After Class – A Forbidden Romance Between Desire and Academia
- athinafernwood
- Oct 5, 2024
- 3 min read

Heartbreak has a way of pushing people to do wild things—impulsive decisions made in moments of vulnerability. For Cassandra, the night she indulged in a reckless escape from her feelings led to something unexpected.
In Athina Fernwood’s After Class, the gripping tension between passion and the boundaries of authority explodes in a forbidden love affair that challenges conventions and stirs emotions.
Let’s dive into this steamy story where desire, heartbreak, and professional boundaries blur, making this novel an intoxicating blend of romance, angst, and suspense.
Cassandra, fresh off a painful breakup, finds herself in the arms of a man who checks all her boxes: he’s powerful, confident, and exudes dominance. She never expected their night of passion to lead anywhere else—it was meant to be a one-time thing, a fleeting escape from her pain. But fate, it seems, has other plans.
The next morning brings a shocking revelation—Cassandra's irresistible one-night stand is no random stranger. He’s her professor, the one who will be guiding her academic future. The moment she steps into his classroom, everything changes.
Suddenly, what was supposed to be a forgotten hookup is thrust into her daily reality. The classroom turns into a stage of unbearable tension, and their private tutoring sessions are filled with more than just academic lessons.
After Class plays with the trope of power dynamics, exploring the tension between authority and attraction. The professor-student relationship adds layers of complexity, with both characters forced to navigate not only their physical desires but also the emotional implications of their connection.
It begs the question: How do you balance what you want with what’s right?
This novel also digs deep into the healing process after a breakup. For Cassandra, her ex is a ghost that lingers over her decisions, pushing her into new experiences as she tries to reclaim her sense of self. Her new relationship offers an intense form of liberation but comes with its own consequences.
Cassandra’s character is relatable, flawed, and driven by a mix of emotions—longing, confusion, and the urge to break free from her past. Her chemistry with her professor is undeniable, and it’s through their interactions that we see her struggle with her boundaries and desires. As much as she wants to keep her personal life separate from her academic one, the lines become more and more blurred with every stolen glance and secret encounter.
The professor, on the other hand, is mysterious and confident—exactly the type of figure who pulls Cassandra in. His dominance isn’t just physical; it extends to his authoritative role in her life. Yet, as the story unfolds, we see cracks in his façade, revealing vulnerability and his own inner turmoil about the ethics of their relationship.
This book offers readers more than just steamy romance. It’s a delicate balance between exploring the thrill of breaking the rules and the weight of responsibility that comes with power. Athina Fernwood masterfully handles the forbidden romance trope without losing sight of the emotional depth behind the characters’ actions.
The tension between Cassandra and her professor isn’t just about the lust that keeps them tied together; it’s about the consequences of their actions. Each interaction leaves readers questioning: What happens when desire goes too far? Can Cassandra and her professor truly find a way to be together without everything falling apart?
After Class is a tantalizing romance that plays with power dynamics, personal growth, and the complexities of forbidden love.
Athina Fernwood takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with desire, heartbreak, and the struggle to reconcile passion with professionalism. If you're in the mood for a romance that dares to cross boundaries and explore uncharted emotional territories, this is the book for you.
Cassandra’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the heart wants what it wants, even if it's the last thing it should have. After Class captures this beautifully, offering a seductive, thought-provoking read for romance lovers.
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