Cover Image: Before I Do

Before I Do

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Member Reviews

This wasn’t my favorite of the authors books. I wasn’t as emotionally connected to the characters. I did enjoy the story line and still gobbled up the book in a few days.

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Enjoyable book even if I had issues with a bride second guessing her groom the night before she says I Do, but at least it was before! This was a fun book with interesting characters I enjoyed.

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What if you had an amazing day with a stranger and then that stranger shows up six years later at the rehearsal dinner for your wedding?

Audrey had an amazing day six years ago with a complete stranger named Fred. But things didn't turned out as planned for them. Six years later, Audrey is marrying Josh, but with a lack of fireworks, she's beginning to wonder if he really is the one. When Fred shows up as Josh's sister's date to Audrey and Josh's wedding, Audrey begins to wonder if it's a coincidence or if fate is intervening.

This was such a fun romance. I loved the "what if' aspect to the story, and really enjoyed Audrey's character. I think we can all relate to her especially when It comes to thinking about the one that got away. I thought the wedding scenes were really funny because who can't relate to something going wrong at their wedding, but for Audrey, everything was going wrong at hers. I thought her feelings throughout the book were realistic and portrayed well, and really enjoyed how it all came together in the end.

Sophie Cousens has become one of my favorite romance authors, and I love how she brings a little "magic" into her stories while keeping them realistic.

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For the record, I love many of Sophie Cousens' books. But, there were so many aspects of this story I didn't love. However, still a decent read, and I actually really enjoyed the ending!

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Sophie Cousens is one of my favorite authors and this one definitely did not disappoint! I look forward to more by Cousens in the future!

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Getting married is one thing, but getting married when your prior love interest comes back into your life? Brake screech! This was an interesting read that brought Audrey together with Josh, but also rekindled Fred. In a position of “which do I choose?” Audrey finds herself having to make a difficult choice - stay with the comfort of Josh, although she doesn’t really like him, or switch up for Fred, her first spark. This book was really well written, timeline was on point, and details were explained. No complaints of this story really - thanks for the opportunity to read!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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.

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