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Before I Knew
(The Cabots #1)
by
Author Jamie Beck returns with an engrossing series about family, friendship, and starting over. In this first Cabot novel, a legacy of secrets tests old friends seeking a second chance at life and love.
On the second anniversary of her husband’s suicide, Colby Cabot-Baxter is ready to let go of her grief and the mistakes made during her turbulent marriage. Her fresh st
...moreKindle Edition, 354 pages
Published
August 22nd 2017
by Montlake Romance
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Start your review of Before I Knew (The Cabots, #1)
This book contains everything you need to know to build a lasting relationship. Just take everything the characters do, and don't do that. I finished this with equal parts masochism and delight. I'm ashamed to admit that the delight was anticipation of being able to vent my wrath on a deserving target. I don't like what that says about me, so I'm rethinking how much vitriol I want to indulge.
Colby and Alec spend the entire novel vying for biggest idiot. Whether it's Colby interfering with his ru ...more
Colby and Alec spend the entire novel vying for biggest idiot. Whether it's Colby interfering with his ru ...more
Before I Knew is the first in a new series following the Cabot family. It’s billed as a romance and it most certainly is, but this wasn’t the lighthearted read I was expecting it to be and unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as I had hoped because of this. I like to escape with a romance as a break from the dark thrillers that make up the majority of my TBR and since much of this one deals with heavy, depressing topics it wasn’t quite the break I was expecting. Don’t get me wrong, it was well
...more
The Cabot and the Morgans were friends and neighbours for thirty years until a stupid dare left Joe Morgan dead, shortly afterwards Colby Cabot's husband Mark killed himself over his part in the dare, devastated by his role in the death of his best friend and unable to deal with the guilt. Mark was bi-polar and Colby suffers from the knowledge that she kept his diagnosis from her family, she also worries that his illness may have been a contributing factor to the dare that led to Joe's death.
Two ...more
Two ...more
Some romance story’s are so cheesy but wow this one was so good. Had me laughing, gave me tears in my eyes! Reached all the way down to my soul. I highly recommend this series. This book would make an amazing movie! Hint hint..
Here I go again, in the minority about a story. Unfortunately, Before I Knew just didn't do it for me. It was so heavy, such a downer that I couldn't find my way through to the end with any kind of joy, any kind of excitement, any kind of anything positive. It's not horribly written or anything, it's just that it's such a dreary, down on themselves kind of story that I could not connect with it or any of the characters.
Colby has lost her husband to suicide. Right before that, they both lost a go ...more
Colby has lost her husband to suicide. Right before that, they both lost a go ...more
What a fantastic first book in a brand new series. It's highly emotional and deals with issues that arise a horrible tragedy strikes. Colby Cabot Baxter and Alec Morgan's lives were both changed by the tragedy but now they are both looking for fresh starts. Their journey to happiness is painful and emotional and the past needs to be dealt with. It can't be until all the secrets are revealed. Will they be brave enough to face the past in order to have a future??
Definitely a book I recommend to ev ...more
Definitely a book I recommend to ev ...more
Waaaay too much
I hate dropping a story midway through. I always try to stick with it til the bitter end, no matter what.
I made an exception in this case.
Before I Knew, is apparently part of a series. Not wanting to offend any hardcover fans, let me just say, for me, this book is not worth the time it takes to read. Over 5 hours is, to me, way and above too long for a simple romance. Way too much back and forth, and round and round, in what should have been a simple romance. It was like the thin ...more
I hate dropping a story midway through. I always try to stick with it til the bitter end, no matter what.
I made an exception in this case.
Before I Knew, is apparently part of a series. Not wanting to offend any hardcover fans, let me just say, for me, this book is not worth the time it takes to read. Over 5 hours is, to me, way and above too long for a simple romance. Way too much back and forth, and round and round, in what should have been a simple romance. It was like the thin ...more
Meh...everyone was such a victim. I have no plans to continue with the series.
3 Complicated Stars
* * *
Wow... This was a lot to take in.
We have two families who are on opposite sides of a serious tragedy. This main issue colors everything and everyone.
After us learning this multi-layered tragedy involving so many, we are set up for the main part of the story...
The goal for our gal is to make the restaurant she has worked so hard to be a reality... the best it can be. Unfortunately, that means the money partner brings in a chef who is part of this family complication and ...more
4 Heartfelt Stars
Before I Knew by Jamie Beck was an emotional and heartfelt read.
They storyline was well written, it was easy to follow and hard to put down.
Watching Colby and Alec come together was both heartwarming and painful.
They both had painful pasts that they needed to deal with so they could find true happiness.
These two were easy to love and I really enjoyed reading their story.
Before I Knew is a lovely start to the Cabot Series by Jamie Beck, looking forward to Hunter and Sara's book ...more
Before I Knew by Jamie Beck was an emotional and heartfelt read.
They storyline was well written, it was easy to follow and hard to put down.
Watching Colby and Alec come together was both heartwarming and painful.
They both had painful pasts that they needed to deal with so they could find true happiness.
These two were easy to love and I really enjoyed reading their story.
Before I Knew is a lovely start to the Cabot Series by Jamie Beck, looking forward to Hunter and Sara's book ...more
Jamie Beck has a style of writing that always draws you in to the dynamics of a family making you their own personal cheerleader. Before I Knew lays the foundation of the Cabot series which will provide lots love, heartbreak, drama, and hopefully healing.
Two years after the tragic loss of Joe Morgan and Mark Baxter, the gaping whole remains in both the Morgan and Cabot families. Secrets held by both Mark's wife, Colby Cabot-Baxter and Joe's brother, Alec Morgan, are bound to come to light after ...more
Two years after the tragic loss of Joe Morgan and Mark Baxter, the gaping whole remains in both the Morgan and Cabot families. Secrets held by both Mark's wife, Colby Cabot-Baxter and Joe's brother, Alec Morgan, are bound to come to light after ...more
Before I Knew was my companion on a recent airline trip and thank goodness. The time flew as I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed this realistic love story. Lately I've been turned off by the plethora of so-called romance books where the sex is more important than the relationship. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Before I Knew dove into the relationship head-long and kept it interesting from start to finish. There was just enough sexual tension to give it a kick, but there was nothing explicit. I ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this realistic love story. Lately I've been turned off by the plethora of so-called romance books where the sex is more important than the relationship. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Before I Knew dove into the relationship head-long and kept it interesting from start to finish. There was just enough sexual tension to give it a kick, but there was nothing explicit. I ...more
I enjoyed this romance and look forward to reading more by this author.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
The Morgans and Cabots live next door to each other. Joe Morgan and Colby Cabot were best friends growing up. When Colby married Mark Baxter, Joe welcomed him with opened arms and the three spent a lot of time together. When Joe died after a dare issued by Mark, it tore the families apart. Mark, dealing with issues of his own, feeling overwhelmed with guilt, commits suicide.
Fast-forward two years. Colby is still reeling from the past. Her marriage wasn’t what it seemed. She’s been practicing la ...more
Fast-forward two years. Colby is still reeling from the past. Her marriage wasn’t what it seemed. She’s been practicing la ...more
I received a free copy of this book from BookSparks for an honest review. After reading and enjoying a lot of suspense books lately I was ready for a change. Before I Knew came along at the right time. Colby was widowed two years ago and is now ready to move on from her grief and start some new ventures in her life. She has decided to open a restaurant and her childhood friend Alec has been hired as the new chef. Alec is also ready to make changes in his life. His brother Joe died just over two
...more
Well, this was lovely.
We have Colby and Alec, they’ve known each other for years, but sadly they are torn apart because of some horrible tragedies. My heart really hurt for these two, they were in such a difficult situation, so much that it held them back from moving on, even with each other.
I felt it was great they were both willing to move on from that tragedy and I hated Alec’s dad for not allowing him to do that. I get the grief, but that man was awful, just wanting everyone to hurt like him ...more
We have Colby and Alec, they’ve known each other for years, but sadly they are torn apart because of some horrible tragedies. My heart really hurt for these two, they were in such a difficult situation, so much that it held them back from moving on, even with each other.
