4.25/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing me with an ARC.

This was a lovely, more unique romance that I found refreshing. It didn’t follow the typical plot most romances follow, and it kept me intrigued the whole way. The witty writing and banter had me laughing and not wanting to put this book down.

This book revolves around a marriage about to take place (hence the name Before I Do) and has multiple timelines that illustrate the FMC’s life leading up to her moment at the altar.

There are some heavier topics, so I would suggest looking up trigger warnings, but mostly the topics were good for me to reflect on. There is a lot of growth in this novel as well, and I appreciated that.

Definitely a good read for someone who’d like to give their brain some philosophical food for thought, someone who loves a good laugh and a rambunctious set of characters, and/or someone who is in love with the stars and figuring out the meaning of life.

A cute read about a catastrophic wedding day for Audrey and Josh. A blast from the past shows up and Audrey wonders if he’s the 8ne who got away.
The book dives into fantasy ideals and realistic relationships. Audrey doesn’t really trust love because Of her mother’s numerous marital mishaps. But is she about to ruin all has for Photo Booth Boy?
I felt the sorriest that for Josh. The ending was fitting.

Well, Sophie Cousens does it again! This book is absolutely charming, insightful, and heartwarming. Audrey is so relatable, and I was invested in her story until the very last page.

Each chapter of this story jumps back and forth between the past and present. I was able to seamlessly navigate the time jumps because the writing of this book was just so flawless. I thought I had a pretty good idea of where we were heading, but the author’s well thought out plan caught me very pleasantly by surprise.

Audrey was written as such a complex female character and I felt every one of her emotions at each stage of the story. Her relationship with her mother was so relatable. I don’t want to give anything away about her relationships with Josh and Fred. I truly enjoyed both characters. The supporting cast was fantastic as well.

That you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advanced reader copy of this book. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I was thrilled to get an early copy of this book. Sophie Cousens knows how to tell a great story. I cannot wait for the next one!

BEFORE I DO by Sophie Cousens
rating: 3.5 STARS
genre: romance, woman's fiction
steam: closed door, it's a kissing book

This book started off so strong! The quick back-and-forth in the timeline between Audrey's past with Fred, Audrey's past with Josh, and the present day wedding kept my attention the whole time. You had to keep reading to find out what happened next in each part of the timeline!

Audrey was super relatable in the early chapters. She was a young girl who just could not figure out what she wanted to do with her life or who she wanted to be - and I think a lot of people in my generation have, unfortunately, felt that same way in their early adulthood.

But then...she lost me. This book was a solid 4 stars for me until the end when it kind of went off the rails. Suddenly all the characters were very flat, you weren't sure who you were supposed to root for (or who the main character was even rooting for), and everything happened SO QUICKLY.

I will say, I do really like the plane scene where all of the strangers around Audrey are VERY interested in how her wedding day turned out. That's all I'll say - but when you read it, you'll get it. Lol.

I also DID really like that you could feel Audrey maturing and her mind changing just in the way the characters were presented to you in the book. Suddenly, the character she was painting in a pretty positive light was going off the rails and the character she seemed kind of bored with was the shining star of her life. And you could hear that change in the prose.

That said - you might like this book, it just didn't do it for me.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens was a very entertaining book. I instantly liked Audrey, who is the main character. She is a well-developed character who I earnestly cheered on I read to see if she gets her happy ending. I loved how the story alternated between the hours just around her wedding and events several years prior. Another stellar book by Sophie Cousens!

*no synopsis- but I did love this quote.
“Perhaps love was not about finding a jigsaw piece to fit you or a mirror to reflect you, it was simply about finding another human being who made your heart sing.”

Thoughts:
I loved this book so much. It’s not only a very sweet romantic comedy, but also dives into some deeper issues, like learning to let our past hurts and baggage be part of the beautiful person we become. I loved the way the timeline flipped from past to present. I loved the character development and how every single character played such a part in bringing Audrey to the place of who she needed to become. This book drew me in from the start and the end didn’t disappoint. It really left me feeling warm and fuzzy. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars were a few slow parts for me about 3/4 through the book. I was ready for things to move on. This was my first Sophie Cousens book, but I’m excited to read more of her. I’m so grateful to the publisher and authors for allowing me to read this ARC. It’s comes out 10/11 and you’ll want to grab this one.

🏷
#bookstagram #toberead #TBR
#bookish #booklover #booknerd #fortheloveofbooks #BeforeIDo #SophieCousens #NetGalley #bookreview #ARC

Follow Audrey from a chance meeting with her “soul mate” to her wedding day. Is Audrey meant to marry Josh or is she destined to live happily ever after with the Prince Charming she met years earlier? You have to pay attention while reading this book because it flips back and forth from present to past and back again, which is not my favorite way to read a book. I was however every enamored with the surprise (to me) ending!

There are so many things that can go wrong on your wedding day and for Audrey it seems that everything has gone wrong! From her mothers intrusive input to dead bats and wardrobe malfunctions to rashes, Audrey’s big day is turning into a big flop! Her biggest wedding obstacle is her soon to be sister in law showing up with Audrey’s ex boyfriend as her plus one! Will her unresolved feelings for him be the final straw in ruining her happily ever after?

I enjoyed the dual timeline in this story, which kept me guessing what really happened to Audrey all those years ago. Her friends were great supporting characters but the relationship turmoil with her mom left me a bit sad. I was disgusted at the behavior of one of her mothers partners but glad Audrey was able to befriend some of her other stepdads. This was my first novel by Sophie avoiders and Overall, I enjoyed the book. I have already started a second novel by the author titled Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

Random thoughts:
I didn’t understand Hillary’s character in the beginning but wound up loving him.
The whole premise of the two running into each other was a tad unrealistic but still adorable.
One of the step dads really repulsed me and I did not expect that cringy scene for a romcom.

Sophie Cousens writes the perfect books for escaping. I love ‘chick lit’ books such as Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Cousens’ books are in the same lane. I was invested in Audrey and Josh’s relationship. I loved the frequent flashbacks to Sophie’s interaction with Fred one magical day. It really helped me understand Sophie more. Overall this book is a delightful read that you will love if you are a fan of ‘chick lit’.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens

My rating:
4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Imagine the day before your wedding, a past love walked into your rehearsal dinner as your fiancés sister’s plus one!?

I really enjoyed this book! Audrey is set to marry Josh, when suddenly things start to go wrong days before her wedding. She starts to believe that these are all bad omens. This story has multiple storylines told in years past and in the present. I think we really got to know about Audrey and I loved that character development. The author takes you on a journey through Audrey’s life and relationships. I really enjoyed the banter between her and her best friend Clara.
At times I couldn’t tell where this story would go and I was feeling like the author was trying to sway us a certain way based on the way Audrey talked about this person, which was the only reason I was conflicted about this book.
I definitely would suggest to read this one if you enjoy a romance that shows the true meaning of working through problems and getting through the hard times.

Thank you @netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC! You can read this one when it’s published on October 11! 📸👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️🦇💋

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin-Putnam, and Sophie Cousens for an ARC of this book!**

A marriage interrupted...or fate intervenes?

You might remember those words spoken by Lord Cutler Beckett in the Pirates of the Carribean film franchise...but they fit even more perfectly alongside the potentially life-altering "what if" at the center of this charming and fun romance from Sophie Cousens that explores JUST that question!

Audrey has always had a bit of an impetuous side. Hopping from career to career, little in life slows her down and she has no trouble living a bit 'outside the box.' Her fiance Josh seems the perfect counterpoint: careful, thoughtful, and kind, and the two are soon to marry. Audrey's looking forward to the wedding of her dreams...until everything starts to come crashing down....starting with some bats falling from the church ceiling (yes, actually bats!) among some other unforeseen mishaps.

