All the Days After

Foothills #1

by Carrie Thorne

This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B07XLWMR34

“Just promise me one thing... Don’t sleep with my brother.”

No problem, right? Accountant extraordinaire, Sophie Jones has spent the last decade trying to find a sense of normal. Life is looking deliciously peaceful, as she follows her best friend home to the small town of Foothills, Washington.

Back from the Navy, former SEAL Asher Sutherland is not the guy he used to be… although, he doesn’t have a clue who he is now. The one thing Asher knows for sure is that he wants Sophie.

Big problem. Asher has recklessly broken the hearts of his sister’s friends on too many occasions. Neither is willing to hurt Pippa. But, resisting the attraction may prove to be more challenging that either can withstand.

Settle in with a soothing cup of coffee and watch the sunrise in this tempting, steamy romance set in the Cascade Foothills in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

236 pages, ebook

First published November 15, 2019

About the author

Carrie Thorne is the author of sizzling romance novels, specializing in white-hot chemistry, healthy relationships, and a mix of action and dreamily falling in love. Whether it’s a sinuous flow down a lazy river or evil bad dudes hot on heels, Carrie’s stories will draw you in and ruin your sleep. Happily ever afters are for everyone, and kindness is everything.

She’s also an introvert who loves people, travel, fitness, video games, food, and is a true Pacific Northwesterner who lives for rain and outdoors and trees and mountains and ocean, and… she’s a total dork. At home, she’s lucky to have two creative and confident kids, a witty veteran husband she fell at-first-sight for, and a tiny pup snuggled at her side. In addition to writing romance, Carrie has been a nurse practitioner, a Martian and Earthling geologist, a banker, and she is usually elbow-deep in a DIY project in which she bit off more than she could chew.

For more exciting news and juicy details, wander on over to https://carriethorne.com/.

Reviews

[Anto~mcbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been forever since the last time I wrote a review, so bear with me while I clean away some of the spiderwebs and try to organize my thoughts.

While this, most likely, isn't a book I would read more than once, I still found it pretty enjoyable. Let's break it down.

I had to grow accustomed and get into the writing style. There was an overabundance of adjectives and adverbs (for my liking). Also, the dual POV was extremely muddy. Chapters would start from one character's point of view, only to flip to the others' mid chapter and then again. I appreciate wanting to let the readers into the story from both characters' perspectives, but if you're choosing to do dual POV, you gotta commit to it, otherwise, it turns the whole thing unnecessarily confusing.

Character wise, I really liked both leads. I'm beyond done with the mousy, virgin heroine and the macho, asshole hero, and I'm pretty happy to report there's nothing of that to be found here!

Asher and Sophie were really likable. However they felt a little underdeveloped to me and like something was missing. The Navy Seal/PTSD thing and awful aunt thing didn't feel like important parts of them as characters, but more like something thrown in for convenience plot-wise. I would have liked the war and unusual upbringing stuff to have been more crucial in shaping them into the people we got to meet. I needed more emotional struggle, more angst, so that when they finally conquered their demons it actually felt like a big accomplishment. I hope that makes sense (does it make sense?)

But beyond that, they seemed very confident and very comfortable in their own skins, and like they really knew themselves. Pretty well adjusted, and incredibly proficient and accomplished. I guess, maybe, they were a little too perfect to feel actually real and that was perhaps the thing that threw me off.

  
(I've pretty much given up on trying to make sense by now)

  
(Sorry)

You wanna know what my favorite part was? The sexual tension. So. Much. Sexual. Tension.

I hands down believe the best part in any love story is the sexual tension. Everything that happens from their first interaction (or when the first spark flies if they already knew each other), to the first kiss, and then the first time they have sex. I loooove a good slow burn. The more impatient and angrier I get, the better it is, and the more I enjoy it when it finally, finally happens.

So. To wrap up, was it a good story? Yes. Is it something I would re-read? No. Would I recommend it? If you're looking for something short, fun and sweet, definitely. A perfect beach read, this one.

**I received an ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review**

[Magic book club · Rating 5 out of 5]

So nice, gentle love story, I enjoyed reading every part. Sophie and Asher are a lovely couple, designed to be together. You can easily follow the way they fall in love, their understanding for problems they face, support for each other...

This small-town romance left me wanting reading it again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angelica Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book so much! I think romance books should be an easy, entertaining, and binge worthy read. Romance books are typically my favorite form of escape reading when I get stressed out. This book had all of these aspects and was a total joy to read!


Best friends Sophie and Pippa are done with college and moving back to Pippa’s home town of Foothills Washington to start the rest of their lives. Pippa is getting married to her high school sweetheart and will need Sophie’s calming, but take charge attitude now more than ever as they get ready for the wedding. Sophie is looking forward to starting her dream accounting job and becoming a partner and Pippa’s aunt’s business. Since Sophie is new to Foothills she’ll be moving in with Pippa’s family. The one stipulation for living there is to not sleep with Pippa’s brother Asher. Asher is recently back in civilian life after 7 years in the Navy SEALS. He’s still reeling/ suffering survivors guilt from a mission that killed the majority of his team and severely injured one of his close friends. He’s moved home with the intention of taking over the family business he has no interest in because he has no clue what else to do with himself. Pippa and Asher have a super rocky relationship as he has had the tendency to sleep with her best friends in the past and break their hearts. Pippa has lost so many friendships because of this that she doesn’t trust her brother around any of her friends now. So when Sophie and Asher start falling for each other they know they need to keep it a secret at least until after the wedding.


These characters are so easy to fall in love with. I couldn’t help but root for Sophie and Asher throughout this book! I loved getting to watch these two characters whom are used to only relying on themselves come to find and accept love/support from not only each other but in the friends and family surrounding them. This was such an enjoyable story and I’m looking forward to future books in this series and other future works from Carrie Thorne.

I received this ARC from the author in return for my honest review.

[Jennie G · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has such potential. Smart Sophie meets her BFF’s sexy brother Asher, and I should feel the sparks fly, right? Well...not so much.

This book suffers from being told in 3rd person. It lacks dialogue, and I feel like we agree being told what happens instead of being shown. There is lots and lots of description, and it’s so dry. I want the characters to TALK to each other, to develop through their dialogue.

I was hoping to love it, but it’s just ok. 2.5 stars.

***This book was given to me for an honest review.***

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first book in the series I enjoyed every written word am excited to read more. The author gave us well developed and engaging characters that have plenty of chemistry. The easy flowing storyline made it a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mellidiezahnfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this one. It was my first book from this author but it won't be my last.

The Characters were well-developed and the theme of PTSD was well caught up.

Archer has returned home from the Navy and his sister won't let him be friends with Sophie because he normally cheats on women. And they give up the friendship to Pippa. But Sophie won't?

It's a relaxing read with many feelings transported by a very good and interesting style that never gets you bored.

There aren't a lot of intimate scenes but the feelings grow deeper and love is always sexy, and I liked Ashers respect for Sophie a lot.

The secondary characters are well-developed and I like them to have their own story. Sophies story was scary and sad and I adored that she found a new family with Pippa.

This is for everyone who loves to read mindful good romance with a lot of steamy thoughts and friendship.

Ich habe dieses Buch sehr geliebt. Es war mein erstes Buch dieser Autorin aber mit Sicherheit nicht das Letzte.Die Charaktere sind sehr gut ausgearbeitet und das Thema PTBS ist sehr gut beschrieben.Archer ist von den SEALs zurück und seine Schwester möchte nicht, dass er sich mit ihrer besten Freundin Sophie anfreundet. Zu oft hat er ihre Freundinnen für ein Abenteuer zwischen den Laken benutzt und dann gemieden. So hat Pippa all ihre Freundinnen verloren. Aber Sophie wird das nicht tun , oder ? Es ist ein sehr entspannendes Buch durch den Sprachstil werden viele Gefühle transportiert und es ist niemals langweilig. Es gibt keine ausufernden Liebesszenen aber die Gefühle und die Liebe in dem Buch fand ich auch sehr sexy. Ich mochte, dass Asher so respektvoll zu Sophie war. Die Nebencharaktere sind ebenfalls toll und ich hoffe der eine oder andere bekommt noch seine eigene Geschichte. Sophies Familiengeschichte hat mich sehr entsetzt und berührt und ich finde es toll, dass sie in Pippas Familie neuen Halt gefunden hat.

Dieses Buch ist empfehlenswert für alle die gerne gefühlvolle Romance Geschichten lesen.

Enjoy!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb writing elevates this heartfelt romance!

I was surprised at how quickly the story made me understand exactly why it was so important to Pippa that her friend not date her brother. The author has a gift for imbuing the characters with emotional depth in a manner defined by simplicity and compassion. I loved the sweetness of the growing friendship between Asher and Sophie, their love for Pippa overriding their intense chemistry. And the chemistry was there right from the start fairly steaming off the pages, but our main characters showed more respect for themselves, Pippa, and the entire Sutherland family by taking things slow and focusing on Pippa's wedding first and foremost.

I really enjoyed the author's sutbly witty and sometimes biting commentary with respect to some of the secondary characters. Presented as the inner thoughts of our main characters, these delightful insights gave our hero and heroine well-developed personalities that are rarely found in novels. All of the events were well-plotted to expose the history and obstacles that both have to overcome before they're ready for a relationship, and it all seamlessly takes place in the weeks leading up to the wedding. A tragic side story nearly broke my heart, but it was beautifully placed to highlight how unbreakable the romance had already become.

This is a fantastic, memorable romance with a solid HEA, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this developing series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, a lovely story with likeable characters. It is the first Carrie Thorne book that I have read but hopefully it won't be the last.

"Please don't sleep with my brother", that was the heartfelt plea from Pippa Sutherland to her best friend Sophie Jones.

Sophie was alone in the world except for a dysfunctional aunt so she and Pippa were heading to Foothills, Pippa's home town where Sophie has always been made welcome by Pippa's family.

Sophie and Asher, Pippa's brother had never met, he had been a SEAL before leaving the navy and had always been away on missions when Sophie visited, the chemistry when they finally met was palpable.

Pippa desperately wanted to keep Sophie and Asher apart due to the fact that Asher had previously played fast and loose and then left quite a few of her friends thus she had lost their friendship. Although she was shortly getting married and was in full bridezilla mode Pippa didn't want to loose Sophie, her closest friend.

Sophie and Asher found it difficult, despite trying, to keep their growing feelings secret, it soon became clear that they were meant to be together.

Throw into the romantic mix the bridegroom's best friend and best man who was fixated on Sophie and Sophie's self obsessed aunt who was trying desperately to get Sophie to part with her inheritance and ruin her reputation at the same time.

Great story, great characters, I am really looking forward to the next one.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free digital edition through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and are given voluntarily. There may be spoilers so read at your own discretion.

It's been a whole since I read a best friends brother romance book, and I was honestly drawn by the hottie on the cover..... Who totally looks like Chris Evans... Drool.... But yeh anyway, its not a trope I tend to read much of, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I read the first couple chapters and figured it would be more of the same old story. But once I managed to get into a reading mood I devoured the book in a few hours... And it's now 2am... 😅

I loved the scenery, I would have loved to have seen some more of it, and maybe some more of Asher before Sophie appeared... He had a fun perspective to read. And I really enjoyed reading both perspectives.

I found the characters a little one dimensional except the mc's and Zane... But bridezilla was very selfish and stuck up and not the best character to care about. I loved Freya and Grady despite the rocky start because I wanted to punch him. It would have been nicer to see his character development rather than just go from one extreme to the other.

The ending bugs me, it seemed so thought out and yet totally rushed. Why wouldn't Sophie go to the owner of the place she wanted and see about putting an offer in and finding out it was Paul that way... I think that would have been cool, I would have liked a little more with Poppa at the end. Yes she had a few days to settle with the notion but still it was all over far too quickly.

I'm interested in seeing how the author manages Zane in the follow up book... Sounds like it's gonna be fun.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first story of the author’s new series, was also the first book I read by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The story centers around recently discharged Navy SEAL Archer Sutherland, and Sophie Jones, a wiz accountant and best friend of Pippa, Asher’s sister. She’s also recently moved to Foothills, the Sutherland’s home town.
Both of these individuals have had tragedy in their past. Asher is still recovering from a mission gone bad, suffering from PTSD and not sure what he’ll do with his life. Sophie’s childhood was spent with an aunt that literally used her and still tries to manipulate her into giving her money.
While the story took a little to grab my interest, once it did, I became totally engaged. It was a story not only about the romance and hiding it from Pippa. It was a story about the effects war has on those protecting us as well as how one’s childhood affects the individuals when they are adults.
The secondary characters were well developed and I can see some of them having their own stories.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Hidden Gems. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 * ARC Review – Secret Lovers with a SEAL
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was glad to be introduced to her by the ARC from Hidden Gems. Although it had elements of other books, best friends brother, SEAL returning from service, and yet the way this author takes the story makes it more than those clichés. It is the story of Sophie and Asher, where she has just moved in with his family after graduate school, and to help his sister as she finalize her wedding and start her new life in their small town. Both characters are very likable and they seem to have good chemistry from the beginning. Even as friends they seem to have tons in common.

As their relationship builds, they need to keep it hidden from his sister because of her upcoming wedding and bridezilla like tendencies. Additionally, some of Sophie’s past comes back to haunt her and possibly cause issues with her new life in the Cascade Foothills. There is enough activity around the wedding and their hidden relationship to keep reading. Overall, it was a good story that looks to be starting a series! Will definitely look for more from this author!

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Takes The Right Person To Find Peace:
By Korkoi -

I really loved reading this book and I couldn’t put it down once I started. It was really easy to fall in love with all the characters and the storyline. Asher was trying to recover from PTSD, after leaving the Navy and it made him into an introvert. Sophie was orphaned at a young age and suffered at the hands of her auntie. The electrical current between Asher and Sophie when they meet for the first time is enough to light up the entire State of Texas. Their agreement to build their relationship as friends first, helped them learn about each other to ensure a stronger and lasting relationship. This book takes you on Asher and Sophie’s journey, through family drama, wedding planning, secret liaisons and personal growth. It will keep you engrossed from the beginning until the end.

I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends Pippa and Sophie have finally made it through college and are ready to head into their futures. Pippa is heading home to the Foothills to marry her high school sweetheart in 21 days. Sophie is the maid of honor and is applying for a CPA position in Pippa’s hometown. Sophie has lost all of her family except for her horrible self-centered aunt. There is only one request - Sophie is not allowed to fall in love with Pippa’s older brother Asher. Asher is home from the SEALs and cannot overcome his nightmares or his “bad boy” love them and leave them reputation , especially around Pippa’s friends.

Follow along with the romance and wedding countdown for T-Minus 21 days! Thank you, Carrie Thorne for such a delightful read. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of your Foothills Romance Series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrea (Hammock and Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was my first book by the author and enjoyed her writing style, its in different characters POV but has a great flow to it all with timing, plot, the voice you want to hear. It does have F-bombs and is steamy, which I enjoy as its truly what the person is thinking and doing, Im guessing but a SEAL is not going to say gosh darn so that was nice. I really loved the two leads in this book and their real experience in this situation with her BFF and little sister banning them from getting togetherness.
I also enjoyed all the side characters and also plots that set up for future books!

I can't wait to read more of this series and more of Carrie's other books!
Overall, I give it 4 stars and 4 steam fires!



Note: Received this ARC from Hidden Gem in exchange for an honest review

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story about Asher and Sophie. She and her best friend Pippa are moving back to Foothills to prep for Pippa's wedding and getting ready to start her career as an accountant. What she doesn't expect is to finally meet Pippa's brother Archer and being drawn to him. Archer was a Navy seal and is now transitioning back to the civilian world. There are sparks from the first meeting but both promised Pippa they wouldn't seek each others company. But they start to become friends. When Archer stands up for her against get unruly Aunt it becomes harder. Great HEA for all involved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All the Days After” has hands down been one of the best book I’ve read by a new author. Gah, I absolutely loved this sexy and sweet, hilarious, swoon worthy and beyond entertaining romantic story. I couldn’t put it down nor did I want to. The characters are well developed and have depth that you feel throughout the story. These characters where real, flawed, likeable and relatable too. It had everything you need in a fabulous romance story - romance, drama, comedy, gorgeous man, sweet and sexy woman....pure, enjoyable escapism!! I can’t wait to see what else this author writes next, if it’s like this book then I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on it. Go and grab your copy today and find out for yourselves. Happy reading!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story about starting over and self discovery with a dash of finding the perfect partner in life. I appreciated that it touched topics like transitioning from military life to civilian life and abuse were incorporated (not to mention having it in a small town setting made it all the more interesting). I thought at first that with the overwhelming amount of issues of each of the characters, somehow it would not really be an enjoyable read. I was wrong though. It truly showed how life is. I was the most interested in the fact that people could always surprise other people, especially when they least expect them.

[Delacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this story from new to me author Carrie Thorne. I'm very glad she took a step away from her previous romantic suspense novels, as those aren't my jam. This book had developed characters, that we got to see the friendship and romance grow and develop over 3 weeks. While you knew that their would be some confrontations, the suspense was built nicely of "when will the shoe drop". I found it amusing who realized what was happening and a who didn't. There was a nice touch of humour in the story which I always appreciate. I look forward to reading future books in this series. Overall, a very satisfying romance. *I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book. Archer has returned from the war and is suffering from PTSD. His sister Pippa has a problem with her brother because he has had affairs with her friends since high school. Her roommate Sophie has been a frequent visitor to Pippa's home, but always when Archer was not present. When Pippa and Sophie come home for Pippa's wedding, it is the first time that Archer and Sophie have met. They each feel immediate chemistry and agree to keep it secret until after the wedding. Will Pippa find out? Will she ever be able to forgive them? Are the feelings between Archer and Sophie real? I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all over 18.

[Helen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Jones has worked hard to get her life together after a rough start after the death of her mother and living with her money-grubbing aunt. She's getting ready to settle into her new job in Foothills, Washington -- while preparing for her best friends wedding.

Home from the Navy, former SEAL Asher Sutherland is not the guy he used to be, but not sure who he is now. He knows he wants his sister's best friend Sophie -- but is also aware of all the pain he's caused his sister because of careless one night stands with her past friends.

Neither Asher nor Sophie is willing to hurt Pippa but, resisting the attraction may prove to be more challenging that either can withstand.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book that I really enjoyed. The story and characters grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters and watching them grow together, they were well written and went well together. I found this book amazing with great word building making me feel apart of the story and watching it unfold in front of me. A definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this free book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first tine I have read something by this author and was very pleased with a well written book. The characters were realistic and well developed with a clear and entertaining plot. There was only a couple small editing errors that did not take away from the story. I differently recommend this story and will read other books by her.

[Sandy Mckenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Pippa and Sophie are room mates. When college is over, Sophie goes to stay with Pippa's family for a while to look for a job and help Pippa with her wedding. Pippa's brother just got home from war. He has slept with all Pippa's friends over the years and Pippa forbids him to sleep with Sophie. So will he do as she asks? So much love in this book and a lot of steaminess. I loved it.

[adina willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the start of a new series. Asher, a former Navy Seal and womanizer, meets Sophie, an accountant. The author did a good job of making the characters relatable. The characters have chemistry but have to overcome struggles in order to be together. I can't wait for some of the other stories. I voluntarily received an ARC of this book from Book Sirens and this is my opinion.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of a sister’s best friend and her brother. I have to say I really didn’t care for the sister, Pippa. You can form your own opinion, after reading. Asher is a former Navy SEAL and has returned home. He’s staying with his parents. Sophie is getting ready to start work with their Aunt Jane, as an accountant. She’s also staying at the Sutherland home. Pippa tells Asher that Sophie is off limits to him. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say I’m so glad I read this book by Carrie Thorne.

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Days After is the first book in the Foothills Romance Series and I really enjoyed it.

I enjoyed the characters and that they at least tried to keep their relationship from Pippa so that she wouldn't be upset before her wedding. The storyline is well written and engaging, with humour, personal challenges, drama, and romance. The author did a good job of handling Asher's PTSD.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia’s best friend Pippa is getting married. They are all moving back to Pippa’s hometown to start life after graduating. Sophia is warmed about Asher who had a bit of a reputation but she sees Asher in a very different light. This is a fabulous story. The blending of Asher and Sophia building friendship as they help with Pippa’s wedding is ingenious. The characters are inspiring and lovable. I can not wait to read about the next romantic pair in this town and get updated on the other characters new lives.

I received this advance review copy free in exchange for an honest review.

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every part of this story. Sophie and Asher felt like they were destined to be together. This is the first book in a new series and I can hardly wait for the next. I felt connected to the characters and they just fit so well together. It seemed like fate that Sophie and Asher find each other. The book hit all the emotions and left me wanting to come back to Foothills! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get that it is complicated to have your best friend and your brother be together, I found myself reacting emotionally in this story. I could understand all of the characters point of view and the author did a good job portraying the complicated emotions that can come when prohibitions that do not need to be are introduced into the mix. I liked Asher and Sophie and I liked their story and how they became a them despite the complications. Good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story sets the stage for what is to come in the series. It spends a little time focusing on all the characters allowing the reader to get to know them, their struggles, weaknesses and strengths. It tells a story of transitions taking place in each of their lives as they figure out where their future goes.

Asher, who is a veteran suffering from trauma is trying to figure his psychological needs and plan his future. His sister, Pippa, is planning her wedding after graduating college. Her best friend, Sophie, is hoping for a new start away from a neglectful relative. Asher and Sophie become close which is something that could be very upsetting for Pippa. There are steamy scenes and much drama as the secrets are revealed. In the end it comes down to love and understanding to make everything work.