I felt it was great they were both willing to move on from that tragedy and I hated Alec’s dad for not allowing him to do that. I get the grief, but that man was awful, just wanting everyone to hurt like him ...more
This was one of the worst books I've read in a long time! It was so repetitive and boring. I get that the characters felt guilty, I would too, although we all know other's actions are not our fault. It's just human nature. And this story could have been so much better. But the author just kept dragging out the "woe me...I feel guilty...." card. We got it!! Move on with the story, let the guilt be a background distraction.
To make matters worse, I didn't even like the characters. Colby was a doorm ...more
To make matters worse, I didn't even like the characters. Colby was a doorm ...more
Before I knew is an emotional story about loss and starting over. It has been two years since Colby Cabot-Baxter watched her husband, Mark commit suicide. She is ready for a new start with opening a new restaurant. Her old friend Alec Morgan is dealing with his own regrets about his part in both his brother's accident and Mark's suicide. He is now getting a second chance at making amends with Colby, his family and his reputation as an award-winning chef.
The story was well written and the charact ...more
The story was well written and the charact ...more
Very much a downer. Maybe it's me, but I read to be uplifted. This didn't do it.
Before I Knew: The Cabots Book 1 is by Jamie Beck. This book deals with the aftermath of an accidental death and a suicide. How families deal with each is something that needs to be looked at. No family reacts in the same way. It also deals with bipolar disorder.
Colby Cabot-Baxter has had a rough two years. First, her husband, Mark, and her best friend, Joe, had gone on a hike near Lake Sandy, Oregon. For some reason, Mark dared Joe to jump off a cliff and he took the dare and was killed. Joe h ...more
Colby Cabot-Baxter has had a rough two years. First, her husband, Mark, and her best friend, Joe, had gone on a hike near Lake Sandy, Oregon. For some reason, Mark dared Joe to jump off a cliff and he took the dare and was killed. Joe h ...more
Jamie Beck is one of my favourite authors, and I'm always excited when she brings out a new book. Before I knew is the start of a new series, The Cabots.
Books dealing with grief are not my favourite, especially when it is one of the main themes in a story. However, with this said I still enjoyed this book. It has a lot going on, and the story was really interesting.
Colby Cabot-Baxter lost her husband 2 years ago and has never recovered. It's not because he was the love of her life, or she can't ...more
Books dealing with grief are not my favourite, especially when it is one of the main themes in a story. However, with this said I still enjoyed this book. It has a lot going on, and the story was really interesting.
Colby Cabot-Baxter lost her husband 2 years ago and has never recovered. It's not because he was the love of her life, or she can't ...more
I want to thank Jamie Beck, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my eBook copy of Before I Knew that I won in the Giveaway.
Before I Knew is an emotional romance that deals with family left after a tragic accidental death and then another family member taking his life. It has been two year since Colby Cabot-Baxter watched her husband commit suicide and she is taking positive steps to change her life and move on with the opening of A Certain Tea, a new restaurant. Alec Morgan is dealing w ...more
Before I Knew is an emotional romance that deals with family left after a tragic accidental death and then another family member taking his life. It has been two year since Colby Cabot-Baxter watched her husband commit suicide and she is taking positive steps to change her life and move on with the opening of A Certain Tea, a new restaurant. Alec Morgan is dealing w ...more
BEFORE I KNEW is an exceptional first book in Jamie Beck's new series THE CABOT'S. I was heartbroken before the end of chapter one and relished my heart being mended as Ms Beck wove her magic throughout the remainder of the story.
Jamie Beck has a knack for being able to pull a reader into her stories with potent plot lines and magnificently strong, yet flawed characters. These characteristics are certainly present in BEFORE I KNEW and each enhances the story and allows for readers to be totally ...more
Jamie Beck has a knack for being able to pull a reader into her stories with potent plot lines and magnificently strong, yet flawed characters. These characteristics are certainly present in BEFORE I KNEW and each enhances the story and allows for readers to be totally ...more
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
An emotional and heart wrenching story from the first page to the last. Ms. Beck brought together well developed characters that told a story in a heartfelt and compelling manner.
The character of Colby is one of a woman trying to find her place in the world after the tragic death of one of her closest childhood friends and her husband's suicide. Her emotional state is fragile at the beginning but you can see her slowly r ...more
An emotional and heart wrenching story from the first page to the last. Ms. Beck brought together well developed characters that told a story in a heartfelt and compelling manner.
