***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
A heartwarming and playful novel about the ones we love and the ones we lose by the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year
What would you do if 'the one that got away' turned up the night before your wedding?
Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are polar opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey’s found herself wondering if Josh really is "The One."
So, when Josh’s sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey’s "What If? guy"—the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with—Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred’s appearance the night before she is due to get married can’t be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humor?
Before I Do by Sophie Cousens is a romantic comedy about a woman who is about to marry the love of her life, when the prior lust of her life shows up unexpectedly at her wedding.
Story Recap:
Audrey is just about to marry the love of her life, Josh. He’s stable whereas she’s somewhat flighty. As the wedding rehearsals begin, things go wrong. A bat falls from the ceiling of the church, and many other small things happen that make Audrey wonder. Are they coincidences or omens? And the last straw is when Fred shows up as the guest of Josh’s sister. Fred and Audrey had a brief romance many years ago, and Audrey has never forgotten Fred, and their wonderful day together.
My Thoughts:
I had a tough time with the beginning of this book, however, it really redeemed itself by the end. So, my advice to you is, if you do not love this book at first, hang in there and it will surprise you by the end.
Audrey is not a very sympathetic character in the beginning, and the author does an excellent job at explaining why later in the book. But, at first, she’s flighty and can’t seem to make a decision. However, through flashbacks, we see why she’s this way, and we get to look at her relationship with Josh and how it started as well as her relationship with Fred. I didn’t think either Josh or Fred was good enough for her but eventually saw that one of them was much better for her than the other. And I was able to see why Audrey was so indecisive and watched her grow and become a better person, one worthy of love.
I enjoyed the timeline in the book. We go back and forth in time, sometimes we go back and visit Audrey’s time with Fred, and sometimes we go back and see her time with Josh. At first, I wasn’t sure who she would end up with, but eventually, it became clear and I enjoyed the way the author let us figure out for ourselves which match would be best.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Before I Do to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Sophie Cousens
Sophie Cousens writes romantic comedies. Before becoming a full time writer, she worked as a TV producer in London for more than twelve years, working on shows such as The Graham Norton Show, Russell Howard's Good News and Big Brother.
She now lives on the island of Jersey in the UK, and balances her writing career with taking care of two small children. Sophie yearns for a time when she can add a miniature dachshund to her brood, and wishes for the ability to read books faster than she keeps buying them.
I have seen this book around. Some books are a bit slow, but then have a good ending that makes you forget the initial slow start. I actually prefer the UK cover. Usually I get cover envy!
I’ve read a few books where the beginning is a little off-putting but that turns around later. This does sound like a very interesting read. Excellent review!
There are so many books I read as well where I just tell people, stick with it – it gets better. I’m so happy it sounds like it was the case for you as well! Really rewarding to have the payoff with a slow start.
Great review, Wendy.
Glad this book was able to redeem itself after a not-so-promising start. I like that the author could her you to understand the character and start to like her more as the book progresses. Wonderful review Wendy🙂
I rarely like back and forth timeline in contemporary adn I find them distracting but at the same time, I enjoy good past trough it as well. Amazing review!
First, that UK cover is way cute and seems like it fits the story better. After reading the synopsis, I wondered how this could be a romantic comedy. It sounds like a not so fun love triangle. Your review had me seeing that maybe the stuff that goes wrong is comical. I still am not a fan of the whole idea of this one and I don’t like flashbacks very often. I will skip it. I’m glad it won you over in the end, though! Great review.
I can see why this one could be a slow start with the premise. If I didn’t trust the author already from previous books I don’t know if I’d pick it up. Great review!
I do struggle with indecisive characters, especially if there’s a love triangle involved, so it’s good to know the ending makes this one worth sticking with.
I have seen this book around. Some books are a bit slow, but then have a good ending that makes you forget the initial slow start. I actually prefer the UK cover. Usually I get cover envy!
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
I am so excited to read this book, I love Sophie Cousens’ books! Loved the review you gave x
Great review, without giving anything away. This sounds interesting.
This one is on my tbr! I finally read Cousens for the first time this year, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Great review with great advice. <3
I’ve read a few books where the beginning is a little off-putting but that turns around later. This does sound like a very interesting read. Excellent review!
Your patience paid off.
It sure did, Nadene!
There are so many books I read as well where I just tell people, stick with it – it gets better. I’m so happy it sounds like it was the case for you as well! Really rewarding to have the payoff with a slow start.
Great review, Wendy.
I rarely DNF a book, for this very reason.
Glad this book was able to redeem itself after a not-so-promising start. I like that the author could her you to understand the character and start to like her more as the book progresses. Wonderful review Wendy🙂
Thank you, Mallika!
I rarely like back and forth timeline in contemporary adn I find them distracting but at the same time, I enjoy good past trough it as well. Amazing review!
Thank you!
Excellent review, as always. Sometimes a book isn’t perfect, but we can still enjoy it.
Exactly! The ending made everything worth it.
First, that UK cover is way cute and seems like it fits the story better. After reading the synopsis, I wondered how this could be a romantic comedy. It sounds like a not so fun love triangle. Your review had me seeing that maybe the stuff that goes wrong is comical. I still am not a fan of the whole idea of this one and I don’t like flashbacks very often. I will skip it. I’m glad it won you over in the end, though! Great review.
It’s not as funny as some romcoms, but it’s cute and has some fun moments. The love triangle isn’t really intense either.
Thank goodness you decided to stick with this one because it sounds like it really paid off. 🙂
I’m very glad I stuck with it.
I can’t decide between the two book covers. I see what you mean about them.
Sometimes there is a clear winner, but not this time.
Awesome, I’ve been looking forward to your thoughts on this. Great review!
It’s really wonderful! Thank you Rae
I can see why this one could be a slow start with the premise. If I didn’t trust the author already from previous books I don’t know if I’d pick it up. Great review!
Exactly! If it was my first book by her, I might have DNF’d it.
Great review, I will take in mind what you say about the beginning if I do read 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
Good review and important warning about the beginning. Some books are that way!
Thank you, Linda.
I now wonder who Audrey ends up with. I like the UK cover better. Great review, Wendy!
I like the UK cover better too.
I do struggle with indecisive characters, especially if there’s a love triangle involved, so it’s good to know the ending makes this one worth sticking with.
It’s is worth it.
Oh wow!! He showed up at her wedding?? Wow!! I can’t even imagine! Wonderful review Wendy!📚🤗💕
Thank you, Susan! It was a bit of a crazy story.
Sounds interesting!
It was! Thank you, Carol!