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readingwithmeredith's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Gaslighting, Infidelity, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Cursing
arthur_ant18's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cursing
jillkaarlela's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Taylor Swift songs: “Sweet Nothing”, “New Year’s Day”, “Daylight”, and “Glitch”
Sophie Cousens strikes again with another heartfelt Romcom!! If you think you know what’s going to happen next in this book—trust me, you don’t. This book was a completely unexpected emotional journey of finding yourself, and learning how to love truly and unabashedly. There was so much character development through all of the characters, but especially Audrey. I loved her journey of self discovery and self-acceptance, and how she is completely worthy of love even though she doesn’t have her life completely sorted out first. Audrey’s battle with anxiety and intrusive thoughts was so well done, and I saw so much of myself through her character. Sophie Cousens does an amazing job of pulling you in to her story, grabbing onto your heartstrings, and making you laugh and cry and feel so much joy.
I loved the back and forth timelines throughout the story as we see more of the wedding day, and flashbacks to get more context into the intricate and complex relationships of these characters. The pacing was amazing, and these time jumps added so much suspense and relief as we are slowly unraveling and understanding these characters as the day goes on.
This book was an absolutely lovely journey. This is definitely a book you can binge in one sitting by a fire with hot tea and a cozy blanket.
Age rating: 14+, (closed door)
Sophie Cousens strikes again with another heartfelt Romcom!! If you think you know what’s going to happen next in this book—trust me, you don’t. This book was a completely unexpected emotional journey of finding yourself, and learning how to love truly and unabashedly. There was so much character development through all of the characters, but especially Audrey. I loved her journey of self discovery and self-acceptance, and how she is completely worthy of love even though she doesn’t have her life completely sorted out first. Audrey’s battle with anxiety and intrusive thoughts was so well done, and I saw so much of myself through her character. Sophie Cousens does an amazing job of pulling you in to her story, grabbing onto your heartstrings, and making you laugh and cry and feel so much joy.
I loved the back and forth timelines throughout the story as we see more of the wedding day, and flashbacks to get more context into the intricate and complex relationships of these characters. The pacing was amazing, and these time jumps added so much suspense and relief as we are slowly unraveling and understanding these characters as the day goes on.
This book was an absolutely lovely journey. This is definitely a book you can binge in one sitting by a fire with hot tea and a cozy blanket.
Age rating: 14+, (closed door)
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
chloelj27's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After seeing Before I Do on the shelves and reading the synopsis, I was pulled in and had to grab a copy. This is the first book or Sophie Cousen’s that I have read, and while I liked it, I wasn’t blown away.
The idea of the storyline was an interesting one and if you are into a love triangle type of trope, then this would be suited for you. I loved the way we were given two timelines - past and present - but all relating to different relationships Audrey had. It gave a bit more of an insight to the present day choices and thoughts.
As for the characters, I found a lot of them hard to connect with. While I did like some characters, I thought they could have had more to them and the connections felt as though they lacked chemistry at times. Despite Audrey being the main character, I feel she was the hardest for me to grasp a liking to and my opinion always swayed back and forth with her.
I really enjoyed how all throughout the book we were never sure who Audrey would choose until the last moment. In my opinion, Audrey made the right choice and I loved how the ending played out.
One thing I really loved about this book is that it is not just a book about romance. It’s a book about self discovery, building and mending relationships as well as accepting the past and moving forward.
Overall, this is a book that didn’t take my breath away but there were still many moments of romance, humour and reflection which I liked. Would I reread this book? Maybe, but it wouldn’t be at the top of my list to do so.
The idea of the storyline was an interesting one and if you are into a love triangle type of trope, then this would be suited for you. I loved the way we were given two timelines - past and present - but all relating to different relationships Audrey had. It gave a bit more of an insight to the present day choices and thoughts.
As for the characters, I found a lot of them hard to connect with. While I did like some characters, I thought they could have had more to them and the connections felt as though they lacked chemistry at times. Despite Audrey being the main character, I feel she was the hardest for me to grasp a liking to and my opinion always swayed back and forth with her.
I really enjoyed how all throughout the book we were never sure who Audrey would choose until the last moment. In my opinion, Audrey made the right choice and I loved how the ending played out.
One thing I really loved about this book is that it is not just a book about romance. It’s a book about self discovery, building and mending relationships as well as accepting the past and moving forward.
Overall, this is a book that didn’t take my breath away but there were still many moments of romance, humour and reflection which I liked. Would I reread this book? Maybe, but it wouldn’t be at the top of my list to do so.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Cursing, Death of parent, and Infidelity
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