Before. After. Always. is a great book. Eliza is reeling from a devastating loss in her teens. Blake is also healing from the loss of a close family member. This hits home as I lost someone this year and it is a great book not only about romance, but learning to live again and still cherish those who departed this world too soon.

3.2 stars for Before. After. Always.


The story is about how to heal from trauma, how to trust again, and 'attempt' to move on with your life after a loss. The book was ok, some parts felt a little unnecessary and in parts slightly predictable. Nothing massive happens, and I felt myself losing focus in some areas of the story. But it's a lovely outcome, with getting the chance to reconnect with loved ones.

This was my first book by Morgan Lee Miller, and I look forward to reading further books by her.
I was given a copy for an honest review.

Eliza and Blake knows what loss is and how hard to get over it.

Eliza is chief resident where she meets patient Blake they go out to dinner where they both learn they suffer great loss as they get to know each other they start to heal.

I like the character of Blake she was flirty and didn’t push Eliza she let her open up when she was ready. Eliza who finally found someone where she can be seen and understood felt like she can breathe. Eliza relationship with her parents took awhile to heal despite having her sister as mediator well I say barely reconcile.

Overall a good read although some parts I felt the characters weren’t acting their age which I assume they are in their thirties I don’t know maybe it was dialogue that felt like they were much younger.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Eliza Walsh is chief resident at a hospital in San Diego. Her life is stunted by a car accident that took her girlfriend's life before they left for college together. She achieves in her medical skills but not much else. Blake Navarro enters her world as a flirting patient. Later Eliza takes her up on an offer to have dinner at the restaurant where she is the head chef. Blake has known loss too with a brother who died serving in the Marines. As Eliza opens up to Blake their friendship and attraction grows.

I liked how the author shows two people dealing with grief differently. Blake is wonderfully patient in not demanding more than Eliza can share. I like Eliza, but she is still in a PTSD world, that is surprising for so long after the accident and years of therapy. I can’t imagine how she is surviving in SO CA and not choosing to drive. And I was also surprised at how long it has taken to give her parents another chance, especially with her sister as a connector. I cheered for Blake and Eliza coming together as a couple and particularly love the few sentences where they declare themselves girlfriends. But overall there isn’t a lot of happiness to make the book more enjoyable. Eliza barely has reconciliation with her parents when the dark moment arrives with Blake over their futures. Thank goodness the epilogue left me happy and believing in their HEA.

I like the book overall and it is a sweet romance. But know that dealing with grief is a driving force to the plot. (This isn’t a surprise, it is in the blurb.). Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher (Bold Strokes Books) in exchange for an unbiased review'

**'Everything that you as a writer think is worth writing may NOT necessarily worth writing and might also be irritating for readers to read...'

Okay read!
I've read two of Ms.Lee Miller's other books and did really enjoyed both but for some reason or the other I just could NOT get into or connect with a majority of 'BEFORE.AFTER.ALWAYS's' storyline -- has an enticing blurb but it just seems way too dull.
During the storytelling, both leading characters (Eliza & Blake) and a few other secondary ones are viewed as over 30 adults but at times their roles felt teenager-ish (YA) -- re: the 'BEFORE' in the title and this author's past writings that centered on teenage love.
I do not want to post any harsh criticism on what I thought this book should or could have been because I really don't wanna sway other interested readers from checking it out. Everyone might read the same book but in the end will have so many different opinions and that's what I'm hoping will transpire.
One thing I can say is that Ms.Lee Miller is very meticulous about all things pertaining to medicine and medical expertise -- with vivid and vibrant details.
Furthermore, my brief summation should not surmise to play any role in how other readers react to the book. The premise is a bit unique and might be just what others deem satisfactory.