The character of Colby is one of a woman trying to find her place in the world after the tragic death of one of her closest childhood friends and her husband's suicide. Her emotional state is fragile at the beginning but you can see her slowly r ...more
4.5 Stars
Before I Knew is the first book in the Cabot series. It is also the first book I have read by Jamie Beck. It will not be the last. Beck’s complex characters and perfectly paced, layered plot made this an excellent read. Colby and Alec are likeable characters, credibly flawed and dealing with wounds inflicted by people they love. These are characters in whom I believe and for whom I root without reservation. Their story is one of the best contemporary friends-to-lovers stories I’ve read ...more
Before I Knew is the first book in the Cabot series. It is also the first book I have read by Jamie Beck. It will not be the last. Beck’s complex characters and perfectly paced, layered plot made this an excellent read. Colby and Alec are likeable characters, credibly flawed and dealing with wounds inflicted by people they love. These are characters in whom I believe and for whom I root without reservation. Their story is one of the best contemporary friends-to-lovers stories I’ve read ...more
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, especially as a beach read of which it was perfect for. The writing style was great and the plot moved along at a good clip. I'm a sucker for long-pined for romances so this was very easy for me to get into.
The story was clearly present day but the exact dates didn't weigh on the plotline and I liked that I could read it and be completely absorbed in it without wondering about dates. It just didn't matter. So with that being said my biggest issue with it was ...more
The story was clearly present day but the exact dates didn't weigh on the plotline and I liked that I could read it and be completely absorbed in it without wondering about dates. It just didn't matter. So with that being said my biggest issue with it was ...more
Standing Ovation
I confess I read other reviews before I read this book and was nervous before opening the first chapter. I am a fan of Ms. Beck's books and writing style and while this book was a different storyline approach for her, she did an excellent job in writing this couple's story. Just because a story involves two people struggling with shared bad memories it does not make the book a bad read. I did not feel weighed down by the storyline and characters and found the book hard to put dow ...more
I confess I read other reviews before I read this book and was nervous before opening the first chapter. I am a fan of Ms. Beck's books and writing style and while this book was a different storyline approach for her, she did an excellent job in writing this couple's story. Just because a story involves two people struggling with shared bad memories it does not make the book a bad read. I did not feel weighed down by the storyline and characters and found the book hard to put dow ...more
I was thoroughly disappointed in this book. I found it in the trending this week section hoping for a good read and ended up with a flop. The book was whiny and uninteresting. It also heavily featured the author's voice rather than writing so I can feel the characters voices. Even having this be the first book in the series there were several times I thought to myself while reading "that character would never say that". Other than the author's overly effeminate voice coming through that random p
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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review
There are so many romance books out there that follow the same path, but every now and then you get one that has something special, that makes it just a little different...and this is one of those stories. This was real, and emotional, and heartfelt. These characters rang true and hit a spot in my heart. The personal struggles these two faced and the journey they took together were honest, and something I could connect with.
There are so many romance books out there that follow the same path, but every now and then you get one that has something special, that makes it just a little different...and this is one of those stories. This was real, and emotional, and heartfelt. These characters rang true and hit a spot in my heart. The personal struggles these two faced and the journey they took together were honest, and something I could connect with.
This isn't usually my type of book, it's been a while since I've read a romance. I started off heavily judging the characters and their drama, but by the end of the book I couldn't wait to start the second in the series!
Jamie Beck deals with some difficult issues in this book such as mental illness, suicide and grief. These subjects are treated with dignity and respect and are not used as cheap plot devices.
While I enjoyed the romance angle of the book, I found the family relationships more co ...more
Jamie Beck deals with some difficult issues in this book such as mental illness, suicide and grief. These subjects are treated with dignity and respect and are not used as cheap plot devices.
While I enjoyed the romance angle of the book, I found the family relationships more co ...more
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Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than three million cop ...more
Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than three million cop ...more
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“Blame. Such a useless word. People flung it around when they were mad or hurt. Or they carried it like a cross until it destroyed any chance at redemption or happiness. Blame never solved one problem or changed a single outcome. A pointless, unproductive, ultimately destructive concept, really.”
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“That’s how marriage works. How love works. You have to forgive. You have to remember that it isn’t always easy. And you have to fight for love, too.”
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