AFTERGLOW BY ARIA WYATT
Release Date: September 13, 2021
I’m a numbers girl.
Or at least I thought I was, until my formula fell apart. Back home in Vermont, with my dream on hiatus, I’m working at the Busy Bean and taking online classes. As long as I keep my focus, I’ll be back in New York City next semester. Hopefully.
When Declan O’Shaughnessy storms into the café, all muscles and tattoos, wielding his sexy Irish brogue like a weapon, the only equation I can solve is one that lands me in his bed. Even more dangerous is my growing affection for his cherub-faced little boy.
But Declan has complications of his own. He’s cagey, but I’ll win him over.
Yeah, about that focus… mine is all on him. Can we have a harmless fling without getting hurt?
Afterglow is Aria Wyatt's contribution to the multi-author Busy Bean series. Each book in this small town series is read as a standalone.
There's a lot going on in this book. There's alcoholism, mistakes, regrets, a custody battle, jealousy, death of parents, and grief.
Declan and Solana are amazing together. And holy dirty talk and chemistry. These two burn up the sheets together.
And, oh, how he handles Solana in the bedroom. Finding out she's a virgin might scare him off, but damn, he recovers. He's dominant and powerful and knows what he wants.
And of course I adore Solana. She's definitely a little confused about her life and future, but she's the perfect person to balance Declan. Her past is horrible and I am in awe of the way she's survived it all.
The heart of this story however lays in the hands of Declan's son. What a total charmer he is. There's plenty of custody issues, and the boy hears way too much for a kid his age. But, this presence is what makes this tale.
I love Declan as a father. Love him. And my heart hurts for him. I appreciate the way Solana is able to help him, and I love the way everything wraps up.
And of course, Solana's brother is around. And oh god, this part of the story is maddening yet so well done. He's caused her years of pain, so it's nice seeing them talk finally.
Declan and Solana's journey isn't easy. There's plenty of pain along the way. But it's well worth it for them in the end.
The writing is great, and the storyline nice and developed. I just don't love reading an accent in my books, as reading the Irish brogue starts to get on my nerves after a while.
Afterglow is a great addition to this small town world. And I absolutely love the ending that Aria Wyatt gave this sweet couple.
The Busy Bean reminds me of my father’s pub in Galway, where I had my first drink and started my love affair with Irish whiskey. I’ve traded booze for hot cider, but I crave the inviting pub vibe of this bakery. There are plenty of bars in town—like the place right across the car park—but I don’t dare set foot in one. This is the closest I’ll allow myself.
“Hi, what can I get started for you?”
I spin toward the lilting female voice and frown. I come here just about every day and I’ve never seen this woman. She’s a pretty little thing who barely comes up to my shoulder. A black T-shirt peeks from beneath the bright yellow apron that covers her breasts. She’s cinched the tie around her waist, showcasing her hourglass figure.
“Hello?” She props both hands on her hips. “Would you like to order something?”
My gaze snaps to her face and locks on to a set of eyes the exact shade of golden amber as whiskey. With her tanned skin, and thick, honey-blonde hair, I’d swear I walked into a distillery. My throat tightens, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as I try to find the words to answer.
Her mouth starts to move again, drawing my focus to her lips. Full and pink, like a wild Irish rose. “I brewed a fresh pot of coffee and the drink of the day is a dirty apple chai.” She licks those plush lips and adds, “With apples from the Shipley orchards, of course.”
My stomach twists into a knot as I glance at the section of countertop that looks like a bar. I’d give my left arm for a pint of Guinness. And I’d give both arms for some whiskey. Desperate to derail that train of thought, I force my gaze to the display of artisanal honey from some of the local apiaries. Funny how the warm amber color also reminds me of whiskey, making my mouth water.
Then again, maybe it’s blondie who’s got me salivating. Whiskey be damned, I’d sell my soul to the Devil for a taste of her.
