Unlike Before

by J.B. Vample

A love neither expected, begins at first sight.

Since divorcing her ex-husband nine years ago, thirty-five-year-old Patience Harvey has focused on rebuilding her life and raising her eight-year-old daughter, Noelle. Thriving and content with her career and her growing family, the last thing that Patience is thinking about is entertaining another relationship.

Running a successful construction company from the ground up has kept Michael Carter busy. However, after three years as a single man, the thirty-seven-year-old bachelor has reached the point where he’s longing for companionship, but feels that he’s missed his chance. That is, until an unexpected detour to a bakery leads him to meet a fellow patron who immediately catches his eye—and unbeknownst to her—captures his heart.

Patience never imagined that a pit stop for a few pastries would put her in the presence of a man who could make her consider diving back into dating. Yet as she continues crossing paths with the enticing Michael, she knows she’s ready. However, as courtship flourishes into romance, Patience’s past resurfaces, threatening not only their bliss, but her sanity.

Will Patience’s past trauma tear this new relationship apart? Or can she and Michael overcome the obstacles thrown their way to reach their happily-ever-after?

Genres: Romance

428 pages, Hardcover

Published April 23, 2024

About the author

Instagram: @jbvample
Facebook: Author J.B. Vample
TikTok: j.b._vample

J.B. Vample is an author who fell in love with the written word at a young age. While in her final year of high school, she came up with the concept of her new adult fiction series The College Life Series. After years of writing only for herself, J.B. published her debut novel College Life 101: Freshman Orientation in 2015. Since then, she has written and published the other eight installments of TCLS. Her latest contemporary romance standalone Right as Reign is her tenth novel. Currently residing in Philadelphia, J.B. continues to write while managing her career as an indie author.

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read filled with drama and growth. The story itself was interesting and I felt invested in the characters, even tho I disliked some of them. The FMC irked my nerves with her choices. I understand PTSD but be for real. And don’t get me started on the oldest sister 😑

The conversations felt staged and I kept thinking “no one talks like that”. Too many words emphasized, it felt like a Tyler Perry movie.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveeeeed this book! I found myself finding similarities between Patience and I, and I also found myself emotional during some parts of the book.

Michael is such a good man, and it’s truly hard to find those. So seeing Patience get her happily ever after really made me smile. When I say, I was FED UP with her sister! It’s one thing for someone to treat you wrong but to go out of your way? And for it to be a family member, especially someone as close as a sister should be is despicable.

It’s such a heart warming stumbled-upon-love romance novel. I love how it’s sort of a redemption thing with Patience being a 9-year divorcee. I’m a sucker for novels where there’s a strong black woman who has her career and life well put together.

[Lindsay Whalen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a book club: Definitely not something I would have picked for myself, but I was pleasantly surprised. The dialogue sings and the pacing is fantastic. And, geeze, what a roller coaster of a plot.

I will say, the emotional maturity of these characters is certainly the place where you have to suspend your disbelief somewhat. I (and my therapist) wish I was as in tune with the reasoning behind my emotions and reactions as this cast. The majority of the characters respond from such a grounded and developed mental space that it definitely causes you to remember this is a work of fiction as you go. But somehow, even with that occasionally taking me out, I found myself not minding it.

On the whole, though, such a nice read.

[AshSoBookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike Before is a really good book. It made me smile and frown. If you are looking for a love story with family drama this is the one.

The book goes to shows family can treat you worse than strangers. Angela could catch these hands if she were real. To find out why I wanna throat punch Angela read the book.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book down. Michael Carter is a GOODT MAN!! You hear me!!

I love stories where I am not loaded down with toxicity between the two main characters. I appreciated so many things about this story.

I love that Michael Carter was a very great man. He was depicted as someone who made his mistakes in the past but he did the work to better himself. He took accountability for things, and he learned. He is definitely a better man for it. Too many times, in romance books the man is depicted as trash or toxic. It’s so great to read about someone who didn’t cause all the stress. I love that a black woman wrote this black man in this way. I am here for it.

Patience Harvey is a divorced single mom who is in real estate. She is taking care of her daughter, and she is going about life as she knows how. I loved her depiction as well because many women experienced the things she has. She was not toxic but had been through some things. She persevered through what she needed to for herself and her daughter. I will not spoil things as to what she had going on, but I really liked her. She had me yelling at her once but afterwards, I understood why she was that way.

The way these two met was so sweet and simple. The way that these two dated was what really had me giddy. I loved when a story show you how the relationship develops without boggling it down with sex. These two were able to talk and get to know one another. They were able to really progress their relationship, and this made my contemporary heart smile. You could feel the passion and the love that one another had for the other.

This story did have some drama, and I just want to say that the people causing this drama needed hands placed. That is all that they get in this review (LOL). But I can say that the drama didn't overwhelm the story, and I was glad for that.

This overall was so well written. The love story was beautiful and if there is one thing that I am a stickler for is a slow burn with development. Take the time and let me believe the two really feel and love one another. Can you make me believe that the two main characters belong to each other? Yes, and JB Vample has done this with this story.

She is not talked about enough and I am definitely a fan of her writing. Anything she writes, I am going to read it. I recommend all hearts who love and enjoy contemporary, ADULT well rounded romance to pick this up.

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, because I love a good romance featuring Black characters. However, this book really fell flat for me because it wasn't what I expected. First, I felt like the author italicized words too many times for emphasis. I also don't like foul language or graphic sex scenes in books, so that automatically knocked off a star. The plot was all over the place for me. Family drama, domestic violence, budding relationship, etc. I wish the author would have only focused on the relationship between the two main characters and left the rest out. Angela annoyed me to no end, and I don't know why her sisters let her get away with so much under the guide of family. I never understood why Greg had never met his own daughter, but after hearing the FMC's story, I could see why. I wish their dynamic had been mentioned earlier in the story, because at first I felt like she was being a bitter baby momma. I disagreed with the FMC allowing Michael to meet her daughter after they'd only been dating for 2 months. I also hated how Toni conveniently dropped that her husband was not the biological father of her daughter right when the FMC was talking about her own relationship with her ex. I got so annoyed with this book that I practically skimmed through the last 2 or 3 chapters because I just wanted to be done with it by the end. I couldn't figure out why a romance novel had to be over 300 pages long, but now I see why.

[Te · Rating 3 out of 5]

My star rating system
3⭐️ Liked it
4⭐️ Loved It
5⭐️ Obsessed with it

This was a cute story but had a pretty swift and serious turn when the conflict came which was a little unexpected just based on how everything started out pretty low stakes. Patience and Michael meet by chance at a cafe. They go their separate ways and then meet again when Michael is referred to a realtor — Patience. As they meet up through the house buying process Michael continues to fall for Patience. I loved the way their relationship evolved and was rooting for them the entire time

Patience had a lot of emotions to work through with her ex, her sister, and her parents to be honest. Michael was the perfect book boyfriend, was very aware of his faults and also accepted his part in what went wrong in his pass relationships

I will say that the third act break up in this made me livid. I get why we need this for romance stories but this one really made me mad.

Lastly the conflict between Angie and Patience had my blood pressure UP. The reason for the issues was crazy and what Angie did to Patience was wild. I felt like she needed to have a waaaay better or should I say needed to be more compelling because her reason was a cop out.

[Books&Locs⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review** 4.5⭐️ This was a new to Me author and let’s just say I cannot wait to read more of her work!!!

This was such an ADULT romance that I never knew I needed!! Most romances I have read was mainly couples in there 20s MAYBE 30 on the head but never over 35! But this one yesssss!!!

I love that the individuals had been through some things in their life! The FMC Patience was a divorced single mother not really looking for love. The MMC Michael was a single workaholic not really on the search for love either!

They so happen to meet at a coffee shop neither one ever go to but so happen to be there on the same day and the story goes from there! There is family drama crazy exes! It’s such a ride and I soooo enjoyed this journey!

Highly recommend❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars! This is a sweet read. Patience, a realtor and single mom, isn’t looking for a relationship —she’s all about raising her daughter and career. Then there’s Michael, a contractor who’s open to love but not out there searching. They meet by chance in a coffee shop and again when Michael’s looking for a house, thanks to Patience’s sister, Toni. It’s a mature, organic love story that has some humor and drama (dealing with real life issues).

I had a great time reading this book—it's written in a way that's super easy to follow. There's a bit of extra stuff here and there that might not be necessary, and a shorter book might have been just as sweet. But all in all, it's a really enjoyable read that I recommend.

[Theblkrtheberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot, but I enjoyed every moment of it. Filled with drama, love, family, romance, jealousy & crazy!

Family will hurt and turn on you quicker than anyone else. It's a level of betrayal unlike any other. BUT, KARMA will definitely put you in your place, quick, fast & in a hurry, and bring you back to reality. I definitely understand Patience's decision regarding Angela and agree with it 100%.

I love Patience and Michael's relationship and family dynamic! I also love Patience's relationship with Noelle. It is a beautiful mother-daughter dynamic.

Enjoyed Unlike Before and look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Rhiana Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful heartwarming story

This story was absolutely beautiful. I absolutely adored most of the characters and their relationships either each other. I especially loved the relationship between Patience, Noelle, and Micheal. I enjoy the making of this little family and how they grew to love one another. I also absolutely adored most of the family bonds. Didn’t like one of the sisters, but don’t wanna say much. I will say that she’s bitter and jealous. The plot of this story was amazing and I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more from J.B.

[India Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patience…..she almost lost a GOODT man with that pride! Angela- what a bia! It’s sad that there are some siblings out here that are really like this!
Tony was a gem of a sister! All and all this was a good read it started out way too slow for me and was a bit long but I truly enjoyed it! I wanted to give it a five star but it took way too long to get good 😏However, I’m so glad Patience got the happy and ending and Michael deserved the love he was trying to give from day 1!

Pride will having you missing a good thing!

[Vijaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all...this book cover is so pretty!

As for the story...it's 😍.

J.B. Vample is really great at creating protagonists you love to root for and antagonists you just want to punch in the face.

Patience and Michael's relationship really draws you in but it's the nonsense with Angela and Greg that keeps you turning the page because you just HAVE to know how they get their comeuppance.

A must read for lovers of happy endings and vengeance.

[Aikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooooooo good. I enjoyed this and the ending of knowing the future. The author did her thing with the storyline and the way the imagery felt while reading was spot on. I love Chase and Ava relationship as siblings how they had each other back no matter what. I will say I don’t like jealous females so I was getting upset when the “incident” was revealed. However, Reign handle her business and then some cause don’t play with her.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This was my first read by this author and I very much enjoyed it!

Both Patience and Michael weren’t looking for love but had a love at first sight moment when they both unexpectedly go to the same bakery.

It was quite refreshing to read about characters in their late 30s navigating life issues such as single parenthood, divorce, grief, and letting down walls to find love.

I’ll definitely read more from this author and it’s in my top reads of the year!

[The Book Jawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This was a pretty good book that kept me engaged and wanting to read more. The building of the love story of Patience and Michael was very adult, and I liked the added in drama with the sisters.

I do feel like there was a lot of fluff added in and that the story could have been slightly shorter if we got to the point a little sooner. Overall, I would suggest Unlike Before to others.

[SL Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

Loved this story about Patience and Michael. Their path to an HEA was not smooth between Patience’s experiences with her ex and her sister. But she was able to overcome them with the love from Michael, her daughter and her other sister and family. Not only was this book sweet it was steamy too. Enjoyed this story!

[Dai Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second novel of hers I have read in the past month and I can’t get enough!!! Both of her books have shown me how unforgiving I am lol… There was a lot I wasn’t expecting from this story but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[A. Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an old school romantic story. You get the know the characters well and the connection comes naturally.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

This is an amazing love story. Loved it from beginning to end. Had a little bit of drama that kicked it up a notch.

[Tanisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Highly recommend.

[Reauna Dodds · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT READ!

I love this book. There were so many relatable scenes that reading this felt like a form of therapy, for me. 10/10 would recommend.