotional intricacies of a relationship, offering readers a glimpse into the characters' heartfelt explorations of trust, understanding, and mutual support. This novel is an inviting read for those who appreciate a story that reaches the heights of romantic idealism and savors the everyday moments that weave two lives together.” –Literary Titan, 5-star review

"Overall, the book is a frothy, sunny read." –Kirkus Reviews

“A fun read from start to finish . . .” – Midwest Book Review