In Emily Antoinette's Afterglow, a spicy sapphic monster romance, Grace, grappling with chronic pain and a recent divorce, seeks self-discovery. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when her stoic vampire friend, Blair, offers to help her explore submission. Intended as platonic support, their connection deepens, igniting desires neither anticipated. Blair, a vampire striving for control after a traumatic past, finds her carefully constructed composure shattered by Grace's vibrant spirit. This slow-burn romance, the second book in the Monsters of Moonvale series (but readable as a standalone), explores themes of self-acceptance, healing, and the intoxicating power of unexpected love amidst the supernatural. Prepare for a captivating story of two women finding solace and passion in each other's arms.
Review Afterglow
Oh my goodness, "Afterglow" completely swept me away! From the very first page, I was captivated by Blair and Grace's story. It's a truly amazing read, one that I honestly couldn't put down. It's easily going onto my top reads of the year list – five stars, absolutely!
What makes this book so special is the incredible depth of its characters. Blair and Grace are so relatable, so real. They're flawed, they struggle, they hope, and they're genuinely true to themselves. Grace, fresh out of a devastating divorce and dealing with chronic pain and body image issues, is on a journey of self-discovery, questioning her sexuality along the way. Her vulnerability is so beautifully portrayed; you instantly feel for her. Then there’s Blair, the stoic, stunning vampire, with her own traumatic past and carefully constructed walls around her heart. She's fascinating, complex, and intensely captivating.
Their relationship unfolds slowly, organically, which I appreciated. The friends-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, with that delicious pining that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author skillfully weaves together their individual journeys, creating a truly touching and heartfelt connection between them. It’s not just a romance; it's a story about healing, self-acceptance, and finding love in unexpected places.
And the spice? Oh, the spice! It's definitely there, but it's not gratuitous. It's integrated seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the emotional intimacy and building the tension between Blair and Grace. The exploration of kink and BDSM is handled with sensitivity and respect, focusing on consent and communication—which is so crucial and often overlooked. The book tackles the complexities and challenges of exploring one's sexuality and desires with honesty and nuance, which I found incredibly refreshing.
Beyond the central romance, I loved the way the author incorporated elements of paranormal romance and the kinky subculture without it overshadowing the emotional core of the story. The world-building, while not the main focus, is well-developed enough to feel rich and immersive, particularly for those familiar with the "Monsters of Moonvale" series (though it works perfectly as a standalone, too). The supporting characters are also well-developed and add layers of depth to the narrative.
Honestly, "Afterglow" is a revelation. Even if you're not usually drawn to sapphic stories, or to paranormal romance, or to BDSM themes, I urge you to give this book a chance. It’s a beautiful celebration of queer love, plus-size representation, and the lived experience of chronic pain. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s ultimately deeply satisfying. This book is going to stay with me for a long time—it’s a masterpiece.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.04 x 8.25 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 416
- Publication date: 2024
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