I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I’ve been in such a romance mood lately, and The One Before the One did not disappoint! It’s the kind of book that grabs you right from the start with its unique twist and keeps you hooked with all the feels.

The story kicks off with Liv, who’s finally found happiness again after losing her boyfriend Kit seven years ago. She’s literally about to walk down the aisle when—bam—she finds herself back in time, a week before Kit disappeared. Can she figure out what happened and stop him from leaving? And if she does, what does that mean for the love she’s built now?

What I loved most about this book is how real Liv’s emotions feel. She’s torn between two loves, and Emma Cooper makes you feel every moment of her struggle. The time-travel element adds just the right amount of intrigue without overshadowing the heartfelt, character-driven story.

There were a couple of slower parts, and I wanted just a bit more closure at the end, but overall, it’s a beautifully written story that made me laugh, cry, and think about all the little moments that shape our lives.

This was such a beautifully written book. I refuse to give spoilers but it’s worth every second it takes to read, I promise! I wasn’t expecting the twist at all, and I hadn’t even realised it was going to happen. Anyway, perfect book, highly recommended

ok i’m reading this on the last day of december and i think i can say this is in my top 3 books I have read this year.
i have devoured it, i have texted my children numerous times today to tell them im reading a fantastic book. i have gasped out loud a good few times.
this is a great read and i am now going to go find other books by this author!

My favorite thing about this book was that it was clear from the first moment Liv finds herself in the past that there was no question about who she would end up with. Her primary motivation is to find out what happened to Kit and gain some answers/closure for herself. I also really liked that she wasn't actually able to change anything - I thought that was such a departure from what you usually get in time-travel romances. Liv being able to find out more about Kit and to look at him through an older, more mature lens only served to show her that she was marrying the correct brother. Side note, I liked that it wasn't in the summary that the man she was set to marry was Kit's brother, that was a nice surprise. The secondary POV was ambiguous enough in the beginning that it wasn't clear who was narrating, but I'm glad it was James. I really liked getting to know more about him. And since we had learned more about his strained relationship with his mother and how he was always made to feel inferior to Kit it is understandable why he reacted to Kit's return the way he did. I'm glad Liv realized James was the one she loved - I can see why Kit was an attractive option when she was younger, but the more I learned about him the less I liked him. He was the epitome of a spoiled child who never really thought about anyone but himself. I'm sure he could have found a way to reach out to let Liv and his family know he was alive but needed to disappear for a while - and making his return known on their wedding day, seriously, what was he thinking? The only thing I would have changed in this book is that I wish Liv had stood up for James when his mother made the comment about running away being in James's DNA from his father especially since her golden boy who had just returned after faking his death for 7 years was standing right there - that mother is truly the worst. I loved the ending with Liv and James (thank goodness he had to return to the cabin!) and the epilogue.

‘The One Before the One’ is a beautiful story that had me reflecting on aspects of my life and “what-ifs”. This story follows Liv, who loses her boyfriend Kit after he disappears on a hike. She finds herself with the unique opportunity to relive the last week with him before he disappears to try and find out why he disappeared and if she can save him. There are multiple POVs throughout the book and a twist that dropped my jaw. I really enjoyed this book, thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.

This was such a great read! Excellent storyline, romance, mystery, and time travel. I always love stories with a dual point of view. Add it to your tbr!

This book was an intriguing read and does keep your attention throughout the whole novel, the author does well at combining romance, mystery, time travel and emotional upheavals. Reminiscent of One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The relationships were handled realistically based on the plot's situations and the time travel was well done keeping your attention with many twists, turns and clues. The ending was realistic and what would be expected in healthy relationship choices. Emotional reactions to those relationships were very mature and full of growth for the characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC. This is my honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an e-ARC.

This is the first Emma Cooper book that I have read and I enjoyed it from start to finish! The one before the one follows Liv through the heartbreaking journey of her boyfriend going missing, but all is not as it seems. Suspenseful, surprising twists, lighthearted, poignant and a joy to read.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. It’s my first Emma Cooper read. I always love a good love story. I didn’t read the synopsis of the story; I just went in blind.

