The title of The One Before The One really caught my attention, but the story left me wanting more, I was hoping for 'lessons in love', but it didn't quite deliver. While the time travel aspect had potential, a dual timeline could've worked better. The main plot twist? So disappointing! And the love triangle? Not my favorite trope, especially when its brothers. While it wasn't like other books I've read, it just wasn't for me.

This story was intense to say the least! I’m in awe of the way Emma Cooper has written this beautiful story of the trials and uncertainty of love. There were so many times I was confident that I knew what was going to happen only to find out I couldn’t have been more wrong! (I’m talking about the chapter switches here)

I’d recommend this for fans of romances with HUGE plot twists (and I mean HUGE)

This book had so much potential, and while I enjoyed parts of it, it didn’t entirely work for me. The premise is intriguing: a second chance to relive a week that could change everything, but as the story unfolded, it started to feel like there was just too much going on. The mix of romance, grief, and time bending drama was compelling at first, but it became overwhelming, and the story didn’t go the way I thought it would (or hoped it would).

Liv’s emotional journey is heartfelt, and I appreciated the exploration of love, loss, and what it means to move forward. However, some of the plot choices felt a bit overdone or unnecessary, and that detracted from the overall impact for me. I was left wanting something more cohesive and less scattered.

That said, Emma Cooper’s writing is engaging, and I can see this book resonating with readers who love emotional stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.

ARC review - wow this was definitely not what I expected. I don’t even know what i expected to be honest. But I really enjoyed the book. I loved the time travel elements and how there were so many twists I was not expecting and I was really hooked. Each chapter ended and I wanted more.

On her wedding day, Liv unexpectedly goes back in time, 7 years ago. 6 days before her boyfriend goes missing. Trying to find out what had happened to Kit and try to stop him in the past.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s something I’ll think about regularly.

(There were a few spelling mistakes)

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Liv and Kit had a seemingly perfect and adventurous relationship, up until Kit's disappearance when he went on a solo hike. Devastated and heartbroken, Liv spends the next three years grieving, with the help of Kit's older brother James. James and Liv develop feelings for each other and find themselves in love and engaged, seven years after Kit's disappearance. On the morning of their wedding, Liv finds herself in the flat she shared with Kit, seven years in the past and six days before he went missing. Liv relives the next six days, trying to uncover what Kit was hiding and why he disappeared.

This book is similar to The Seven Year Slip, but not a copy and has a lot of differences. The concept of going back seven years to try and solve the mystery of her boyfriend's disappearance is very intriguing. I was glad she was quickly able to realize which brother she wanted to spend her life with and that James reconnected with his long lost family. James and Kit's mother is the worst character in the book, so the fact she doesn't get a lot of time in it is well appreciated.

This book includes LGBTQ+ representation, grief, little spice, mystery, addiction, and found family.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

Binge worthy read...for fans of Sophie Cousens, Josie Silver. This has romance, British setting, time travel, love triangle, good supporting cast; lots of my fave things. I really enjoyed it and wanted more time with some of the supporting characters (Mom, Ava, Mac). I liked how this one did the different POVs. I did guess part of the twist but not in a predictable way but in a 'wait could it be...' kind of way. Wanted to escape in a book this weekend and this delivered.

In The One Before the One, Olivia is transported back seven years, just before her boyfriend Kit’s disappearance, on the day she’s set to marry James. With knowledge of the future, Olivia must navigate her lingering feelings for Kit, uncover the truth behind his disappearance, and decide whether to alter the past or embrace her present happiness. A heartfelt and intriguing story about love, loss, and second chances.

I prefer to write my reviews right after finishing a book while the emotions and thoughts are still fresh in my mind. The One Before the One by Emma Cooper was not at all what I expected when I read the blurb. I thought it would be a lighthearted romcom, but it turned out to be a much deeper, more introspective novel that explores themes of love, family, the past, and confronting our true feelings. The way it intertwined these emotions kept me hooked, and the surprises along the way were incredibly well-done. Halfway through, I thought I had it figured out, only to be surprised by the plot halfway through.

The story follows Liv, whose boyfriend Kit disappeared seven years ago, presumed to be dead. On the day of her wedding to James, his brother, she is taken back in time to the week before Kit went missing. Liv gets to live through the days before Kit goes missing, learning more about herself in the process. Emma Cooper’s writing style is engaging and well paced, and she making it hard to put the book down. The journey through the protagonists' emotions and choices was more poignant than I anticipated.

Overall, The One Before the One is an emotional rollercoaster that blends humor, romance, and deep introspection in a way that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. A huge thank you to Emma Cooper, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy! #TheOneBeforetheOne #NetGalley

Yes!! I am ending the year with this gorgeous 5-star read packed full of swoonworthy romance, depth of character, tension and even time travel (but not in a frustrating "The Lake House" kind of way).

Revisiting the week before her boyfriend disappeared on the morning of her wedding to another man (who just so happens to be his brother) might sound a bit confusing but honestly give it a go as soon as you can!! There are answers to be found in the past to help steer the future. Oh, it's adorable. Could even bring a tear to your eye...

Excuse me while I retrieve my jaw off the floor. This was a twist like no other I’ve read before! Loved this, only deducted 1 star because I felt like some parts were dragged out a little too long. Would absolutely read more from this author!

✨ARC Review✨

To be honest, the cover is what drew me to this book. I had zero idea what it was actually about. What a freakin’ great surprise! It has all the vibes I want: yearning, drama, mystery, and a love story. Two, actually.

If you don’t want to jump in blind like I did, here’s a brief rundown: Liv’s boyfriend, Kit, went for a hike seven years ago and has been missing, presumed dead ever since. On the morning of her wedding to her new boyfriend, she travels back in time to the week before Kit went missing. Can she stop him from going? And if she does, who will she choose?

I don’t want give too much away, but the book is told in dual POVs and it’s a real page turner. I read the whole thing in one sitting.

#booksbooksbooks #contemporaryromance #contemporaryfiction #romancebooks #theonebeforetheone #emmacooper #bookreview #bookrecs #bookstagram

Wow!

This story gripped me instantly in all the ways and even had a few surprises that I didn't see coming. It's much more mysterious than any other romance I've read but I really liked trying to figure out what was going on. This story will stay with me for a long long time!


Spoilers below
I was a James fan from the get-go.

A mix between a mystery and a romance, with a touch of magical realism - this was such a great read! It makes you think about relationships, why people make the decisions they do, what it means to love someone. And how much time and experiences change a person.

Omg omg omg! This book was unexpectedly good! Basically her boyfriend disappeared seven years ago and after grieving, she was able to find love again. And on the morning of her wedding day, when she was leaving her hotel room to attend her own wedding, she was brought back to the past. Exactly 6 days before her boyfriend disappeared.

I can't really say too much because the synopsis of the book itself doesn't give you anything. But trust me that this book is really good! Let's just say she was trying to find out why her boyfriend disappeared and she wanted to see if she can somehow changed the past and asked her boyfriend to stay the day of his disappearance.

The chapters are written as the characters' POV and also serves as a timeline. The book got me good though, because I thought one POV was from one character but I was completely wrong! The reveal was out of the blue and very unexpected. The main plot twist of the book, though, didn't really sit well with me. I expected something bigger but after continuing it kind of makes sense.

Overall, I'm really happy I picked up this book and read it. I'd definitely keep an eye on Emma's other books and will add them to my reading list.

This book is by far my new favorite books of all time! The description of the book describes the book so well, if you have watched 13 going on 30, freaky Friday, hot chicks, or back to the future you will love this book!!! It is a contemporary romance it doesn’t have any smut in it what so ever which is great because I absolutely hate that. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you Boldwood Book for this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review!

Olivia's boyfriend Kit went missing 7 years ago; she found the will to move on with her life and is getting married today. Suddenly she is transported back in time 7 years - a week before Kit disappeared. She has the opportunity to re-live these days with the knowledge of what is to come...can she keep Kit from leaving for that hike? Can she figure out what happened to him? Does this change what her future will now look like?

This book was an emotional story that pulled me in and would not let go until I saw it through. It is beautifully written and the cast of characters are relatable and lovable, each in their own way. As the mystery unraveled, I found myself trying to put all the pieces together before Olivia could.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has lost someone and moved on, but still wishes you could go back and spend one more day with them.

Publication Date: January 31, 2025

We meet our main female character, Liv as she is preparing to marry James. We quickly learn that seven years ago, Liv's fiancé, Kit left their home to go for a hike and is never seen again. What a truly awful experience for anyone to have to go through but with the love and support from her friends, Liv is finally able to begin to pick up the pieces of her life - and even find love again - with Kit's brother, James.

Somehow, on her wedding day, Liv is transported back in time to 6 days before Kit disappears. Giving Liv the chance to put things right. To stop Kit from disappearing and continuing with the life that she should have had.
But what about James and the feelings that she has for him?
What is Liv to do?

I don't like posting spoilers so my feedback may be a little confusing but I didn't hate this book - it just appears that I didn't love it as much as others have - and it does take a lot for me to give books more than 3 stars.
The author is clearly talented and has no problem with descriptive writing. There were lots of twists but I didn't feel that all of the questions that I had were answered.
I also thought that the relationship between Liv and James could have been explored a little more. We had plenty of information of how wonderful Kit was and how Liv and Kit's relationship was "perfect" but almost, I felt, nothing regarding James.

If you had the chance to do your life over and save someone whom you loved, would you? This book is such a unique take on a love story. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.

What would you do if you were able to go back in time and potentially change the biggest most life changing event you ever experienced? Well, Liv opens a door to that very possibility on the morning of her wedding. This story is a very interesting take on time, choices, and love — first love & forever love.

I absolutely loved this book! The story and writing were engaging and I found myself not wanting to stop flipping the pages. The “twist” in the book was something I was not expecting but made it even more exciting to see how the story would end. This will definitely be a most recommended book by me in 2025!
Thank you for the advanced readers copy of this book, can’t wait to buy it for my shelf.