💫 Book Review: Afterglow by Catherine Coulter
A witty, emotionally charged contemporary romance that explores chemistry, conflict, and the unexpected magic of opposites attracting.
Originally published in 1987 and now available in Kindle format under the Intermix imprint, Afterglow is a standalone novel by bestselling author Catherine Coulter. With a Goodreads rating of 3.71/5 from over 1,300 readers, the book is praised for its snappy dialogue, strong personalities, and classic romantic tension.
🧠 Plot Overview
Chelsea Lattimer is a bold, outspoken romance novelist with a free-spirited streak. David Winter is a serious, pedigreed physician with a no-nonsense approach to life. They have absolutely nothing in common—except for an undeniable, electric chemistry that neither can ignore.
When David decides to reinvent himself as one of the heroes from Chelsea’s novels in an effort to win her over, sparks fly. But their differences soon lead to fiery clashes, misunderstandings, and moments of unexpected vulnerability. Can two people from opposite worlds find common ground—or will their romance burn out before it ever truly ignites?
💬 Why Readers Enjoy It
- Opposites Attract: The dynamic between Chelsea and David is full of tension, humor, and emotional growth.
- Meta Romance: Chelsea’s career as a romance novelist adds a playful layer of self-awareness to the story.
- Classic Coulter Style: Fast-paced, emotionally driven, and full of sharp banter.
- Standalone Appeal: No series commitment—just a satisfying, self-contained love story.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers found the characters’ arguments frequent and occasionally lacking clear motivation.
- The feminist undertones, while present, clash with certain outdated gender dynamics.
- A few plot points—such as Chelsea’s virginity and David’s assumptions—felt dated or implausible to modern audiences.
📣 Notable Praise
“Catherine Coulter has created some of the most memorable characters in romance.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“There is this incredible chemistry that won’t go away.” — Amazon editorial summary
🏁 Final Verdict
Afterglow is a nostalgic, character-driven romance that captures the spark and struggle of falling for someone completely different. If you enjoy stories with fiery banter, emotional twists, and a touch of old-school charm, this one’s worth a read.