At first I was so confused by the time travel. I didn’t realize it was happening. When I did, I was disappointed because this wasn’t the type of book I’d typically choose to read.

Of course there were so many questions I as the reader had to ask myself. What happened to Kit? Why did James abandon Liv on their wedding day.

How did the necklace end up in James’ pocket?

I knew I had to finish the book. I felt obligated to read it all because I got an ARC. I felt I owed my time to Emma Cooper and see it though.

Boy, am I glad I did! I was originally going to give this book three stars, but as I went through, it quickly became a solid four star read for me. I was invested in Liv’s search for answers and I had to see how everything was connected.

The love story between Liv and James was so beautiful. I knew that they were fated to be together. There souls were connected on a level that wasn’t there in Liv’s relationship with Kit.

I’d definitely recommend reading this book! I’m glad I did!!

This is my first Emma Cooper novel, but it definitely won’t be the last. An intriguing and complex plot which captivated me and held my interest to the very last page. Excellent storyline, very well written with great characters . Loved it and highly recommend.

I was intrigued by the premise and hooked during the first half. I liked the plot twists, but the second half was slow. The ending gave me an overall liking. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy.

On Liv’s wedding day, she’s transported back to the day her ex boyfriend disappeared to learn why and where he went. Told from two perspectives and time, this is a wild ride! I started off loving Kit and being skeptical of Liv and James. Then, I fell in love with James’ character.

Not my typical genre, but I LOVED The one before The One!! It is so well written and the subject of time travel is fascinating!! Loved the characters and the way the story flowed. Highly recommend!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

Interesting concept, romance meets mystery. Liv travels back in time the morning of her wedding to figure out why her first love disappeared 7 years prior. Very unexpected twists and great character development! If you like Rebecca Serle or One Italian Summer, this has a similar vibe!

I really liked The One Before The One by Emma Cooper. I was taken by surprise. The whole concept of the time traveling to possibly get a second chance at love was done very well. I was not expecting the plot twist but I was hoping what happened was for a different reason. I was upset with one of the mmc. But when I really thought about it things like that actually do happen. So I could understand it.
I really liked Emma Cooper's writing style. It was easy to follow and kept my attention. I'll definitely be checking out her other books.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.
The One Before the One was very reminiscent of Jill Santolpolo and CJ Connolly books. I enjoyed it very much, The characters were great and the plot was amazing. The pace of the book kept me hooked. Highly recommend.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of my favorite reads of 2024! I absolutely enjoyed every second. It moved quickly enough to keep me engaged but had enough suspense to keep me guessing. I loved the main character and related quite a bit to her personality and her inner dialogue. I enjoyed the commentary and perspective offered on different kinds of love.

Highly recommend.

4.5 stars.

Wow! What an amazing gem this book turned out to be. One part romance, one part magical realism, and one part mystery - combined to make a fantastic, interesting story I like one I’ve read before.

7 years ago, Kit, the love of Olivia’s life went missing. He went for a hike and never came back and was later presumed dead. Over the years, she fell in love with his brother, James, as they both grieved together. On the morning of her wedding day to James, Olivia finds a note that indicates Kit may be alive and that James may have known. As she leaves her hotel room to confront James, she is hurtled 7 years into the past and wakes up a week before Kit goes missing.

This story is told from multiple POVs and keeps you guessing at every turn. There are some fun twists. I loved all the characters- Liv, James, Kit, Ava…well,
maybe not Kit’s and James’ mom, Lynn, but that’s okay. 🙂

Definitely add this one to your TBR. It may not be on your radar, but it definitely should be!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this, it was both funny and sad in places, a really interesting plot and narrative that was well executed, the perfect holiday read!

Liv thought her life was over when her boyfriend, Kit, vanished on a hike. Seven years later, she’s about to marry someone new when she suddenly wakes up a week before Kit disappeared. Now, she’s determined to figure out what happened and maybe even change fate. This book is a wild ride with romance, mystery, and packs an emotional punch.. Liv’s journey through grief, love, and self-discovery will keep you hooked, and the twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat.