A wonderful, sad story with amusing moments that touch my heart.
Alice and Alfie fall in love while recovering from tragic life altering accidents, even though they haven't actually physically seen each other.
5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author and publisher for a copy of this book. The Opinions expressed are my own.

This book wasn't what I had expected by the synopsis in the cover however I did enjoy it once I got over that.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

We have two people, Alice and Alfie, who have been through some intense physical ailments (Alice was in a fire and Alfie lost his leg) and are both in a hospital. They are right next door to each other and through conversations, fall in love.

This book had so much potential. I love the whole "falling in love without seeing each other' trope. I think it can be extremely romantic and great if written properly.

There were some pluses to this book. I think that she really brought both Alfie and Alice to life in this book. I loved the dialogue with each other and with those around them. I loved how smart and witty this book was.

The downside was that there wasn't enough dialogue between Alice and Alfie. While it could be implied that they had more conversation that weren't on page it didn't feel like they knew each other enough to have fallen completely in love. This could have been written a bit better. And the ending was quite abrupt. I feel like there was a lot of build up to the end and then it was rushed to get to what we needed to happen.

While the book was a quick read and overall not bad, it didn't quite deliver on the premise and promise.

Well this is not what I expected. It was raw and angsty, which does not match with the beautiful cover. I have some concerns with the way mental health is explored and described in this book. I was also confused by certain timelines. Altogether I don't think this book was for me.

Emily Houghton is a new author and I enjoyed her debut novel so much, I can't wait to read more from her! in "Before I Saw You", Alfie and Alice are both in the same hospital ward. Alfie is recovering from having his leg amputated and Alice is recovering from burning/scarring over 40% of her body. They quickly become friends without ever seeing each other, and begin to develop a real connection. The whole ward feels like a little family, and I enjoyed reading about all the different relationships that form. I loved the sweet, authentic chemistry between the two, and I found myself really rooting for the two of them. The only thing I wish this book had was more of a developed conclusion and more time spent on their first meeting.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

The experience of reading Before I Saw You for the first time is one, aside from the obvious reason, that will be unable to be replicated. Even if I reread it somewhere down the line, it's unlikely that the first time Alice speaks to Alfie will be as exciting. And that ending, that damned ending, will not hit me the same way. I mean, I don't know if I will ever feel about it the way I do right this moment because, for some books, there's nothing like the first time. I'm currently basking in the loveliness of this novel. If I could, I'd like to bottle up what I'm feeling so that I can feel this way whenever I wanted. It's an absolute gem.

This is a moving, character-driven story that follows two people in need of healing, both physically and emotionally, and unexpectedly finding solace in each other. From disgruntled roommates (at least on the part of Alice) and then to becoming friends, their relationship begins to feel like something more, all the while separated by a curtain and never laying eyes on one other. I savored the inner dialogue and the connection between Alfie and Alice. Houghton had me chuckling one moment and near tears the next. Alfie and Alice would share these significant pieces of themselves that ripped my heart out, and then the most sarcastic things would come out of their mouths. My emotions were all over the place. I couldn't put the book down even if I tried. These are my kind of characters, and if they were real, they'd be my kind of people. Having been inside their heads so long, it felt like I was saying goodbye to friends when I finally finished reading.

The book is a slow read that requires immersing yourself in this difficult period in Alfie's and Alice's lives, to connect with them as they connect with each other. I adored the book.

⭐⭐⭐💫

I requested Before I Saw You on a whim. I didn't even the synopsis, but decided I would pray to the goddess of Netgalley approvals when I saw it compared to Me Before You.

My prayer was answered and I am so thankful to @gallerybooks and @netgalley for providing me with this copy in exchange for an honest review.

We alternate between Alfie and Alice's POVs after each being in terrible accidents and ends up being roommates in the same ward.

As we know, grief is not a one way street, and there is not a single answer/solution. Houghton does a great job letting her characters work through their grief and deal with their trauma in a way that works for them.

Though it felt long-winded at times, I loved the story and it's message. I would also like to point out, this is not a book of romance, which was what I went in expecting. It is about connecting with people on on deeper level and appreciating life on all levels. If you love character driven, slow burn, and emotionally moving stories- pick Before I Saw You up!

Are you in need of a good cry but just can’t release those tears? Y’all. #emilyhoughton #beforeisawyou is THE book you MUST READ. Seriously. I am overcome with such emotions and pure love. #myheart❤️ #gallerybooks here we are introduced to Alice. She’s been badly burned. After being moved to the rehabilitation side of the hospital she “shares” her bedside with a man named Alfie. Their story. These two humans. It is absolutely beautiful. Ten out of ten #bookrecommendations for you. You will feel #allthefeels❤️ #netgalley #reviews #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofig #netgalleyreview

I enjoyed this pretty well - I can't remember if I've read this author before or not, but I'd read her again. The story flowed well, the dialogue was good, overall I'd recommend this book!

After a fire in her office building, Alice wakes up to find herself in the hospital recovering, half her body covered in severe burns. Physically and mentally scarred from the event, she can't bring herself to speak or to let anyone but the nurses see her for fear of their reactions. Her bed neighbor, Alfie, who is recovering from having his leg amputated following a car accident, doesn't shut up and he's made it his job to get Alice speaking again. The two eventually find themselves becoming friends, talking about their traumatic experiences. Despite the fact that they've never seen each other, they start to fall in love.

The contrast in personalities between chatty and cheerful Alfie and fiercely independent, career-driven Alice is what makes this book work. They are both in great physical and emotional pain and bond over the wounds they're trying to heal. The book is all talk - there is a heavy emphasis on internal healing and hence it's heavy on the internal monologue.

My only complaint about this book is the abrupt ending. The plot moves slowly, only for the most rushed ending I think I've ever read. Yes, the ending emphasizes the fact that the physical is not the most important or even the 10th most important thing in a relationship...but I would have loved some sort of comment on what they thought about each other. I would have loved a kiss even better!

Alice and Alfie meet in the most unlikely of places: the long-term unit of St. Francis' Hospital. Both have been through traumatic experiences -- Alice is recovering from horrific burns over half of her body and Alfie is learning how to walk with the use of a prosthetic after losing a leg in a car crash that took two of his best friends. Alice responds to her trauma by refusing to speak to anyone and won't let anyone but nurses and doctors physically see her; the other residents in the ward are forced behind their own curtains anytime she goes to physical therapy. Alfie, on the other hand, is the life of the party, keeping everyone in good spirits and can get just about anyone to open up to him. With Alfie, Alice has met her match. But Alfie's got a challenge on his hands: not only is it difficult to get Alice to open up, but he finds himself drawn to her and letting his own "happy go lucky" shield down to reveal his true self around her. These two just may bring out the best in each other, even when they're at their worst...

Thoughts: This was a charming story about friendship, loss, love, and resilience. At the sake of a terrible pun, this one's a slow burn for romance fans, but those looking for a realistic love story where "love at first sight" isn't possible will find just what they've been waiting for. Alfie and Alice are complex characters that readers will get to know very well by the end of the novel, and neither of them has a simple story to tell. I loved how Emily Houghton gave them captivating backstories to go along with an already captivating story line. Alfie is absolutely perfect for Alice, and vice versa, even though neither of them is quite perfect themselves.

woah woah whoa, I was not expecting this to be so deep. I'm not sure if the angsty nature of being sick and in the hospital trope really does it for me though. Like drinking the champainge? Extremely irresponsible and really not likely or realistic. Ehh 3 stars.

Alice and Alfie are both in a medical rehabilitation hospital when they meet on the ward. They are both dealing with a difficult recovery and meet when they are at their most vulnerable. I like that the book draws into vulnerability to create a love created out of the ether in the most unlikeliest places. I felt that the closeness was a little forced at times in the book, but ended up feeling natural towards the end. The aspect of them never having laid eyes on each other feels novel, but in this case really draws into the story and the connection. I would really like to read more from this author in the future. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

This one started off a bit slow for me - but once the relationship between the two characters started to build, it moved a little faster. The was a cute, slow burn romance. I appreciated that both characters had to come to a place of acceptance for their own situation and trauma, before they could truly dive into the romantic side of the relationship; I also appreciated the quirky friendship the two developed.

