Oof, this was a tearjerker. The author has such an engaging writing style that I flew through this, meaning that the emotions came thick and fast. Jenny and Joe have been together since the age of thirteen, and even when Joe is killed in an accident Jenny can't let him go. Because of this he's just as much a real character as anyone else in the book, and the picture we get of their relationship is full of love and humour and so heartwarming that it's almost painful because it only serves to amplify the grief she's mired in. Her friends and family are also well realised, funny and loving and well-meaning in turn. Jenny's progression from just existing to actually living again is beautifully done: her interactions with Luca (and the physical and verbal knots she manages to tie herself into) are sharp and hilarious and intercut with the honest reality that grief is not linear and can strike at any time. I admit I didn't love the way Luca behaved towards the end, and while his actions did serve a purpose in terms of getting Jenny through the final stages of acceptance (possibly the most emotionally wrenching scenes of the book, and there are a few to choose from), the ending felt a little abrupt as a result. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this and would definitely look out for more from this author in the future.

Jenny and Joe were perfect together, until a tragic accident tore them apart. But Joe never really left. For five months, he’s been visiting Jenny as a ghostly presence she can’t resist, pulling her deeper into isolation. Then Luca moves into their old flat, and suddenly Jenny’s world starts shifting. They clash, they bicker, and yet somehow, Luca is the first person to help her rediscover life, and laughter,outside her memories of Joe. But the more she leans into this new connection, the more Joe fades away. Some loves haunt us, but others just might set us free.

3.5

An emotional read that deals with grief and eventually opening yourself up to living and loving again. My heart broke for Jenny. There are some hard hitting scenes (particularly towards the end of the book) but it is so full of warmth and love. Her friendship with Jacob and Alice was joyful and her initial sparring with Luca was entertaining. I do think that there could have been a couple of loose ends tied up with an epilogue but overall it is an enjoyable read. I'll definitely read more from Georgina in the future.

Heart-wrenching, romantic, and impossible to forget 💔💭. The Man I Loved Before promises an emotional, gripping love story about what-ifs, lost chances, and the enduring power of the heart. Georgina Culter’s latest is set to deliver swoony moments, complex emotions, and a love story that lingers long after the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for this ARC.

Jenny, 30, lost fiancé Joe five months ago in an accident. Her grief manifests in seeing Joe as if he was still alive and having conversations with him. Then, in her work at the Brighton Tribune, she meets Luca Patel, who she first can't stand, but this is a romance, so do we think she might warm to him?

There is so much exaggerated grieving that falling in love again after five months makes no sense to me. It feels like a padded out story with not much substance, and it drags terribly after we're finished meeting everyone. Her friends Jacob and Alice are there for her, as is her brother Matt and fiancée Alyssa, plus Mum who owns a pub, but she still retreats to her childhood bedroom and doesn't cash the life insurance cheque.

This is an emotional journey of grief and healing through reconnecting with the world. It's a perfectly passable book with some fun characters but there is nothing new or unique here. Read if you're in the mood for a tearjerker.

What a book! Honestly it is a beautiful story! I couldnt put this down. Its incredibly heartwarming and very emotional. I laughed and cried with this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How can a book be so heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once? I absolutely loved this story—it had me laughing, crying, and feeling everything in between.

The writing style was engaging and easy to fly through; I enjoyed every moment of it.

I adored Jenny’s character—she was hilarious, relatable, and so down to earth. I’m so glad she got the chance to find love again.

The book had a great premise, but somehow, halfway through it, I felt like the writer dragged out unnecessary scenes and added a lot of other scenes that didn't make sense.

What a beautiful book! I absolutely was I tears over this one. Imagine meeting someone you were destined for and having them ripped right out from under you…that’s the premise of this story and then just when you think you’ll never find love again life might just surprise you.