Before I Do

by Sophie Cousens, Emma Sidi (Narrator)

10 hours, 21 minutes

What would you do if 'the one that got away' turned up the night before your wedding?

Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are polar opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey's found herself wondering if Josh really is The One.

So, when Josh's sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey's What If? guy--the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with--Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred's appearance the night before she is due to get married can't be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humour?
10 hours and 21 minutes

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com

Audiobook

First published August 18, 2022

About the author

Sophie Cousens has worked in television for twelve years. She attributes surviving this long to always knowing where the Post-it notes are kept, and her ability to carry six coffee cups at once.

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book. I've really proud of it, and I hope you are going to love it! x Sophie

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark my words. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!

Here are my thoughts:

I think so far this is my favorite book of the author and as a first I’m giving a book five stars even though I got irritated by the heroine at so my chapters and fully supported team Josh( not James) the sweet and caring guy she’s planning to marry!

I enjoyed the smart and witty tone of dialogues. I loved the execution between different time lines that giving us enough clues about characters’ back stories, how they meet with each other, how they evolve, how their lives could be directed into different path if they would make different choices and how their fates are sealed after so many incidents and people involved into their lives.

The plot line was strong: a soon to be bride’s questioning her decision to say “ I do” when she sees the guy she’s fell hard six years ago and disappeared without a word reappears at her wedding as her fiancée’s sister’s date.

What if they didn’t lose their contact? what if Josh- her fiancée and she are meant to be ? What if she’s making a mistake like her mother Vivian who married five times and never found her HEA? What if she made different choices at the past, would she be happier?

This book is so emotional, approaching and discussing so important things like choices we made, the fate we’re destined, finding “the one”!
I was a little pissed off Audrey because her past baggages and insecurities shadow her vision to see truth lies behind her eyes! But eventually she learned from her mistakes, I loved to see how her character evolved, becoming mature one, finding what she truly wants and being brave enough to fight for it!

Overall: absolutely must read, honestly, smartly, beautifully written novel that I absolutely recommend!

Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m grateful for the ARC invitation, but perhaps I wasn’t the best guest for this wedding!

Audrey’s wedding day to kind, devoted Josh has finally arrived, and besides her micromanaging, marriage-challenged mother, a dead bat falling from the chapel ceiling, clothing mishaps, and an unforeseen situation with the reverend - among other things - there’s also a “ghost” from her past who’s shown up unexpectedly as her soon to be sister-in-law’s plus one …

Fred. Also known as ‘Photo Booth Guy’, and the one Audrey suspects may be her soulmate.

Six years ago, she found a photo strip of him that he’d left behind at the tube station booth. On a whim, she left behind her own strip of photos, hoping this stranger would come back for his and find hers. As fate would have it, one magical, adventure-filled day it seemed all her beloved stars aligned to bring them together. So why is she standing with a different man now, ready to begin her life with him, and is fate intervening to prevent her from making a mistake?

It’s up to Audrey to figure out if true love is a matter of destiny or choice.

First let me say that I ADORED Sophie Cousens’ last book I Just Haven’t Met You Yet. She showed then, and again with this one, that she knows how to both embrace and poke fun at the tropes so prevalent in this genre, which led to some fun meta moments. Her writing is on pitch and thoughtful, balancing serious ideas, like family trauma and the nature of love and commitment, with a light-hearted touch. It will likely resonate with anyone who’s been in a relationship, married or not, and there were so many points I related to.

Here’s where I struggled: Fictional couples’ I DO’s are something I DON’T enjoy much!

Apparently, I can’t handle wedding-centric books, or at least not ones involving dysfunctional people. It’s not fun for me to watch people be stressed out and flailing as a whack-a-mole of problems pop up around them. My biggest issue, though, is that I just never emotionally connected to Audrey, Josh or Fred, or her mom, Vivien, so I didn’t feel very invested in how things played out. I also found the epilogue a bit eye-rolly and cloying.

Cousens is a wonderful author whose books I’ll continue to devour happily - this story was just not my perfect match. Most of my reviewer friends loved this, so please check out other reviews before deciding! It’s a solid story that I think many will enjoy - I may just be a wedding Grinch!

★★★ ½ (rounded to 3)

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, NetGalley and author Sophie Cousens for this digital ARC to honestly review. This is now available.

[Catherine (alternativelytitledbooks) - still catching up! · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin-Putnam, and Sophie Cousens for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 10.11!**

A marriage interrupted...or fate intervenes?

You might remember those words spoken by Lord Cutler Beckett in the Pirates of the Carribean film franchise...but they fit even more perfectly alongside the potentially life-altering "what if" at the center of this charming and fun romance from Sophie Cousens that explores JUST that question!

Audrey has always had a bit of an impetuous side. Hopping from career to career, little in life slows her down and she has no trouble living a bit 'outside the box.' Her fiance Josh seems the perfect counterpoint: careful, thoughtful, and kind, and the two are soon to marry. Audrey's looking forward to the wedding of her dreams...until everything starts to come crashing down....starting with some bats falling from the church ceiling (yes, actually bats!) among some other unforeseen mishaps.

The icing on the proverbial cake (okay, WEDDING CAKE 😉) comes in the form of her soon-to-be sister in law Meredith's plus one at the rehearsal dinner: none other than Fred...Audrey's FORMER FLAME Fred. The two had a magical meet-cute at a photo booth and spent one incredible day together before losing touch for good. Their chemistry was so special and Audrey can't help but wonder if Fred has stumbled back into her life JUST in the nick of time. WILL a wedding take place...and if so, WHO will be the groom?

I have to say, going into this book I expected one thing and VERY much got something else...but luckily, this was a good thing! I think the most memorable aspect of this book was the way Cousens took some tropes that have been done many times and combined them in a totally UNIQUE way! While some aspects of the book (like the humor) never really took off for me, Cousens utilized the now-and-then timelines with care and precision to leave YOU, the reader, as conflicted as Audrey about which man is TRULY right for her!

I know some people love romance books that are completely predictable, but what was a breath of fresh air for me is that this one truly WASN'T...at all. Even late in the game (80% or so!) I was STILL questioning what Audrey was going to do and what the 'right' choice would be. This conflict, alongside a cast of lovable side characters and some emotional depth in Audrey's relationship with her mom (and her mom's relationship with...relationships) added layer upon layer to the story and kept the narrative interesting. Normally, a lack of connection to the humor would have knocked down a star or two, but by story's end, I was so invested in Audrey and her happiness that I didn't NEED any jokes to give me a giant smile on my face! (and some HILARIOUS grand gestures didn't hurt either!)

If there's one thing I can say about fate after dropping this wonderful book in my path at just the right moment?

Fate not only has exquisite timing...but EXCELLENT taste!😍 (and thanks for having my back! 😉)

4 stars

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if, what if, what if.......

Twenty-two year old Audrey has the meet cute of all meet cutes with Fred. The connection is instant. The electricity between them is undeniable. Both believe the other to be their soulmate. They spend one adventurous day together. A day Audrey will never forget. When they agree to meet the next day imagine Audrey's disappointment when Fred never arrives and after waiting three long hours she returns home in tears.

Two years later and Audrey meets Josh her roommates good friend. He's rather forgettable. In fact, the first several occasions they meet she can't even remember his name. Then one night she notices Josh. Really notices him. His dreamy brown eyes, his wide shoulders, his calm demeanor. The exact opposite of every guy she has ever hooked up with. She doesn't do nice guys and Josh is definitely the epitome of a nice guy.

Fast forward four years and Audrey and Josh are engaged to be married. She's nervous but doesn't everyone get wedding jitters. Her anxiety is made worse when Josh's sister arrives for the rehearsal dinner with her plus one: Fred.

Is this a sign? An omen? That she and Josh shouldn't be together. Is Fred truly her soulmate?

Who will Audrey choose: Dependable Josh or flights of fancy Fred?

