This was actually unexpectedly funny - even though I really like Sophie Cousens I think this novel was the funniest I've read. I have a bit of a soft spot for books where the characters are clearly "settling" and they are either tempted by or realise the merit of head-over-heels love as an alternative. It's so hard to do this trope in a way that doesn't make the main character disrespectful or unlikeable, but Cousens managed this really well. A fun take and well worth a read.

This was definitely a tumultuous read for me - there were some moments where I was hooked, racing through the chapters, and other moments where I felt somewhat disinterested unfortunately.

To get the negatives out of the way first, there were two main points for me:

I absolutely love when a book spans multiple timelines, but the amount of back and forth between different years in a non-chronological order became so confusing. I would lose track of who was supposed to be in the narrative at this stage of Audrey’s life, to the point where it took me completely out of the story I’m afraid. Had the chapters been woven chronologically, or had fewer years involved, it would have worked beautifully, but sadly it just didn’t quite work.

The other issue I had, which I’ve seen mentioned in other reviews, is how Audrey is seemingly using her trauma as an excuse to treat her fiancé poorly. Personally, I didn’t particularly like Audrey anyway, and I thought Josh could do much better than someone who essentially thinks of him as boring, unforgettable, not spontaneous enough. Plus, her years-long obsession with a guy she spent one afternoon with bordered on unhealthy for me - maybe the book should have ended with her single and focusing on herself, not walking off into the sunset with a man?

Besides these issues however, I did power through the final third of the book very quickly. It was such an interesting plot and a unique take on marriage/weddings, and the twists and turns throughout were great!

Despite what I said earlier about the confusing timeline, I did really enjoy the fact we got to go through Audrey’s past and see how different experiences in her life shaped her into who she became.

Overall I think this was an average read for me, not bad by any means but it didn’t blow me away.

This was such a beautiful story. It was not what I expected going in and I think that made it so much better.

The writing was brilliant and I loved the last and present storytelling.

A nice fluffy romantic read. Good beach reading… it won’t set the world alight but fun and enjoyable.

I really like Sophies writing but I couldnt finish this one. The story didnt draw me in and I'm not a fan of love triangles. A shame as I have enjoyed the previous books but it won't put me off trying another one of Sophies books.

A lovely romantic story about the one that nearly got away.
Sophie Cousens always manages to write love story's with great characters.
I loved this book.

"Before I Do" by Sophie Cousens is a charming and thoughtful exploration of love, destiny, and the intriguing concept of 'the one that got away.' This novel invites readers on a rollercoaster of emotions and questions about the nature of true love, delivered with wit and warmth that ensures a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Audrey, the protagonist of the story, is on the verge of marrying Josh, a man who represents stability and dependability. As the wedding day approaches, Audrey starts to question if Josh is indeed 'the one' she's been waiting for. The novel captures the essence of a steady, reassuring relationship but also highlights the absence of the fireworks and excitement typically associated with romance.

Cousens skillfully introduces the element of fate into Audrey's life when Josh's sister brings Fred, Audrey's 'What If?' guy, back into the picture on the eve of her wedding. Audrey's past connection with Fred ignites a spark of curiosity and longing, leading her to wonder if this is destiny's way of intervening.

The narrative unfolds as Audrey grapples with the doubts and uncertainties that plague her, wondering if she's about to make a colossal mistake. The book keeps readers engaged by throwing unexpected challenges and wedding mishaps into the mix, prompting Audrey to contemplate whether fate is trying to send her a message.

Sophie Cousens delivers a narrative that is a perfect blend of romance and wisdom, and it beautifully illustrates that love can take various forms and lead us down unexpected paths. For anyone who's ever questioned their choices and pondered the road not taken, this book is a touching reminder that love is a journey of self-discovery and the exploration of what truly matters. "Before I Do" is a delightful, thought-provoking, and truly lovely read, perfect for those who cherish the complexities and wonders of the heart.

Great holiday read and perfect for the beach.
Will look out for this author and would love to read more of her work.

Great book to read on the beach whilst away on holiday. Enjoyed the pace and how easy it was to pick up and put down. I would defo read this author again.

Enjoyed this even though it’s not my usual kind of book. Kept my interest and it was perfect for the beach. More please.

A great read with a really well written cast of characters. I really enjoyed the story line too. Highly recommended by me!

I was really looking forward to reading this book but I just didn’t like it. 2d characters, silly story line, nothing stand out about it at all. Don’t think I will bother with the author again unfortunately

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

The day before Audrey's wedding is plagued with disaster and Granny Parker announces all the incidents to be bad omens. When her 'what if' man turns up, is it fate telling her that she's making a mistake or is Josh the right person for her?

When I got into the story, I enjoyed this book. But it took me a little bit and I nearly stopped reading. It didn't help that the ebook copy had a number of random spaces and new paragraphs in the middle of words and sentences. Hopefully those were all fixed by publication.

It's a well-written, time-hopping, romance complete with miscommunication and the bad guy Vs good guy trope. The characters have background written into the time hops so you see how they've got the the wedding day.

Audrey started to annoy me, especially at the end in Greece - she needed to talk to her mum/Josh/anyone instead of keeping everything bottled up. She was well written but not endearing.

Overall I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my favourite book.

This is a magnificent, romantic read where the 'what if' guy turns up the night before the wedding...what would you do? It is a funny, engaging, romantic and heartwarming book that is a sure-fire winner for light-hearted escapism.

I am absolutely captivated by the synopsis of "Before I Do" by Sophie Cousens. From the very first sentence, I was drawn into the intriguing premise of the story. The idea of the one that got away showing up the night before a wedding is a classic romantic trope, but the way Cousens presents it feels fresh and exciting.

What I appreciate most about this premise is the complexity and depth it adds to the story. The protagonist, Audrey, is questioning whether her current relationship is truly the one she wants to be in. This adds an incredible layer of complexity to the story, as it allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' motivations and desires. It's rare to find a romance novel that delves into such complicated emotions, and I can already tell that Cousens is going to handle this with skill and grace.

In addition to the premise and the characters, I have high expectations for the writing itself. The author's previous works have been praised for being heartwarming and unashamedly romantic, and I have no doubt that "Before I Do" will be the same. I can't wait to see how Cousens weaves together the various plot threads, and how she develops the romantic tension between Audrey and Fred.

Overall, I highly recommend "Before I Do" to any fans of the romance genre. The synopsis alone has me completely hooked, and I can't wait to dive into this novel and see what surprises and delights Cousens has in store for her readers.

Amazingly done, I love me a love triangle!
The supporting characters where AMAZING and I was so torn between Josh and Fred!!!

I love Sophie's books and this one was no exception! Funny and unexpected, I would definitely read again!

This was my first book by Sophie Cousens and it won't be my last.

Can you imagine if an ex partner showed up at your wedding! I can not. This book would make an amazing rom com!

This completely slipped down my dashboard and I've only just got round to reading it so apologies for the late review.

I absolutely loved this book - like a Sliding Doors moment when Audrey and Fred never quite make it but spend years afterwards thinking "what if?"

A complicated time line which must have been a nightmare to write, but easy for the reader to understand. Was I wrong to absolutely hate Granny? She seemed to want everything to go wrong purely because Audrey wasn't a "Yorkshire lass!"

Great book, really enjoyed it.

Another winner from this fantastic author. Sophie Cousens has quickly become one of my favourites and this book didn't disappoint. Made me laugh out loud. Is a great holiday read for sure - 5stars from me

A slow burn rom com with real laugh out loud moments. This story has really relatable characters and real life situations while still being entertaining.