A romance for the over 40.Breast cancer survivor Edie Williams is ready to live.Divorced. Mother of two. She’s planned the vacation of a lifetime for a reboot, only to encounter an awakening adventure—Tommy Carrigan.Manager of the band Collision, Tommy Carrigan has his plate full. Independent. Carefree. He’s on an annual holiday with his band family, when the unexpected happens—Edie Williams.Love …
when the unexpected happens—Edie Williams.
Love might be just what the doctor prescribed,
but can it survive the world of rock-n-roll?
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If you enjoyed The Sex Education of M.E., you’ll love After Care, another romance for the over-forty from L.B. Dunbar. Continue the adventure previously published in Love Notes, the newsletter of L.B. Dunbar.
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. One of my favorites, I have re-read it at least 5+ times and it still just as good with each read. On vacation with her teenage children Edie is celebrating being cancer free. The last thing she expects is to find a sexy man and start a relationship while on that vacation. But Tommy Carrigan is a hard man to resist. Sexy and steamy this read is hot. Paired with Edie’s kids, Tommy’s family and the fact that Tommy is former rock god and you have all the makings of a fabulous read!!
I thought this was a heartwarming, emotional, and easy to read. It was a well written story. I truly enjoyed these two characters Tommy and Edie. It had a wonderful storyline.
Wow this is my first read from L.B. Dunbar and I was blown away, I was hooked from the first page and the story captivated me. I certainly will be looking at other books by this author, it was like a breath of fresh air reading about a couple in their forty’s with real life baggage in their life’s.
Tommy is on holiday with band he manages, truth be told the band is his family and his life and their is no room for relationships, well that was until he met Edie a breast cancer survivor also on holiday with her older children. This couple have a lot of trust issues as well as baggage to get past before they can move forward with the love they feel for each other but sometimes trusting someone is not so easy to do especially when you don’t completely open up to them. Will this couple get the HEA they both deserve it will the past win again …l
Loved this story and the characters, I can’t wait to read more from this author.
There is so much to love about this story. It has a strong heroine. Edie is so relatable. She is a divorcee, over 40, a cancer survivor, a great mom on vacation with her adult children, not looking for anything except relaxation and a recharge.
Tommy is manager of Collision and on holiday with the band. He is rough around the edges and speaks his mind. He is immediately attracted to Edie but looking for nothing more than a fun fling.
This was my first book by this author but I loved the writing, the storytelling, everything about this story and I can’t wait to read more. I listened to this on audiobook and loved the narration!
-4.5 Stars!-
Amazing book that leads people into the life of 40 year olds! Dunbar is an exceptional author who really hits the nail on the head!!!
3.5 stars
An over 40 romance, I’m in…and while I wanted to love this story it fell just a little short for me.
Tommy a retired rock star managing the newest sensation meets Edie, a divorcee, mother of two, breast cancer survivor. I loved the story line and the author’s writing style, but I was disappointed in the immature behavior and half truths between this couple that you might expect from 20 somethings.
This is an over 40 book but it isn’t the type where you feel like it’s about “old” people. As someone who has hit 40, I always wonder why there isn’t more of a selection of books geared towards people my own age, it’s almost as if once you hit a certain age that means there isn’t supposed to be romance and love in your life anymore. Well this book was perfect for what I was looking for! Edie has been though, to put it bluntly, hell in the last few years. But now that she is healthy and able to think about other things in her life, she decides it’s time to take a vacation with her kids and just enjoy herself for a change. And I absolutely loved her and her attitude! She is the type of woman that most us just hope to be. Tommy is the manager for a rock band on vacation at the same resort with his band family. He certainly never expects to meet Edie. And he certainly never expects for his life to change quite so much when he does. I absolutely love Tommy! He is such a sweet and kind man but he hides it behind a gruff and tough exterior. Throw in the fact that he is hot and sexy too? He is my kind of man!! They may be over 40 but they both definitely have the love and romance down. And it just goes to show that people of all ages need love too! Perfect story for me! Now I need his niece’s story along with the rest of the band! Because even though they aren’t over 40, this author made me incredibly curious about their stories and I do love series books!
Soulmates after 40
I loved so much about this book! The characters were wonderfully real and flawed, their conflict not easily overcome. I honestly can say I didn’t know how this book was going to end and I love that! Edie and Tommy captured my heart!
Holy Silver Fox Alert!!
It is refreshing to read about a couple that is over 40 that have real life battles. Kids, divorce, cancer, rock & roll lifestyles, and trying to rebuild from their pasts.
Edie might not think she is ready for love yet when she is still trying to love herself again.
Tommy is just what Edie needs to break down her insecurities and raise her up to see herself as he sees her, like a fine wine. One that should be savored.
I love how he builds her up when he can see she is knocking herself down. Nothing is sexier than a man who loves what is on the inside.
I think we all could use some of our own Tommy “After Care”.