Oh man this book had my stomach in knots and that's because I loved both Josh and Fred and I was in such a conundrum in who she should choose. The supporting cast was also wonderful. Her best friend Clara, her mom Vivian, her nactor (nanny / actor, long story) Hillary, Josh's sister Miranda, and Josh's grandmother Granny Parker were all superb. I was 100% invested in the outcome from the very first page. Toward the end I even got teary eyed. I won't tell you who she chose but I will say it is the one I wanted her to be with in the end. Heart eyes for days...😍😍😍

My first Sophie Cousens but certainly not my last. Highly recommend to all you rom-com lovers out there! 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my complimentary copy.

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey is in quite the predicament.

The day before she’s supposed to marry Josh, a great guy who she’s known for years, she gets hit with a blast from the past in the form of Fred, someone she spent a wonderful day with 6 years ago and then never saw again until he shows up at the rehearsal dinner as the date of Josh’s sister.

This obviously brings back memories…some sweet, some bitter. As the wedding gets closer and closer with hours to spare, Audrey can’t stop thinking about the past…and can’t help but wonder if she’s making the right decision to get married.

This was such a wonderful book. Author Sophie Cousens does a phenomenal job of going from past to present and back again, keeping this reader intrigued. I had no idea who Audrey was going to end up with until almost the end, and that kept me flipping the pages well into the night.

This is a sweet rom-com that also has some depth…not to mention some fun characters who keep the plot fresh and lively.

Every now and then, I need a palate cleanser after reading so many psychological thrillers, and this one fit the bill perfectly.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.

[Michaela Bergland · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I was reading this book, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing, and I had trouble putting my finger on it until I was almost at the end. And that was because I realized it wasn't just one thing--it was a lot of things.

I can't say this book was difficult for me to read or get through--in fact, I actually read it in a day. But I think that's because I am always here for the *drama*, and this story definitely had plenty of that.

Unfortunately, I really didn't care for the main character, and it's not common that that happens for me when I'm reading. I love flawed characters, but Audrey was incredibly selfish and childish and constantly hurt the people around her, and that made it very difficult to root for her.

The synopsis of this story sounded so interesting to me, but in execution, the conflict in this story didn't actually make any sense. It was told between past and present, jumping from the wedding day back to Audrey meeting her fiance, Josh, and when Audrey met Fred, her "what-if" guy.

Audrey being with either of these guys made no sense to me. First, with Fred, she knew him for one day. They crossed paths at a photo booth and ended up with each other's pictures, went on one date, and then through some miscommunication, lost touch and didn't see each other again until Fred appeared at Audrey's wedding as a plus-one six years later. And immediately, his presence makes Audrey question everything with her fiance because she starts to wonder if Fred was her soulmate all along, and it even turns out that she's been carrying Fred's photo booth pictures in her wallet for the past six years.

With Josh, her fiance, there was no chemistry between them at all. And then we'd jump into these flashbacks of them meeting and dating, and the chemistry was even worse. I didn't get how they had anything in common, how they even got along at all, much less how they fell in love with each other. Audrey would remind herself and think to herself about how much she loves Josh and how great he is, but her actions didn't prove that at all, and even her memories didn't line up with that.

The conflict was also just not strong enough for me. Audrey was supposed to be torn between these two guys (for some reason), but she has very few interactions with Fred and spends most of the "present" chapters running from Josh. There's also added conflict of everything under the sun going wrong on their wedding day, and it became actually ridiculous just how long that list was. It was difficult to suspend my disbelief at a certain point.

And the ending was incredibly cheesy. It was the book equivalent of those cringey tumblr stories that all end with "and then everyone on the plane clapped" and aren't remotely realistic.

Unfortunately, in all, I just wouldn't recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: After a “meet cute” to end “meet cutes”, Audrey and Fred spend an incredible day together in what feels like the start of a relationship destined for greatness. Fast forward 6 years, and Audrey is marrying “bad jeans Josh.”

As bad omen after bad omen begin to unfold before the wedding, including the sudden reappearance of Fred, all but professing his love, Audrey must decide who it is she’s meant to be with and deal with the obstacles standing in her way.

Thoughts: From page one, I knew I was going to like this book. Even with third person narration, Sophie Cousens pulls you directly into her books and into her characters lives, and “Before I Do” was no exception.

These characters were fun to get to know, and Cousens did an amazing job flushing out each and every one of them. While this book is a romance, the added mother/daughter relationship and how it impacted Audrey so significantly is what takes this book from an average rom-com to a romance with more depth.

I am genuinely surprised that up until the midway point, I was completely torn by the love triangle and had no idea who I wanted Audrey to end up with, nor who I thought she would end up with. This is so unusual as I often know who I want to be endgame immediately. Again, I think this is a testament to Cousens’ writing.

This story features multiple moving timelines that rotate back and forth with no consistent order. While it’s fairly easy for the reader to follow, I imagine it must have been incredibly challenging as the writer, to make it all come together in a cohesive way. I am most impressed by her ability to tackle such a difficult style, and I think it is what makes this book so unique.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

4.5★ rounded up for Goodreads

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read anything by Sophie Cousens, read Before I Do.

The first book I read by Cousens, 'This Time Next Year,' I didn't care for. This, however, was well written, a cute-meet, funny, and an unexpected romance.

Audrey is about to marry her sweet, simple fiancé, Josh. She’s kind of spontaneous, he’s a bit more of a planner. It's the day of her wedding and she's feeling uneasy, are they a good fit? When a man from her past, Fred, unexpectedly shows up as her to be sister-in-law's date, Audrey is stunned.

Fred and Audery met six years ago, spending one perfect, memorable day together. They took pictures together in a photo booth, promising to keep in touch. For one reason or another, they didn't stay connected, and somehow, Audery has thought about Fred for all these years. She even kept the photos they took together in her wallet.

Audrey starts to wonder, is marriage still full of fireworks and excitement, or will it be dull and boring. What should she do about the one that got away? The story unfolds between two timelines, slowly inching towards the moment Audrey and Josh share their vows.

The characters are layered. Sometimes there are moments of love and other times anger for their choices. The arcs, well drawn.

Cousens does a wonderful job keeping the suspicion alive. The reader has no knowledge of what Audrey will do, which was a nice surprise!

Before I Do, is well written, witty, and hilarious. There are some darker elements to the story, but everything ties together wonderfully.

I adored everything about this book!

5/5 stars

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It kept me guessing until the end. I listened to the audiobook and recommend it.

Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com.

[abigailscupoftea · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the first read for the matcha midnights book club and my first romance of 2023! there were so many twists and turns and i was so happy with the ending! this story explored themes of fate, friendship, grief, soulmates, and what it means to find “the one”. i really enjoyed the cast of characters, and it was fun to read about audrey’s passion for astronomy. 🪐

some of my favorite quotes:

☁️ “in this cynical world, isn’t there something wonderful about the pure, unbridled optimism of marriage? to stand up and say, ‘screw the odds, i’m pinning my colors to the mast, bright and bold,’ because if you’re going to commit to anything in this life, shouldn’t it be love?”

☁️ “some of the stars we’re looking at right now, they don’t exist anymore. yet we can still see their light traveling toward us. as long as someone is here to see the light they created, then they are not gone.” ✨

[Brogan Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! The perfect read before my own Wedding Day, and final book to reach my reading goal of the year. I don’t usually enjoy multiple timelines but Sophie does it perfectly. It was so enjoyable and light to read and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Easily one of my favourites of the year!

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that’s uncomfortable!

What would you do if, at your engagement party, your fiance’s sister brings your first love (and the one that got away) as her date?

At twenty-two, Audrey met Fred after finding his photo at a photo booth. The instant she finds his photo she’s intrigued, and then, she leaves photos of her own in the same photo booth, hoping he’ll find them and somehow, he does. When they meet, they have one perfect day together.

Then Audrey meets Josh, “Bad Jeans Josh” as she refers to him and though she has absolutely no interest in him, they keep being thrown together, and then all of a sudden it happens. Sparks Fly.

As Audrey is about to marry Josh, she starts having doubts. Is it Fred or Josh she wants to be with? Cue the drama!

Before I Do was a smart, witty, and interesting read. While the character of Audrey frustrated me at times, I enjoyed this novel by Sophie Cousens and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam - G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the arc via NetGalley.

[Obsidian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.

So funny enough I could have used this for a Cannonball 14 bingo because of the constant discussion of stars, who knew. But seriously though. This is the third book by Cousens I have read and they just keep getting better. Potential romance readers may be worried about the plot of this one and if this will work for them, but I promise you it will. It was lovely the whole way through. I called it a chaotic romance and it really is. And you are going to not like parts of Audrey sometimes, but you are going to be rooting for her while you read. I thought several times while reading this book that some characters were saying a lot of things I wish I had heard/known when I was younger. 

"Before I Do" follows Audrey who is about to marry her fiancée Josh. Audrey feels a bit "off" the night before their wedding and wonders if this is what she really wants and can she and Josh make each other truly happy. Audrey is shocked when Josh's sister brings Fred "one who got away" to the rehearsal dinner and Audrey is left floored about whether this is a sign that means the wedding is a mistake. The book goes back and forth to a time before the wedding and the time after. 

So Audrey is a bit of a mess. And there's good reason she is we slowly find out. Outside of her mother's multiple marriages, she's still reeling from an incident when she was a young woman which left her feeling guilty. And now that Fred, the first man who ever made her feel "something" is back before her wedding, she wonders if that is a sign she's about to make a big mistake. You may want to shake Audrey while reading, but there's reasons why she feels the way she does, and why she feels so off. An amateur astronomer, it feels as if Audrey is constantly giving up her dreams and has watched all of her friends, even her mother, continue to couple up. Part of her feels the push/pull of that. But we also get to see the many times she met Josh through the years and how he ended up being someone she wanted to be with. The story of Audrey and the story of Audrey and Josh was wonderful to read. And it was great to see an acknowledgement through other characters about how hard marriage is and how often it sucks. 

The writing was great and I laughed a few times while reading. Seriously the night before the wedding had the most messy stuff happening outside of Fred. I would have probably opened a bottle of champagne after the dead bat incident (you have to read it).

The pace actually works for this. Cousens does a good job of setting up points in time by saying X hours, days, months, years before Audrey is supposed to say I do. 

The ending was great I thought. You don't get the in between stuff, but almost the entire story in the end. 

[Littlebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the eve of her wedding to Josh, Audrey is completely thrown when Josh's sister turns up with a face from Audrey's past as her date for the wedding. Fred has long been Audrey's 'what if guy', even though the two only spent a day together years ago, he has always stuck in her mind. What then does it say that suddenly he is back in her life; is it fate trying to tell her something? Certainly as the wedding day unfolds with one disaster after another it begins to feel like it, and with Audrey growing more and more unsure of herself, will she actually say 'I do?'

My third read by Cousens, and whilst I wouldn't say this was my favorite from her, it was still very solid, such that she is becoming a pretty reliable author for me personally. The book actually reminded me a little of Written in the Stars by Ali Harris, which had a similar concept, albeit which I thought was done better.

The story is told with chapters that alternate from the build up to the wedding, to chapters from Audrey's past, some six-seven years ago, when she met Fred, and also charting the build up of her relationship with Josh some time later. We also get chapters further back in her past that go back to her childhood, and I appreciated how this all painted a vivid picture of Audrey, as we can see the events that have shaped her to become the person she is now, and in particular what has sown the seeds of insecurity so deep within her.

I thought the formula worked well, as it keeps up guessing as to what will actually happen at the wedding, as the tension continues to build in the current day chapters, and as we watch both her relationships with Fred and Josh unfold in the past, as a reader one is left deciding who one wants her to choose. I will say that whilst her meet-cute with Fred was very sweet, it did feel rather too romanticized, and it was the more slow-burn relationship that evolved over time with Josh that I personally found myself more invested in, however, I won't give away spoilers as to how things ultimately play out.

I do think though that the book is more than just a romance, as in many ways it is about Audrey's personal journey and her putting to rest past demons and insecurities, in order to embrace the life she wants and believe in herself. I liked the mother-daughter relationship between her and Vivian, and how Vivian's different relationships had impacted Audrey growing up.

There were some great side characters here too, with special mention to Hillary and Granny Parker.

Audrey, herself, I found myself coming to root for, even if I didn't always agree with her actions through the book and at times could be frustrated by her. However, I appreciated her growth and journey.

Cousens injects her book with some great moments of humour, plenty of warmth and some genuinely touching moments too, such as when Audrey reads the last letter her Dad wrote to her. Yes, parts of the book felt a little over the top, however, it made for an escapist and feel good read.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It was fine.

Audrey was a really hard MC to root for. I’m not against a difficult MC, but it was a looooooong time before she realized why she made some of the decisions she made and held onto the “idea” of Fred. The back and forth storyline and flashbacks with time with Fred and her mother drama was maybe too much. And the whole time we have Josh who gave her zero reasons to doubt their relationship and he stayed strong and faithful all throughout. And in the last 10% of the story she realizes her errors (wait-does she???) and begs to have him back. Josh, my boy, you deserve better.

I can’t even imagine reading this book with my eyes, the audiobook saved me!

Dear Epilogue- 😩😩😩 we didn’t need you.

[Virginie Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed This Time Next Year (3.5 stars) and this one was even better!

[Wendy W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Before I Do by Sophie Cousens is a romantic comedy about a woman who is about to marry the love of her life, when the prior love of her life shows up unexpectedly at her wedding.

Story Recap:
Audrey is just about to marry the love of her life, Josh. He’s stable where she’s somewhat flighty. As the wedding rehearsals begin, things go wrong. A bat falls from the ceiling of the church, and many other small things happen that makes Audrey wonder. Are they coincidences or omens? And the last straw is when Fred shows up as the guest of Josh’s sister. Fred and Audrey had a brief romance many years ago, and Audrey has never forgotten Fred, and their wonderful day together.

My Thoughts:
I had a tough time with the beginning of this book, however, it really redeemed itself by the end. So, my advice to you is, if you do not love this book at first, hang in there and it will surprise you by the end.

Audrey is not a very sympathetic character in the beginning, and the author does an excellent job at explaining why later in the book. But, at first, she’s flighty and can’t seem to make a decision. However, through flashbacks, we see why she’s this way, and we get to look at her relationship with Josh and how it started as well as her relationship with Fred. I didn’t think either Josh or Fred was good enough for her but eventually saw that one of them was much better for her than the other. And I was able to see why Audrey was so indecisive and watched her grow and become a better person, one worthy of love.

I enjoyed the timeline in the book. We go back and forth in time, sometimes we go back and visit Audrey’s time with Fred, and sometimes we go back and see her time with Josh. At first, I wasn’t sure who she would end up with, but eventually, it became clear and I enjoyed the way the author let us figure out for ourselves which match would be best.
Recommendation:

I highly recommend Before I Do to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exemplifies exactly why I love a well-written love triangle. I truly did not know where this romance was going. Sophie Cousens keeps you guessing until the very end. Another book that feels impossible to review!

The day before her wedding to Josh, doubt starts to fester in Audrey when Fred, the man she had a brief but memorable day with six years ago, shows up as a plus-one. Does she challenge fate? Who will she choose?

Of course, it's so much more complicated than that. Told in multiple timelines, I was holding my breath through the entirety of the deliciously angsty buildup.

The story does a fabulous job at highlighting the flaws in each character, making your mind spin in deciding who to root for. Given the situation, you'd think it would be easy to cast Audrey as a terrible person, but gosh—I really empathized with her. This ending was so satisfying, so beautifully real, so perfect. Read it!

(heat level: closed door)

[book bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

After reading the synopsis, I was initially hesitant to try this novel because I was afraid there would be a love triangle. I'm so glad I trusted the magic of Sophie Cousens writing and gave Before I Do a chance. Audrey does have decisions to make in the novel, but there isn't a "triangle" like you might be imagining and the heart of the story is about her personal growth and journey.

I loved the discussions about destiny/fate versus choice. Haven't we all wondered at one time or another what the path not taken would have looked like? I know Audrey will be a very polarizing character for some readers, but I really sympathized with her struggle to find her way. Do I agree with all of her decisions and actions? No. Can I understand her confusion? Yes. The questions and realities that Sophie Cousens brilliantly addresses, like the ups and downs of marriage and having kids, the day to day monotony of "life's admin", whether two very different people in a relationship can make it work, felt so honest and relatable.

Some of the situations in the novel are definitely over the top (the airplane LOL), but I laughed so hard and loved the different pop culture references (Gone with the Wind for the win!). It was a great balance between those moments and the more serious topics in the book (please see CW's). The secondary characters were an absolute delight and ride or die Clara and Hillary were a highlight of the book. Granny Parker was also such a hoot! The multiple timelines were a lot to keep track of and juggle, but I thought it worked really well to reveal what happened between all of the characters. I especially loved the evolution of Josh and Audrey's relationship and how much they both grew and changed, but also stayed the same. Josh was such a steadfast adorkable cinnamon roll, that it's no surprise that I fell madly in love with him.

I do wish that Audrey's trauma would have been more properly addressed in the book. There was a lot to unpack from her past and her relationship with her mother. It was such a huge part of her development and I felt that it "resolved" very quickly. Audrey's character arc was ultimately very satisfying though and the ending and epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Before I Do is a story about all types of love - romantic love, the love of friendship, of family, for yourself, and the love it takes for forgiveness.

CW: parental infidelity, divorce, death of parent (past), grief, FMC is assaulted and is subjected to inappropriate/threatening behavior by a secondary character (past), emotional trauma, heart attack (secondary character, on page)

Note: closed door/fade to black, there are mentions of MC's dating/kissing OW and OM before they start dating, FMC is kissed by OM (not reciprocated, but she doesn't pull away immediately)

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story builds momentum and jumps through the timeline bit of you hang in there with the storyline, it is so worth it. One of the best parts is when Josh and Audrey were on the plane and half of the team is team Josh and the other is team Audrey and the banter is laugh-out-loud hysterical

[its.mandolin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, this review is difficult…I love Sophie Cousens as an author but this novel didn’t hit the mark for me as her others have in the past.

It starts out in the prologue with something going wrong at Audrey and Josh’s wedding and immediately caught my attention. From there it follows several timelines: the wedding, Audrey and Josh’s story and a story of Audrey meeting a man named Fred at a photobooth and spending one serendipitous day together as well as her mothers many husbands, one of them being quite abusive.

I really enjoyed the story of Audrey and Josh meeting and falling in love it was messy (but not overly so) and silly endearing and sweet. It made me adore them as a couple.

I also really enjoyed the early story of Audrey and Fred but the end is where that story gets really murky for me.

At the end I really felt that Audrey was using trauma as an excuse for her behavior and I didn’t like that at all. I also didn’t like that there was no talk of any healthy healing of said trauma, just that the partner Audrey ends up with wanted her to tell them about it and that’s where the discussion of it ends.

Parts of this story are a lot of fun! I really liked Miranda and would totally be her friend in real life!

Overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Megan]

DNFing on page 60 because I am very bored for some reason. 🙈

[aaku ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for providing me with an arc of Before I Do in exchange for an honest review.

”if you believe in soul mates, you’re less likely to be happy, you’re more likely to get divorced.”

This book was a roller coaster. I thought it was gonna be one of those “she was about to marry the wrong person but the right person appeared right before her wedding” but NO it was so much more.

This book is about a woman in her late twenties figuring out life and love as she goes. And that believing in destiny doesn’t help, you have to go and work for what you want.

When I started this book I thought maybe Josh was a prick that’s why Audrey was having doubts. But as I went on reading I realized that Josh was actually the best male character I have read in a while. Like I fell in love with him okay 😭 I miss Josh already. And Audrey… yeah I have complicated feelings about her. Before the wedding day timeline she seemed like someone with strong opinions, someone who would go and get what they wanted but in the wedding day timeline she felt so… different?? She was so insecure and confused and her focus wasn’t on the wedding at all. I know it was due to all her emotional baggage but it still wasn’t fair to Josh like I swear Josh I’ll treat you better. And Fred… yeah let’s not even talk about him, my eye twitches.
The side characters, Hillary, Clara, Paul, Granny Parker and Miranda were people I absolutely adored. And while the other side characters like Audrey’s mom yeah I have nothing to say about them cause if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.

There was so much to Audrey’s story and my heart broke for her. The plot had me at the edge of my seat. I had no idea where the story was going or which guy Audrey was about to end up with. And that made it even more fun to read.

This third person POV book with different timelines and some really hilarious moments mixed with the author’s ability to manipulate the reader’s feelings was a breath of fresh air. I absolutely loved this book. And it had the most satisfying ending. However I think it would’ve been a lot better with more diversity cause why are the majority of them Edward Cullens (straight and pale)

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audrey and Josh are truly likeable characters in Before I Do by Sophie Cousens. I personally felt conflicted when Audrey met up with Fred, her previous lover. It was weird that she kept their prior relationship a secret, but it was her rehearsal dinner on the eve of her wedding to Josh.

Before I do is a deep dive into the what if questions that are often asked at different times of our lives. There were times when I was rooting for Josh and there were times where Fred had my vote. The ups and downs, rollercoaster ride toward a decision was satisfying. I highly recommend Before I do.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and author Sophie Cousens for this digital review copy for me to enjoy. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

[Gwen|| Bookish Blondie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know how many authors need to hear this as well as people in general: TRAUMA and MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR TREATING PEOPLE POORLY. That being said I liked the story with Audrey and Josh. I hated the story with Audrey and Fred. I don't know how many novels I have to suffer through where it's clear authors do not know how to write a love triangle properly, but this is yet again another horrible love triangle story and what's worse is the author uses trauma to excuse shitty behavior and that's unacceptable in real life and in fiction.

[Jen Calonita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny, and charming, Sophie Cousens is back with a look at "what ifs," "fate," and finding one's soulmate in this story that goes back and forth through time to show us what happens when the boy who got away shows up the night before your wedding. A quick, fun read.

[Kim Loves Reading! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie, you had me laughing, crying and my heart filled with love! This book is about love, 2nd chances and those "what if" moments.

Audrey is about to get married and night before her wedding the guy she had the best day with, turns up with her soon to be husband's sister plus one. If that is not crazy enough everything starts to go horribly wrong. She starts to wonder if Granny Parker is right about bad omens. She questions everything including her parent's not so perfect relationship and even if she deserves to be loved.

I read and loved all Sophie's books, but I have to say this one is her best to date! She had me engaged from the start and I did not want it to end. The story is so relatable, I know I have thought about what if I made different choice in my life what would it look like?? I love everyone in the book; however, Granny Parker is my favorite, :)

You have to read this book, it has all the emotions and having you on edge of your seat.
Big five stars from me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for gifting me this book for my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/ 5 stars

Before I Do is sort of a combination between Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.

The premise for this book is so good. What do you do if you are planning to get married to a reliable guy who adores you. But the one who got away shows up the day before the wedding!!???

The book takes place in the UK and goes back and forth in time between the day before the wedding and various points in the past with the two guys.

The narrator is Audrey (3rd person POV). She is on the verge of marrying Josh. When the guy she always thought about (Fred) shows up at the rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal dinner and wedding are full of hilariously bad omens. And we get a bit of a love triangle.

I had really high hopes for this book. But I did not love the first half. I'm not sure if it was the back and forth in time. But she really seemed to like one of the men. And she didn't seem that interested in the other. I actually had no idea where the story was headed. It was a cute story. But I wanted more.

There were definitely things that I did enjoy. I loved how much Audrey liked astronomy. And I really liked how that fit into the story. Her best friend Clara was so helpful. And I loved seeing Clara and Audrey try to figure things out together. Audrey's mom Vivien and her many husbands added a lot to the story too.

From 80% on I actually loved this book. A lot more happened. And I really enjoyed where the author went with the story (even though it was not what I was expecting at all).

Overall this book had such an intriguing premise. And the story could have gone in so many ways. The last part of the book was definitely my favorite part of the story. And it


Thanks to edelweiss and Putnam books for allowing me to read this book.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

what if... the whole thing was boring af
what if... audrey was super unlikeable
what if... all the characters felt shallow
what if... i rolled my eyes after every chapter
what if... the time jumps were annoying
what if... the whole plane part at the end was so cringe. what the hell was that
so yeah hat was the point were i just couldn't do it anymore. i was begging for it to end...