The icing on the proverbial cake (okay, WEDDING CAKE) comes in the form of her soon-to-be sister in law Meredith's plus one at the rehearsal dinner: none other than Fred...Audrey's FORMER FLAME Fred. The two had a magical meet-cute at a photo booth and spent one incredible day together before losing touch for good. Their chemistry was so special and Audrey can't help but wonder if Fred has stumbled back into her life JUST in the nick of time. WILL a wedding take place...and if so, WHO will be the groom?

I have to say, going into this book I expected one thing and VERY much got something else...but luckily, this was a good thing! I think the most memorable aspect of this book was the way Cousens took some tropes that have been done many times and combined them in a totally UNIQUE way! While some aspects of the book (like the humor) never really took off for me, Cousens utilized the now-and-then timelines with care and precision to leave YOU, the reader, as conflicted as Audrey about which man is TRULY right for her!

I know some people love romance books that are completely predictable, but what was a breath of fresh air for me is that this one truly WASN'T...at all. Even late in the game (80% or so!) I was STILL questioning what Audrey was going to do and what the 'right' choice would be. This conflict, alongside a cast of lovable side characters and some emotional depth in Audrey's relationship with her mom (and her mom's relationship with...relationships) added layer upon layer to the story and kept the narrative interesting. Normally, a lack of connection to the humor would have knocked down a star or two, but by story's end, I was so invested in Audrey and her happiness that I didn't NEED any jokes to give me a giant smile on my face! (and some HILARIOUS grand gestures didn't hurt either!)

If there's one thing I can say about fate after dropping this wonderful book in my path?

Fate not only has exquisite timing...but EXCELLENT taste!

4 stars

Read if you like:
❤️ The One that Got Away
❤️ Passionate and Sparks
❤️ Soulmates

This one definitely gave me feelings similar to One True Loves as you try to go back and forth to decide who you want the MC to end up with right along with them.

It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time as Audrey has to make a huge decision that will impact the rest of her life: Josh or Fred?

I love how this one ended and the way the story progressed! I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC copy in exchange for my feedback!

I thank Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam so much for the opportunity to read this e-book. I want to start by saying that I truly loved this book and it is a must read for anyone who has ever been unsure or questioned their life choices(which I'm sure is most of us). I loved how I wasn't sure who Audrey truly belonged with. That was the fun part of the journey as we all found out right along with her. It makes you think about the chances we choose to take and the way life turns out. Going back and forth through timelines was actually effortless and had an easy flow. I love how things turned out for Audrey. She is a flawed but loveable character.

I really wanted to love this one, the synopsis really drew me in but the flashbacks felt entirely too chaotic for me. Every time I started finally enjoying the book (during the present) the flashbacks came and let me down.

I didn’t care for the relationship Audrey and her mother had, it was too all over the place.

I found myself feeling horrible for Josh the entirety of the story, he deserved much, much better.

Given all of this I did like the last 15-20% of the book which is why it got 2 stars.

Audrey has a meet cute with Fred and an instant connection to him. They spend a day together and end it with a promise to meet up the next day as well. But Fred never shows up and Audrey is left with no explanation. Fast forward a couple years and she meets a new guy named Josh. Four years later the two are engaged, where she runs into Fred again when he shows up to their rehearsal dinner as her sister's date. Who will she choose to be with, Fred or Josh? The ending is great and I won't give it away by saying who she picks. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

Before I Do brings you the story of Audrey and Josh, jumping back in Audrey's life and also going through their wedding day in alternating chapters. Audrey has always been a free spirit and starts to question her marriage when signs start popping up everywhere.

I really enjoyed the lesson of you have to work through your marriage and you have to choose to be with someone versus soulmates and whatever will happen will happen. There were some great lines about also loving yourself even before you have "your life figured out."

