I read this book a while ago, and for that I apologize. I remember really liking it and loving the main dynamic, but I don't remember much about the plot in general. I think that speaks to the strength of a book, good but not lasting.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was brilliantly written, but it just wasn’t the book for me. While I’ve loved Sophie’s other books, this one I had a hard time with. I didn’t love the characters or the wedding premise. I eventually found myself just waiting for the conclusion.

I’d recommend this one as an audiobook.

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.

What an adorable story. I loved how “the one that got away” should have gotten away. I feel like that is actually the case more often than not. This was adorably cute with characters that you can’t help but love.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens. Pub Date: October 11, 2022. Rating: 4 stars. First off, I will read anything Sophie Cousens writes. I just absolutely adore her style of writing with British humor, quick wit and full of emotions that are relatable and understandable. In this book, she answers the question "What would you do if the one that got away turned up the night before your wedding?" Using both past and present narrative style, the reader is taken on a journey of Audrey's love life up until her pending wedding. This book offered all of the feels and I read it fairly quickly because I had to know what was going to happen. I really enjoyed this novel. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #beforeIdo #netgalley

I love Sophie Cousens and I loveeee a “what-if” romcom. I enjoyed the glimpses of Audrey’s past and thought they transitioned well between the present. The characters were charming, and this was a really cute read!

I read this novel during my own wedding season which made it all the more addictive to read for me. Audrey's "What If" guy turns up on the arm of her future sister-in-law to her rehearsal dinner which prompts the initiation of mental olympics for Audrey. Is the universe trying to give her another chance with this man, or if this some cosmic joke? Audrey begins to question everything in her life and what has led her to be where she is today and in which direction she would like to steer her future. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam and Sons for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Short synopsis: The night of her wedding, Audrey runs into the guy who might have got away Fred. Now she’s reliving her time with Fred, and her relationship with her fiancée Josh.

My thoughts: This was the perfect light hearted read, with so much humor and depth. I love the deep dive Cousen’s took into marriage and love as a whole, such a great reminder that sometimes the big picture is made up of the little things.

There were so many witty moments that had me giggling, Granny Parker and the balcony scene to name a few. The big problems the night before and day of the wedding while extreme actually made sense and added a bit of humor to the chaos.

The nonlinear timelines were done just right, to where we get small glimpses into Audrey’s life and how her mothers relationships made her doubt fate and her own choices and acceptance of her worth. Overall such a cute story with great characters and growth!

Read if you love:
- Fate and destiny
- Nonlinear timelines
- Humorous moments
- Grand gestures
- The every day moments
- Love triangles

An easy read.

Audrey is in a pickle six years ago she had one date with Fred the guy she could not forget. They had a second date planned and he never showed up but she remembers how different and excited she felt. She then packed him away as a memory.

Then she got together with Josh, he is everything Fred is not, reliable, dependable and when Josh unexpectedly proposes and they start to plan their wedding and during the rehearsal random things happen and Audrey thinks the universe is showing her one sign after another maybe Josh is not the one.

Then her sister in law to be brings a plus one to the rehearsal dinner and Audrey thinks it’s another sign and thinks Fred is the answer to what she is looking for.

I really enjoyed this book! Again, Sophie Cousens did not disappoint. I read this book in one sitting! She is one of my auto-buy authors! I would definitely recommend this book.

Sophie Cousens is an auto-read author for me. I love her flawed characters and their messy lifestyles. "Before I Do" gives us a bride who is getting married tomorrow yet comes face to face with the "one" she has never forgotten.

The night before Audrey and Josh's wedding is filled with nothing but chaos. Add in Fred, the one-man Audrey can't forget about, the one that has her thinking "what if" and walking through memory lane of their short time together, and readers gets a play by play of what is the most chaotic "I dos" in any rom-com I've ever read.

If you're looking for a binge worthy romantic comedy, "Before I Do" would make for the perfect read.

Sophie Cousens does it again. As gleamed from the summary, you are getting into a potential love triangle with a past love and potential future husband which could have played out in so many ways. I really enjoyed the glimpses of her past while she is trying to walk through the choices she is about to make. It felt fun yet honest and I definitely would recommend!

I really enjoyed the book because Sophie Cousens has a unique voice that really shines through in her writing in her works. The two timelines blended seamlessly and I loved to see the evolution of the main character's personality and decision making. She did frustrate me at times, but I was really happy with the happily ever after at the end! It highlighted a lot of thoughts that I feel like every bride feels going into their wedding day and I truly was conflicted about which man I wanted the lead to go with. Would you pick the what-if or the one you think you love?

Book Review: Before I Do

"Before I Do" by an unnamed author takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring the delicate balance between stability and the sparks of true love. Audrey, a dreamer with her head in the stars, is about to marry Josh, a pragmatic and down-to-earth individual. Though their differences make them polar opposites, their relationship is stable and healthy, making Josh the perfect partner for Audrey. However, as the wedding day approaches, Audrey begins to question if Josh is truly the one who can set her heart on fire.

The story takes a compelling turn when Audrey's past resurfaces in the form of Fred, her "What If?" guy—the man she had an unforgettable day with six years ago. As Fred reappears on the eve of her wedding, Audrey is faced with a dilemma. The unexpected twists continue as the wedding preparations spiral into chaos, leaving Audrey to ponder if fate is trying to send her a message, attempting to prevent a monumental mistake.

The narrative is engaging and tugs at the heartstrings as it navigates the complexities of love, doubt, and the unpredictable nature of destiny. The author effectively portrays the struggle of Audrey, torn between her safe relationship with Josh and the lingering memory of her extraordinary day with Fred. The character development is well-rounded, making Audrey's internal struggle and growth relatable and emotionally charged.

The story's strength lies in its exploration of human emotions and the choices that define our lives. The writing style is crisp, allowing the readers to immerse themselves in Audrey's journey of self-discovery. The underlying theme of fate and destiny is skillfully intertwined with humor and a touch of romance, adding depth to the storyline.

"Before I Do" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt novel that delves into the uncertainties of love and the perplexities of destiny. The blend of romance and introspection makes this book a worthwhile read, leaving readers contemplating the enigmatic twists that fate often throws our way. It's a tale of love, choice, and the sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant way in which destiny unfolds.

I loved this story! It kept me guessing until the end. I listened to the audiobook and recommend it.

This was a cute read and I enjoyed the pace of the story. There was a moment where it lost me but overall the story line kept my attention and I enjoyed it! This convinced me to read more books by Sophie Cousens.

Sophie Cousens continues to deliver charming book, after charming book, and this one is perfect to add to that collection. This is a mix of doubting one's choices, everything going wrong all at once, and discovering who you are amongst the chaos. I enjoyed reading about Audrey's journey and what brought her to this situation. This book cements Sophie Cousens as a favorite author of mine!

This looks like a simple rom com, but is so much more! I enjoyed the timeline of this book being so organized as I'm a planner (more of a Josh!). I enjoyed the slow release details of the MC's past and starting to understand her more when you were frustrated with her initially. A great book to discuss "do you believe in soulmates or the one"? And all that comes with marriage and relationships going so much deeper to the root of who we are as individuals.

I usually love Sophie Cousens, but Before I Do did not hook me in the beginning and it was hard to get through. It did not flow the way her other stories do, and I could not get interested in the characters.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library.
Wow were to even start. The main female character is absolutely the most disgusting horribly selfish person I have ever met. I feel so sorry for her finance... He deserves so much better.
I knew starting this book by the main female character refusing to even address her mom as mom says a lot about her character. She only does it because she is a feminist and tired of the normal system by doing what everyone else does.
I absolutely cannot believe that 6 years later after seeing a guys photo from a photo booth where they didn't even date or have a relationship make her second guess marrying her fiance... All because he could have been the what if? 🙄