After Valarie
After Dusk #5by R.M. Demeester
Published: December 19, 2025
Publisher: Thorned Heart Press
Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Romance
Blurb:
Valarie
Roberts thought the worst was behind her. Divorced, grieving, and
pregnant by a dangerous man who met his fate, she’s determined to
start over. She’s only ever known broken love with men until
Annika. Annika challenges her, supports her, and loves her even when
she struggles to love herself. For the first time in years, hope
feels real.
But
someone is watching. Someone who wants what Valarie has. Someone who
doesn’t want her to find happiness in Annika’s arms. Valarie
realizes she isn’t just fighting for survival, she’s fighting for
the chance to hold on to the woman who’s given her a reason to live
again.
My Review:
After finishing After Eris, After Gia, and After Alex in the After Dusk series, I was eager to dive into After Valerie to discover what Valerie’s journey would reveal. I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the After Dusk series and learning about each character and their narratives.
From the moment I opened the first page, I was captivated by Valarie’s tale, but to be honest, I had been anticipating Valerie’s story long before that.
Valarie’s narrative is packed with intrigue and suspense that kept me engrossed with every sentence. I found it difficult to turn the pages as quickly as I wished. The world around me faded away as soon as I began reading.
Valarie is determined to embark on a new chapter in her life with the child she is expecting. She feels relieved to have left her past behind and to start anew.
That is, until someone begins to stalk her. Someone desires what Valarie possesses. Someone wants the baby Valarie is expecting. They leave her unsettling messages that fill her with fear.
Valarie has discovered a new life and a new love with Annika, but there is someone who does not want her happiness and is doing everything in their power to prevent that from happening.
Are these two issues related? Is the individual who covets Valarie’s baby the same one who wishes to see her unhappy? If so, who is this person, and why are they striving to make Valarie’s life so miserable?
I have truly enjoyed the After Dusk series and highly recommend each of them. Although the After Dusk series can stand alone, reading them in sequence would enhance your understanding of the characters and their histories. Following the order would also provide a clearer picture of the unfolding events.
Check out all the books in the After Dusk series I’ve read.
After Eris #1
After Gia #3
After Alex #4
After Valarie #5
