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You Left Before We Started
Daxon was my big brother's best friend. He was my friend, my family, and my hero. One day all that changed and we became strangers until my graduation party. Did we make a mistake? Probably. Will I ever regret it? No. But he did and he let me know how much he regretted me. I never expected to walk into his office five years later and have to face the one person I ever let close enough to break my heart.
Harri has been missing for five years after she ran away from home, so why is she standing in front of me? She looks more beautiful than the last time I saw her and I don't know how that's possible. It was inappropriate to pursue her then, surely it still is? Why do I no longer care? the only problem is she hates me and I know why.
Join Harri and Daxon as they meet again and try to stay away from each other only theres a big secret that will bring them together.
***Contains explicit sexual scenes***
Trigger Warning!
Contains depictions of violence towards a child and neglectful parents in chapter one. please do not read if these are issues that could affect you.
Harri has been missing for five years after she ran away from home, so why is she standing in front of me? She looks more beautiful than the last time I saw her and I don't know how that's possible. It was inappropriate to pursue her then, surely it still is? Why do I no longer care? the only problem is she hates me and I know why.
Join Harri and Daxon as they meet again and try to stay away from each other only theres a big secret that will bring them together.
***Contains explicit sexual scenes***
Trigger Warning!
Contains depictions of violence towards a child and neglectful parents in chapter one. please do not read if these are issues that could affect you.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Hart
21 books31 followersThe Author of Inheriting a Mafia, Becoming a Knight and The Better Monster.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 12, 2023
ARC review:
Harri and Daxon ❤️❤️
This book is so cute, its starts out with a 3 year old meeting a baby 🥰
Daxon and Harri grow up together, they see each other’s pain, and they are each other’s heros.
Its so cute to see them become friends, and growing up, become lovers and … boom, Daxon is an idiot
But every book boyfriend screws up for a while right?
They don’t see each other for five years, and in those five years a lot has changed, for both of them.
Of course its not all perfect, they have real insecurities and fears, that’s what makes them relatable, but they are always able to find their way back to each other.
Absolutely loved this book. Thank you KL Hart for this ARC and the chance to read this book before its out.
Harri and Daxon ❤️❤️
This book is so cute, its starts out with a 3 year old meeting a baby 🥰
Daxon and Harri grow up together, they see each other’s pain, and they are each other’s heros.
Its so cute to see them become friends, and growing up, become lovers and … boom, Daxon is an idiot
But every book boyfriend screws up for a while right?
They don’t see each other for five years, and in those five years a lot has changed, for both of them.
Of course its not all perfect, they have real insecurities and fears, that’s what makes them relatable, but they are always able to find their way back to each other.
Absolutely loved this book. Thank you KL Hart for this ARC and the chance to read this book before its out.
February 27, 2023
I was very lucky to receive an arc copy of this book.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I can say it was definitely a success. I really loved the characters and the way they developed throughout the book, although at times it could have gone a little bit slower. Daxon is definitely a new book boyfriend, he is so sweet🤩…. And I would love a book about Liam.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and brothers best friend trope, it is a very quick and easy read.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I can say it was definitely a success. I really loved the characters and the way they developed throughout the book, although at times it could have gone a little bit slower. Daxon is definitely a new book boyfriend, he is so sweet🤩…. And I would love a book about Liam.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes romance and brothers best friend trope, it is a very quick and easy read.
March 5, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC for this book from the author. I devoured this book in one whole day! The story between Dax and Harri is one I just couldn’t tear my eyes from. Dad and Harri were meant for each other. The trials and tribulations of their relationship made me route for them even more!
January 5, 2024
This was such a good book
April 3, 2024
Daxon and Harri. He is her brothers best friend and 3 years older. He sleeps with her on the night of her graduation and then runs. It didn’t really make sense to me why he ran and I think it’s because we don’t get enough of his back story. Then when they meet again all is forgiven far too quickly by both her and her brother who just accept it was ok to run. Just didn’t work for me at all unfortunately. Secret baby too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2023
Harri and Daxon have quite the history. Both come from dysfunctional families that have left their marks on their psyches. Luckily they had each other and Harri’s brother Liam to turn to for support. Daxon (Dax) can’t remember when his love for Harri turned from that of a brother to a would be lover, but by the time she was eighteen he was definitely in love with his best friend’s sister. One night at a party, his control snaps and he and Harri indulge in a very passionate few hours in each other’s arms. When Harri awakes, she was alone and the note he left behind said it had all been a mistake, a mistake he would never repeat. Soon afterward Harri herself disappears off her brother’s and later Dax’s radar.