OMG…absolutely loved this romance. LB’s writing had me feeling all of the feels…sadness, anger, worry, lust, jealousy and the most important LOVE. Edie is such a strong woman and who wouldn’t want a Tommy in their life. Thanks for the AWESOME read!!
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Tommy and Edie instantly drew me into their story. I loved that Edie was a single-again mom who had survived breast cancer and was on a Hawaiian holiday with her kids to celebrate life. I loved that Tommy was dark and broody, but really just a good guy protecting what he saw as his family – blood or not.
I enjoyed the way that Tommy really took care of Edie – and especially how he called her “Darlin’” all the time. Every time I read that name, I heard it in a thick, deep southern accent and melted into a puddle — I did a lot of melting while reading! 🙂
I liked that Edie wasn’t just a shell and she was trying to prove to herself and her kids that she was more than her before. They really bonded quickly and the story felt so much more real than the young adult novels I’ve read recently. This author really did a great job of crafting a story that a reader will devour while keeping characters that are so hard not to love – even when you’re angry with them!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
This story is so amazing I am not sure my review will do it justice.
Finally! Some book characters that are mature without being old, enjoying the best part that life has to offer without being reckless, and finally finding what true love really means.
Being over 40 myself and at times questioning my own mortality I found Edie to be a refreshing character. Not all parts of life are pretty but she shows us that we can come out on the other side better than when we go in.
Tommy is just a wow! Not only is he hot but he loves deeply. It shows in how he cares for his family and then how he simply accepts and cares for Edie knowing what she has been through. He shows her how to truly live and love life and looks past the scars to see the beautiful woman that is underneath.
Their relationship is not without its obstacles but in the end Edie finally figures out what it means to truly love.
Tommy hasn’t had a love like this in his life and it is so beautiful to see him finally understand how much joy can come when you share your heart with the person who is meant to be yours.
5 Caring Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
After Care is absolutely outstanding. I cannot believe L.B. Dunbar has not been on my radar before! She is absolutely amazing and I fell in love with Edie and Tommy.
Edie is a breast cancer survivor on a celebration vacation with her children, Caleb and Masie, when she meets Tommy. Tommy is the band manager for the popular band, Collision. When they meet, it is an instant attraction.
Edie and Tommy are both in their forties and have both been married before. Tommy does not see marriage in his future ever again, but Edie has not ruled it out. They embark on a vacation romance and plan to go their separate ways when it is time to leave.
Personally, I did not see them giving each other up when their vacations ended. The chemistry between them is smokin’ and they both deserve a happy ever after. Tommy’s niece, Ivy, is also very attached to Edie and I find that awesome.
I will be reading L.B. Dunbar’s backlist as soon as I can. At first I did not think I would like the over forty romances but I LOVE them!! You guys definitely need to read them.
This is a love story…yes, but it also a story of just how one woman felt after having breast cancer and surviving it, and becoming whole again.
Edie takes her family to Hawaii for a celebration of life, little did she know she would find that celebration in a man named Tommy. Tommy, the manger of a band named Collision , not looking for anything more than a vacation fling finds Edie instead.
Tommy helps Edie not only love again, but love who she has become after her battle…
This “story for the over 40” is one of the best I have read, and I highly recommend it not only for the love story but for the slight glimpse a woman goes through after a dance with this terrible disease.
I say yay for another over 40 book. There were a couple of things that made me scratch my head a time or two. Holy moly cow was Edie ever a runner. That lady should have a good medal because in the beginning, she was running from Tommy as fast as she could on several occasions. It was almost like whoop, there she goes again. Also for a woman that has survived so much, she’s very insecure. I think that part drove me the craziest. Tommy had a moment or two with that, but I felt like it was the same thing over and over again with Edie. I wanted her to grab her life by the balls and be a warrior! I mean she’s 43, not 73. Girl, you’re still young! Overall, the rest of the story was pretty good. Those two had a lot of fun between the sheets. Get it, get it!
An Over 40 Love Story…..
Hallelujah! It warms my older heart to read such a fabulous story about characters that are my age. Don’t get me wrong, I love romance at any (legal) age, but to have an opportunity to read something like this, I jump on it.
Aftercare is the wonderful story of Edie and Tommy and how it is possible to find love at any age.
Edie is fabulous! A recent divorce and a hard won battle with breast cancer, she is given a new lease on life. It takes meeting Tommy and his rock star life style to really open her eyes to living life to the fullest and to grab life by the b*lls! I have a close family member that is a breast cancer survivor, so reading about Edie and her vulnerabilities really hit home with me. I could relate to Edie about her grown children and how she relates to them. I also really relate to the physical insecurities most women over 40 have!
Tommy, whew darlin’, you totally are the whole package, the swoon, the swagger, the alpha and the romance all wrapped up in a delicious package. I could understand his hesitation about really opening up and trusting Edie with his world and his family. I loved his tenacity with his relationship with Edie as time moved on.
This the first book by this author I have read, but it certainly won’t be my last! Thank you L.B., for remembering that us over 40 crew need a hot love story too! Thank you also for sharing your words and stories with us! I hope to meet Ms. Dunbar this summer at the Twin Cities Author Event!
After Care is an amazing emotional roller coaster that you will want to keep reading over & over. Edie is starting a new chapter in her life with a family vacation to Hawaii with her son Caleb & daughter Masie. Edie is celebrating several milestones in her life; surviving breast cancer, a divorce & watching her children spread their wings & fly. She was befriended by a young mother name Ivey who was wife to the lead singer Gage Everly of the Band Collison; which had her children over the moon & laughing with her because she was clueless. Then Tommy Carrigan happened & Edie feeling things that she thought disappeared after turning 43. Can this romance survive her insecurities & Tommy’s Rock Star life style & secrets. You’ll just have to join the tour & find out what life has in store for Edie & Tommy Make sure you put After Care on your TBR list. Thank you L.B.Dunbar for another beautiful and touching story.
What a refreshing departure in the romance genre!Sexy, smart, and heartfelt romance between 2 +40 year olds!
Omg!! This is a new taboo!!
Imagine… 2 adults close in age discovering insta-attraction that led to much more!
We need more characters like Tommy and Edie in the book world. The writing was easy to follow, smart and insightful.
What made this romance so unique and special were the characters Tommy and Edie.
Tommy was absolutely delicious.
Edie was a true heroine!
The characters were flawlessly developed, relatable and absolutely fantabulicious!!
Their story came to life seamlessly. They gave us front and center seats to a steamy and touching story of life, love and taking chances!
It wasn’t just their age that made their story so unique. It was their boldness, their honesty and fearlessness to be their age, own it, and embrace it. They showed us to grab life, take a chance on love and dismiss the stupidity!
Even the secondary characters added to the complexity of the characters.
We have seen characters in this age bracket before, but the man is normally after a much younger woman, or the older woman with a much younger guy.
This insightful story of life and love is a must read!
My love of silver fox heroes began with this special and unforgettable book. Everything about “After Care” is hot, beginning with the cover, which depicts Tommy Carrigan perfectly with his sexy tattoos and flirtatious smile. The only thing missing is his raspy voice and southern accent as he calls Edie, darlin’, which always makes her heart flutter and pulse race.
While Edie was planning a vacation to Hawaii with her children, she never expected to meet a sexy silver fox former rock star, who made her feel beautiful and desirable. She was divorced, had a boring job and was about to become an empty nester when her daughter leaves for college next year. Dating was the furthest thing from her mind and even though she thought Tommy was rude when she met him at the hotel pool, his dreamy voice and salt and pepper stubble made up for his bad attitude. She would love to get to know Tommy better but what could he possible see in her?
Tommy’s whole life revolves around his family and the band that he manages, whose lead singer is married to his niece. He has no room in his life for a relationship but that doesn’t mean he can’t spend time flirting with Edie while they are on vacation. She intrigues him because she is protective of her children, speaks her mind and is very beautiful. If he could just get her to relax and let him in, he knew they would be great together.
How does Edie react to Tommy’s pursuit of her? Does she spend time dwelling about their differences or does she let her heart take the lead?
This book is about second chances and embracing and celebrating what life has to offer. Edie is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and it took a strong and confident man like Tommy to sweep her off of her feet and love her unconditionally. I love L.B. Dunbar’s over forty series and I know everyone will enjoy the second installment, “Midlife Crisis”, featuring Tommy’s old friend, Hank.
I swooned over Tommy Carrigan. “Darlin’” was his catchphrase and I could just hear his voice in my head. It was similar to the effect Matthew McConaughey’s voice has on me. He was so protective of his family that I couldn’t help but love him. While I want my independence, I also want to know the man in my life will protect me. Double standard, I know.
Then there’s Edie Williams. I found so many similarities in myself to her that I couldn’t help but love her! I was shocked by her actions at the start of the book, but then so is she. She was bothered by the things Tommy kept from her and so was I. Plus she has no knowledge about music. If it’s not on the radio at the time you question about it, I probably won’t be able to answer your question.
There were also several side characters that were very interesting and I would love to get to know more about them. Maybe we’ll see them in future books.
I love rock star books because you usually get an inside glimpse into the rockstar life. While the bits we saw of the rockstar life in this book were small, they were enough to please me and my curiosities. I loved that they were in Hawaii on vacation for the start of the book. I would have loved to get to “see” more of Hawaii.
The sex in the book is hot and sensual. I found myself skimming through looking for the next sex scene just so I could see what hotness we got next. There are several date scenes that I loved and would like to share with you, but it would be a spoiler. So you’ll just have to read the book to find out.
Prior to this book I read the Sex Education of M.E. by Ms. Dunbar and loved it as well. I will be checking out her other books and am already looking forward to her next release!