Member Reviews
I loved experiencing the two time lines, I loved the characters and sophie cousens is a fav of mine so, I ate this up.
"Before I Do" by Sophie Cousens is a delightful and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of love, choices, and the unexpected twists that life often throws our way.
Audrey, a dreamer with her head in the stars, is preparing to marry Josh, a grounded and reliable man who seems to be the perfect match for her. Despite their differences, their relationship is steady and secure, making Josh the safe choice. However, as Audrey's wedding day approaches, doubts start to creep into her mind. Is Josh truly the one who can fulfill her deepest desires and ignite the fireworks of passion?
Just when Audrey's uncertainty reaches its peak, fate intervenes in the form of Fred, her "What If? guy"—the man she shared an unforgettable day with six years ago. When Fred unexpectedly resurfaces at the rehearsal dinner, Audrey's emotions are thrown into disarray. Is it merely a coincidence, or could this be a sign from the universe?
Sophie Cousens masterfully crafts a heartwarming and engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated from start to finish. The palpable chemistry between Audrey and Fred is infused with a bittersweet longing and sparks of undeniable connection. As Audrey's wedding plans encounter a series of mishaps, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, eagerly rooting for Audrey as she navigates her conflicting feelings.
With her signature wit and charm, Cousens delves into themes of love, loss, and the power of self-discovery. The characters are relatable and well-developed, allowing readers to connect with their joys, sorrows, and personal growth. The author's skillful storytelling draws readers into Audrey's world, making us reflect on our own choices and what truly matters in matters of the heart.
"Before I Do" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that reminds us that life is full of surprises and that following our hearts may lead us down unexpected paths. Sophie Cousens has once again delivered a captivating and uplifting story that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of love and the importance of embracing the possibilities that come our way.
Like Big Sean said, the grass ain't always greener on the other side, it's green where you water it.
Absolutely flew through this book - one of those romances where you fall in love with the guy yourself (bad jeans Josh was the best!) and you just want to shake some sense into the gal. Our FMC made some truly head-shaking decisions. All in all, I love Sophie Cousens' writing and this was a funy, feel-good story. Would recommend!
Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC of Before I Do! All opinions in this review are my own.
Sophie Cousens does it again! I loved Just Haven't Met You Yet and had high hopes starting Before I Do! Luckily, it lived up to my expectations and I couldn't put it down! I ended up reading Before I Do over the course of a day while relaxing in the sunshine!
I love books that play with the timeline when telling the story. After an exciting opening, Before I Do details Audrey's relationships with Josh and Fred interspersed with the day leading up to her wedding. I love how these flashbacks reveal more of Audrey's history as her present day is moving forward. Before I Do will keep you guessing until the end and I can't recommend it enough!
A great, emotional rom-com finally that delivers on the story, characters and ending.. The best part, it was not predictable. I have enjoyed the author's previous books too. Definitely recommended!
Thanks to Sophie Cousens, Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Already available.
First book from this author i've reviewed. The classic question of who will she pick will be in your mind throughout the book. Enjoyable read, will read more of this author. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Sophie Cousens is one of my new favorite authors. Wanna know why? Her books are so heartfelt and are so enlightening from some of the other books from authors that just write for the paycheck.
I am so lucky to have read this book because it was one that had me guessing every single time I turned the page.
I really can’t wait for her next book, I’m sure it’ll be a masterpiece!
This one took me on a whirlwind of emotions. It was witty and at times laugh out loud funny. I loved the multiple timelines and loved learning about Audrey. I’m impressed how well the book flowed and how easy all the different timelines were to follow. I couldn't stop reading because I just wanted to know who she was going to end up with and I was surprised by who she chose. I really enjoyed it, it was a delightful read.
I CANNOT GET OVER Audrey being such a dummy. Pining over a guy you spent ONE DAY with right before your wedding?! Girl, no. Think about your life. Think about your choices. However, Josh seems like a pretty good book boyfriend so there is that.
Thank you to the author, publisher and @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Is there a guiding force leading you to the right person or is it all chance? Could there be someone else out there, do you need to find the perfect person or is it all beyond your control?
Audrey is sassy,free spirited,intelligent but not traditionally educated,star lover with incredible stories from her Dad. Unfortunately, her head is stuck in the negatives from her past. She wasn’t raised seeing true love. Lost her adoring father at a young age and her incredibly self centered needy Mother jumps from husband to husband. She can’t forget Photo Booth guy she spent one fabulous unplanned day with, is he her true soulmate or are her thoughts sabotaging her future? Her self doubt and guilt is overwhelming.
Josh is Cambridge educated, a planner, neat, too organized, kind, courteous and from a stable yet humble family. Is he the real deal?
She doesn’t remember the first time they met, but mutual friends keep causing them to cross paths…she still forgets his name! When they finally get together is he the one or are they doomed?
Jumping back and forth between before I Do and after I do, lets the author take us through the details of relationships, the ups and downs, miscommunications and feel good moments. A wonderful story.
Always look up to understand yesterday and look forward to tomorrow.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.
Thank you @putnambooks
4.5 I loved this cute quirky romance that stole my heart. This book follows Audrey and Josh as they are about to get married. All is going to plan until Fred shows up Audrey’s what if. Six years ago Audrey meets Fred but due to a series of bad luck they ended up not seeing each other again until Audrey’s wedding weekend causing Audrey to question her stable boring relationship. This book was so cute and funny I loved all of the characters . I also really enjoyed her exploration of what relationships should be had me intrigued as well. Look forward to picking up more from this author in the future! I would like to thank net galley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.
Audrey is getting married to dependable Josh. During the wedding rehearsal Josh’s sister brings along Fred who Audrey had one day with, but never heard from again. Audrey always wondered what if things had worked out with them how her life would be.
At times I was frustrated because it was one day with a guy and how much is really invested or how much do you know a person by one day? It was as if Audrey had her head in the clouds.
Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy
I LOVED my last read from Sophie Cousens so I was super disappointed that this one fell short for me. I loved the characters, setting, and plot, but the time jumps were so confusing and completely ruined it for me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I genuinely did not know how this was going to turn out — and that realistic (yet totally whimsical) tension made this charming book propulsive. Really lovely.
I was hoping to love this one but it was not super. I didn't connect to the story and it was kind of boring.
The night before her wedding to Josh, Audrey wonders if Josh is really the one. Yes, their relationship is stable and healthy, but it’s missing the sparks and fireworks. When Josh’s sister brings Fred, Audrey’s the one who got away, as her date, she begins to wonder if that is fate’s way of stepping in.
I love Sophie Cousens’ writing, and while I don’t always love a love triangle, this one worked for me. I really appreciate books that make you think how your entire life might be different if you had changed one small thing, and in some ways this book hit on that. At first, I wasn’t even sure who I wanted Audrey to end up with. I thought the alternating timelines were perfect in this situation and really allowed the reader to see the full backstory. This book really has it all - it’s funny, emotional, and gets you thinking. Another hit from Sophie Cousens!
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.
I stumbled across this title while at Barnes & Noble and it caught my eye.
"Before I Do" follows Audrey during the hours before her wedding day. Audrey is about to marry a very practical man, Josh. The day is planned, and she is at her rehearsal, everything seems to be falling into place, until Fred walks in. Fred was Audrey's one-night-stand from years ago, and the guy she never really got over. Perhaps this is a sign from the universe that Fred is her soulmate...
I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.
This book was not at all what I was expecting! I was expecting the book to go one way, then it would take a twist and I would be so pleasantly surprised. The way that Cousens wove the different timelines with each of the men was really well done. Definitely binged this in a couple of days.
I'll read anything Sophie Cousens writes - she just really nails the quintessential British contemporary fiction genre for me. I enjoyed this book just as much as her previous books - and I like that her stories are never predictable, It took me a while to figure out who the real love interest was. I can't wait for her next novel -- thank you for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy.