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Back Before Dawn
It's a struggle to find a soulmate.
Every day I paste a smile on my face, get my kids out the door to school, take care of my clients eight hours a day, and pray that my commissions cover the bills. During the last thirteen years, I married and divorced two disappointing men. The divorces were terrible. I'm partly to blame for the failed marriages, but the bulk of it was their fault. I promise. I'm still in touch with my first husband out of necessity since he's the father of my kids, but it's a train wreck since we can't stand each other. I love my kids with all my heart, but I'm tired of raising them alone.
Late at night, after they are asleep, I log onto my three favorite dating apps and dream that the next swipe could change my life. The attention I receive online makes me forget that I'm a frantic single mom with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Most nights, I run out to meet a match if they sound promising, but many of these guys are tragically dysfunctional in person, and one of them even started stalking me. I had to file a protective order. My friends tell me that my life is spinning out of control, but I know my soulmate is out there.
I just have to find him.
Don't judge me.
I'm always back before dawn.
Every day I paste a smile on my face, get my kids out the door to school, take care of my clients eight hours a day, and pray that my commissions cover the bills. During the last thirteen years, I married and divorced two disappointing men. The divorces were terrible. I'm partly to blame for the failed marriages, but the bulk of it was their fault. I promise. I'm still in touch with my first husband out of necessity since he's the father of my kids, but it's a train wreck since we can't stand each other. I love my kids with all my heart, but I'm tired of raising them alone.
Late at night, after they are asleep, I log onto my three favorite dating apps and dream that the next swipe could change my life. The attention I receive online makes me forget that I'm a frantic single mom with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Most nights, I run out to meet a match if they sound promising, but many of these guys are tragically dysfunctional in person, and one of them even started stalking me. I had to file a protective order. My friends tell me that my life is spinning out of control, but I know my soulmate is out there.
I just have to find him.
Don't judge me.
I'm always back before dawn.
270 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Peresta
8 books220 followersKerry Peresta is a former advertising account executive and copywriter-turned-suspense novelist, whose sharp wit and Southern roots fuel page-turning stories. After decades of crafting punchy headlines and persuasive campaigns, she traded the corporate world for full time writing and the salty air of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Kerry is the author Olivia Callahan Suspense, a five-book series; and standalone thriller Back Before Dawn, all released by Level Best Books. With the fifth installment of her series releasing August, 2025, she continues to prove that danger can be as close as the neighbor next door. Her humor column, “The Lighter Side,” appeared weekly in the Pierre Daily Journal from 2009-11; and her articles, stories, and interviews have also appeared in Local Life Magazine, Lady Lowcountry Magazine, Island Events Magazine, and Bluffton Breeze. Her short story, “The Day the Migraine Died,” appeared in Rock, Roll & Ruin, an anthology by Triangle Sisters in Crime, 2022, and she helped create the mystery podcast “Guns, Knives & Lipstick,” which had a run of three years. Kerry is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, South Carolina Writers Association, and Island Writers Network. She and her husband enjoy the laid-back, refreshing vibe of the Lowcountry, and live on Hilton Head Island. They enjoy long walks on the beach, their three cats, an ever-expanding flock of grandkids, and the occasional road trip. Discover more at kerryperesta.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 1, 2023
Online dating leads to serious problems for single mum Isabelle Lewis that affect her family, friends, and employment. Isabelle's life turns nightmarish as her online dating gets out of control and leads to murder and mayhem. Kerry Peresta has once again penned an intriguing story that highlights her gift as a writer. Recommended read worthy of four stars.
July 3, 2023
16% into the book and I am bored out of my mind. I have zero interest in getting to know Izzy better. There is nothing worth getting to know better: her job socks, she barely takes care of her kids, and she is obsessed with online dating. To a point where she puts herself and her children in danger without even realizing it. I can't keep going.
June 28, 2023
**I read an Advanced Review Copy of this book on Netgalley**
The story starts with lots of promise. A scene is set and a mystery is given, and then we enter the world of Izzy, from a month prior to the grizzly scene we've just read.
Izzy is a single mum of 3 who works as a sales rep for a newspaper. Life is hard and naturally she finds a way of coping in the way of online dating. But what with her job and her kids, she has no time for that, so she sneaks out of the house once her kids are asleep to meet men so she can try and find The One. But Izzy soon finds out there are consequences to her behaviours if they don't go unchecked.
My first impression during the first few chapters is that this story is all over the place. But about 1/4 of the way into the book I realised I'd settled into the story and that first flush of confusion had subsided.
It IS an easy read, it's definitely not a slog to get through, but I also couldn't say I feel satisfied by the story, nor the 'twist' at the end.
I enjoyed the initial contrasts between the old, male, chauvinistic way of thinking, and the new, free thinking, power taking attitudes of Izzy. I thought yes this book is taking a much needed stance on what it is to be a woman in the world today. But that kind of subsides into the ether as well after a while.
The story is a slow burner. It felt like I was reading loads but nothing really was happening. Then at the end, once it catches up with the first scene which happened a month ago, it all kind of rushes together, a twist is thrown in, and I'm left feeling a bit like, 🤷🏼♀️ whatever.
This book is supposed to be a thriller, but from someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it doesn't really do it for me. The thrilling part is right at the start, then most of the book is just Izzy's life which is not thrilling in the least. The end of the book attempts to tie the story back to the thrilling event of chapter 1, but by then I've forgotten and really couldn't care less. The twist at the end is thrown in so that the reader doesn't feel sorry for the murdered man, but I never cared for him anyway so it feels pointless. There were never any clues in the book to pick up on so I could think, oooh *that's* what was off about him! I like my thrillers to have me second guessing all the way through the book, but it just felt like I was reading about someone's life for the best part of this book.
The story starts with lots of promise. A scene is set and a mystery is given, and then we enter the world of Izzy, from a month prior to the grizzly scene we've just read.
Izzy is a single mum of 3 who works as a sales rep for a newspaper. Life is hard and naturally she finds a way of coping in the way of online dating. But what with her job and her kids, she has no time for that, so she sneaks out of the house once her kids are asleep to meet men so she can try and find The One. But Izzy soon finds out there are consequences to her behaviours if they don't go unchecked.
My first impression during the first few chapters is that this story is all over the place. But about 1/4 of the way into the book I realised I'd settled into the story and that first flush of confusion had subsided.
It IS an easy read, it's definitely not a slog to get through, but I also couldn't say I feel satisfied by the story, nor the 'twist' at the end.
I enjoyed the initial contrasts between the old, male, chauvinistic way of thinking, and the new, free thinking, power taking attitudes of Izzy. I thought yes this book is taking a much needed stance on what it is to be a woman in the world today. But that kind of subsides into the ether as well after a while.
The story is a slow burner. It felt like I was reading loads but nothing really was happening. Then at the end, once it catches up with the first scene which happened a month ago, it all kind of rushes together, a twist is thrown in, and I'm left feeling a bit like, 🤷🏼♀️ whatever.
This book is supposed to be a thriller, but from someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it doesn't really do it for me. The thrilling part is right at the start, then most of the book is just Izzy's life which is not thrilling in the least. The end of the book attempts to tie the story back to the thrilling event of chapter 1, but by then I've forgotten and really couldn't care less. The twist at the end is thrown in so that the reader doesn't feel sorry for the murdered man, but I never cared for him anyway so it feels pointless. There were never any clues in the book to pick up on so I could think, oooh *that's* what was off about him! I like my thrillers to have me second guessing all the way through the book, but it just felt like I was reading about someone's life for the best part of this book.
August 16, 2023
Firstly, our main character Izzy has an addiction to online dating. She gets a thrill from meeting strangers and staying out late with them. Somehow her whole job office takes note of this and makes fun of her for it. Even her new boss knows her reputation. It seems like everyone surrounding her is manipulating her into stopping her online dating meetups and what does she do, keeps doing it. Izzy has a Self deprecating attitude about herself. The plot twist at the end got me, I was not expecting that. Overall, good suspenseful read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
I did not like the main character, Isabelle. She paid more attention to her online dating apps and meeting up with men at night than she did to her three children.
Begins single parent isn’t easy but she made it even more difficult with her nightly activities.
I felt sorry for her kids and the fact that she didn’t even know what was going on with them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the advance copy.
Begins single parent isn’t easy but she made it even more difficult with her nightly activities.
I felt sorry for her kids and the fact that she didn’t even know what was going on with them.
Thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the advance copy.
February 26, 2024
Relatable characters and a plot that zigzags between the struggles of a single mother and a diabolical murder, this book will have you turning pages until its very satisfying end. Peresta’s best book yet!
July 11, 2023
Every day I paste a smile on my face, get my kids out the door to school, take care of my clients eight hours a day, and pray that my commissions cover the bills. During the last thirteen years, I married and divorced two disappointing men. The divorces were terrible. I'm partly to blame for the failed marriages, but the bulk of it was their fault. I promise.
I'm still in touch with my first husband out of necessity since he's the father of my kids, but it's a train wreck since we can't stand each other.
I love my kids with all my heart, but I'm tired of raising them alone.
Late at night, after they are asleep, I log onto my three favorite dating apps and dream that the next swipe could change my life. The attention I receive online makes me forget that I'm a frantic single mom with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Most nights, I run out to meet a match if they sound promising, but many of these guys are tragically dysfunctional in person, and one of them even started stalking me. I had to file a protective order. My friends tell me that my life is spinning out of control, but I know my soulmate is out there.
I just have to find him.
Don't judge me.
I'm always back before dawn.
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book, but I was wrong. It was better than expected. There are a lot of twists and turns. Will recommend to others.
I'm still in touch with my first husband out of necessity since he's the father of my kids, but it's a train wreck since we can't stand each other.
I love my kids with all my heart, but I'm tired of raising them alone.
Late at night, after they are asleep, I log onto my three favorite dating apps and dream that the next swipe could change my life. The attention I receive online makes me forget that I'm a frantic single mom with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Most nights, I run out to meet a match if they sound promising, but many of these guys are tragically dysfunctional in person, and one of them even started stalking me. I had to file a protective order. My friends tell me that my life is spinning out of control, but I know my soulmate is out there.
I just have to find him.
Don't judge me.
I'm always back before dawn.
I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book, but I was wrong. It was better than expected. There are a lot of twists and turns. Will recommend to others.
June 30, 2023
This book begins with an interesting premise, but its execution does not entirely do the initial idea justice. Izzy is an exhausted single mother with three children. Struggling to stay on top of all her responsibilities, her only outlet is Internet dating.
Despite two failed marriages, and bitter relationships afterwards with both her ex- husbands, Izzy remains determined to find her soulmate. Her determination carries her through some very strange experiences with the damaged men she meets online.
Although her friends feel that she is spiralling, Izzy waits until the kids are in bed most nights and goes online to trawl for potential partners. When she does, she slips out for a few hours to meet them, her justification being that she always returns before dawn.
The reader understands that this is a strategy that is unlikely to end well. I had flashbacks to Looking for Mr Goodbar! But we nevertheless follow Izzy to the inevitably problematic conclusion of her journey.
Overall, despite times at which the story seems disjointed, there are some intriguing elements on offer here. Worth a read, with some caveats.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Despite two failed marriages, and bitter relationships afterwards with both her ex- husbands, Izzy remains determined to find her soulmate. Her determination carries her through some very strange experiences with the damaged men she meets online.
Although her friends feel that she is spiralling, Izzy waits until the kids are in bed most nights and goes online to trawl for potential partners. When she does, she slips out for a few hours to meet them, her justification being that she always returns before dawn.
The reader understands that this is a strategy that is unlikely to end well. I had flashbacks to Looking for Mr Goodbar! But we nevertheless follow Izzy to the inevitably problematic conclusion of her journey.
Overall, despite times at which the story seems disjointed, there are some intriguing elements on offer here. Worth a read, with some caveats.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2023
I don't at all get the appeal of going on dates looking for a man every night because ever since I had my babies all I ever long for is sleep. I had lunch dates and coffees when I was dating and even that was a nightmare.
This illustrates a lot of nightmares that come from dating and single motherhood tho.
Our girl is doing nothing wrong. I mean yeah it can get her straight up murdered but it isn't wrong... She's parenting and working. She has some nighttime dates but her kids are grown. However, people who can't mind their own business are upset.
Also everything happening is weird AF.
I got a little bored midway through because it starts to read like a cautionary tale about not dating men or online dating or whatever and I already don't do those things.. Her life basically falls completely apart because she's hunting for a man. I definately would not hang out with this woman but I also wouldn't be in her business about it. If a woman wants to be a pick me- so be it!
I really do hate this woman though. Like she doesn't even care that her ex husband died? But I guess in the end this is a book about addiction and addiction makes you like this. But being addicted to men? That is too much.
I will definately read another book by this author though. It was interesting.
This illustrates a lot of nightmares that come from dating and single motherhood tho.
Our girl is doing nothing wrong. I mean yeah it can get her straight up murdered but it isn't wrong... She's parenting and working. She has some nighttime dates but her kids are grown. However, people who can't mind their own business are upset.
Also everything happening is weird AF.
I got a little bored midway through because it starts to read like a cautionary tale about not dating men or online dating or whatever and I already don't do those things.. Her life basically falls completely apart because she's hunting for a man. I definately would not hang out with this woman but I also wouldn't be in her business about it. If a woman wants to be a pick me- so be it!
I really do hate this woman though. Like she doesn't even care that her ex husband died? But I guess in the end this is a book about addiction and addiction makes you like this. But being addicted to men? That is too much.
I will definately read another book by this author though. It was interesting.
