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Before We Were Us
She stepped up to my side in a dark club and ordered a whiskey.
My go-to drink.
I didn’t know her name, I knew nothing about her, but every part of me came alive.
For more than a year my life had been turned upside down. I’d hit a wall at every turn, but suddenly the weight had lifted.
And the minute she stepped away, I felt the loss.
Things are not always as they seem.
We all have regrets; parts of our lives we wish we could erase.
For me, I wish I could change the order in which those choices were made.
Had I only met her first.
Had it been her that said yes.
Brynn is everything I could ever want, the problem is, my past may keep us from ever having a future.
Because before we were us, I was a version of myself I’d like to forget.
But that version of me has not yet been laid completely to rest.
My go-to drink.
I didn’t know her name, I knew nothing about her, but every part of me came alive.
For more than a year my life had been turned upside down. I’d hit a wall at every turn, but suddenly the weight had lifted.
And the minute she stepped away, I felt the loss.
Things are not always as they seem.
We all have regrets; parts of our lives we wish we could erase.
For me, I wish I could change the order in which those choices were made.
Had I only met her first.
Had it been her that said yes.
Brynn is everything I could ever want, the problem is, my past may keep us from ever having a future.
Because before we were us, I was a version of myself I’d like to forget.
But that version of me has not yet been laid completely to rest.
- GenresRomance
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
78 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Harms
123 books2,172 followers✯❤✯FOLLOW ME✯❤✯
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❤ One Sizzling Romance at a Time ❤
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCAHarms/
WEBSITE: https://www.authorcaharms.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Charms0814
INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/authorcaharms/
NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/1xsgHCS
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/C.A.-Harms/e/B0...
❤ One Sizzling Romance at a Time ❤
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 16, 2024
3🌪️💥💘⭐️s
Oooookkkk….
I know some readers will be disturbed with an aspect this story.
This had a tricky plot. Some might find it safe while others will not. Some might excuse it where others won’t.
Regardless, it was nicely written and held my interest.
Now, Jensen’s actions could have been more thoughtful as to avoid all that drama.
I hope Connor and Taylor’s story will be released.
Oooookkkk….
I know some readers will be disturbed with an aspect this story.
This had a tricky plot. Some might find it safe while others will not. Some might excuse it where others won’t.
Regardless, it was nicely written and held my interest.
Now, Jensen’s actions could have been more thoughtful as to avoid all that drama.
I hope Connor and Taylor’s story will be released.
September 29, 2024
i think the book overall was... rather cheesy with the dialogues. then i felt that the whole execution surrounds the relationship only, like you don't feel that the characters have a actual job or something. because scenes where it involves their job are briefly skimmed through, then the hero was having a case of unsolved crime, yada yada and it just fade off w/o explanation. like do you want to left out the characters' job or do you wanna write out more? kind of not here nor there. i think it could have been better.
May 23, 2024
Once again, CA Harms knocks another story out of the park, and I loved every last minute of it. Brynnlee is a strong successful woman when it come to her career, but she hasn't been so lucky in love so she's definitely gun shy. Jensen is a detective who also hasn't been lucky in love but from the moment these two come face to face at a club, the sparks are flying. That night didn't pan out but fate had them coming face to face again quickly and this time, he's not about to miss shooting his shot. They're perfect for each other, however, his toxic love life isn't in the past so it comes up again, and it didn't help him whatsoever since he had kept that part of his life secret. Brynn is hurt badly, so he's blacklisted, and as she knows her own worth, not to mention the friends she has to protect her, Jensen is going to have to make a huge gesture to get through to her because he knows without a doubt that she's the one for him. This story was so great with the heat, sweetness, humor, brilliant supporting cast, and just all around the feel good moments so you absolutely need it in your lives! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 31, 2024
Jensen and Brynnlee have made an amazing couple the attraction between this couple is awesome. This is a first-time author for us and we enjoyed our first read by them. This story contained emotion, friendships, humor, misunderstandings, witty banter, suspense, second chances, intrigue, and romance. The characters' chemistry sizzles, making it an entertaining story that draws you right into it. It has a couple with an age gap jealousy angst, and a plot full of steam.
We really enjoyed the characters they were awesome and we loved the secondary characters as well they were great too! Both Jensen and the characters carry ghosts from their pasts and this couple's journey had its ups and downs as their past kept rearing its ugly head in the here and now.
Overall this was quite an enjoyable read with a cast of wonderful characters that were easy to fall in love with. We love when a second chance presents itself and this couple was clearly meant to be we loved being immersed in this couple's story while they strived for their happily ever after we could not put this one down and read it in one sitting. What a fantastic read.
We really enjoyed the characters they were awesome and we loved the secondary characters as well they were great too! Both Jensen and the characters carry ghosts from their pasts and this couple's journey had its ups and downs as their past kept rearing its ugly head in the here and now.
Overall this was quite an enjoyable read with a cast of wonderful characters that were easy to fall in love with. We love when a second chance presents itself and this couple was clearly meant to be we loved being immersed in this couple's story while they strived for their happily ever after we could not put this one down and read it in one sitting. What a fantastic read.
May 10, 2024
Is he hiding things? Is he lying? Is more at play? Or can Brynnlee trust that Jensen is who and what he shows himself to be? I mean, he’s almost too good to be true. But he’s also clearly dealing with something. But that something? Yeah, it’s a shocking something, for sure.
Don’t get me wrong. Jensen makes stupid mistakes. A lot of them. But he also just wants Brynnlee and all the light she shines into his dark, sad heart that he convinces himself he’s got time. He’s wrong, by the way. But he still manages to get me to bet on him, simply because he’s determined to get the truth out there and then try to let the cards fall as they may. Try. Like, really try. He’s actually pretty respectful of the sting he’s dealt and he doesn’t pretend that he wasn’t dumb. But he is also not about to let the woman he loves hurt like she does, so he tries his best. That best is a REALLY good effort, by the way.
So buckle up. This is a bit of a ride through love and sadness and misery and angst and anger back to love. After all, sometimes the best things in life have to sting a little first.
Don’t get me wrong. Jensen makes stupid mistakes. A lot of them. But he also just wants Brynnlee and all the light she shines into his dark, sad heart that he convinces himself he’s got time. He’s wrong, by the way. But he still manages to get me to bet on him, simply because he’s determined to get the truth out there and then try to let the cards fall as they may. Try. Like, really try. He’s actually pretty respectful of the sting he’s dealt and he doesn’t pretend that he wasn’t dumb. But he is also not about to let the woman he loves hurt like she does, so he tries his best. That best is a REALLY good effort, by the way.
So buckle up. This is a bit of a ride through love and sadness and misery and angst and anger back to love. After all, sometimes the best things in life have to sting a little first.
May 14, 2024
Brynnlee and her family own a series of hotels where she runs things to make sure everything is on top and that the places run smoothly. She's a beautiful soul and she will do anything for her family. Her father and brother are very protective of her but also let her flourish. She has two best friends who are hilarious and make things interesting. When she meets a stranger in a bar the sparks fly, but she has her own issues. Jensen is a detective and his job is his life. He knows that he's missing something but he's not sure what. When he meets a beauty in a bar he thinks it's his chance, but he's too chicken. Now they are face-to-face again and unfortunately, it is not for a good time. His protectiveness over her though is powerful and he will do what he can short of stalking. Jensen is driving Brynnlee crazy and she is determined to just move on. But when a series of events happen can these two find a common ground and fall in love? I love this author and her stories they have always been ones I will pick up immediately.
May 14, 2024
It’s all about another chance, not giving up because you’ve yet to find the right one. Brynlee has issues and damage from previous relationships. Two times of being tossed aside and cheated on will make anyone a little gun-shy. Then she meets him and sparks fly. It’s intense, but each walks away. But, they’re meant to see each other again. Circumstances allow their paths to cross again and the intense chemistry never leaves. Throwing caution to the wind allows for a chance…but his past isn’t in the past and can damage their chance for a future.
I loved the characters and the connection that we see unfold throughout the pages. The supporting characters are fantastic and the book flowed well. Harms did a brilliant job that had me quickly turning the pages to discover what happened next. I couldn’t put it down and devoured it in one sitting!
I loved the characters and the connection that we see unfold throughout the pages. The supporting characters are fantastic and the book flowed well. Harms did a brilliant job that had me quickly turning the pages to discover what happened next. I couldn’t put it down and devoured it in one sitting!
May 14, 2024
Oh, where to even start with this review? There was just so much to love about Jensen & Brynnlee's story. There are plenty of secrets in this book, and to me it only added to the angst between the pair. I really liked the way Brynn was written. The girl knew her worth and wasn't going to settle for anything less, and with her past, I couldn't really blame her. Jensen just had to prove himself worthy of her and boy it seemed a bit rocky at times, but he definitely done me proud by the end of the book.
These two are some of the best characters I have read recently, but I also need to give a shout out to the supporting characters in this book as well. I hope some of them end up with their own books in the future too.
These two are some of the best characters I have read recently, but I also need to give a shout out to the supporting characters in this book as well. I hope some of them end up with their own books in the future too.
May 15, 2024
This book had me captivated from the very first page and had me drawn into the angst, drama, passion and chemistry between Jensen and Brynn. The attraction between these two was intense and radiated from every page and encounter. Both characters had been hurt in the past and when their pasts keep interfering in the present and their future, Jensen will need to show Brynn that she is worth fighting for and that he is not the person she fears him to be. The storyline captures your heart and the side characters ensure for an entertaining and witty read to balance out the heavy emotions that at times are laid at your feet. Overall the journey from them to us is beautiful and one that will dig deep under your skin.
May 22, 2024
Both Brynn and Jensen are unlucky in love but soon as they meet each other the chemistry between them is undeniable and palpable. Jensen just needs to convince Brynn to give him a chance. I was highly entertained reading their story although i did get slightly frustrated with Brynn after a misunderstanding between the two of them.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this one too. Would love to read more of them!
This one was full of steam, witt, friendships, jealousy, and forgiveness. Add in some drama and this is quite the page turner.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this one too. Would love to read more of them!
This one was full of steam, witt, friendships, jealousy, and forgiveness. Add in some drama and this is quite the page turner.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest opinion
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
May 14, 2024
Fierce romance…
And what I mean is, emotionally fierce. These characters were all in for every emotion and I couldn’t help but be swept away too…
Brynlee and Jensen clicked. The chemistry was bright and it shone high. The buildup, the steam, it was all –consuming until it happened. Trust was broken and where to go from there was pretty bleak. Their wingmen circled the wagons and I wanted to as well, hurting for them both. Feeling their emotions, going through it with them, was the greatest reader gift…
Their story was all I had hoped for and now (greedy I know), I can’t wait for their wing-persons to get their story too – it will be epic!
*I happily reviewed this story
And what I mean is, emotionally fierce. These characters were all in for every emotion and I couldn’t help but be swept away too…
Brynlee and Jensen clicked. The chemistry was bright and it shone high. The buildup, the steam, it was all –consuming until it happened. Trust was broken and where to go from there was pretty bleak. Their wingmen circled the wagons and I wanted to as well, hurting for them both. Feeling their emotions, going through it with them, was the greatest reader gift…
Their story was all I had hoped for and now (greedy I know), I can’t wait for their wing-persons to get their story too – it will be epic!
*I happily reviewed this story
May 15, 2024
Every time I read a C.A. Harms book I say it is my favorite one of all of her books.......then she releases another one and I have yet another favorite one and this book is no exception!! Jensen and Brynn are such great characters and it is great to see a strong woman who has been through relationship issues and has used it to make herself stronger. Jensen is also well written because he has past issues and when he needs to come to terms with it, it isn't nice and easy like a fairy tale. There is such chemistry between Jensen and Brynn and the sizzling heat jumps off the pages. The other characters add so much to the story and I hope we see them all again!
May 23, 2024
Jensen’s life is complicated by the mistakes he has made in the past. Meeting Brynn has him believing that happy days are ahead but the secret he is keeping could derail everything.
Brynn is cautious when it comes to love because of her romantic past however that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t hope that Jensen is different. Just when she starts to let him break through her walls, she realizes that she might have never known him at all.
Brynn and Jensen’s story is one of new beginnings and healing from the past as even though the timing may not be perfect sometimes the best things in life happen when you least expect it.
Brynn is cautious when it comes to love because of her romantic past however that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t hope that Jensen is different. Just when she starts to let him break through her walls, she realizes that she might have never known him at all.
Brynn and Jensen’s story is one of new beginnings and healing from the past as even though the timing may not be perfect sometimes the best things in life happen when you least expect it.
May 9, 2024
Seppy's 5-Star Review:
Brynn hasn't had luck in the past with men. When she meets Jensen sparks fly. Jensen also has a nightmare of the past too. Jensen and Brynn have amazing chemistry. But Brynn is scared and afraid to trust another man and get made a fool of again. Jensen fell hard from the moment that they met and he wants her close forever. But what happens when the past mistakes affect the future? Can Brynn be bold and not afraid to hear Jensen out? Can she trust again?
I enjoyed reading this one.
May 15, 2024
Before We Were Us is a story of two people who deserve a second chance at finding that one you cannot seem to live without. Jensen and Brynn find one another through an interaction that is intense and then fate steps in. Their moments in the book made for a great story. Every small and big moment made for a great romance that is filled with intensity, love and lustful intentions. I loved that their story didn’t drag on and it had a good flow from beginning to end. The characters are well written and with the supporting characters blending in so well it sets up the makings for maybe a story about them. I wish the story could have had a little suspense being that the main character was a cop because that would have been so much more engaging for me. This story is a great story of finding that love you can only dream of and I liked that I was able to read it.
*Read an Advance Review Copy and this is my honest review*
*Read an Advance Review Copy and this is my honest review*
May 14, 2024
This is Jensen and Brynnlee’s story. These two are an amazing couple, and the attraction between them is undeniable, and there are great secondary and supporting characters.
This is a well written easy to read story, with emotions, friendships, humor, witty banter, an age gap angst, jealousy, suspense, second chances, intrigue, romance, palpable chemistry, determination, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written easy to read story, with emotions, friendships, humor, witty banter, an age gap angst, jealousy, suspense, second chances, intrigue, romance, palpable chemistry, determination, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 14, 2024
What a great story! Jensen and Brynn meet when she orders the same type of whiskey he drinks at the bar. The chemistry was immediate and the relationship was fast and hot from the beginning. They were falling in love with each other when the bottom falls out. Jensen has a lot to answer for. Brynn is devastated and makes him work for that second chance. I really enjoyed reading their journey to happiness and I am glad to see that she made him work hard for her. The secondary characters are a hoot and round out the story nicely.
May 14, 2024
Brynlee has been hurt in the past so trusting any man is going to take work. But from the moment Jensen sees her, he is willing to put in the work. Will she let er walls down for him?
Brynnlee and Jensen have chemistry from the get go. Jensen is determined. He never gives up, which was fun to watch. Brynn is sassy and stubborn. But when she allows herself to love, she loves with her whole heart.
Such a great story of love, forgiveness, and what it takes to build a lasting relationship. Sweet and heartfelt.
Brynnlee and Jensen have chemistry from the get go. Jensen is determined. He never gives up, which was fun to watch. Brynn is sassy and stubborn. But when she allows herself to love, she loves with her whole heart.
Such a great story of love, forgiveness, and what it takes to build a lasting relationship. Sweet and heartfelt.
May 15, 2024
Brynnlee and Jensen are everything! This book is so good! Brynnlee briefly meets Jense at a bar and she leaves Jensen needing more. They have another run in and the chase begins. Brynnlee is very independent and very stubborn, but also very sweet and loyal, I absolutely loved her! Her two besties are amazing as well! Jensen is amazing! He is persistent and swoony. So much happens in this book and it has some drama and angst but so also so much swoony and steamy moments. I very much recommend reading this book!
May 15, 2024
Brynn has never been lucky in love but a chance meeting in a club could be about to change all that.
From the moment Jenson set eyes on Brynn there was something about her that took ahold of him and just wouldn't let go, so when fate steps in and brings them together under very different circumstances can they both learn to trust each other and open up their hearts or will their past mistakes tare them apart.
As always C.A. Harms pulls on your heartstrings with her characters and words. Definitely one to read.
From the moment Jenson set eyes on Brynn there was something about her that took ahold of him and just wouldn't let go, so when fate steps in and brings them together under very different circumstances can they both learn to trust each other and open up their hearts or will their past mistakes tare them apart.
As always C.A. Harms pulls on your heartstrings with her characters and words. Definitely one to read.
May 15, 2024
Brynn is a strong and independent woman who has been badly let down by men in the past. Jensen meets her in a bar one night and the mutual attraction is instant. Their paths cross again when Jensen investigates a murder in one of Brynn's family's hotels where she works. Persuading her to go on a date, Jensen finds the chemistry between them is fierce, but he has a past too that he hasn't told Brynn about. When she finds out what he hasn't told her, any future together seems impossible. Friends and family find a way to push them together. A hot and steamy story.
May 6, 2024
Incredible and I could not put it down. Between how much sizzle leapt off of Brynn and Steele to just how heartfelt his feelings were for her, this story deserves more than 5 stars. C.A. Harms gives her readers exactly what they were hoping for: an absolutely incredible story, characters that you just want to hug and the perfect amount of angst and heartache. This will be one of those books I will read and re-read again and again.
May 12, 2024
Before We Were Us by CA Harms is an amazing age-gap (10 years) stand-alone romance. This one had everything I love in a good book: Angst, drama, jealousy. I honestly couldn't have loved it anymore than I did.
Jensen and Brynnlee were everything! They were scorching hot together, and their attraction and chemistry were undeniable. This was such a true-to-life, perfect love story, and an absolute must-read! Highly recommended with more than five stars!
Jensen and Brynnlee were everything! They were scorching hot together, and their attraction and chemistry were undeniable. This was such a true-to-life, perfect love story, and an absolute must-read! Highly recommended with more than five stars!
October 1, 2024
There really isn't enough words to say how I feel about this book.
I was really blown away at how good it was. I could not put it down.
Jenson Steele gives new meaning to Sex on a stick. He is romantic, but also tough as nails. If I was trouble I would want Detective Steele on my case. And let me just say Brynn is awesome. She's tough as nails and has a heart as big as Texas. Together they are magic
I was really blown away at how good it was. I could not put it down.
Jenson Steele gives new meaning to Sex on a stick. He is romantic, but also tough as nails. If I was trouble I would want Detective Steele on my case. And let me just say Brynn is awesome. She's tough as nails and has a heart as big as Texas. Together they are magic
May 6, 2024
Wow! Jensen and Brynnlee were so hot! I just love Brynnlee and her spunkiness and you can’t forget Taylor in the mix. Perfect amount of sexiness that keeps you wanting more. Jensen has to work to prove his love for Brynnlee after she had a couple last rough relationships. Amazing and you must read!
May 13, 2024
Jensen and Brynn's story was definitely a page-turner!
I was instantly hooked from the very beginning and could not put the book down. The chemistry between them was on point from their first interaction. I loved how C.A. Harms wrote their story with so much emotion woven in with a bit of humor from Connor and Taylor (their best friends). This is certainly a must read!
I was instantly hooked from the very beginning and could not put the book down. The chemistry between them was on point from their first interaction. I loved how C.A. Harms wrote their story with so much emotion woven in with a bit of humor from Connor and Taylor (their best friends). This is certainly a must read!
June 6, 2024
Jensen is a detective. With a crazy ex with no morals. Brynnlee is on top of her carrier. When Jensen asks her out she play hard to get. They start something beautiful. His past comes breaking their bobbles of happies. With rumors and lies they fall apart. Jensen knows he can’t wait away. So he fights for her. Like his life depends on it. Loved it. You won’t put it down.
May 14, 2024
Brynn and Jensen both have a second chance at love. Could they be what the other needs and wants? This book had my heart on a rollercoaster ride from the beginning. Amazing writing that made this story and characters so much more realistic.
May 15, 2024
These two just clicked and they knew it, yet they both fought it. We are able to watch both of them fight themselves on their feelings. This story couldn't be put down and I enjoyed their friendships, these friendships helped them grow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews