She doesn’t remember. Teodora wakes up to a reality she can’t recognise after surviving the fire she can’t remember. Worst of all, she can’t remember the man who claims to be her husband, Ettore.
Not his wife. Ettore, involved in a dangerous criminal organisation, believes her to be Vittoria, his wife from an arranged marriage. Yet her personality doesn’t match with the cruel and selfish woman he married.
Enemies but they don’t know it. As Teodora struggles to remember her past, she knows nothing about Ettore and his criminal life, yet he is her safety. Her feelings grow towards him, and he finds himself attracted to her too. But what if she remembers who she truly is and is the only capable of destroying everything he believes in?
As a child, Austea posed as the Sailor Moon. As a tween, she wanted to be a protagonist in one specific telenovela. And as a teen, she wished to love herself. Now, when she's a Sailor Moon in her head, telenovela's protagonist in her book, and with a heart filled with love for herself, she's a lady of tea and a mother of three endearing kitties writing about everything she finds intriguing: witches, dragons, enemies-to-lovers trope, soulmates, strong, admirable women, etc.
If you're also intrigued by these things, her books will not leave you disappointed.
This was such a fun and interesting book! I absolutely cant wait for book 2 ! The book stars with a slower pace and in the beginning everything was a bit confusing, but in the perfect way that made sense because of the amnesia! I was so invested in how the plot would unravel and it absolutely did not disappoint! The information came up in perfect amounts that allowed the reader to stay on track and not get too overwhelmed by the information. The writing style is super easy and pleasant to read and the dialog was in a nice maturity level! I cant wait to learn more about the characters in the upcoming books aswell as get answers to all the questions that came up in book 1!
To sum my thoughts up Before she remembers is a unique story that captivates the readers full attention from page one all the way to the last page. Absolutely loved it!
Thank you Austea E. Kette for an eARC copy in exchange of an honest review.
As this book is the foundation book of the series so the book has too much information for the readers to absorb. The book had me hooked from the first chapter itself, bcoz it's a mystery why Teodora was burned and not burned at the same time. As the book has an amnesia trope, it's already mentioned in the trope chart, we don't know who Teodora really is and neither do we know who Vittoria is. This book was just the start and I think the book there is much more for us to discover in the following books and I just can't wait for them to be on my Kindle🥺🤧.. Ettore, another mysterious closed off character. As I just said this book is just the foundation.. I'm waiting to know, understand and connect with the characters as the series continues…
I'm really grateful to Austea for giving me an opportunity to read the ARC of this book
__________ NOTE: I was selected as a beta reader for this book and received an ARC __________
Book Review: 'Before She Remembers' by Austea E. Kette
'Before She Remembers' by Austea E. Kette is a romance filled with suspense and emotional twists. The story follows Teodora, who wakes up with no memory after surviving a fire. Ettore, a man involved in a dangerous criminal organization, claims she’s his wife, Vittoria. But as Teodora tries to figure out who she really is, she wonders if she and Ettore could ever be more than strangers—or even enemies.
One of the best things about this book is the dual POV, which lets readers see both Teodora and Ettore’s thoughts. Kette blends romance and suspense perfectly, pulling readers into the tension between Teodora and Ettore.
The writing flows smoothly, making the book hard to put down. Each chapter is just the right length to keep the story moving without overwhelming the reader. Kette’s writing pulls you in, making the romance feel intense and the suspense exciting.
While the romance between Teodora and Ettore builds naturally, there are some tense moments that stand out—like a shocking sex scene in a church that might make some readers, including me, uncomfortable. Kette isn’t afraid to push boundaries, giving readers unforgettable moments. The use of diary entries from the real Vittoria adds more depth, making Teodora’s journey of self-discovery even more interesting as her feelings for Ettore grow.
The ending is full of drama and will leave you wanting more.
Conclusion: 'Before She Remembers' is a thrilling romantic suspense with a great balance between romance and mystery. It’s an easy, fast read that lets you enjoy the ride without needing to think too much. As a beta reader, I felt lucky to read it early and can’t wait for the next book. A romance packed with excitement, drama, and a surprising twist you won’t see coming.
Congratulations on your debut novel! As a first time ARC reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Though the book started at a slower pace, it gradually built up, and as the story progressed, I found myself completely hooked. The suspense was gripping, and the characters were unique and memorable.
I was especially in awe with Ettore—I really, really ship him with Theodore rather than Victoria! Ettore was another standout for me. His kindness and care toward his wife, despite how poorly she treated him in the past, made him such a compelling character.
The cliffhanger at the end was brilliantly done, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next installment. I can't wait to see what comes next!
All the best for the book—I’m sure it will be a great success!
This was such a fun and unique read! I have never read a book like this and I really enjoyed it. The writing was super easy to read and just made me fly through the book. This is a mystery with some romance and it was so engaging and had you hooked since the very beginning!
I’m so excited to delve into Ettore’s character more in the upcoming books and learn more about him. But from what we got in this book - he’s a sweetie. Is he part of a crime organization? Yes but he is a sweetie.
I recommend this if you love a good mystery with romance!
Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC of your book!
I'm sure this is a really interesting story... but I just couldn't get into it. The way it was written just doesn't vibe with me. Some people say the writing was easy to follow, but I found the writing hard to follow because it didn't feel smooth and seemed too random...i just couldn't find myself invested enough to continue.
Austea gave me the wonderful opportunity to be one of her beta's for Before She Remembers and I was honored to be picked! This book was incredible from the moment I picked it up and to the moment I finished it! I cannot wait for the release! I'm excited to see what comes next! Thank you Austea!
Book Review: Before She Remembers by Austea E. Kette
Set in 1960s France, Before She Remembers tells the captivating story of Teodara, a young woman who falls in love with her enemy’s son, Ettore—who, intriguingly, claims to be her husband. The twist? Teodara doesn’t remember who she is. When I first heard the premise, I was immediately intrigued, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the book. I finished it last night, and I have to say—wow.
Teodara and Ettore’s love story is both tender and intense. Ettore is such a sweetheart—his quiet observation of her and the way he takes care of her is beautifully written. The romance is heartwarming, and the mystery that surrounds Teodara’s identity pulls you deeper into the plot.
But what was that ending? Who leaves a book like that? I genuinely thought I had received the wrong file because the cliffhanger was so abrupt! How am I supposed to survive until the next book?
I loved the alternating POVs between Teodara and Ettore—it added so much depth to their emotions and thoughts. The writing flowed seamlessly, and the characters felt real and vivid. The banter between Teodara and Ettore was delightful, and I absolutely adored Natalie. She’s such a vibe. On the other hand, I couldn’t stand Antoine—he’s the perfect character to hate.
I can’t wait to dive back into this world with the next installment, and I hope it’s coming soon. Overall, I’d give Before She Remembers a solid 4/5. If you’re a fan of romance mixed with mystery, this book is a must-read. It releases on October 8, 2024—so go ahead and pre-order it! Trust me, you’ll love it.
Before She Remembers is one of the best books I've read this year. Still can't stop thinking about it, actually)))
What you need to know: Teodora is lucky to survive the Fire but it cost her most of her memories. Who is she? What happanned? She doesn't remember her life before the Fire. Thankfully, her husband, Ettore, is always at her side, ready to help to recall someting or evoke some of her lost memories. However, I couldn’t stop worrying about Teodora, can she really trust this stranger, allegedly her husband? Will she ever get her memories back or will she give in and rely on people around to help her to remember. The more days I lived with Teodora through the pages of the book, the more secrets we revealed about her past: who she is, what her relationships with others are like, and what this criminal organisation called SQ which she might somehow be connected to is up to. At one point both of us question her: Was she a bad person back then? Is she a bad person now? Will she be that bad person when she remembers? However afraid Teodora is to find out the truth, she is ready to embrace whatever comes her way and maybe, just maybe reverse the course of the story.
It's a perfect mix of mystery, romance, humour and intrigue that keeps you glued to the book in an attempt to see what's going to happen next. Well-written and you can tell that Austea put her heart in it. To be honest, I wish I could lose my memory to be able to read it once again for the first time.
Thank you Austea for this incredible masterpiece of yours, can't wait to read the second book)))
This book offers a unique take on identity, memory, and love against the backdrop of a dark and dangerous world. Teodora’s story instantly hooks you as she wakes up from a fire she can’t remember, in a life that feels completely foreign. The most unsettling part? She doesn’t recognize Ettore, the man who insists he’s her husband, but something about him pulls her in.
The dynamic between Teodora and Ettore is full of tension and mystery. Teodora feels like a completely different person than the cruel woman Ettore describes as his wife, Vittoria. The suspense builds with every page as you wonder: is she really his wife, or someone else entirely? The way the author drops clues while keeping you guessing is intriguing. Just when you think you know the truth, another twist makes you question everything again.
What makes this book stand out is the way it blends crime, romance, and suspense into a story that’s full of emotional depth. Ettore’s world of crime adds danger to every interaction, and Teodora’s vulnerability makes her both sympathetic and intriguing as she slowly unravels her past.
The writing style is both simple but puzzling in the best way—you’re never fully sure what’s coming next, which keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The book creates a balance between the growing attraction between the characters and the lurking danger that keeps you on edge. If you’re a fan of dark romance and psychological suspense, this is definitely worth the read!
I have never read anything like this before and totally lost track of time while reading!! ✨
With a perfect mix between romance and suspense Austea Kette manages to trap her readers inside the story. While the readers think they know what is going on more and more details are revealed for example through diary entries and the dual POV that lead to a completely unexpected end with a big cliffhanger. 🤯
Teodora and the other characters are carefully thought-out, you can see that they were created with love and (most of them) are charming and amiable.🥰
I can’t wait until Book 2 will be announced and released!🥹
I absolutely loved this book! 💖 I’m really crossing my fingers for a sequel because I need to know what happens next with Teodora and Ettore! This isn’t your typical enemies-to-lovers story — the best part is, they don’t even know they’re enemies, which adds a whole new level of excitement and tension between them. The plot kept me hooked from page one, full of intrigue and twists! And oh, "My flower" 🌸 — such an adorable nickname! Totally worth the wait. 🥰 Kette did an amazing job, and I can't wait to see what she will write next 🌟
I was a bit skeptical at first because I love the amnesia trope but sometimes it isn’t written well. This was not the case, this is one of the best written books with the amnesia trope I have ever read! Teodora had me stressing (in a good way) and Ettore was such a delight to read.
This was a wonderful book! Think, 60s France, she has amnesia and he tells her she’s his wife- she’s not! Oh my goodness, SWOON! I can’t wait for book two, more witty banter and quips from Ettore and Teodora. 🫶🌷❤️
I read that book in three days, because of how good it was. If you like slow burn this book is perfect for you. It also doesn’t only talk about romance, and the story is pretty complex, which adds to it very interesting events. The main character is adorable, and the fact that the points of views switch between the two main characters is very nice, allowing us to discover details and interesting facts about the story. I recommend it a lot ! Note: I was an ARC reader for this book.
I dived into this unaware of how Intriguing I would find it. I loved the 60s vibes and the mystery and the way the story was connected through the diary.
I really hope there will be a book two because of the ending being so abrupt. I have my fingers 🤞
Ettore and Teodora was sooo cute 💘🌹
I really enjoyed it.
Tropes: She has amnesia Enemies but they don't know it "She's my wife" Criminal organization 60s France
Before She Remembers is a riveting and thought-provoking read that I won't soon forget. Austea crafted such an intelligent, layered, and thrilling story. This novel is a masterclass in tension, intrigue, and deeply nuanced character relationships. The way the author has woven together the themes of memory, betrayal, and identity through Teodora’s journey feels both poignant and thrilling. I am confident this book will resonate with many readers once it’s released.
This book drops you in the middle of the action. It is a tangled spiderweb that slowly unravels itself the more you read. The main character is endearing and I loved seeing her discover more about herself after she woke up. Ettore is more than what he seems too. I definitely recommend this book to someone that wants a mystery to reveal itself to them! It has unexpected twists and turns and is very much worth the read!
This book has everything I love. Dual POV. Just enough spice. The setting was perfect for me- like something out of a James Bond story. I was cheering for both “Vittoria” and Ettore separately as characters but also as a pair. I really hope there is a sequel coming! I need to know that Regina is going to be okay and that her situation is being avenged. I received an advanced digital copy, but I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical book to read again and annotate!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beware readers! You will die of curiosity. At the start, the plot confuses me. Of course, it should because Theodora is having amnesia. Who won't be confused? By the end, I was completely invested in the characters. If you enjoy romance and mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, this is a must-read."
Austea has a unique writing style that may take a moment to get used to but then drags you into an enticing story of love and thrill. Although it isn't my usual genre to read, I couldn't tear myself away from the pages. I'm looking forward to the next book!
This was such a great book with mystery, love, and well written characters. It wasn't slow, which made me read the whole book in one sitting. I was hooked! Honestly, it's my favourite read this year.
By the way, Ettore is now my husband 😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
yes hello i need the second book in my hands RIGHT now and yes i understand the book just came out. this was so fucking good - mystery and romance? spies and cult like organizations? memory trope? yes.
I finally got time to read the book and wow. I read all of Austeas books and all of them made me lose track of time. It happened again. I got into the book by the first chapter and i cant wait for the next book to continue the story. I also want to know how is Regina. I hope for the best for her.
Captivating page-turner! Before She Remembers had me hooked from the Prologue! From well-developed, interesting characters to an entertaining plot, this book had it all. The excitement from the prologue carried throughout the whole book, never losing my attention. Whether it was a plot twist that had my jaw on the floor or romance that had me kicking my feet, there was always something grabbing my attention filling me with excitement and anticipation as I turned each page. The slow burn burned indeed! Slow-burn romances are a bit hit or miss with me because I feel that most of the time they develop too slowly and appear almost out of the blue, but Austea E. Kette did it perfectly. It was slow enough that it made sense to the plot without happening out of the blue, and it burned the whole way through. I can't wait to read her the next book!
I started reading this book, and normally with the most books, you have to read half the book to really get into the story. But not here, it was enough for me to read the first page and there I was already completely taken. While reading I changed my thoughts, feelings and suspicions so often that I couldn’t predict anything that would or would not happen.
I was eager to read this book because it was my first-ever ARC, and you can't imagine how happy and grateful I was! I started it a week after receiving it, and by then, the excitement had dissipated a bit. I thought it was going to be one of those sloppy romance novels with no plot, but boy, was I wrong. I was intrigued from the very first chapter.
The story is pretty complex; it started off strong, and the best part was that it remained consistent—I didn't feel bored for a second! The romance was also well-written, and the slow burn definitely burned. You can really feel the tension between the couple, and oh my God, the spicy scene—I am still shocked. (I don’t read spice, and lord, I want my sanity back!)
I feel like when writing the amnesia trope, one has to be very meticulous because it can easily be messed up, but Kette did a wonderful job. It didn't feel forced. I also enjoyed the dual POV—it added more depth to the story. Overall, I think it was a great read—a perfect blend of romance and mystery, topped with some drama.
If you're anything like me and haven’t had the chance to relish a good romance with a solid plot, you definitely need to pick this up.