Member Reviews

Still kicking my feet at how adorable this was! Ever since This Tike Next Year I’ve been a huge Sophie Cousins fan and this does not disappoint. I love that it’s more than just a typical romcom.

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I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but it has been three years and I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

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*Before I Do* by Sophie Cousens is a sweet, thought-provoking romance that explores the complexity of love and commitment. The premise is intriguing: a woman on the verge of getting married suddenly questions if she’s made the right choice. I enjoyed the central themes of self-discovery and the uncertainty that often comes with big life decisions.

While the characters are relatable and the writing style is engaging, I felt like the story lacked a certain depth at times. The romance itself didn’t quite have the emotional punch I expected, and some parts felt a little predictable. The pacing also dragged in places, and I found myself wishing for more dynamic moments.

That said, *Before I Do* is still a pleasant read for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy stories about personal growth and finding clarity in relationships. It’s not a standout, but it’s definitely enjoyable if you’re looking for a light, reflective read.

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I typically love the quirkiness of Sophie Cousens’ novels, but this one was not my favorite. For one, I felt the main character, Audrey was all over the place and inconsistent. Also, there were too many side characters, and it was difficult to keep track of everyone. Her mother was infuriating and their relationship was confusing. There was a deeper layer to the story, which I appreciated. However, I had no connection to the characters and was left feeling unsure about the ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my e-ARC.

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This book has been on my Netgalley for a bit and I haven’t picked it up. I haven’t been into romance in a minute, so I’m not the right person to review it anymore.

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Sophie Cousens delivers a charming and heartfelt story in Before I Do, blending humor, romance, and a touch of introspection. The novel takes readers through Audrey’s whirlwind of emotions as she faces her wedding day—questioning her choices, grappling with what-ifs, and navigating the unexpected reappearance of a long-lost love.

One of the book's unique elements is its nonlinear timeline, jumping between Audrey's past, present, and possible futures. While this creative structure adds depth to the story, it can sometimes feel a bit confusing, especially when trying to piece together the significance of certain events. However, Cousens masterfully ties the threads together, creating a tapestry of love, loss, and self-discovery that resonates by the end.

Audrey is a relatable protagonist, grappling with universal fears about commitment and destiny. The supporting cast, including her quirky family and conflicted fiancé, adds warmth and humor, making the story richer and more engaging. Cousens' writing is witty and evocative, capturing both laugh-out-loud moments and bittersweet reflections on love and timing.

While the multiple timelines might challenge some readers, they ultimately enhance the narrative’s emotional impact. The story keeps you guessing: Is Audrey's hesitation a sign she’s marrying the wrong person, or simply cold feet? The resolution is both satisfying and heartwarming, leaving readers with a comforting sense that everything happens for a reason.

If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with depth and a sprinkle of chaos, Before I Do is a delightful read. Its exploration of love, destiny, and the choices we make will leave you smiling—and perhaps reflecting on your own what-ifs.

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Audrey is engaged two Josh, her roommate's friend and the epitome of a "nice guy". Like most brides she has pre-wedding jitters, but her anxiety takes a turn for the worse when Josh's sister arrives for their rehearsal dinner with her plus one, Fred. Audrey and Fred had met 6 years prior and spent a whirlwind day together. They had an instant connection and she believed him to be her soulmate. They had agreed to meet up the next day, but Fred never showed and they haven't been in contact since. Audrey explores the "what-ifs" of a future with Fred and wonders if its a sign she shouldn't marry Josh. This book had me hooked, wondering which of the men she'd choose a future with. Cousens did a great job keeping you in the dark without it being obvious which choice Audrey would make.

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I'm not sure how to review this....it was just an ok story. I didn't really mesh with any of the characters (maybe the grandma 😜). It took me way longer to read this because I guess I just wasn't very invested in the story. Not bad enough that I won't try this author again. I'm excited to read something else from her.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this ARC, so sorry for the very late review.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC for review!

I normally love Sophie Cousens but this was not my favorite.

Let's start with the good: I liked the flow of the book and I like when we get to go back in time and see what had previously happened.

I had a hard time with all of the story lines and felt like everyone got a little jumbled up in my head. I found Audrey so unlikeable and found myself mad at her for hemming and hawing on which guy was the right guy, I know she had previous trauma from her mom, but COME ON!!!! The fact that she was even considering Fred blew my mind, I get it if they kept having all these meet cutes and really knew a lot about each other, but they didn't!

The end of the book was also good, but I think it was telling two different stories and I just needed a little more clairity.

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Sophie Cousens is one of my top go to authors!!!! One of my authors who, I don't even have to read the sypnosis, to know I have to read her book. Her books are rom-com favorites that in my opinion should be made into movies. I loved this book so much!!!!!!!!

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3.5 stars!

I like all things weddings, and so I was excited for this book and what it had in store! Unfortunately, although this did kind of disappoint me. I did initially start this book really liking Audrey and her stories with Josh and Fred, but I didn't really love her at the end nor root for the couple she ended up being part of. I thought that she hid her behavior behind the trauma she had gone through, but it didn't feel like she had done any work to heal from that. I would definitely read more from Sophie Cousens in the future this was just not necessarily the book for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Different timelines explain Audrey's turmoil in making decisions for her future. When bad omens and disaster strikes before her wedding, does it mean she's made a mistake? Complicated relationships with friends and family don't make it easy. Is the man from the past or the man today the right man for the future? Keeping up with these time lines can be distracting and exhausting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

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Before I Do by Sophie Cousens is a delightful and romantic novel that is a perfect fit for readers who adore lighthearted, humorous stories about love, relationships, and the what-ifs of life, and are looking for a heartwarming tale that will leave them smiling and feeling uplifted.

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Honestly, I left this one to review for a long while because I kept picking it back up and putting down, The writing is good, but the trope is not for me. It’s my own fault for requesting it knowing that it’s not my favorite trope so I will rate higher for the characters and the writing which are good!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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This was a sweet book about marriage jitters and marrying your soul mate. I liked the back and forth of the time lines and thought this was a solid read. I liked Josh and Audrey and was invested in them being right for each other!

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Everything is going wrong leading up to Audrey and Josh’s wedding to include Fred, a guy Audrey met years prior and had a fun afternoon with.

The characters and their relationships with one another are well thought out and connected. They are written like real people and each helped draw me into the story even more.

The story has eventful moments, but the ending is hilarious and sweet. I do wish more time has passed between the wedding and Audrey figuring things out, I enjoyed the way the author closed out the story.

Multiple timelines are present in the book switching from multiple years past to present. The timelines are clearly marked by chapter and each builds up to the current timeline.

This book does involve scenes of unwelcome attention and inappropriate behavior.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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I've enjoyed everything I read by Sophie Cousens, and this book was no exception! I loved reading about the main character's "one that got away" along with the comedy of errors that is her wedding day in a dual timeline. The book was filled with surprises until the very end. I definitely recommend it!
Thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review

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Sophie Cousens is always a winner in my eyes! You can count on an engaging plot, cute romcom elements, easy to follow storyline, and characters that you'll like right away. The tropes in this book just weren't my favorite - I'm not a big fan of wishy-washy engagements, or a plot driven by "whats if??" This was closer to 3.5/5 stars for me.

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I'm a huge fan of Sophie Cousens and will always read anything she releases.
Cousens does an excellent job of creating likable, believable characters, even as they sometimes do unlikable things. The elements she adds to setting a scene and creating a world are top notch.
In Before I Do, a nervous bride to be is contemplating if she should marry her steady, dependable fiance - or if she should pursue the attention of a boy she had one magical day with years before who has suddenly appeared on the eve of her wedding.
The difficult part about this book is that the fiance is incredibly likable, and his affections are (plot-wise) assured through their engagement. It made the main character's neurotic waffling between the two men a bit tiresome, and the potential for tension very small between the man she eventually chooses choosing her back.

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I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great read. The author did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I love everything Sophie Cousens writes, she's an auto-buy author for me! I would highly recommend it!

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