Cover Image: Before I Do

Before I Do

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I think if I was in a different mindset than I was when I read this book, I would've enjoyed it better. Unfortunately at the time it just felt a little boring and repetitive to me. I have read other books by Sophie Cousens and enjoyed them a lot. I'm definitely not finished with this book forever for sure! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me in exchange for my opinion!!!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of “Before I Do” by Sophie Cousens.

Ahhhhh. I am such a fan of this author. This is the third book I’ve read from her and I cannot get enough. This book follows Audrey and Josh on their wedding day. Every possible thing that you can imagine ends up going wrong, one disaster after another, to the big one: the man she believes could be her possible soul-mate shows up as the date of the groom’s sister. Not to mention, this is the first time Audrey has seen Fred in six years after their one magical day together.

This author takes us on a wild ride from when Audrey and Josh, her one day with Fred, as well as Audrey’s relationship with her mother who has been married five times herself. We go back and forth between timelines from her childhood to six years ago and more recently up until (and beyond) the wedding day.

This was a beautiful story that explores what a soulmate is, whether it’s all bs, and how we choose the ones we love and show up for.

The jumping timelines wasn’t confusing at all and I applaud the author for that. I was hesitant at first because sometimes that can get messy, but I should’ve known it would be great.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Was this review helpful?

Since I just posted a review for The Good Part, it's probably high time to review Before I Do. I read this back in December 2022 and it just didn't stick with me. I might re-read this year, but I think the fact that I don't remember anything about it is enough of a review. I loved This Time Next Year and am currently gushing over The Good Part, so this one is an outlier and it was probably just me!

Was this review helpful?

This was cute and a quick and easy read, but not very memorable. I liked both the men but not the main character very much.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Six years ago, Audrey finds a set of photos in a photo booth. She takes them and leaves her own as a reply. They meet and spend the day together. Then next day, he's gone. Jump to six years later, Audrey is about to get married to Josh. At the rehearsal dinner, Josh's sister walks in with the man that Audrey thought she would never see again. After seeing him, and a series of bad omen disasters, Audrey starts to wonder if Josh really is "the one".

I thought this book was fine. I didn't really care about Audrey. I felt like she didn't have much of a personality, and she felt flat to me. I didn't believe in the relationship between Audrey and either guy. I didn't feel like there was chemistry at all.

I feel like there are definitely people who would enjoy this book. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.

Was this review helpful?

This definitely wasn’t my favorite read of this year.
I honestly believe that Josh deserves better. Audrey had the audacity to be so selfish.

If you are big into scandal you might enjoy this one. But definitely wasn’t it for me.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my copy of Before I Do by Sophie Cousens in exchange for an honest review. It published October 11, 2022.
I cannot believe I waited so long to read this Gem! Do not sleep on Sophie Cousens, she is an excellent author. I loved the back and forth in timeline in this book, and the ending was to die for!

Was this review helpful?

Josh deserved better than Audrey. 



If the roles were reversed the readers would riot and spit in Josh’s face for even entertaining the idea that a fleeting hang out once seven years ago with Fred could make him question his YEARS with Audrey. But since it’s a girl toying with emotions and being a huge jerk we’re going to package that up as her finding herself and not wanting to settle for a dismal love instead of a fireworks kind of thing, right? Right. I can’t get behind this book.



I think Audrey is a really bad and selfish person; and if I were Josh I’d cut my losses and find someone better. 



I would recommend this book to people that break up with people at parties. Those that insist thinking about themselves and their mental health means they can disregard every other person’s well being in their vicinity. This one is for those that ruin a good thing by chasing an idea that could maybe have even the slightest shot of being a smidge better, hopefully, maybe. Buckle up butter cup. Tuck in for a real treat.



I’m never reading this again.

Was this review helpful?

I loved how real this book felt. Audrey was such a relatable character. She wasn't some perfect person, she was a real woman, with real worries and insecurities. The book delved into that thought of 'what if?' and second chances. It showed the concept of if the grass is really greener on the other side.

The book shows the different types of love, of comfort. There is the instant spark of attraction, the excitement, the chemistry, but it also shows that slow, steady love and how affection can develop. I'm not going to spoil anything on how the book goes but this book did such a great job on showing how a person comes face to face with their regrets and if a do over is what they want.

Was this review helpful?

Usually, I really love when books have multiple timelines, but this time around, I found myself bored and forcing myself to finish this. Besides Audrey, I didn't really care for any of the other characters, so it was a problem for me that too much time was spent focusing on them and their dilemmas, such as Audrey's parents and infidelity. What I will applaud is that there was no love triangle as I originally thought, and the entire book doesn't focus too much on the wedding aspect.

Was this review helpful?

Sophie Cousens does it again! I've loved her work from the beginning. This beauty does not disappoint. I can't wait to share it with all of my friends. Thanks again for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

CHEFS KISS 😍
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! Sooo fun, such amazing characters, great plot and development throughout! It really hit home for me when she read the letter addressed to her for her wedding day from her father that passed away. This book brought me smiles, tears, and laughs - highly recommend this one!!!

Was this review helpful?

I am not a fan of the love triangle trope, but I am a big fan of Sophie Cousens books, so I figured I’d check it out anyways. I am so glad I did, because I ended up loving this book! I loved the multiple timelines in this book, I thought it made it very unique. I found myself not wanting to put this book down, I had to know what was going to happen! I really enjoyed the characters in this book, and the underlying stories in it. If you’re looking for a fun and quick read, I recommend checking this one out!

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

Was this review helpful?

Audrey is about to get married to Josh. They've got a good relationship; healthy, stable, and most of all, safe. So when Josh's sister brings her date, Fred, to the rehearsal dinner Audrey starts to worry. Fred and Audrey shared one amazing day together six years ago and is essentially "the one who got away". But Audrey is getting married tomorrow, so nothing can happen, right?

I think we all know the answer to that is, WRONG!

This book was pretty average. There were some good parts and there were some boring parts (like the names! Josh...Fred...). I also got quite confused throughout the timelines of the story. They did not go in order and the skipping around got confusing. Not only that but it just makes you wonder why Audrey was so ready to marry Josh if she's also so ready to possibly change her mind when Fred shows up.

Overall, I definitely can't say this is a bad book. However, it wasn't the right book for me at the right time.

Was this review helpful?

I loved experiencing the two time lines, I loved the characters and sophie cousens is a fav of mine so, I ate this up.

Was this review helpful?

"Before I Do" by Sophie Cousens is a delightful and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of love, choices, and the unexpected twists that life often throws our way.

Audrey, a dreamer with her head in the stars, is preparing to marry Josh, a grounded and reliable man who seems to be the perfect match for her. Despite their differences, their relationship is steady and secure, making Josh the safe choice. However, as Audrey's wedding day approaches, doubts start to creep into her mind. Is Josh truly the one who can fulfill her deepest desires and ignite the fireworks of passion?

Just when Audrey's uncertainty reaches its peak, fate intervenes in the form of Fred, her "What If? guy"—the man she shared an unforgettable day with six years ago. When Fred unexpectedly resurfaces at the rehearsal dinner, Audrey's emotions are thrown into disarray. Is it merely a coincidence, or could this be a sign from the universe?

Sophie Cousens masterfully crafts a heartwarming and engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated from start to finish. The palpable chemistry between Audrey and Fred is infused with a bittersweet longing and sparks of undeniable connection. As Audrey's wedding plans encounter a series of mishaps, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, eagerly rooting for Audrey as she navigates her conflicting feelings.

With her signature wit and charm, Cousens delves into themes of love, loss, and the power of self-discovery. The characters are relatable and well-developed, allowing readers to connect with their joys, sorrows, and personal growth. The author's skillful storytelling draws readers into Audrey's world, making us reflect on our own choices and what truly matters in matters of the heart.

"Before I Do" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that reminds us that life is full of surprises and that following our hearts may lead us down unexpected paths. Sophie Cousens has once again delivered a captivating and uplifting story that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the complexities of love and the importance of embracing the possibilities that come our way.

Was this review helpful?

Like Big Sean said, the grass ain't always greener on the other side, it's green where you water it.

Absolutely flew through this book - one of those romances where you fall in love with the guy yourself (bad jeans Josh was the best!) and you just want to shake some sense into the gal. Our FMC made some truly head-shaking decisions. All in all, I love Sophie Cousens' writing and this was a funy, feel-good story. Would recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC of Before I Do! All opinions in this review are my own.

Sophie Cousens does it again! I loved Just Haven't Met You Yet and had high hopes starting Before I Do! Luckily, it lived up to my expectations and I couldn't put it down! I ended up reading Before I Do over the course of a day while relaxing in the sunshine!

I love books that play with the timeline when telling the story. After an exciting opening, Before I Do details Audrey's relationships with Josh and Fred interspersed with the day leading up to her wedding. I love how these flashbacks reveal more of Audrey's history as her present day is moving forward. Before I Do will keep you guessing until the end and I can't recommend it enough!

Was this review helpful?

A great, emotional rom-com finally that delivers on the story, characters and ending.. The best part, it was not predictable. I have enjoyed the author's previous books too. Definitely recommended!

Thanks to Sophie Cousens, Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available.

Was this review helpful?

First book from this author i've reviewed. The classic question of who will she pick will be in your mind throughout the book. Enjoyable read, will read more of this author. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?