Oh, fate. Audrey really thought she had it all with Josh. Although they were polar opposites, their relationship was safe and stable. As the wedding day approaches, she starts to wonder if Josh is truly the one she's supposed to marry. Insert Josh's sister and her date, Fred, who happens to be Audrey's "one that got away". Things start to happen that day that has Audrey wondering if perhaps fate is telling her she's making a huge mistake.

I love, love. I love fate and destined lovers. I love the idea of the stars aligning and that people are destined to be together. So when I read this book, you know this was going to be good! I really enjoyed this one. It would be the perfect romance novel around Valentine's day.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I really found this book enjoyable! It follows the life of Audrey. Yes, you could say she a bit "shattered" in life, but I did feel a connection to her character. If I am honest with myself, I too, have NO clue what I am doing in life! That's why I liked the fictitious Audrey from the start of the novel! I liked learning about the love/hate relationship she had with her Mother. It provided great insight on why she did many of the "questionable" things that she did. To me it was more than just what "crazy" things happen to Audrey before she marry Josh. It was more about Audrey discovering her true self and accepting her flaws & all!

The writing style, in my opinion, read like a movie!?! I could envision the characters, which made me enjoy the story more. Yes, it may have been slightly "cheesy" towards the end but I enjoy the escape of "cheesiness".

I do recommend reading because you just might have more in common with Audrey than you may have originally thought?!?

OMG… this book! I laughed. I cried. I laughed again. I cried again. And I smiled - A LOT. It’s funny and heartwarming and a little heartbreaking, and overall, a wonderful story about love and paths not taken and where we end up when we chose to follow what or who we love.

Audrey is a twenty-something about to get married. We’re literally catching her as she’s walking out of the church, but we don’t know if she is or isn’t married. All we know is something happened and she’s in shock. Then we jump around in time, from seven years “before I do” to hours before. We learn about her current love Josh, the man she was about to marry, and the man she thought was her soul mate, Fred, who she hasn’t seen in six years. We learn, in bits and pieces, how she found a photo strip at a train station photo booth seven years ago of a handsome stranger who left a message- “I WILL FIND YOU”. She in turn left him a message back - “I AM HERE”. A year later, having constantly thought about him, they see each other across a train platform, and proceed to have an intense connection spending the day together. But when they make plans to spend the next day together, Fred fails to show. Audrey is disappointed, and while she eventually moves on, she keeps the photos in her wallet and still thinks about him from time to time. Over the ensuing years, she meets Josh through her roommate. At first, they don’t get along. She thinks he’s uptight and can’t remember his name, calling him “Bad Jeans Josh” and he thinks she’s a little flaky, but is secretly smitten. As they are forced to spend time together, after a while they develop a friendship based on mutual teasing, and eventually they get together.

All’s going well until the day before the wedding, when they start getting omens - a dead bar falling out of the ceiling at the church, unrelenting rain, an unfortunate lasso incident, and then worst of all - Fred shows up as Josh’s sister’s date. And he’s intent on making his presence known. He stills believes Audrey to be his soul mate and that their reunion was fated, and is unwilling to give up. This causes Audrey to develop doubts, and as we continue to jump around her memories with her, we begin to understand why, why she might not believe what she has with Josh is real or that she deserves to be happy and loved by a man as good as him. Why she’s still holding on to the idea of Fred after just one day. So who will she chose?

I read this in just one day. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. The jumps in the timeline just kept me turning the pages as the suspense built. Like the author’s previous books, this tugs on the heartstrings while making you laugh and cry. The cast of characters is well written - Hillary is my absolute fave side character - and the non-linear timeline kept the story moving along and really reveal the critical info mat the right time.

Title: Before I Do
Author: Sophie Cousens
Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Before I Do" by Sophie Cousens

My Assessments:

'Before I Do' was quite an engaging, unexpected contemporary romance. We find Audrey contemplating which one she wants to marry...Josh or Fred? The story will leave one wondering 'who is your soulmate, and what if? The author did an excellent job of telling the story in alternating timelines that will keep one's interest throughout the read. Miss Audrey was quite a complex character being 'liable, witty, and relatable,' to say the least. After finishing up the story, one will conclude that Audrey finally came into her learning to appreciate what she had.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been in a book slump for the better part of last month. The worst part about book slumps is that you never know what kind of book will inevitably pull you out of them.
Thankfully, Before I Do by Sophie Cousens was exactly the sort of book I needed to force me out of my book hangover.

Before I Do is a mostly, lighthearted story that tells the story of Audrey’s search for love over three distinct timelines. Audrey’s search questions the validity of soul mates versus life partners. Cousens takes the reader on a journey through Audrey’s current romantic engagement and the events of her one-day romantic fling. The story ultimately leads Audrey down the path of choosing between the two. The third storyline juxtaposes these relationships with Audrey’s entanglement in her mother’s various marital affairs, and I loved how unique that angle felt from other romance stories with similar tropes.

This is my favorite of Sophie Cousens’ books and one I’ll recommend to so many. All of the timelines converged together to create a wonderfully cohesive book about the varying definitions of true love. Thank you to Netgalley, Sophie Cousens, and Penguin Group Publishing for an arc in exchange for an honest review and, most importantly, for pulling me out of my latest reading slump.

I read 88 pages of this before realizing I just don't care what happens to these characters. Don't get me wrong, the book isn't terrible, just not the story for me. I can see how some people are going to love it though so I recommend checking out those reviews before you make up your own mind. Sometimes you just have to know when to let something go.

Happy Pub day to Sophie Cousens for releasing another great contemporary romance! This story follows Audrey and Josh, just days before their wedding. But fate seems to interrupt their wedding plans. Let's just say a lot can go wrong in a few days including a run in with an old flame from years ago. Can Audrey and Josh survive this disaster of a start to marital bliss?

Sophie Cousens is a phenomenal writer and great at story telling. I loved the way she wove in the past and present and gave you all the emotions between her characters. There is a love triangle in here but it was well done and I was here for the ride.

My favorite thing about this book was the constant slapping of destiny in the face. All this talk of fate, coincidence, and "signs" made me wonder where Sophie was going to go with the story. The ending wrapped up so beautifully and so perfect. Way to go Audrey!

I think my only issues with this book were some of the themes. I'm not much of a fan of a love triangle so close to "I do." I understand cold feet but there were tons of doubt from the MC which I didn't like. Plus everything that happened to her felt a little "cringy" to me mainly because my own engagement was rocky. So I think my own personal experience interfered with my take on the book.

That being said, I think this is a book that people will love. And I will continue to read ALL of Sophie's books!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the early copy. All thoughts and words are my own.

First, I want to say thank you to @putnambooks and @netgalley for an ARC of this book! It was my first @sophie_cousens novel and I LOVED it 💛

The day before Audrey’s wedding, the “one that got away” shows up to the rehearsal dinner as the date of the groom’s sister. Normally in the event of a love triangle, I decide pretty firmly who I’m rooting for - but in this, I genuinely loved both men!

Audrey ponders the presence of fate (or is it merely coincidence?) and reflects on her own belief system when it comes to love. Is there one great love for everyone? Or is it just a result if many choices made that lead you to the one you end up with?

Should she stick with her responsible, safe fiancé? Or is she truly destined to be with her twin flame, the man that she’s thought about for years?

I loved the suspense of the heart, and even got a little teary at the end!

This book is a mixed bag for me. The FL wasn’t really likable but I found her somewhat sympathetic. Her main love interest was pretty bland. The writing style was good and I liked the way we learned about her through flashbacks. The story was relatable for anyone who had a “what if” relationship in their past and I liked that she realized what was important in a marriage and how she dealt with her guilt even though I didn’t feel bad for her mother. Not a bad book but not one to get excited about.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through NetGalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

This is a book that flips back and forth through time. It is easy to follow but leaves you gasping every time the story skips forward or backward wanting to know what happens in the next moment chronologically. Audrey and Josh are opposites, in love and on the eve of their wedding but things start to go hilariously wrong. One of those things is when future sis-in-law shows up at the rehearsal dinner with Fred. Years earlier she and Fred had a wonderful meet cute involving a photo booth. Later they have a magical day together and then he doesn’t show up for their next date. Is this an omen? Is he her soul mate instead of reliable Josh?

I loved going back and experiencing first dates and first interactions with both men. Also along the was Audrey getting off track of her goals. As much as this was a romance and the guy I wanted gets the girl, this is also a mother daughter story. At first I thought mom Vivian was going to just be a crazy actress side character. But their relationship is just as important to me as the romances. I could understand how Audrey never could see the house in the suburbs, family and stability that Josh wants because she never had that for herself. I cheered for her getting her man. But I teared up when she and her mother finally have the conversation that needed to happen. And the epilogue made me grin from ear to ear..

