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Before You Say I Do
What if you were planning the wedding of the year . . . for the man you were meant to marry?
Wedding planner Ari Lightowler doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after.
Her job is to create the perfect magical wedding for demanding brides. And certainly not focus on her own heartache.
When Ari is invited to plan the upcoming ‘society wedding of the year’ in New York she arrives at the sprawling estate to meet the happy couple.
The only problem? The groom is Tom Somerset, her long-lost love. And father of her child.
Eight years ago Ari met Tom at Reykjavik airport. After a whirlwind romance, Tom was called home to New York. He promised to return for Ari.
He never came back.
And she never got to tell him she was expecting his child.
Now Ari must deal with the whims of a society bridezilla. And the unresolved tensions with Tom.
Because Tom did go back for Ari.
The only question now is who will say I do?
Wedding planner Ari Lightowler doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after.
Her job is to create the perfect magical wedding for demanding brides. And certainly not focus on her own heartache.
When Ari is invited to plan the upcoming ‘society wedding of the year’ in New York she arrives at the sprawling estate to meet the happy couple.
The only problem? The groom is Tom Somerset, her long-lost love. And father of her child.
Eight years ago Ari met Tom at Reykjavik airport. After a whirlwind romance, Tom was called home to New York. He promised to return for Ari.
He never came back.
And she never got to tell him she was expecting his child.
Now Ari must deal with the whims of a society bridezilla. And the unresolved tensions with Tom.
Because Tom did go back for Ari.
The only question now is who will say I do?
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2024
139 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 7, 2024
Hated the male character
The story was dull and boring, hated the male character.. At every stage he was too little to late... The author fired to make the HEA believable by dumping a year gap after the events but it just didn't work.. The ending was poor at best.
The story was dull and boring, hated the male character.. At every stage he was too little to late... The author fired to make the HEA believable by dumping a year gap after the events but it just didn't work.. The ending was poor at best.
August 1, 2024
Ari and Tom had a whirlwind romance, traveling across Europe with one another until Tom is called home to the states. Before he left, he promised he’d be back but he vanished, leaving Ari to deal with the aftermath of their unknown and unborn child. Eight years later, Ari is in the states to plan the wedding of the year. Only it turns out the groom is her long lost Tom.
This book just wasn’t what I was expecting. It was kind of hard to get through and I don’t know if it’s because of the third person point of view. It was mainly written in Tom and Ari‘s point of view, but it included bits of Marnie‘s and the other characters as well.
I didn’t like how everything unfolded. I felt like we missed out on the chance of them being shocked of seeing one another after eight years long years and the discovery of a daughter. I mean, yes there was shock, but it just wasn’t how I was expecting how they were going to find out. And I felt like their conversation was long overdue. I also wish we got to see a bit more of the wedding planning.
I did not like Tom at all. And I couldn’t really tell you why. It could be that he left and didn’t come back till two years later, but left again due to what he witnessed and assumed. What I did like was his few moments with Reine.
But really, I just couldn’t connect with the main characters. I felt like there was a huge disconnect. But it might have honestly been because it was hard to get through the past scenes when a huge chunk of it was written in italics which honestly just hurt my eyes. It would have also been nice to see some translation after a character would speak in Spanish, which was also in italics.
I think my favorite person in the book had to be Stella and her smalls. Or even Marnie.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC for my honest review.
This book just wasn’t what I was expecting. It was kind of hard to get through and I don’t know if it’s because of the third person point of view. It was mainly written in Tom and Ari‘s point of view, but it included bits of Marnie‘s and the other characters as well.
I didn’t like how everything unfolded. I felt like we missed out on the chance of them being shocked of seeing one another after eight years long years and the discovery of a daughter. I mean, yes there was shock, but it just wasn’t how I was expecting how they were going to find out. And I felt like their conversation was long overdue. I also wish we got to see a bit more of the wedding planning.
I did not like Tom at all. And I couldn’t really tell you why. It could be that he left and didn’t come back till two years later, but left again due to what he witnessed and assumed. What I did like was his few moments with Reine.
But really, I just couldn’t connect with the main characters. I felt like there was a huge disconnect. But it might have honestly been because it was hard to get through the past scenes when a huge chunk of it was written in italics which honestly just hurt my eyes. It would have also been nice to see some translation after a character would speak in Spanish, which was also in italics.
I think my favorite person in the book had to be Stella and her smalls. Or even Marnie.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC for my honest review.
May 11, 2025
It started boring and predictable, then just got worse.
Dragged so so so much. Tom is thick. Marnie is the most unlikeable character I’ve read in a long time. No character development occurred at all.
Editing errors galore.
Honestly, just shit.
Didn’t cry.
Dragged so so so much. Tom is thick. Marnie is the most unlikeable character I’ve read in a long time. No character development occurred at all.
Editing errors galore.
Honestly, just shit.
Didn’t cry.
August 10, 2024
I was absolutely hooked right from the start! I wanted to start and read a chapter or two before bed and ended up reading 8 until 4:30am and even then it was still a struggle to put it down. I was so in love with Ari, Tom and how they story was playing out. Such a cool concept with so many different elements. There was a fairly big cast (not huge but bigger than a typical romance of 2 in the couple, a best friend each and maybe an ex to cause some drama) and they all played their parts so well! I won't say I loved them all of course, but they were all great. I think Tom's mum Marnie was my favourite, closely followed by Luis!
For the first half of the book Tom and Ari's relationship was SO adorable! Both past and present there were just so many cute little things that I genuinely almost awwed out loud a few times. Some were obviously going to happen but some were such a cute surprise. I loved the hopping back and forth between the present day and flashbacks of their time together when they met so we got to see how that progressed. Another random thing I really loved was the chapter titles! They were so seemingly random and then related sometimes pretty obscurely, I don't know how to explain it well without giving examples but it was cool. There were a couple of small things that niggled at me later on but they weren't major and didn't ruin my overall enjoyment of the book. I'll be keeping a serious eye out for more of Sharon's books!
For the first half of the book Tom and Ari's relationship was SO adorable! Both past and present there were just so many cute little things that I genuinely almost awwed out loud a few times. Some were obviously going to happen but some were such a cute surprise. I loved the hopping back and forth between the present day and flashbacks of their time together when they met so we got to see how that progressed. Another random thing I really loved was the chapter titles! They were so seemingly random and then related sometimes pretty obscurely, I don't know how to explain it well without giving examples but it was cool. There were a couple of small things that niggled at me later on but they weren't major and didn't ruin my overall enjoyment of the book. I'll be keeping a serious eye out for more of Sharon's books!
July 14, 2024
Before You Say I Do is a gut-wrenching, heart breaking romance that caused me to shirk my adult responsibilities in order to finish the story because there was never a place that I felt satisfied with where the story was headed to put it down. Don't get me wrong - it was a beautiful and beatifully written story, but it was sad from the beginning of the book forward. It is a second chance romance that left me drained after reading it and I couldn't stop thinking about the story and all the places that Tom could have altered the trajectory of the relationship if he had just had the guts to do so. I also was left feeling bad for Ari as she waited for Tom's return and thinking that she must truly love him to be willing to keep the hope alive for as long as she did.
Read this book. Just make certain to have a box a tissues nearby and your calendar cleared before you start.
Read this book. Just make certain to have a box a tissues nearby and your calendar cleared before you start.
August 8, 2024
If you are looking for a great holiday read that is difficult to put down, this is the book for you. Ari met Tom in an airport and it was love at first sight. However Tom was keeping secrets and when he leaves Ari suddenly to go home, she has no way of contacting him.
Years later as a successful wedding planner she finds herself planning his wedding. Here ensues all the drama of not only a planning a wedding for a spoilt bride but also the family interference plus Tom and Ari both trying to forget the feelings they had believing the other had moved on.
Then throw in a child that Ari never got to tell Tom about. This was a great read with all the makings of a story that will make a great Rom Com film.
Years later as a successful wedding planner she finds herself planning his wedding. Here ensues all the drama of not only a planning a wedding for a spoilt bride but also the family interference plus Tom and Ari both trying to forget the feelings they had believing the other had moved on.
Then throw in a child that Ari never got to tell Tom about. This was a great read with all the makings of a story that will make a great Rom Com film.
November 24, 2024
This was a fun read. It is a second chance romance and is pretty straightforward.
Will recommend it if you are looking for something light and easy to read.
Rating: 3.5/5
Will recommend it if you are looking for something light and easy to read.
Rating: 3.5/5
July 12, 2024
Tenía mucho potencial y es una lastima que se desperdició.
La historia de Tom se manejo bien, pero la de Ari no, fue horrible como se retrato a ella y terminó siendo una tonta, sin dignidad ni amor propio. En lugar de que me diera lastima terminó siendo un personaje patético. <-- En la parte de spoilers daré las razones.
Autoras, por favor 🙏 dejen de hacer dejadas, y estúpidas a las protagonistas.
Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️
Ari y Tom se conocieron hace 8 años, salieron por 6 meses y estaban comprometidos (de palabra), pero él tuvo que irse por una emergencia familiar, le prometio que volvería y le dejó un número telefónico.
Cuando ella descubrió que estaba embarazada le llamó, pero estaba desconectado el teléfono, entonces lo espero y espero y espero y espero por 8 años. Y lo siguió esperando porque es tan tonta que sigue enamorada. Patética.
Mi gran problema fue que Ari estuvo esperando por 8 AÑOS a Tom, mientras que él siguió con su vida. Es que es una idiota por dejar su vida en pausa por alguien que la abandonó. Ella no se da cuenta que está dejando pasar su vida o si lo hace no le importa porque vive en su mundo de caramelos.
Pudo ser un buen libro si se cambiara esa parte y ella saliera, tuviera citas, novios y relaciones serias. - antes de que me digan que si tuvo citas esas no cuentan porque las hizo para decirse que lo intento, que no resultó y asi poder seguir esperando al otro -. Hubiera sido un gran cambio sí que la única razón por la que lo estuviera esperando fuera para decirle de la hija y que la niña tuviera un padre, pero nada más.
De principio a fin Ari fue una tonta, solo era necesario que viera a Tom para que se arrodillara ante él. En ningún momento se puso firme ni siquiera cuando tenía que pelar por la custodia se su hija.
No culpo a Tom por comprometerse porque hay ciertos acontecimientos que le hicieron creer que Ari estaba casada.
Tom quería a Shasha, pero nunca la amó y la utilizó para no estar sólo. Ella sabia y no le importó porque le gustaba estar con alguien de una familia distinguida.
Otra cosa que no me gustó fue lo del beso cuando aún estaba comprometido, no fue justo para Sasha.
Otra cosa que no me gustó fue como todos (sobre todo Tom) endiosaron a Doug como padre y esposo, mientras que a
Marnie la hacían menos, o sea el tipo se la pasaba viajando para poder pilotear, divertirse y serle infiel a Marnie. Si bien ella también estuvo lejos de sus hijos fue porque estaba trabajando y para ignorar las infidelidades de su esposo.
Me molestó como Tom hablaba maravillas de su padre a pesar de saber lo que hizo, pero cuando tenía que pasar tiempo con su mamá se molestaba porque no le gustaba estar con ella.
Amé a Stella y la manera en como no desaprovechado ninguna oportunidad para insultar a Tom.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
La historia de Tom se manejo bien, pero la de Ari no, fue horrible como se retrato a ella y terminó siendo una tonta, sin dignidad ni amor propio. En lugar de que me diera lastima terminó siendo un personaje patético. <-- En la parte de spoilers daré las razones.
Autoras, por favor 🙏 dejen de hacer dejadas, y estúpidas a las protagonistas.
Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️
Ari y Tom se conocieron hace 8 años, salieron por 6 meses y estaban comprometidos (de palabra), pero él tuvo que irse por una emergencia familiar, le prometio que volvería y le dejó un número telefónico.
Cuando ella descubrió que estaba embarazada le llamó, pero estaba desconectado el teléfono, entonces lo espero y espero y espero y espero por 8 años. Y lo siguió esperando porque es tan tonta que sigue enamorada. Patética.
Mi gran problema fue que Ari estuvo esperando por 8 AÑOS a Tom, mientras que él siguió con su vida. Es que es una idiota por dejar su vida en pausa por alguien que la abandonó. Ella no se da cuenta que está dejando pasar su vida o si lo hace no le importa porque vive en su mundo de caramelos.
Pudo ser un buen libro si se cambiara esa parte y ella saliera, tuviera citas, novios y relaciones serias. - antes de que me digan que si tuvo citas esas no cuentan porque las hizo para decirse que lo intento, que no resultó y asi poder seguir esperando al otro -. Hubiera sido un gran cambio sí que la única razón por la que lo estuviera esperando fuera para decirle de la hija y que la niña tuviera un padre, pero nada más.
De principio a fin Ari fue una tonta, solo era necesario que viera a Tom para que se arrodillara ante él. En ningún momento se puso firme ni siquiera cuando tenía que pelar por la custodia se su hija.
No culpo a Tom por comprometerse porque hay ciertos acontecimientos que le hicieron creer que Ari estaba casada.
Tom quería a Shasha, pero nunca la amó y la utilizó para no estar sólo. Ella sabia y no le importó porque le gustaba estar con alguien de una familia distinguida.
Otra cosa que no me gustó fue lo del beso cuando aún estaba comprometido, no fue justo para Sasha.
Otra cosa que no me gustó fue como todos (sobre todo Tom) endiosaron a Doug como padre y esposo, mientras que a
Marnie la hacían menos, o sea el tipo se la pasaba viajando para poder pilotear, divertirse y serle infiel a Marnie. Si bien ella también estuvo lejos de sus hijos fue porque estaba trabajando y para ignorar las infidelidades de su esposo.
Me molestó como Tom hablaba maravillas de su padre a pesar de saber lo que hizo, pero cuando tenía que pasar tiempo con su mamá se molestaba porque no le gustaba estar con ella.
Amé a Stella y la manera en como no desaprovechado ninguna oportunidad para insultar a Tom.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2024
I had high hopes for this book, but honestly, it fell flat for me. After all the drama was revealed, it was as if the plot and the characters stopped developing. I rushed to finish it as I felt that it was dragging. A wonderful premise that unfortunately, did not meet my expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
July 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the idea of Ari having to plan a wedding for Tom. My favorite character was Stella. I loved that she just took photos and watched everything unfold.
I have a few issues with the book. The flashbacks were in almost every chapter. I would have liked to see less of them because it started to get in the way of the story. This book also seemed slow at times. The Spanish had no translations, so if you don't read Spanish, then you won't know what is said.
There were parts that I did enjoy, such as moments Tom had his child.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
I have a few issues with the book. The flashbacks were in almost every chapter. I would have liked to see less of them because it started to get in the way of the story. This book also seemed slow at times. The Spanish had no translations, so if you don't read Spanish, then you won't know what is said.
There were parts that I did enjoy, such as moments Tom had his child.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2025
A beautiful passionate love story and a genre I love to read.
hyggebooktours, Sharon, joffebooks and choclit thank you for the ARC
hyggebooktours, Sharon, joffebooks and choclit thank you for the ARC
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August 7, 2024Thank you Netgalley and Choc Lit for providing me with a copy in exchange of an honest review
Ari and Tom met in Europe and spent a magical time together, helping each other and being there when they needed someone. After six months, Tom had to return home, promising to come back for Ari. However, he never did. And Ari is not the only one he abandoned, for she later found out she was pregnant. Ari kept hope alive, thinking he would return for her. Eight years later, their paths cross again, not in the best circumstances. Tom is getting married and Ari is the one planning that wedding.
My biggest fear with this book is the reason Tom left and did not contact Ari during those eight years; if he is the male lead, that reason had to be important enough and fair for both parties. I will not talk about that in the review, but I do have to say that I loved everyone’s behavior and reactions to Ari and Tom, they were so much fun to read, especially when they were still figuring it out and could not openly talk about it. And I have to say that I enjoy how everyone positioned themselves about it.
Similarly to this, is Tom’s story, particularly his past, and why he did certain actions, like going abroad in the first place and not going back for Ari. We do get some explanations but it would have been nice to have these further explained. His relationship with Sasha, his fiancee is another aspect that could have been improved; for we rarely see them together and even less be a couple. Having Sasha’ been more involved or caring’s character been more developed, we would have cared more for her, her situation and her role during the planning of the wedding and its revelations.
One part that surprised me about their story is how long it took for them to reunite again; I liked that the author dragged that meeting, for if they met again and talked everything out in the first chapter, it would not have been as fun, but it took longer than I thought or would have liked.
With a book with this premise, flashbacks were inevitable, and the author was quite smart as to when and how to introduce them, as well as she did for the change of pov. I thought I would not enjoy the flashbacks as much, because I wanted to see what was happening in the present, but they were really important to the story, and though I wanted certain flashbacks to happen, I can see why they were not in order.
I loved the family dynamic that Ari has with Sebastian, Luis and Reine and talk about their family. Ari and Sebastian’s sibling dynamic is great, and quite inspiring, for Sebastian was kicked out when he came out to his parents and Ari, instead of doing the easy thing and staying home, she stood by him, and their relationship is truly amazing, but surprisingly, I loved Ari and Luis as well; Luis is Sebastian’s husband, and the love these three have for each other is fantastic. Sometimes it was difficult to say who was actually related to Ari, if Sebastian or Luís, because their bond is so strong. The three of them are always there for one another. And, of course, them three taking care for Reine was great and I liked seeing those family scenes with them, because they were so wholesome.
A little note about Luis is that he speaks Spanish and sometimes he uses it in conversation, especially with Reine, and though I appreciate it being thrown in smoothly, and the grammar was good and natural, I think it would be good to include a translation next to it or as a footnote for people that do not understand it, because it is not just a couple of words.
Ari and Tom met in Europe and spent a magical time together, helping each other and being there when they needed someone. After six months, Tom had to return home, promising to come back for Ari. However, he never did. And Ari is not the only one he abandoned, for she later found out she was pregnant. Ari kept hope alive, thinking he would return for her. Eight years later, their paths cross again, not in the best circumstances. Tom is getting married and Ari is the one planning that wedding.
My biggest fear with this book is the reason Tom left and did not contact Ari during those eight years; if he is the male lead, that reason had to be important enough and fair for both parties. I will not talk about that in the review, but I do have to say that I loved everyone’s behavior and reactions to Ari and Tom, they were so much fun to read, especially when they were still figuring it out and could not openly talk about it. And I have to say that I enjoy how everyone positioned themselves about it.
Similarly to this, is Tom’s story, particularly his past, and why he did certain actions, like going abroad in the first place and not going back for Ari. We do get some explanations but it would have been nice to have these further explained. His relationship with Sasha, his fiancee is another aspect that could have been improved; for we rarely see them together and even less be a couple. Having Sasha’ been more involved or caring’s character been more developed, we would have cared more for her, her situation and her role during the planning of the wedding and its revelations.
One part that surprised me about their story is how long it took for them to reunite again; I liked that the author dragged that meeting, for if they met again and talked everything out in the first chapter, it would not have been as fun, but it took longer than I thought or would have liked.
With a book with this premise, flashbacks were inevitable, and the author was quite smart as to when and how to introduce them, as well as she did for the change of pov. I thought I would not enjoy the flashbacks as much, because I wanted to see what was happening in the present, but they were really important to the story, and though I wanted certain flashbacks to happen, I can see why they were not in order.
I loved the family dynamic that Ari has with Sebastian, Luis and Reine and talk about their family. Ari and Sebastian’s sibling dynamic is great, and quite inspiring, for Sebastian was kicked out when he came out to his parents and Ari, instead of doing the easy thing and staying home, she stood by him, and their relationship is truly amazing, but surprisingly, I loved Ari and Luis as well; Luis is Sebastian’s husband, and the love these three have for each other is fantastic. Sometimes it was difficult to say who was actually related to Ari, if Sebastian or Luís, because their bond is so strong. The three of them are always there for one another. And, of course, them three taking care for Reine was great and I liked seeing those family scenes with them, because they were so wholesome.
A little note about Luis is that he speaks Spanish and sometimes he uses it in conversation, especially with Reine, and though I appreciate it being thrown in smoothly, and the grammar was good and natural, I think it would be good to include a translation next to it or as a footnote for people that do not understand it, because it is not just a couple of words.
August 13, 2024
There are two disclaimers I need to give before writing this review:
1. I am not usually a romance reader. While I do indulge in the odd romance novel, the genre is not one I usually reach for when searching for my next read. In fact, I'm a real cynic when it comes to romance, preferring things on the dark and twisty side of life.
2. The author is my sister. My little (although not littlest) sister. This made the reading experience somewhat more interesting, because I kept looking for the sister that I know in her words.
Having given my disclaimers, what did I really think of the novel? I have to tell you that I genuinely enjoyed it. It was written with humour, which went a long way to alleviate the underlying tragedy of the story - that both Ari and Tom could have spared themselves a lot of heartache if either of them stopped to ask questions rather than jumping to conclusions based on what they thought they had seen.
There was really great character development in the novel, with the secondary characters being just as multi-dimensional as the two central characters. I particularly loved Luis, (he had some cracking moments), and Stella (some sort of Muggle Rita Skeeter?) was brilliant.
The trajectory of the love story was somewhat frustrating, but I suppose that is typical of the genre, particularly when the author is exploring second-chance love.
Now to the important bit, what I am sure you are all dying to know - did I skim over the sex scenes? Yes, reader I did. Having been forewarned of the perils of delving into Chapters 12 and 22, I was careful to avert my eyes at the critical moments. I love my sister, but there is no way in hell I want to read anything she has to write about people having sex. There is a line, after all.
The next question, did I see my sister in her words? The short answer is that I did. I also claim the credit for the line about waiting for a written invitation, as Sharon heard me yelling that while waiting behind a car seemingly reluctant to move at a roundabout while having the misfortune to be sitting as a passenger in my car. To be fair, the real provenance of that line comes from our Dad, who was quite often known to say that while driving.
I loved the cute reference to one of her previous novels, Hanukkah at the Great Greenwich Ice Creamery, a blink and you might miss it kind of a moment. Sharon you will have your own literary universe soon (Netflix take note).
I really did love the novel - in fact, it is the first time in a long time that I have started and finished a novel on the same day. Really proud of you Shaz, it is a cracking story, well-crafted, and an utter delight to read.
1. I am not usually a romance reader. While I do indulge in the odd romance novel, the genre is not one I usually reach for when searching for my next read. In fact, I'm a real cynic when it comes to romance, preferring things on the dark and twisty side of life.
2. The author is my sister. My little (although not littlest) sister. This made the reading experience somewhat more interesting, because I kept looking for the sister that I know in her words.
Having given my disclaimers, what did I really think of the novel? I have to tell you that I genuinely enjoyed it. It was written with humour, which went a long way to alleviate the underlying tragedy of the story - that both Ari and Tom could have spared themselves a lot of heartache if either of them stopped to ask questions rather than jumping to conclusions based on what they thought they had seen.
There was really great character development in the novel, with the secondary characters being just as multi-dimensional as the two central characters. I particularly loved Luis, (he had some cracking moments), and Stella (some sort of Muggle Rita Skeeter?) was brilliant.
The trajectory of the love story was somewhat frustrating, but I suppose that is typical of the genre, particularly when the author is exploring second-chance love.
Now to the important bit, what I am sure you are all dying to know - did I skim over the sex scenes? Yes, reader I did. Having been forewarned of the perils of delving into Chapters 12 and 22, I was careful to avert my eyes at the critical moments. I love my sister, but there is no way in hell I want to read anything she has to write about people having sex. There is a line, after all.
The next question, did I see my sister in her words? The short answer is that I did. I also claim the credit for the line about waiting for a written invitation, as Sharon heard me yelling that while waiting behind a car seemingly reluctant to move at a roundabout while having the misfortune to be sitting as a passenger in my car. To be fair, the real provenance of that line comes from our Dad, who was quite often known to say that while driving.
I loved the cute reference to one of her previous novels, Hanukkah at the Great Greenwich Ice Creamery, a blink and you might miss it kind of a moment. Sharon you will have your own literary universe soon (Netflix take note).
I really did love the novel - in fact, it is the first time in a long time that I have started and finished a novel on the same day. Really proud of you Shaz, it is a cracking story, well-crafted, and an utter delight to read.
July 28, 2024
3 ⭐️ 1 🌶️
Read As An Arc
👰🏻 Secret Pregnancy
👰🏻 Second Chance
👰🏻 Multi POV
👰🏻 Love At First Sight
👰🏻 Wedding Planner
👰🏻 Flashbacks
👰🏻 Single Mom
👰🏻 Angst
Okay, to start off I just want to say that this is such a Hallmark read but also meeting Modern Family? Once you read it, you will know - no spoilers!
Our FMC Ari, and MMC Tom — let me get this out there first — I love trash tv… and these characters gave me Vanderpump Rules vibes, who also happen to have the same names???? Similarly, they got the chemistry, but that emotional aspect is what I do not understand, making them feel underdeveloped characters. But seriously, VPR vibes with Tom beating around the bush and Ari just somehow always there for him, waiting.
Depending on your sense of humour, the supporting characters brought that for me. Especially Sebastian and Luis (Modern Family vibes) who are like the perfect pair in this book personally. Would definitely read a story about them if written.
The multi pov I am here for all day and everyday! But why does Tom’s mom have a part in it? This is the part that went over my head and couldn’t wrap my head around because this is about Tom and Ari. No third wheels please. Without that this would be a 3.5.
What would’ve made this book a 4? The ending. The ending fell short. THE HEA!!!! This needed more detail, more depth, more chapters? Something! I felt that I had read this entire book waiting for the perfect HEA for Tom and Ari only to be let down. This had me more sad compared to when Tom left Ari and was MIA.
This may be a possible flaw for other readers not for myself personally. There are phrases in Spanish being used, and for myself, I understand it, so I had no issue with this. But… thinking of others, this may take away from their reading experience if they have the need to look it up and translate it rather than reading on and being engaged. If this is not a big deal for anyone, then this is something not to worry about, this is just a consideration.
Overall, this starts off as sad that turns into a fun and enjoyable book with a great second chance for love. They also have the cutest little girl, which gives more of a reason to give this book a chance.
Instagram Post
* Thank you to NetGalley for the arc! — www.joffebooks.com
Read As An Arc
👰🏻 Secret Pregnancy
👰🏻 Second Chance
👰🏻 Multi POV
👰🏻 Love At First Sight
👰🏻 Wedding Planner
👰🏻 Flashbacks
👰🏻 Single Mom
👰🏻 Angst
Okay, to start off I just want to say that this is such a Hallmark read but also meeting Modern Family? Once you read it, you will know - no spoilers!
Our FMC Ari, and MMC Tom — let me get this out there first — I love trash tv… and these characters gave me Vanderpump Rules vibes, who also happen to have the same names???? Similarly, they got the chemistry, but that emotional aspect is what I do not understand, making them feel underdeveloped characters. But seriously, VPR vibes with Tom beating around the bush and Ari just somehow always there for him, waiting.
Depending on your sense of humour, the supporting characters brought that for me. Especially Sebastian and Luis (Modern Family vibes) who are like the perfect pair in this book personally. Would definitely read a story about them if written.
The multi pov I am here for all day and everyday! But why does Tom’s mom have a part in it? This is the part that went over my head and couldn’t wrap my head around because this is about Tom and Ari. No third wheels please. Without that this would be a 3.5.
What would’ve made this book a 4? The ending. The ending fell short. THE HEA!!!! This needed more detail, more depth, more chapters? Something! I felt that I had read this entire book waiting for the perfect HEA for Tom and Ari only to be let down. This had me more sad compared to when Tom left Ari and was MIA.
This may be a possible flaw for other readers not for myself personally. There are phrases in Spanish being used, and for myself, I understand it, so I had no issue with this. But… thinking of others, this may take away from their reading experience if they have the need to look it up and translate it rather than reading on and being engaged. If this is not a big deal for anyone, then this is something not to worry about, this is just a consideration.
Overall, this starts off as sad that turns into a fun and enjoyable book with a great second chance for love. They also have the cutest little girl, which gives more of a reason to give this book a chance.
Instagram Post
* Thank you to NetGalley for the arc! — www.joffebooks.com
July 29, 2024
True love never dies….
I never really read chick lit - but because of the bad weather and a lot of rain we have had recently, I was looking for a light-hearted story that would make me feel happy.
And that is exactly what this story did for me. Before you say I do is a light-hearted, feelgood story that I read in one session.
Ari and Tom met in Iceland and became passionately involved, but sadly they ended up parting ways while touring Europe.
Eight years later, it's Ari with her brother and brother-in-law - who, as wedding planners, have to organise a wedding in America, and the groom is none other than....
Trying to remain professional, Ari, along with Sebastian and Luis, tries to give Tom and Sasha an unforgettable day. However, dark clouds are gathering over the wedding day when Ari has to take Reini with her because she is unable to arrange childcare elsewhere.
I really loved the first part of the story, even when it was picked up 8 years later in the States.
It is a very smooth read and I had a lot of empathy with the main characters in the story, and I loved the banter between Sebastian and Luis.
Tom seemed a mysterious man, albeit with questionable motives. I find the choices he makes in life really quite bizarre. How can you just stay away and draw the wrong conclusions? Surely you ask, or communicate? Instead he ghosts her, and I can well imagine that she cannot forgive him for this.
I thought he came across as very immature and not really honest with himself (about how he felt about his fiancée) or anyone else. Tom runs away when he gets upset about something. That is not the behaviour of a grown man, the Tom in America is a wimp. He can't make decisions and isn't really honest with Sasha either.
I thought that the banter between Sebastian and Luis saved the story, although at times it was a lot and at other times it was unnatural and at times a bit silly. I didn't think the bits about custody really fit into the story.
Despite some criticism and not liking Tom, I was blissfully carried away and managed to read it in one day. It leaves you wanting for more!
3.5 stars. Thank you Joffe for the advanced reader’s copy. 🌷
I never really read chick lit - but because of the bad weather and a lot of rain we have had recently, I was looking for a light-hearted story that would make me feel happy.
And that is exactly what this story did for me. Before you say I do is a light-hearted, feelgood story that I read in one session.
Ari and Tom met in Iceland and became passionately involved, but sadly they ended up parting ways while touring Europe.
Eight years later, it's Ari with her brother and brother-in-law - who, as wedding planners, have to organise a wedding in America, and the groom is none other than....
Trying to remain professional, Ari, along with Sebastian and Luis, tries to give Tom and Sasha an unforgettable day. However, dark clouds are gathering over the wedding day when Ari has to take Reini with her because she is unable to arrange childcare elsewhere.
I really loved the first part of the story, even when it was picked up 8 years later in the States.
It is a very smooth read and I had a lot of empathy with the main characters in the story, and I loved the banter between Sebastian and Luis.
Tom seemed a mysterious man, albeit with questionable motives. I find the choices he makes in life really quite bizarre. How can you just stay away and draw the wrong conclusions? Surely you ask, or communicate? Instead he ghosts her, and I can well imagine that she cannot forgive him for this.
I thought he came across as very immature and not really honest with himself (about how he felt about his fiancée) or anyone else. Tom runs away when he gets upset about something. That is not the behaviour of a grown man, the Tom in America is a wimp. He can't make decisions and isn't really honest with Sasha either.
I thought that the banter between Sebastian and Luis saved the story, although at times it was a lot and at other times it was unnatural and at times a bit silly. I didn't think the bits about custody really fit into the story.
Despite some criticism and not liking Tom, I was blissfully carried away and managed to read it in one day. It leaves you wanting for more!
3.5 stars. Thank you Joffe for the advanced reader’s copy. 🌷
August 8, 2024
What do you get when you mix a high-stakes wedding, a long-lost love, and a secret that could change everything? The answer is Sharon Ibbotson's Before You Say I Do, a deliciously tangled tale of love, heartbreak, and second chances that will have you hooked from the first page.
Ari Lightowler is a wedding planner who has seen it all—bridezillas, over-the-top ceremonies, and picture-perfect couples who make her question if love is really worth the fuss. She’s an expert at crafting fairytale weddings, but when it comes to her own love life, Ari’s not exactly a believer in happily-ever-after.
Enter the “society wedding of the year” in New York, where Ari is hired to create magic for a wealthy couple’s big day. But there’s a twist—when she meets the groom, she discovers it’s none other than Tom Somerset, the man who stole her heart eight years ago in Reykjavik…and never came back. To make matters worse, Tom is also the father of her child, a fact she never got to share with him before he disappeared from her life.
Now, Ari has to navigate the demands of a demanding bride-to-be, while dealing with the unresolved emotions that come flooding back as she’s forced to work closely with Tom. And as secrets unravel and old sparks reignite, the big question looms: who will end up saying "I do"?
Before You Say I Do is a heartwarming and bittersweet story that beautifully captures the complexity of love and the power of forgiveness.
Ari and Tom’s chemistry is electric, and their journey from past heartbreak to potential future is filled with tension, humour, and a few tears along the way. Sharon Ibbotson does a fantastic job of balancing the light-hearted chaos of wedding planning with the deep emotional currents that run through Ari and Tom’s relationship.
If you’re a fan of second-chance romances, secret babies, and all the drama that comes with planning a wedding under less-than-ideal circumstances, this book is a must-read. It’s a delightful rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you rooting for Ari and Tom to find their way back to each other—before someone else walks down the aisle!
Ari Lightowler is a wedding planner who has seen it all—bridezillas, over-the-top ceremonies, and picture-perfect couples who make her question if love is really worth the fuss. She’s an expert at crafting fairytale weddings, but when it comes to her own love life, Ari’s not exactly a believer in happily-ever-after.
Enter the “society wedding of the year” in New York, where Ari is hired to create magic for a wealthy couple’s big day. But there’s a twist—when she meets the groom, she discovers it’s none other than Tom Somerset, the man who stole her heart eight years ago in Reykjavik…and never came back. To make matters worse, Tom is also the father of her child, a fact she never got to share with him before he disappeared from her life.
Now, Ari has to navigate the demands of a demanding bride-to-be, while dealing with the unresolved emotions that come flooding back as she’s forced to work closely with Tom. And as secrets unravel and old sparks reignite, the big question looms: who will end up saying "I do"?
Before You Say I Do is a heartwarming and bittersweet story that beautifully captures the complexity of love and the power of forgiveness.
Ari and Tom’s chemistry is electric, and their journey from past heartbreak to potential future is filled with tension, humour, and a few tears along the way. Sharon Ibbotson does a fantastic job of balancing the light-hearted chaos of wedding planning with the deep emotional currents that run through Ari and Tom’s relationship.
If you’re a fan of second-chance romances, secret babies, and all the drama that comes with planning a wedding under less-than-ideal circumstances, this book is a must-read. It’s a delightful rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you rooting for Ari and Tom to find their way back to each other—before someone else walks down the aisle!
July 23, 2024
📚 Before You Say I Do
✍ Sharon Ibbotson
📖 RomCom?
⭐2.5/5
🌶️
➡
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for an advanced copy of Before You Say I Do. All opinions are my own.
◾
This book had all the framework to be a fun RomCom with some depth. It had an interesting cast of characters, a clear villain, several classic tropes and a fun premise....but it missed the mark for me as a reader. The characters felt really underdeveloped to me- especially Tom. Despite circling around his rationale for leaving Ari and not returning until two years later, it was never clear to me why he waited so long. I get that his father was sick and passed away, but it was strange to leave without any contact information and then expect her to wait for him...and then not even have a conversation with her. He spent the whole book running away from confrontation and decisions claiming he needed 'time to think' and I still don't know what he was thinking about. I never got the chemistry between Ari and Tom- probably because there were no conversations or banter and they didn't actually engage with each other at all until 80% of the way through the book except during sparse flashbacks.
I could tell that the side characters were supposed to be outrageous and humorous but I never felt like their comments or actions were funny. I wasn't intrigued by Sebastian's chain smoking or Marnie's obsession with salmon so the 'funny bits' of this book were a miss for me too. Though this wasn't a book I enjoyed, I could see folks finding some of the side characters amusing and for lovers of second chance romances, this could be a good fit.
◾
Read if you love:
*books set within the wedding industry
*second chance romance
*secret baby
*lots of flashbacks to whirlwind initial romance
◾
See also: Forget Me Not, The UnHoneymooners, Seven Days in June
✍ Sharon Ibbotson
📖 RomCom?
⭐2.5/5
🌶️
➡
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for an advanced copy of Before You Say I Do. All opinions are my own.
◾
This book had all the framework to be a fun RomCom with some depth. It had an interesting cast of characters, a clear villain, several classic tropes and a fun premise....but it missed the mark for me as a reader. The characters felt really underdeveloped to me- especially Tom. Despite circling around his rationale for leaving Ari and not returning until two years later, it was never clear to me why he waited so long. I get that his father was sick and passed away, but it was strange to leave without any contact information and then expect her to wait for him...and then not even have a conversation with her. He spent the whole book running away from confrontation and decisions claiming he needed 'time to think' and I still don't know what he was thinking about. I never got the chemistry between Ari and Tom- probably because there were no conversations or banter and they didn't actually engage with each other at all until 80% of the way through the book except during sparse flashbacks.
I could tell that the side characters were supposed to be outrageous and humorous but I never felt like their comments or actions were funny. I wasn't intrigued by Sebastian's chain smoking or Marnie's obsession with salmon so the 'funny bits' of this book were a miss for me too. Though this wasn't a book I enjoyed, I could see folks finding some of the side characters amusing and for lovers of second chance romances, this could be a good fit.
◾
Read if you love:
*books set within the wedding industry
*second chance romance
*secret baby
*lots of flashbacks to whirlwind initial romance
◾
See also: Forget Me Not, The UnHoneymooners, Seven Days in June
January 3, 2025
Stunning. Before You Say I Do is a masterclass in character work, suspense, and heartache.
