Chasing of the Last Lover

Pre-Preface – Abbey Decker 

My name is Abbey Decker, and I have been a proofreader, editor, and author coach to hundreds of diverse writers since 2018. Literature is my livelihood, and when I left my boring proofreading job in immigration law six years ago, I dedicated my life to the everlasting pursuit of the next great stories, told by the most unique and creative voices of my generation. 

I didn’t need to search long—or even very far—to find them. From my early forays into science fiction and space operas (particularly, Star Marque Rising by Shami Stovall and the Repatriate Protocol series by Kelli Kimble) to my long-standing partnerships with urban fantasy writers Petra van der Ploeg (of the Somnia Series), Kevin Johnson (of the Element Saga series), and Elandriel Decker (Midnight Men and Sheep’s Clothing), and finally to my five-year partnership with Jade Lawson, esteemed and award-winning fantasy author of Whispers of a Rose and Storm of Ashes and Darkness (slated for wide publication in 2025 and already optioned for a feature film), I can confidently say that I have pivoted through thousands of plot twists, climbed over a wealth of character arcs, dangled from more than a few cliffhangers—and even pulled the trigger on some smoking Chekhov’s guns. 

When the ambitious writing team of Ariana Damon contacted me in September 2024 with the promise of an epic tale laced with dark humor, political gaffes, steamy romance, and star-crossed misadventures set primarily in a fast-paced television studio full of sexy young opportunists in Stockholm, Sweden, I was instantly intrigued. The story sounded not just unique or creative but undeniably bizarre—and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It wasn’t every day that I got the opportunity to work on a novel that featured an accidentally-on-purpose global impotence pandemic that led to a classic “last man on Earth” scenario for one adorable-yet-hapless Swedish screenwriter just trying to get a pilot made. It was something straight out of a Chuck Palaniuk novel—except even Chuck couldn’t dream up a plot so full of charming absurdity, in which even former U.S. President Barack Obama shows up to dole out witty one-liners while the greatest political minds of our generation bicker and scheme about how to divvy up their countries’ women to repopulate the Earth.

Now, this was a story.

As I began my edits, I quickly fell in love with our plucky hero, Cyrus Danielsson. He was about as everyman as a main character could be, a starry-eyed optimist with big dreams but no idea how to achieve them, waiting patiently to pounce on his moment in the sun. He was unlucky in love and bumbling with women, but so naturally charming in his earnestness that one wondered how he had remained single for so long. I could almost see him on the small screen, played with quirky aplomb by a rosy-cheeked indie actor like Vilhelm Blomgren (of Midsommer and Clark fame), captivating international audiences into binge-watching episode after episode of his mounting misadventures, rooting for him to find love and success. It was simply impossible to dislike Cyrus, and Ariana Damon clearly knows this; they bet on the right horse when they created such a clumsy, yet surprisingly charismatic protagonist. 

Apart from Cyrus, there is much to enjoy about The Chasing of the Last Lover’s rich worldbuilding, global narrative, and action-heavy plot full of surprising twists and turns. Ariana Damon approaches their vision with a cinematic scope, not satisfied to limit their perspective to a handful of characters but extending the narrative voice to a host of eccentric characters in multiple converging subplots. The Chasing of the Last Lover gleefully charts a grand adventure that is offbeat, surreal, occasionally controversial, and even borders on the avant-garde, all while offering subtle cultural commentary on capitalism and the perils of chasing fame. Ariana Damon’s playfully crafted narrative is full of fourth-wall breaking sarcasm and irony that keeps readers entertained—tickled, even—as characters often muse on the absurdity of their situations that seem to have been orchestrated by the fickle hand of fate itself. As the interwoven plotlines careen towards each other with the unstoppable force of a freight train, readers may find themselves unable to resist succumbing to schadenfreude; it is an unexpected delight to watch the stakes escalate into the stratosphere as fate has its merry way with these deeply flawed, oddly lovable, and undeniably human characters. 

The Chasing of the Last Lover surprises at every turn, and I can say with full honesty that I have never read such an original and unconventional story in my career as an editor. 

—Abbey Decker (September 7, 2024) 

 

 

Pre-Preface – Ariana Damon 

Before we embark on this fantastical journey filled with absurdity, whimsy, and unexpected adventures, I must clarify one small but crucial detail. If you

 stumble upon familiar faces, like the esteemed Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt enjoying a quiet lunch at Görvälns Castle, or former President Barack Obama casually doling out life advice to our protagonist, then please remember they are just as surprised as you are. Görvälns Castle, a charming, historic estate-turned-hotel in Järfälla, Sweden, serves as just one of the many delightfully improbable settings in this tale.

None of these illustrious figures—be it Persbrandt, Obama, or any other celebrity—have consented to or are ev

en aware of their appearances within these pages. The truth is, I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting them in person. Their participation is purely the product of my overactive imagination. If any of them take offense at their unsolicited inclusion, I offer my sincerest apologies. But, as they say, fame comes with its quirks. 

 

This book, The Chasing of the Last Lover, is more than a cavalcade of famous faces and humorous escapades. It touches on universal human experiences—our quest for love, belonging, and understanding. Imagine a world where almost every man suddenly finds himself unable to engage in one of the most basic acts of intimacy. Absurd? Absolutely. But therein lies the beauty of this story. We follow characters grappling with a new reality that challenges everything they once took for granted. 

You will encounter detailed scenes that delve into intimate moments, not merely for titillation, but to underscore the profound loss of such a fundamental aspect of human connection. These moments are not gratuitous but highlight the stark contrast between what was once possible and what is suddenly unattainable. 

Not everything in this book will make sense. Some parts will defy logic entirely. But that’s the point! The purpose of this novel is not to provide a realistic portrayal; in crafting this story, I’ve woven together a tapestry that blends the fantastical with the mundane, the logical with the nonsensical. I hope you’ll enjoy its uniqueness and forgive the occasional lapses into the delightfully illogical.

Before we dive in, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to a few extraordinary individuals who made this English edition possible. First and foremost, my thanks go to William Harwell, whom I serendipitously met on the social platform Threads. William’s enthusiasm for my book, originally published only in Swedish, was a driving force behind this translation. He purchased the Swedish eBook from Amazon—where, by the way, it reached #1 in Swedish Language Fiction. William then used online translation tools and carefully adjusted the language for clarity. 

However, as I reflected on the translated text and the adjustments made, I realized that to truly capture the nuances and voice of the original, I needed to rewrite the book in my own words. William’s contributions were invaluable in laying the foundation, and it was through his support that I realized the need to rewrite the text to ensure it felt authentic and true to my voice. 

I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Abbey Decker, whose editorial expertise and insightful guidance have shaped this final version. Her sharp eye for detail and deep understanding of storytelling have elevated this manuscript, helping me push the narrative to new heights. Abbey, your dedication and enthusiasm for the project were nothing short of inspiring, and your feedback played a crucial role in refining this book into what it is today. 

Without the initiative and support of both William and Abbey, this English edition would not have come to fruition. Their efforts brought me closer to realizing my dream of sharing this story with a wider audience. You are both truly remarkable, and I will forever cherish your contributions. 

Thank you for choosing to read my book. 

—Ariana Damon 

 

Purchase On Amazon 

 

The Big Uk Talk Radio Review 

Geoff Carter from the flagship breakfast show  at UK Talk Radio looks “The Chasing of the Last Lover”: The Pandemic Love Story I Didn’t Know I Needed

I Couldn’t Put This Book Down

 

Ariana Damon’s The Chasing of the Last Lover took me on a whirlwind I wasn’t expecting, and I loved every absurd minute of it. When I first picked up this book, I thought, “How bizarre can a pandemic plotline get?” Turns out, pretty bizarre—and wildly entertaining. Imagine a world where men are suddenly rendered impotent, and our hapless hero Cyrus Danielsson, originally from Stockholm, becomes the accidental last eligible man who might just save the world. What follows is a rollercoaster of satire, romance, and enough twists to make your head spin.

 

A Hilarious, Satirical Take on Love and Power

 

From the moment Cyrus finds himself thrust into the spotlight, I was hooked. Damon’s writing perfectly balances humour and heart, weaving in razor-sharp cultural commentary with laugh-out-loud absurdity. The premise alone—world leaders scrambling to “redistribute” men—is enough to draw you in, but it’s the execution that truly shines.

 

And let’s talk about the characters. Barack Obama making dry-witted cameos? I didn’t know I needed that in my life. Add in the chaotic television studio setting, political drama, and Cyrus’ awkward yet charming personality, and you’ve got a cast that feels both surreal and incredibly relatable.

 

A Love Story Unlike Any Other

 

At its heart, The Chasing of the Last Lover is about more than just global chaos or satirical humour—it’s about one man’s search for meaning and love in a world gone mad. Cyrus’ romantic escapades are messy, heartfelt, and often hilarious, but they carry a deeper message about the human condition.

 

I found myself rooting for him as he stumbled through scandal, star-crossed love, and a chance to redefine his entire life. Damon’s knack for blending romance with social critique makes this book a standout in its genre.

 

Plot Twists That Kept Me Guessing

 

If you think you know where this story is headed, think again. From political standoffs to steamy mishaps, The Chasing of the Last Lover throws in curveballs at every turn. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist would hit, leaving me eager to keep reading. Damon doesn’t just keep you entertained—she keeps you on your toes.

 

Final Thoughts: A Must-Read for Fans of Satire and Romance

 

Whether you’re a fan of satirical fiction, romantic adventures, or just looking for something completely different, The Chasing of the Last Lover delivers. Ariana Damon has crafted a story that’s equal parts hilarious, thought-provoking, and deeply human.

 

If you’re ready for a book that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear or two, do yourself a favour and grab this one. Trust me—you won’t regret it.

 

 

See This book In The Uk Talk Radio Best Books Chart

 

 

 

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