The story itself went fast but I did get a little bored of Audrey's antics. The epilogue also felt a little bit random to me. Overall if you enjoyed Cousen's other books you'll enjoy this one too!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When main character, Audrey found someone else’s photo in the photo booth, she did what she deemed appropriate - put the photos in her wallet and replaced them with pictures of herself. She spent years thinking about “photo booth guy” and likewise, photo booth guy (Fred) did the same because there was an undeniable connection. Neither of the two expected that they would finally find each other years later on the night before Audrey’s wedding.

Ugh, this book was so good until it wasn’t. I loved that fate brought Fred and Audrey back together and I wanted to see them run off together and live happily ever after. I felt like the entire book was really lengthy all for it to end the way it began, Audrey and Josh getting married. I felt like she was settling with Josh while she could have chosen Fred who was someone extremely compatible with her.

I gave this book 3 stars because of the fact that I loved the parts about Audrey and Fred. I felt like they truly loved each other and wanted to be with each other, they were the definition of soul mates and fate bringing people back together.

Audrey and Josh are getting married, but when a mysterious plus one shows up with the groom's sister, Audrey is starting to wonder if she is doing the right thing. Six years earlier, she had a chance encounter with someone she thought could be her soulmate. Photo Booth Guy, aka Fred, and Audrey met by happenstance when she found his photos left in the photo booth at the train station. They spent one glorious day together and then never saw each other again, until the night before her wedding.

Sophie Cousens uses her quirky and romantic writing style to delve deeper into the relationships between Audrey and Fred and Audrey and Josh. We are flashed back to six years prior when she meets Fred and also back to when she and Josh first met. Audrey is a very likable character, as are Josh and Fred. It was hard to pinpoint how the story would end...because you wanted both guys to win Audrey! There are other very likeable characters, and one very unlikable character, a perfect villain for the story.

I so thoroughly enjoyed this read. Just when I needed it, I got a very feel good, romantic comedy!

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Have you ever met a guy and spent just a day but the connection was undeniably there? Fred and Audrey, that’s what they had. He was her “what if”. You enjoyed the thrill and the adventure because he made your heart race and excited. He ghosted you or so you thought but then he showed up the night before your wedding day.

And then there is this guy you are about to marry in a few hours. He’s organized, he’s not the adventurous type that you wanted, but he keeps you grounded. He makes you a better person which you never thought you could be. Josh and Audrey. Josh never ghosted you. He stayed even when you are difficult to love because he chooses to. I am definitely Team Josh.

I could relate to this book. Sometimes, we want someone who isn’t so serious in life. Someone adventurous, funny, takes everything lightly, doesn’t stress much on things. I met a Fred-kind-of-guy before I met my husband who, btw, is a Josh-kind-of-guy. Read this book and you will know how my husband is. 😂 But he is my best decision in this lifetime.

I truly understand Audrey's confusion, but sometimes, remember that what we want is not always what we need.

I like this book so much and recommending it, but I’m only giving this a 4.2 stars because these two reasons were too unrealistic:
1. Too many bad omens before the wedding
2. The scene in the plane

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a pretty perfect rom com and I loved every bit of it. Audrey is about to marry Josh when Fred, a what-if from her past, shows up and throws her in to confusion. It's impossible not to love Audrey -- I was so invested in her story and having everything work out for her. Josh is one of the best love interests I've ever read, and Audrey and Fred's meet-cute is so swoony and perfect.

The supporting characters in this book are all great and so unique. Hillary, Audrey's "nactor" - a nanny who is an actor - is charming and endearing, and a great source of comedic relief. Josh's grandmother is also hilarious, and I felt completely invested in the outcomes of Audrey's mother, her best friend, and Josh's sister as well.

I was also very impressed with how Sophie Cousens's pulls off not just two timelines, but the present timeline and multiple timelines in Audrey's past. It's done seamlessly and with no confusion -- really enriched the story and made it so fun to read.

I will for sure be reading everything Sophie Cousens's writes in the future, as well as reading the one in her backlist I have yet to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!