This is my second book from Cousens and I will look forward to what ever she writes next. I will mention the book is British based but could take place anywhere. There is general cursing and intimacy is not descriptive. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: Before I Do by Sophie Cousens
2022 Publication Date: October 11

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Contemporary Romance
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Passion is great... But love is better...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
What would you do if 'the one that got away' turned up the night before your wedding? That's the dilemma facing Audrey in Sophie Cousens' romance novel Before I Do.

Audrey is a head-in-the-stars kind of girl who is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Opposites? Yes... Healthy, stable relationship? Also yes... Josh is just what Audrey needs. But shouldn't romance also be a bit unpredictable?

Before I Do is a charming novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned whether they are making the right decision in their relationship.

Cousens' writing is light and fun, but she also tackles some deeper issues, like what it means to truly be happy and whether or not soulmates exist.

Sophie Cousens weaves an enchanting story of love, loss, and self-discovery in her best contemporary romance book Before I Do. The reader is immediately transported into Audrey's world from the first page. Cousens' writing and character development are vivid and engaging, and it's easy to feel like you're right there alongside Audrey as she navigates her way through this emotional minefield.

The main characters are richly drawn and fully fleshed out, each with their unique motivations and backstories as each relationship develops. And as the story reaches its climax, you'll find yourself holding your breath in anticipation.

Perfect for readers who are looking for the best contemporary romance novels that explore the question often lingering in the shadows of our hearts and mind... What if?

With witty banter, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny moments and undeniable chemistry, the line between real life choices and the fantasy of first love entangles.

Will leave you feeling all the feels... You won't be disappointed... ✨😎✨

Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: The One That Got Away Romance
Time Period: Present Day
Location: London and Somerset (England)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Forces of Nature

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You're about to get married to the perfect person, but you can't help but wonder if you're making a mistake. Can you have the perfect relationship with someone completely different from you?

Before I Do is a romantic comedy about finding your soulmate, even when it feels like everything is going against you.

Getting married is a huge decision, and it's normal to have doubts before the big day. Before I Do is the story of Audrey, a woman who is struggling with doubts about her upcoming marriage. When her "what if" guy shows up at the rehearsal dinner as the date of her fiancé’s sister, she has to decide whether or not to follow her heart... And what does her heart even want?

From page one to the very end, you will be wondering: Will Audrey make her way to the altar? And, if so, with who?

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• It's normal to have doubts before getting married, and it's okay to question whether or not you're making the right decision
• How are passion, love, and stability prioritized in a relationship?
• Do soulmates exist? If so, how would you recognize your soulmate?

BOOK QUOTE:
"Screw the odds, I'm pinning my colors to the mast, bright and bold. Because if you're going to commit to anything in this life, shouldn't it be love?" — Before I Do by Sophie Cousens

--------------------

All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

4 out of 5 stars - If you ask me, I'll tell you to read it

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the story of the wedding of Audrey and Josh. The book bounces through time to tell you where we are in relation to the "I do" (i.e. 3 months before, 5 hours after) and this allows the story to show history as well as a current timeline. Audrey once had one amazing day with a guy named Fred. He's always been her "what if.." guy. This is what happens if your "what if..." guy shows up at your wedding as the date to the groom's sister.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but sometimes those not named Audrey and Josh were the most fun. Their friends and family members had their own quirks that were fleshed out in the story. And there were even characters that were minor, but I still managed to hate them.

Love a cute wedding rom com!

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Before I Do is about Audrey and the hours, years, months leading up to her I Do. Each chapter switches back and forth from six years ago to her current wedding day. Except the man she met and had an amazing day with six years ago is not the man she’s marrying. So why does that experience stay in the back of her head? And why is that man at her wedding?

This book explores so much! From what love truly is and how it’s an action and a choice, rather than a feeling to friendship and relationships with mothers and what marriage truly means.

I thought the author did a great job of shaping Audrey’s character growth throughout this book. It did feel a little long and drawn out, which is why I docked some stars, but overall it was a good read! Parts seemed u realistic but still a good romance read.

This was a quick and fun dual-romance read that I definitely enjoyed. It is told in alternating timelines of present day (the wedding day) to multiple flashbacks of pivotal moments of the main character's life. While it seemed pretty light-hearted, it still might make you think about your current and past relationships in a new light, especially if you ever felt there was that one person who "got away." What would you do if they happened to reappear in your life the day before you are supposed to marry someone else? It was fun to read and think about what you would do in this situation, then scramble to the end to see exactly what route the lead takes. Romance readers will enjoy this "what-if" novel!

Before synopsis:
What is the one that got away shows up at your wedding weekend as your future sister in laws date? What if everything that could do wrong seems to be going wrong before the wedding? Audrey finds herself questioning her soon to be husband Josh and should she trust fate.

My thoughts:
-I love reading and watch movies about wedding drama so this was perfect for me!
-This book takes you through so many emotions, not only funny parts but also serious part that make your heart ache for Audrey
- I loved how the book goes from present day at the wedding and flashes back in time through moments in Audrey’s life that shapes her and why she is questioning everything.
-Overall if you love weddings, drama, fate, and love this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putmans, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this eArc in exchange for my honest review!

Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.

Audrey is getting married to josh but her sister ends up bringing her last love as a date to the rehearsal dinner and then Audrey is questioning everything. Does fate have in store something more for Audrey or is it just plain coincidence that everything that could go wrong does on her wedding day.

This book is great and it is the first of many of Sophies books I plan to read! Highly recommend reading! I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written.

Astounding. I was a little iffy on how I felt about this until the end. I was focusing on the romance and not the incredible journey Sophie Cousens takes you on. I stayed up late and cried into this book.

I’ve had so many what ifs and I’m trying to figure out what I want to do with my life that this was a perfect read for me at this point in time. Just beautiful.

Check content warnings. Some darker material discussed. No spice.

Flashbacks to the past- multiple timelines. Not difficult to follow.

Middle parts were somewhat difficult to read through, I was worried about how this would end and how I would feel about it. Shouldn’t have ever doubted Sophie. Complete story with HEA.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this digital ARC.

The prologue in Before I Do will immediately hook you into what is going on in the main character Audrey's life.

It starts off with Audrey running out of the church on her wedding day. You learn everything that has happened leading up to that very moment, plus before and after. The chapters went back and forth throughout the book.

You learn how Audrey's life was shaped through her past, which had a lot to do with her mother's long list of lovers, as well as her first experience with what she feels could have been love. Six years before her wedding day she met Fred. Fred took her on an adventurous date and then she never saw him again, until the night before her wedding at her rehearsal dinner.

Fred was her "what if" moment in life. What if he did show up for their next date, would things have been different?

Aside from seeing Fred, everything leading up to the wedding was a disaster from bats in the church, all the way to her torn dress. She was taking all these bad moments as a sign from the universe that Fred coming back into her life was a sign she was meant to be with him instead of Josh.

To be honest, I wanted Josh to be a jerk so I wouldn’t have felt as bad for him as I did. Josh was such a kind and sweet guy that was so in love with Audrey.

My favorite laugh-out-loud part of the story was the airplane scene. With everyone eavesdropping on Audrey's story and choosing sides.

This is such a great story that will have you guessing what Audrey was going to do right up to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Check triggers **

Read if you like: Opposite attracts, past and present timelines, second chances

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. 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.

Josh's sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred. Audrey's met him six years ago and had one amazing day with him. Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred's appearance the night before she is due to get married can't be a coincidence. Everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong.

This is my first Sophie Cousens book. It pulled me in immediately. The characters are well developed. I did not expect this book to rip my heart out and put me back together. It was so sweet, charming, heartbreaking. We start with a chaotic wedding rehearsal day. We go through past and present timelines, which I loved. The whole book I was wondering who she would be with. I wondered if one perfect date was enough to cancel her whole wedding. I highly recommend this book! I will be reading more of her books.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and Penguin Group Putnam for the gifted e-book. ❤️

I have a love/hate relationship with Sophie Cousens books. While I enjoy reading them, they just create such heartache for the whole story that I'm left sitting there wondering if they will or won't until almost the end. It drives me crazy, but I can't stop reading! This one did the same, however, this time, it was told in multiple timelines, which I loved, where we slowly uncover the relationship with Audrey and Fred as well as Audrey and Josh.

With this book, I just kept flip flopping on who I wanted her to end up with. Fred seems so dreamy, but Josh was slowly revealed to be a wonderful guy. In the end, I think she made the right choice, and I enjoyed the ending. Just wish it was more of a steamy read.