While the setting is a bit stagnant (a hospital recovery ward) the author did a good job of vary the storyline - with visits from families and friends, interspersing doctors visits, and have a few other supporting characters.

Alice Gunnesley was an independent , hard working person. There was little life outside the office. In her need to achieve, she worked so much that when a malfunction happened in the building her firm was in and caught fire., she barely escaped with her life. Alfie Mack was out having a good time with the guys until a vehicle crossed the lane, killed his two friends and left him without a limb. This is their story going through rehab. Alfie, the positive upbeat person who still has nightmares. Alice refused to be seen by anyone. Trust her BFF to fly halfway around the world to be their for her. While they were on the rehab floor, you lived in a cocoon. Everyone is struggling with something. Once out, how to cope becomes another issue. It takes a stranger to help Alice. It takes strength and courage to face life changing events and still choose to fall in love. The ending was perfect.

This was a bittersweet, heart-breaking story. Alice and Alfie “meet” in the hospital after they both have severe, life-changing accidents. As Alice refuses to let anyone see her, they get to know each other just by talking and holding hands.
I felt the story was a little drawn out. As a reader, I only need so much “getting-to-know-you” and self deprecation. I did really enjoy Alfie and Alice as characters, though.
The ending could have given us a little more. It was rather abrupt after all that we went through, getting to know everyone.
I gave it 4 stars.

3.5 stars- I really enjoyed this book. I really liked both characters and their chemistry, although I could have used more conversations/interaction between them to really explain how they fell in love. I also really wish I could have gotten Alfie’s perspective at the end! To be honest, the ending was just a bit disappointing.
There were a few elements I had questions about (some of these could be UK vs US things). The doctor who speaks with Alice throughout the book is referred to as Mr. instead of Dr. Maybe that’s a UK thing, but here they would always be referred to as Dr., including when they introduce themselves.
Several times in the story, the two main characters hold hands on either side of the curtain between them while lying in their hospital beds. I can’t see how the logistics of this would work. It mentions a wheelchair being able to fit beside the bed, so I can’t imagine they could get close enough to hold hands.
I wondered at the time Sarah brought champagne for she and Alice to drink at one point. Wouldn’t that be very dangerous with the pain killers I’m assuming she was on?
Probably the most frustrating part of the book for me was When Allie is insisting on going to Mr. P to “help” him, and was trying to get Alice to get him his crutches, it just didn’t make sense. It didn’t make sense that he wouldn’t find a way to get to his crutches I’d the situation was that dire (considering it’s supposed to be a small enough space that he and Alice could hold hands), but it also didn’t make sense that he was so insistent on it going to Mr. P in the first place. What did he expect to do when the nurses were there doing their jobs? How did he expect to help and why would he get upset at Alice when there was nothing he could actually do? It seems the author was trying to come up with some kind of catalyst for a small falling out between the main characters, but this just seemed contrived.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would like to check out other books written by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me access to this eARC!

Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton was a story of connections in the most unlikely places and circumstances. I absolutely loved Alice and Alfie. They are different but because of their current setting, they develop an unlikely friendship and maybe more. But what happens as they get better? Will they still share that connection, or will things change? What drew me in was their connection without ever seeing each other. It was just them getting to know each other. The ending was a bit unexpected but overall a good read.

Happy reading!

I'm picky about romance novels; I usually read every other genre except romance. But occasionally a thoughtful, well written romance comes across my shelves. Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton is one of those incredible, complex contemporary romances that absolutely stole my heart!

I know the setting and characters are English, but I couldn't help but picture Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard as Alice and Alfie. They're such neat, realistic characters with fully fleshed out personalities, strengths and flaws, and back stories. I looooved the supporting characters too! The other patients, friends, and family were each well placed.

Alice and Alfie's stories are intense. They each deal with physical and emotional trauma. This book explores the aftermath of tragic accidents compounded with childhood traumas. Sounds heavy, right? But it's mixed into a lovely friendship between Alice and her bestie, Alfie's radiating warmth as he befriends nearly everyone around him, and a wonderful sense of humor.

This felt like a nice, long book as I read it; like I was properly following along in their steps, and I had a hard time putting it down. My one and only criticism is that the ending felt sudden. I wanted more! There's so much build up, then it's over. But still, it's so wonderful.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review!