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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This audiobook was a sweet listen.
The narrator really brought the characters to life with a skillful performance, and the idyllic setting added a nice touch to the story. I found the story itself to be quite charming and endearing. However, despite these positive aspects, the book did feel a bit lengthy considering how little actually transpired plot-wise. The predictability of the narrative was a significant drawback for me, and I found the female main character (FMC) to be quite frustrating at times. Her actions and decisions often seemed to lack depth, which made it hard for me to fully connect with her or the story.
The audiobook is a solid choice for those who enjoy closed-door romances and amnesia tropes, as it adheres to these genres quite well. If you’re a fan of these elements, you might find it more appealing. For me, though, the predictability and the FMC’s behavior overshadowed the overall enjoyment. The book has its merits, particularly in its narration and setting, but it didn’t fully engage me in the way I had hoped. Overall, while it was an enjoyable read with some nice elements, it didn’t stand out as anything exceptional, leading me to rate it 3 stars.
Thank you netgalley and Denise Hunter for this ARC
The narrator really brought the characters to life with a skillful performance, and the idyllic setting added a nice touch to the story. I found the story itself to be quite charming and endearing. However, despite these positive aspects, the book did feel a bit lengthy considering how little actually transpired plot-wise. The predictability of the narrative was a significant drawback for me, and I found the female main character (FMC) to be quite frustrating at times. Her actions and decisions often seemed to lack depth, which made it hard for me to fully connect with her or the story.
The audiobook is a solid choice for those who enjoy closed-door romances and amnesia tropes, as it adheres to these genres quite well. If you’re a fan of these elements, you might find it more appealing. For me, though, the predictability and the FMC’s behavior overshadowed the overall enjoyment. The book has its merits, particularly in its narration and setting, but it didn’t fully engage me in the way I had hoped. Overall, while it was an enjoyable read with some nice elements, it didn’t stand out as anything exceptional, leading me to rate it 3 stars.
Thank you netgalley and Denise Hunter for this ARC
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for the gifted copy of Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter. All opinions are my own. This story had a lot of heart and I found myself relating to the characters. It was a beautiful story about second chances and the ability to overcome struggles through love.
The book was fast paced and kept my attention. My only complaint is that it seemed to go too fast - I wanted more of a slow burn for the characters to learn their lessons along the way instead of it feeling rushed the last 20% of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this romance read and would recommend it.
The book was fast paced and kept my attention. My only complaint is that it seemed to go too fast - I wanted more of a slow burn for the characters to learn their lessons along the way instead of it feeling rushed the last 20% of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this romance read and would recommend it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed this story that follows a love story that follows second chance, amnesia as we follow a couple fall in love for second time. The push and pull of will her memories come back or will he be patient enough to stay? It was on the edge of my seat of hope. This actually went in a different direction in what I thought and that pleasantly surprised me.
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
“I love a good cozy, clean, charming romance, and Before We Were Us ticks all the boxes! As a huge fan of Denise Hunter, I appreciated the uniqueness of this storyline—unlike anything I’ve read before. It beautifully explores forgiveness, acceptance, rejection, and enduring love, set in a quaint New Hampshire town with well-developed characters. I felt deeply connected to each character’s journey. This sweet, heartwarming story is a delightful read, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a feel-good romance!”
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really liked the direction this book went. It was emotional and unexpected. The audiobook was very well done. It was a really quick read (listen) for me! The characters really pulled me in! I was really rooting for Lauren, and liked her character development throughout.
Jonah was overally broody for my tastes. I think he needed a little more character development.
I loved the surprising way the ending came about. It felt right.
Overall, I would recommend, if you're in the mood for a good, clean romance.
Jonah was overally broody for my tastes. I think he needed a little more character development.
I loved the surprising way the ending came about. It felt right.
Overall, I would recommend, if you're in the mood for a good, clean romance.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Her stories are wonderful!