August 7, 2023
DNF- 42%!!!!!!! I can't stand not finishing a book, but when it is so disappointing, there's no other choice. Back Before Dawn written by Kerry Peresta sounded very promising, the first chapter was pretty gory, but it just went completely downhill from there. I don't really know how to put my thoughts into this review, but let's just say this book wasn't for me. The main character was nonstop whining over her love life, she was obsessed with dating apps, she had three children and was never really a mother figure to them, she would meet men from these apps and tried to be home before dawn to get her kids up and out the door for school. The main character said she always cares about her kids and puts her kids first, before anything else, but her actions clearly don't show that all, she basically puts her kids lives in danger with her dating app addiction. It would be an understatement to say my heart went out to the main character when her ex-husband tried to take custody of their children, but honestly that would've been for the best. I didn't feel any connection to ANY of the characters. Please read this book at your own caution, it wasn't for me, but it might be for you.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LEVEL BEST BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LEVEL BEST BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
July 13, 2023
Back Before Dawn by Kerry Pereta
Publisher Level Best Books
Release Date June 27, 2023
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Pace: 2/5
Mystery suspense: 2/5
Overall Enjoyment: 2/5
I hate to give reviews that are not atleast 4 stars but I honestly could not connect with this book. The premise was there but the execution was way off. The only part of the book that could be considered a thriller was the beginning but after you get to Lizzy’s past it pretty much changes. The scenes in the book are repetitive and not very accurate to the authors description. I just did not feel as though the writing deserved more that 2.5 but because there are not half stars here, I will give it 3 stars.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
Publisher Level Best Books
Release Date June 27, 2023
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Pace: 2/5
Mystery suspense: 2/5
Overall Enjoyment: 2/5
I hate to give reviews that are not atleast 4 stars but I honestly could not connect with this book. The premise was there but the execution was way off. The only part of the book that could be considered a thriller was the beginning but after you get to Lizzy’s past it pretty much changes. The scenes in the book are repetitive and not very accurate to the authors description. I just did not feel as though the writing deserved more that 2.5 but because there are not half stars here, I will give it 3 stars.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
January 22, 2024
GREAT READ ~~ VERY DESCRIPTIVE!
While reading "Back Before Dawn", I quickly discovered the story is not only suspenseful, but about love and relationships. The challenges and desires of divorced working mother Izzy is well told. The story intertwines with Izzy's relationships (both good and threatening ones), her worklife, motherhood, custody, and personal desires. It is so descriptive it makes you feel like you are there with the characters. Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down and read it in less than two days. Just when you think you may have figured it out ... you will be surprised!
While reading "Back Before Dawn", I quickly discovered the story is not only suspenseful, but about love and relationships. The challenges and desires of divorced working mother Izzy is well told. The story intertwines with Izzy's relationships (both good and threatening ones), her worklife, motherhood, custody, and personal desires. It is so descriptive it makes you feel like you are there with the characters. Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down and read it in less than two days. Just when you think you may have figured it out ... you will be surprised!
July 4, 2023
2.5 stars.
It took about 45% of the way through the book for any action to occur, and I am not exaggerating. I have never read a book where nothing happens for most of the book with repeated scenes. The main character’s actions don’t make sense; she says that she cares about her kids but her actions don’t reflect that. She constantly puts them in danger with her online dating addiction and her motives aren’t clear. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and it didn’t feel like I was in the MC’s mind. It felt like reading a screenplay.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.)
It took about 45% of the way through the book for any action to occur, and I am not exaggerating. I have never read a book where nothing happens for most of the book with repeated scenes. The main character’s actions don’t make sense; she says that she cares about her kids but her actions don’t reflect that. She constantly puts them in danger with her online dating addiction and her motives aren’t clear. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and it didn’t feel like I was in the MC’s mind. It felt like reading a screenplay.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.)
February 2, 2024
A drama filled story about family and the problems that can come along with single mum life. Although I didn't like Izzy because of her addiction to online dating and how obsessed she became with it, but in a way I can understand how it made her feel better being admired and liked not just a mum. I do think she needed to start putting her kids first. I fell in love with this book more and more as I read it. It has mystery, suspense and so much drama that it felt like I was watching a soap opera.
February 25, 2025
I liked the first 3/4 of this book even though the narrator/protagonist is a mess. It's a cringe-y story of addiction and its ramifications as far as family, employment, reputation, etc. Izzy's choices are flat-out bad and her justifications are atrocious. But Peresta keeps her in hot water to the point where despite her denial, it's fascinating to realize Izzy is a survivor and to watch her keep pushing through an inordinate amount of obstacles, catastrophes, and drama. The ending, though . . . well, I'll just say it's illogical based on what has come before.
November 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this suspense story. Izzy is a serial online dater. She gets so obsessed with chatting with the men and going to meet them. She is a mother of 3 and had very issues with her family.
The story seems well written and kept me Interested some parts were a bit slow . I gave it 5 out of 5 and I will look for this author again.
I received an ArC for the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story seems well written and kept me Interested some parts were a bit slow . I gave it 5 out of 5 and I will look for this author again.
I received an ArC for the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Want to read
July 12, 2023 I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for review consideration.
RTC
RTC
August 2, 2023
A nightmarish excursion through the world of online dating that leads to murder and a resolution that not even the most seasoned reader will see coming. The must-read mystery of this or any other year. I didn’t want to put it down. -Gregory Stout, author of The Gone Man and Lost Little Girl
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews