3.5 Stars rounded down

This book started off strong. I loved the met cute between Ginger and Rhys. I loved their whirlwind night in Paris. Right person, wrong time. They both needed the other to push them to be better people and make it the right time. Ginger is the play it safe type. She was never going to grow as a person until she befriended Rhys and he started to make her question everything. Rhys is the wild, fly by the seat of his pants type. He doesn’t want to feel anything, so he goes where the wind takes him. He is very immature and needs someone to hold him accountable which is where Ginger comes in.

After such a strong start I had high expectations for this story. Sadly, as the story moved forward I started to have some issues. My main issue is with the pacing. One of the events mentioned in the description doesn’t happen until about the 60% mark. After this point it felt like time was on fast forward instead of the slow/steady pace previously established. The last 20% felt especially rushed. My second issue (and this may just be an issue for the audiobook) was the ability to follow time. I honestly have no idea when this story takes place. We only know time is moving forward when time related phrases are used, such as “last week”, “yesterday”, etc. They use emails to communicate for the majority of the book with “live scenes” included between email threads. There are no time stamps on the emails nor were there any time anchors outside of direct mentions to Spotify. This could have easily taken place in the 90’s, early 2000’s, or present.

Overall, this book has very similar vibes and story to Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern. I enjoyed parts, but wish the last half was more developed similar to the first.

#OnlyAfterWeMet is a will-they-won't-they slow burn of a read.

Description:
After being dumped by her long time boyfriend, Ginger spontaneously books a last minute flight to Paris with nothing but a knapsack with few belongings, and a ticket home 24 hours later. Struggling with the ticket turnstile, Ginger meets Rhys, an American currently living in Paris. The night takes a turn for the better as they spend a magical 24 hrs together resisting any sexual urges between them.

The two keep in touch and become each other's best friend. The novel follows the progression of their friendship through the years, each of their own trials and tribulations, always coming back to each other.

Review:
The novel started off strong, I loved everything about the meet cute, the storytelling structure (flipping between each of their points of view), the obvious chemistry between them, and the delicacy of their deeper connection as friends. Ginger was an admirable character, constantly challenging herself to do the thing, unapologetically honest and willing to go after what she wants. Rhys was charming, though he was a bit of a hot mess and extremely self destructive.

*Not really spoiler but kinda spoiler* :

The novel is a little lengthy which didn't bother me at all but I could see it dragging for others at some points. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to fully see, though it was alluded to, Rhys' actualization the way we got to see Ginger's. The novel is a culmination of moments of the two of them coming together or the two of them splitting further apart, and while we were treated to some really great coming together moments I was a little remiss not to get to live in their happily ever after. Especially given the length of the novel, after all that, not to get to see things really come to fruition and live in moments where it finally came together for good, was disappointing.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

And I’m in love. The characters are incredible I can’t even say how much I love them. They’re so real and so amazing to learn from and learn about and follow and just the perfect characters to follow this unique plot with. I loved it. I had a guess most of the time how it was going to play out and I knew I was going to cry and I did. But it’s worth it I promise and my god the tension (and frustration). I just think the writing was incredible I can’t even begin to describe how this romance made me feel and how great it was so you just have to read it for yourself.

Such an emotional book with a sense of yearning and longing. I lost count of the number of times that I cried in this book. the writing is absolutely beautiful, the details, the descriptions are perfect.

I loved Ginger and her sweetness and innocence and goodness. she was insecure and fragile and sweet and so cute.

the fact that they kept in touch and all of their conversations gave such a build up in their relationship.

I was gigind and hiking my feet at their banter.

The simple things were the comforting ones and it was the small moments, the silence shared and the moments enjoyed.

It completely broke my heart to see them trying to live their live like their connection was not as strong and seeing him forcing them to deny it was so awful and sad

Rhys can be a little toxic, he was struggling and ended up hurting them both and it took him losing everything to realise what he was missing.

Overall it was a very important book to read and that makes you reflect on life.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the oportunity to listen to this audiobook.

I was really, really excited to get this one, but honestly, I definitely felt like I needed MORE. It was just a little flat in my opinion, I wasn’t as invested in the characters as I wanted to be.

“She’s my anchor”

This book spoke to my soul more than anything else I have ever read.

The unconditional love between these two, who met by random fate, and grew even with a distance between them at all times. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed the constant communication of emails and being a part of that unwavering support they each had for one another.

So many parts of this story tugged at my heart: the song and it being her heartbeat, their first kiss on the Ferris wheel, their time in Ibiza, the tattoos, Moon books, her running to his side in his time of need.

I loved this book. I loved Ginger and Rhys. Together and individually. Experiencing their growth apart, but feeling their tie through every single year.

This book was so well written and I have never been so connected with a story, it was exactly what I needed to read. ❤️

This was a hopeful book was a nice premise. I think lovers of thoughtful romantic titles would enjoy it. It reminded me a bit of "Before Midnight."

Hi, is this the masochists anonymous support group? NOBODY WARNED ME! I haven't felt this depressed since I finished the Ravenhood series. I'm actually torn between loving and hating this book.

The things I loved:
I loved the symbolism and parallels between The Little Prince and the characters. Especially since the little prince is always stumbling upon contradictions. Like the drunkard who drinks to forget the shame of drinking or the king who only issues orders he know must be followed like commanding the sun to set. Our MMC and FMC both have very distinct ideas of what they want their life to look like (or don't want their life to look like) and life laughs in their faces. That is the essence of The Little Prince.

"You fell in love with the flowers but not the roots, so when autumn came you didn't know what to do"

Things I hated:
This story reminded me of all the relationships I had in high school. That dumb, immature, toxic love. The stubborn love, where if you would both step out of your own way, it would actually work. I wanted to grab both of the characters and shake them! He was the classic boy, afraid of love and commitment. Too afraid to mess things up, to actually allow himself to be happy, and messes things up anyway (just like the folks in The Little Prince). She had a plan for her future. Boxes to check and milestones to pass. She could've had it all with him if she had just STAYED! I get that she had a dream and ambition, but most of all she wanted him.

The scariest part about this book is coming to terms with the fact that the characters fears were getting in the way of their own happiness. What fears of mine are getting in the way of my own happiness? It's easy to see in hindsight, but not when you're in the thick of it. Overall, I loved this story, and I guess I'm glad I wasn't warned how depressing it would be. I might never have had the courage to read it and it is truly a beautiful story.

Tropes: friends to lovers, slow burn, star-crossed, "2nd, 3rd and hundredth chances, balancing on breaking branches", stable FMC x nomadic MMC

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was just okay for me and if it wasn't a NetGalley book, I don't know if I would have continued. The email subject with the Re, re, re just gets on your nerves. I feel like maybe a younger audience would appreciate this story more than a 60 year old.

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.

“We are not only what we do, but also what we don’t do."

Ginger Davies has always played by the rules. She’s on track to graduate, take over her father’s business, and fulfill a future she never truly dreamed of. Her life has been carefully mapped out—until a devastating breakup pushes her to do something entirely out of character. With no plan and barely any luggage, she spontaneously heads to Paris, where a chance encounter with Rhys changes everything.

Rhys Baker is a DJ, a wanderer, and the definition of a free spirit. He’s never been one to settle down, follow the rules, or believe in love. But when he unexpectedly meets Ginger in Paris, his carefully unstructured life takes an unexpected turn.

As their connection grows through a series of heartfelt emails, their friendship deepens into something both beautiful and complicated. And then, one fateful night in Spain changes everything.

I absolutely adored this book. It was heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and utterly beautiful. It captures the raw, messy reality of love and how a few pivotal choices can alter the course of a life. It’s a story about how one person can shape your journey in ways you never expected.

The writing style was captivating, and I especially loved the email exchanges—their subject lines often made me laugh out loud. This book had me laughing, yelling at the characters, crying with them, and, most of all, falling in love with them.

Two people meet in Paris! I mean this is the perfect meet cute and story that begins to unfold from there. I loved the setting and the places this book will take you to! This story is told in epistolary format of the emails communication between Ginger and Rhys. Ginger lives in London and Rhys is an American DJ who lives to travel and adventure. Their story is perfect example of right person wrong time.
The audiobook is narrated by Gail Shalan and Benjamin Crow. These two really captured the emotions and feelings of the book perfectly. It was such a delight to listen to this story unfold. The friendship and longing between Rhys and Ginger was a touching and emotional story.

4,25☆/5
Alice Kellen knows how to make you want to meet the characters
Rhys and Ginger met in Paris by chance and their lifes will never be the same
I loved Ginger and her spontaneaty, she made me laugh. Rhys was more complex but i liked how he grew up.
I listened to the audiobook in english, and it was great, the voices were linked to the characters.
I recomend it to people who love a good romance, not spicy and more about the growth of the main characters.

4 stars! 🌟 A huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC! 💌 I absolutely devoured Only After We Met by Alice Kellen, narrated by the incredible Gail Shalan and Benjamin Crow. The narration took this book to a whole new level—it was so immersive, and they both brought Ginger and Rhys to life in the most perfect way! 🎧💖 This book was such a whirlwind of emotions, and I’m still trying to pick up the pieces of my heart! 💔✨

First off, the setting is EVERYTHING! Paris, London, Ibiza, New York... this book took me all over the world, and I swear, I could feel the vibes of each place. 🌍💕 It starts with this unexpected meeting between Ginger and Rhys that feels so magical—like fate just slapped them together in the best way possible. Their bond is instant, and even though they’re far apart, their connection grows, and it’s so beautiful, I almost couldn’t handle it! 😍

Now, let me tell you, this is definitely a rollercoaster ride. From swoon-worthy moments to WHY, RHYS, WHY?! 🤦‍♀️ There were times I wanted to shake him, but then there were other moments where I was just melting (can we talk about their email exchanges? TOO cute!). 📧✨ The narrators brought out the tension between these two perfectly—Gail’s voice captured Ginger’s vulnerability, while Benjamin nailed Rhys’ restless energy. Together, they made their journey so real!

And can we get real? The tension between these two is everything!! 😫 They both have these dreams, but they’re so caught up in their fears, it’s a lot to navigate. Sometimes I was like, “Just tell each other what you feel!!” but that’s life, isn’t it? Real love is messy and beautiful, and Alice nailed it with this one. 💖 The narration just enhanced every twist and turn of their relationship, adding layers of emotion and depth to the story.

Ginger and Rhys’ journey is definitely worth the read, though I will admit, I was left wishing for a little more resolution. Like, can Rhys just settle down already?! 😩 But honestly, it just adds to the angst and tension that makes the whole thing so addicting!

Overall, I loved it—heartfelt, a little frustrating, but mostly swoony. If you're a fan of passionate, long-distance, slow-burn romances that make you feel all the feels, this one's for you! 💫

P.S. I NEED more of Ginger and Rhys. 👀

CW: Intense emotions, long-distance love, a little angst, and a whole lotta swoon!

A beautifully written, emotional story about love, friendship, and self-discovery. Ginger and Rhys share a deep, undeniable connection, but their journey is filled with missed moments and longing. While their slow-burn romance is both tender and heartbreaking, their bond remains unshakable through time and distance.Four stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publish for the ARC access in return for an honest review.

I’m not typically a huge romance fan, but I’ve been making an effort to branch out and try different genres, so I decided to give Only After We Met a shot. While I appreciate the book for what it is, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

First off, the pacing was slower than I expected. I enjoy faster-paced stories, so at times, the slower unfolding of the relationship felt like it dragged a bit. That said, I can see how others might enjoy the gradual build-up if they prefer a more thoughtful, slow-burn romance.

The dual narration was definitely one of the highlights for me. I absolutely loved both voices and thought Alice Kellen did a fantastic job capturing the unique perspectives of the main characters. Their inner thoughts and emotions felt real and raw, which made their connection feel authentic.

There were also elements I really liked, like the deep friendship between the characters, which was beautifully portrayed. The way they supported each other through their individual struggles added a lot of emotional depth to the story.

Overall, while the pace wasn’t my thing, I can understand why this book resonates with fans of the genre. It’s well-written with rich characters, and the themes of love, friendship, and personal growth shine through. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, this might be right up your alley!

The audiobook was really good.
The story great and enticing highly y recommend.
I want to read more books from the author.

Two crazy kids going through their own personal growth and discovery meet randomly one night in Paris. They embark on a friendship mostly by email. I was drawn to this because I thought I would enjoy a relationship unfolding by email and also because I have friends who are DJs. While I was entertained by their friendship flourishing through written communication, the email narration gets annoying quickly hearing the subject lines of emails as "re: re: re: re: re:" I wanted to scream at how often this is repeated.

The friendship between the characters is fun, but I didn't feel much emotion for them. I know they were young, but I was also annoyed at the immaturity in both of them. And for the record, if you're hoping for music appreciation driven into the story considering one of the protagonists is a DJ, forget about it. It's mentioned and glossed over with too few details. It wasn't a passionate career choice which is hard for a music lover to digest. I didn't feel it was a realistic portrayal.

The middle of this story was frustrating for me because there were way too many years spent apart and with very little communication. The author was losing me here. I enjoyed their personal interactions more after this part of the book.

I think this story is more suited to a younger audience and I believe the 20s and maybe 30s somethings will enjoy this one. It's got all the things you want in a young romance. Heartbreak, heartache, longing and love.

Narrators did a pretty good job here. I appreciated having a masculine and feminine voice for the characters as it gave it a more real feel for their personalities.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this ARC!

Ginger and Rhys meet one night in Paris and that's the beginning of a deep emotional connection between the two of them. Ginger is on a predictable track to take over the family business in London. Rhys is an American DJ with a vagabond lifestyle He loves the DJ life and all it entails, They live worlds apart but quickly become the bright spot in each of their days. Emailing each other at the end of the day deepens their bond. I don't want to spoil anything so I will just say that Ginger and Rhys are two characters that I won't soon forget! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC audiobook, Great narration!

I liked this story. But I thought it was too drawn out. And all the emails frankly got on my nerves. I was 32% in and thought about stopping, but I didn't. And I'm glad I finished.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Just enough spice and a perfect little hallmark romance. This is the first I’ve read from the author but i will be looking for more!