Fast forward five years, Harri finds herself face to face with the man who broke her heart, her new boss, Dax. He has become a wealthy businessman in the years since that fateful night. Though he apologizes for the way he left, Harri resolutely refuses to give details of the past five years of her life or why she disappeared. She needs the job, so she asks that Dax keep their relationship a strictly business one. Little by little, their relationship thaws to where they are friends again, though Dax wants to be much more than her friend. He has no idea of the secret that Harri is keeping, a secret that will change his world and send him into retreat again. How can Harri trust him not to keep disappearing when he is needed the most? Can she trust him not to break her heart and with her most precious treasure?
I loved the characters and their storyline. So much turmoil, so much self doubt and finally redemption and healing. Dax and Harri’s story is definitely one any lovers of romance should read. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Fast forward five years, Harri finds herself face to face with the man who broke her heart, her new boss, Dax. He has become a wealthy businessman in the years since that fateful night. Though he apologizes for the way he left, Harri resolutely refuses to give details of the past five years of her life or why she disappeared. She needs the job, so she asks that Dax keep their relationship a strictly business one. Little by little, their relationship thaws to where they are friends again, though Dax wants to be much more than her friend. He has no idea of the secret that Harri is keeping, a secret that will change his world and send him into retreat again. How can Harri trust him not to keep disappearing when he is needed the most? Can she trust him not to break her heart and with her most precious treasure?
I loved the characters and their storyline. So much turmoil, so much self doubt and finally redemption and healing. Dax and Harri’s story is definitely one any lovers of romance should read. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 28, 2023
Harri and Daxon have known each other all their lives. Harri has been in love with Dax forever, but Dax is her big brother's best friend, so that makes her off limits. They both come from dysfunctional families and are always there for each other. When she turns 18, they have one, hot steamy night together and Daxon promptly disappears. When Harri leaves for college soon after, she disappears for 5 years.
The last thing Daxon expects to see when he meets his newest employee, is Harri walking through the door. After 5 years, he wants to start over, apologize/grovel for the way things were left between them. Harri wants to keep things strickly business. Slowly, Dax starts to bring down his own walls and Harri's and start to build a friendship which doesn't take too long for the old feeling to come rushing back.
There are still some old complications that don't make things easy and when things get tough, it's hard not to retreat and cut off ties like they did before.
They need to figure out if it's really worth it to work through all the past secrets the tore them apart, or to lay it all out and fight for what they really want.
It was a true roller coaster of emotions reading this story and I was hooked form the beginning. I loved the supporting characters and really hope for a couple to get their own story! Highly enjoyable and the spicy scenes are oh so good. It gets VERY steamy, so if you're good with graphic bedroom scenes, you will love this! There are a few trigger warnings, so be aware of that if it is a concern for you.
The last thing Daxon expects to see when he meets his newest employee, is Harri walking through the door. After 5 years, he wants to start over, apologize/grovel for the way things were left between them. Harri wants to keep things strickly business. Slowly, Dax starts to bring down his own walls and Harri's and start to build a friendship which doesn't take too long for the old feeling to come rushing back.
There are still some old complications that don't make things easy and when things get tough, it's hard not to retreat and cut off ties like they did before.
They need to figure out if it's really worth it to work through all the past secrets the tore them apart, or to lay it all out and fight for what they really want.
It was a true roller coaster of emotions reading this story and I was hooked form the beginning. I loved the supporting characters and really hope for a couple to get their own story! Highly enjoyable and the spicy scenes are oh so good. It gets VERY steamy, so if you're good with graphic bedroom scenes, you will love this! There are a few trigger warnings, so be aware of that if it is a concern for you.
March 6, 2023
She’s his best friends little sister, totally off limits: right? Until sparks fly but will their relationship ever even get off the ground?
I am a big fan of the friends-strangers-lovers trope so I had a feeling I’d love this book and I was 100% correct. It’s a bit of a wild ride and I don’t want to say too much and accidentally spoil it so I’m keeping this brief.
Daxon has the perfect ratio of possessive alphahole to adorable soft guy and yes grovelled for his mistakes. There was plenty of ups and downs but I spent the whole book rooting for them and their happy ending.
Harri is fun to get to know as a character and so incredibly strong, she knows what she wants from life and is willing to do anything to achieve it. Shes super caring and is happy to tip her own life upside down for the benefit of her loved ones and you can’t help but fall in love with her as you read her story and hope for a happy ending for her because if anyone deserves one - she does.
I really enjoyed the side characters and could read a whole book about Keira (and a certain someone) and they helped make the book more well rounded and enjoyable and added depth to the main characters lives.
Overall if you want a fairly light hearted but drama filled read - this is the book for you!
I am a big fan of the friends-strangers-lovers trope so I had a feeling I’d love this book and I was 100% correct. It’s a bit of a wild ride and I don’t want to say too much and accidentally spoil it so I’m keeping this brief.
Daxon has the perfect ratio of possessive alphahole to adorable soft guy and yes grovelled for his mistakes. There was plenty of ups and downs but I spent the whole book rooting for them and their happy ending.
Harri is fun to get to know as a character and so incredibly strong, she knows what she wants from life and is willing to do anything to achieve it. Shes super caring and is happy to tip her own life upside down for the benefit of her loved ones and you can’t help but fall in love with her as you read her story and hope for a happy ending for her because if anyone deserves one - she does.
I really enjoyed the side characters and could read a whole book about Keira (and a certain someone) and they helped make the book more well rounded and enjoyable and added depth to the main characters lives.
Overall if you want a fairly light hearted but drama filled read - this is the book for you!
August 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book.
It had a little tragedy, a small age gap, and forbidden love.
Of course, I was immediately interested. I am glad I did this book will not disappoint.
Forbidden love and tragedy seem to always pull a person into reading. It did me.
The basis of this story had me pulled in from the first chapter about three people who had a past that could make or break them.
Harri was on her way to college. Liam, Daxon, and all her friends gave a party to celebrate.
Things got a little out of control between Harri and Dax. It ended up with Dax just leaving and crushing Harri's heart with one simple note
She left and never came back. No one knew where she went until 4years later when she stood in the one person's office she never expected to see again
DAXON.
He stared at her and couldn't believe his eyes. The problem was there was something Daxon needed to know. Was she going to tell him and if she did would he run again
I loved this story, it had compassion, forbidden love, and a lot of spice to make you fan your face. I would recommend this read to everyone. The words flowed well so that you could understand exactly what was going on.
I hope Liam and Keira have a story. I know it will knock your socks off
It had a little tragedy, a small age gap, and forbidden love.
Of course, I was immediately interested. I am glad I did this book will not disappoint.
Forbidden love and tragedy seem to always pull a person into reading. It did me.
The basis of this story had me pulled in from the first chapter about three people who had a past that could make or break them.
Harri was on her way to college. Liam, Daxon, and all her friends gave a party to celebrate.
Things got a little out of control between Harri and Dax. It ended up with Dax just leaving and crushing Harri's heart with one simple note
She left and never came back. No one knew where she went until 4years later when she stood in the one person's office she never expected to see again
DAXON.
He stared at her and couldn't believe his eyes. The problem was there was something Daxon needed to know. Was she going to tell him and if she did would he run again
I loved this story, it had compassion, forbidden love, and a lot of spice to make you fan your face. I would recommend this read to everyone. The words flowed well so that you could understand exactly what was going on.
I hope Liam and Keira have a story. I know it will knock your socks off
March 22, 2023
You Left Before We Started is a second chance spicy romance by KL Hart. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I have to say it did not disappoint!
In this book, we meet Harri, Liam, and Daxon. They are childhood friends who both suffer from traumatic childhoods and parental neglect. Harri is the younger sister and adores Liam's best friend, Daxon, who she feels is her hero. As they grow older, the attraction between Harri and Daxon cannot be denied and after one night, everything changes for the three of them. Fast forward 5 years, and they are reunited again. They face new struggles while trying to reconnect and move passed their childhood mistakes.
The author has created such charming characters in this book, and I hope there is a sequel so we get to see more of Liam, Keira, Harri, and of course, Daxon. You cannot help but feel for all the characters in the story and yearn for them all to have a happily ever after. This book gives you a roller coaster of emotions, and I easily devoured it in a day. If you love a good second chance romance, this book is a definite must read!!!!
In this book, we meet Harri, Liam, and Daxon. They are childhood friends who both suffer from traumatic childhoods and parental neglect. Harri is the younger sister and adores Liam's best friend, Daxon, who she feels is her hero. As they grow older, the attraction between Harri and Daxon cannot be denied and after one night, everything changes for the three of them. Fast forward 5 years, and they are reunited again. They face new struggles while trying to reconnect and move passed their childhood mistakes.
The author has created such charming characters in this book, and I hope there is a sequel so we get to see more of Liam, Keira, Harri, and of course, Daxon. You cannot help but feel for all the characters in the story and yearn for them all to have a happily ever after. This book gives you a roller coaster of emotions, and I easily devoured it in a day. If you love a good second chance romance, this book is a definite must read!!!!
May 13, 2023
"ARC REVIEW"
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Spiciness: 1.5 out of 5
You Left Before We Started is all about falling in love and losing it, but it is also about finding love again through second chances.
Thank you to K.L. Hart and Jenny Steve-James for giving me a copy of the book.
Harri is Daxon’s best friend’s little sister. They’ve known each other since they were kids. But circumstances keep bringing them together throughout the years. When Harri ran away and disappeared for 5 years, only to turn up looking for a job at Daxon’s company, it seems these two can’t escape fate and the undeniable connection they feel when they’re near each other.
For those who love reading, brother’s best friend, friends-to-lovers trope then they would enjoy this. Keep in mind, this book has some trigger warning of explicit scenes.
I’m giving this book 3 stars because though I love the forbidden romance between friends trope, I found the writing style not to my liking. Personally, I found it rushed that I didn’t have the time to emotionally connect with the characters.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Spiciness: 1.5 out of 5
You Left Before We Started is all about falling in love and losing it, but it is also about finding love again through second chances.
Thank you to K.L. Hart and Jenny Steve-James for giving me a copy of the book.
Harri is Daxon’s best friend’s little sister. They’ve known each other since they were kids. But circumstances keep bringing them together throughout the years. When Harri ran away and disappeared for 5 years, only to turn up looking for a job at Daxon’s company, it seems these two can’t escape fate and the undeniable connection they feel when they’re near each other.
For those who love reading, brother’s best friend, friends-to-lovers trope then they would enjoy this. Keep in mind, this book has some trigger warning of explicit scenes.
I’m giving this book 3 stars because though I love the forbidden romance between friends trope, I found the writing style not to my liking. Personally, I found it rushed that I didn’t have the time to emotionally connect with the characters.
May 7, 2023
Thank you Author K.L. Hart for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review. Harri,Liam and Daxon have gone through a lot of things together since childhood. Harri has always had a thing for Dax and on one night,her dreams come true. In the morning,Harri wakes up and finds a "dear John" type of note. Flash forward five years later and they end up seeing each other again. Dax is her new boss so that's fun...not. Will Dax be able to gain Harri's trust again? Will she let Dax in on a secret that is going to blow his mind? This was a sexy read with drama,trauma and I enjoyed every second of it! Also, I love Creed but can't say more because I don't want to spoil anything. When you read it you'll find out why!
May 1, 2023
It was ok, nothing original. They were both not my favorites. He was a coward at first and I don’t even know to describe her. Why didn’t she tell her brother and him the big news, it is not, that you can make it go away. That was all so immature and unnecessary. His behavior would have been really the last straw for me, sorry this would so not be the man for me, the way he reacted, just horrible. And what with the DNA test to set up a trust found? God he was so horrible, such a waste of a character. All in all I this it was nothing special and if you like weak man who ran away if it gets harder that is the book for you. I give it three stars because of Liam and Creed.
May 22, 2023
There are so many emotions flowing through me because of this book. We are following Harri and Daxon as they reconnect after 5 years apart. Harri is Dacon’s best friends sister and he feels like he shouldn’t be with her even though he loves her more than anything. When they finally find each other again they have to work through their past and find a way back to love. This is such a sweet story and I absolutely loved the journey we have been taken on. I would love to read about Liam and Kiera next! I would recommend this book to someone who likes a second chance romance where he falls first and has to prove his love.
August 23, 2023
Super good love story! Harri and Daxson love story had me on an emotional rollercoaster! This book was so good! I highly recommend!!! It tells the story of how rough Harri had it growing up. Her parents wanted nothing to do with her and her brother Liam raised her. Liam’s best friend daxson always was there for Harri growing up. After she graduated a spark hit between them! He runs away from her. She in turn ends up pregnant and runs away from Liam her brother. 4 years later she ends up becoming an assistant for Dax. There spark is there. Liam comes and finds them. Dad Lear a he has a son! I can’t say enough of how cute this story is!! I would totally read again! Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
The only reason I am giving this book a 4 star rating is because of spelling issues. That is a pet-peve of mine. The storyline is amazing. The story is about Dax and Harri. They both grew up with dysfunctional families. Dax always thought Harri was off limits because she is his BFF's sister. Harri is keeping a secret and has disappeared but fate has other ideas. I had a hard time putting the book down. This is the first book I've read by this author and I cannot wait to read more.
June 19, 2023
A brother's best friend romance
Harri and Daxon have known each other their whole lives. He's her brother's best friend and she's off limits to him. He's always felt drawn to her though. They hadn't seen each other for years when she ends up with a job at his office. She's been hiding a secret from him and her brother. Now they'll all have to figure out how to be a family again.
This was a good book. I liked it a lot.
Harri and Daxon have known each other their whole lives. He's her brother's best friend and she's off limits to him. He's always felt drawn to her though. They hadn't seen each other for years when she ends up with a job at his office. She's been hiding a secret from him and her brother. Now they'll all have to figure out how to be a family again.
This was a good book. I liked it a lot.
September 17, 2023
Liam, Harri, and Daxon grew up together. Both families had issues causing them all to be close. When Liam and Harri return to their childhood home, the dynamics change. Daxon sees Harri completely different. As much as he tries, Daxon can’t deny his attraction to Harri. Following her graduation, she disappears. So much has changed with everyone, and now, five years later, everything will be exposed.
March 29, 2023
I did an ARC read of this book. This is the first book I have read by this author. The story line hooked me. The characters so real, raw emotion, realistic and so much growth. I would have loved more ftom the younger years but I do understand the focus was as an adult. I could not put this book down. I look forward to more books by this author. If you love romance books this book is for you.
March 1, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by K.L. Hart and I absolutely loved it. It is a great paced book a definite page turner that will keep you wanting more. I would like to read more about the characters in this book in possibly a sequel. A fabulous storyline with heated sexual encounters.
April 15, 2023
This was my first book by this author but it will definitely not be my last. I loved every second of this book, I couldn't put it down!! Fantastic read, loved the characters!! I can't wait to read more by K.L. Hart!!
March 5, 2023
I loved every second of this book. This was my first book by this author but it will not be my last. Fantastic read.
I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.
March 10, 2023
Super grateful to have received an arc book. The first I have read from this author but I will certainly be reading more. Thoroughly enjoyed this story 😊
March 12, 2023
A good read with lies, secrets, heartache and love all thrown into this book.
April 28, 2023
great book
Daxonand Harri’s story is very sweet. It contains lighted hearted story line with HEA.
It has a good mix of spice and believable life events
Daxonand Harri’s story is very sweet. It contains lighted hearted story line with HEA.
It has a good mix of spice and believable life events
March 30, 2023
This book is equal parts sweet and sexy. I love Dax and Harri. The pace of this book was perfect and was interested the entire time. Thank you for the ARC. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews