Only After We Met is Alice Kellen’s latest addition to her emotionally charged contemporary romance collection, following the success of All That We Never Were and All That We Are Together. This captivating narrative weaves together themes of self-discovery, unconditional love, and the courage to chase one’s dreams, all while navigating the complexities of modern relationships.
Plot and Story Development
The story follows Ginger Davies, a young woman trapped in the predictable path of inheriting her family’s cabinet business in London, and Rhys Baker, a nomadic American DJ who can’t seem to stay rooted anywhere. Their chance encounter at a Paris subway station sparks an immediate connection that evolves into a profound relationship sustained through daily emails and occasional meetings.
Kellen masterfully develops their relationship across different timelines and locations – from their first meeting in Paris to a passionate summer in Ibiza, and through the challenging periods of separation. The story’s pacing keeps readers engaged while allowing enough space for character development and emotional depth.
Character Analysis
Ginger Davies
Kellen has crafted Ginger as a beautifully complex character who transforms from a people-pleasing young woman into someone who dares to chase her publishing dreams. Her journey from uncertainty to self-assurance is both relatable and inspiring. The author particularly excels at showing Ginger’s internal struggles between familial expectations and personal aspirations.
Rhys Baker
Rhys is portrayed as a charismatic yet troubled soul, wrestling with adoption-related trauma and commitment issues. His character arc is compelling, though sometimes frustrating, as he struggles with substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors. The author doesn’t shy away from showing his flaws, making him feel authentically human.
Writing Style and Narrative Technique
Kellen employs a unique narrative structure, alternating between Ginger and Rhys’s perspectives while incorporating their email exchanges. This approach effectively showcases their evolving relationship and individual growth. The author’s prose is emotionally rich without being overwrought, though occasionally the metaphors (particularly those involving the moon) become repetitive.
Strengths
- Strong character development and growth
- Authentic portrayal of modern long-distance relationships
- Balanced handling of serious themes alongside romance
- Effective use of email correspondence to develop the story
- Rich emotional depth in character interactions
Areas for Improvement
- Some supporting characters could be more fully developed
- Certain conflicts feel artificially prolonged
- The moon metaphor becomes somewhat heavy-handed
- Some plot points rely too heavily on miscommunication
- The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections
Themes and Symbolism
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- Finding one’s authentic self
- The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships
- The balance between stability and adventure
- The evolution of modern romance in a digital age
- The courage to pursue personal dreams
Impact and Resonance
What sets Only After We Met apart is its honest portrayal of contemporary relationships and personal growth. While it follows some familiar romance tropes, Kellen infuses the story with enough unique elements and emotional authenticity to make it stand out in the genre.
Comparison with Similar Works
Fans of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us or Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words will find similar emotional depth here, though Kellen’s writing style is distinctly her own. The book also shares thematic elements with Sally Rooney’s Normal People, particularly in its exploration of how relationships shape personal growth.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to:
- Young adult and new adult romance readers
- Fans of contemporary fiction with emotional depth
- Readers who enjoy stories about personal transformation
- Those who appreciate romance with realistic complications
Final Verdict
While it has some minor flaws, the emotional authenticity, character development, and engaging narrative make it a compelling read. Kellen demonstrates her growth as an author, delivering a story that resonates with both heart and substance.
The novel successfully balances the lighter elements of romance with weightier themes of self-discovery and healing. It’s a testament to Kellen’s skill that she can tackle serious issues while maintaining the story’s romantic appeal.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with depth and complexity. While it works as a standalone novel, those familiar with Kellen’s previous works will appreciate her consistent ability to craft emotionally resonant stories that stay with readers long after the final page.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Alice Kellen or new to her work, this novel offers a satisfying blend of romance, personal growth, and contemporary storytelling that makes it worth adding to your reading list.