The vast cast is planned out so well, with a range of wildly different yet perfectly compatible personalities making for a funny and compelling story. Marnie’s intrepid distaste of Sasha mixed with Sebastian and Luis’ ludicrous tangents make for a delicious cocktail of banter and sass that had me cackling.
Before You Say I Do uses the miscommunication trope in a way I have never seen before. It’s hilarious even while heart-wrenching when everybody knows the full story except Ari and Tom. The characters in this book are so intuitive, figuring everything out so quickly, while Ari and Tom are still years behind. It’s hysterical and frustrating, leading to the slowest of burns that was so painful to read and yet so satisfying.
There is so much heart in this story. Tom getting to know Reine for the first time made this fatherless daughter sob multiple times. My heart aches for the years that he lost and the loneliness and betrayal that Ari felt, but swells at their reunion and the way that little girl captures the heart of everyone who knows her. Sunshine is right.
There are elements that I do feel like I’m missing from this book. More background about Tom’s childhood and subsequent ‘bad behaviour’ would have been helpful, for example, but the overall story itself more than makes up for what it lacks. The book felt very dialogue-heavy, and the parts that were not conversation felt repetitive, perhaps because of the multiple points of view all thinking very similar thoughts. Do I wish there was more context, description and substance in parts? Absolutely. Am I still completely charmed by this plot and its characters? 100%.
I have a feeling I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time.
The vast cast is planned out so well, with a range of wildly different yet perfectly compatible personalities making for a funny and compelling story. Marnie’s intrepid distaste of Sasha mixed with Sebastian and Luis’ ludicrous tangents make for a delicious cocktail of banter and sass that had me cackling.
Before You Say I Do uses the miscommunication trope in a way I have never seen before. It’s hilarious even while heart-wrenching when everybody knows the full story except Ari and Tom. The characters in this book are so intuitive, figuring everything out so quickly, while Ari and Tom are still years behind. It’s hysterical and frustrating, leading to the slowest of burns that was so painful to read and yet so satisfying.
There is so much heart in this story. Tom getting to know Reine for the first time made this fatherless daughter sob multiple times. My heart aches for the years that he lost and the loneliness and betrayal that Ari felt, but swells at their reunion and the way that little girl captures the heart of everyone who knows her. Sunshine is right.
There are elements that I do feel like I’m missing from this book. More background about Tom’s childhood and subsequent ‘bad behaviour’ would have been helpful, for example, but the overall story itself more than makes up for what it lacks. The book felt very dialogue-heavy, and the parts that were not conversation felt repetitive, perhaps because of the multiple points of view all thinking very similar thoughts. Do I wish there was more context, description and substance in parts? Absolutely. Am I still completely charmed by this plot and its characters? 100%.
I have a feeling I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time.
August 13, 2024
Now I'm 50/50 on the second chance romance troupe, depending on the reason for the split in the first place and I have to say in this one Tom came out badly for me. Yes, he did go back for her, way too late in my opinion and after not giving her a way to contact him, which let's face it would have helped him know about his child sooner. But Ari didn't come off great to me either, she spent way too long (8 years!) telling herself he was going to come find her instead of moving on with her life with her child properly, she sort of hung onto it so long it was becoming sad. I found myself frustrated with both of them for a lot of the modern-day scenes but I absolutely loved the flashbacks from their time together before he left, which convinced me that they just fitted so well together. I so loved that Tom bought all of her paintings though, it was so sweet and the fact that he wanted them all to have a connection to her I loved, even though it was a mire of his own making. And I have to say the star of the book for me was Luis, i absolutely adored that man, and I would happily claim him as a friend he was just so fabulous. He made the book for me, he just lit up any of the scenes he was in and his relationship with Renie was gorgeous, he was definitely more of a father figure than an uncle and the "one year later" made me sad that he and Sebastian who pretty much helped raise Reine for the first 8 years of her life were pushed aside for Tom. I get it he's her dad but those two deserved more in my opinion.
I enjoyed reading the book the style meant it was easy to get sucked in and just read the whole thing in one sitting, which I did, and id happily read more by Sharon Ibbotson.
I enjoyed reading the book the style meant it was easy to get sucked in and just read the whole thing in one sitting, which I did, and id happily read more by Sharon Ibbotson.
November 13, 2024
I did not like this book. Just one big yikes for me. You know when you're expecting this cute second-chance romance (I mean, hello - wedding planner has to plan her ex's wedding? That's like, drama gold!) but instead you get... whatever this was?
So we've got Ari, this wedding planner who's basically like "love is dead" (relatable), and she gets this fancy gig planning this huge society wedding in New York. Plot twist! The groom is Tom, her holiday fling from eight years ago who ghosted her after their steamy Icelandic airport meet-cute. Oh, and surprise! He's also the baby daddy who doesn't know he's a baby daddy.
But here's the thing - they kept dropping Spanish all over the place with zero translation. Like, hello? Not all of us took Spanish in high school (or if we did, we only remember how to ask where the bathroom is 😅). It's giving very "I forgot there was a test today" energy - just all over the place.
The whole story felt like it was written by someone having way too much caffeine - jumping around everywhere, can't focus, total chaos. You know when you're trying to follow someone's story but they keep going off on random tangents? That's this book in a nutshell.
Even with all those juicy tropes (second chances! holiday romance! love at first sight!), it just... didn't work. It's like when you're making a recipe and all the ingredients sound great but somehow it still turns out meh.
If you're into Emily Henry or Tessa Bailey, maybe... keep looking? This isn’t it, guys. 🤷♀️ Well, at least not for me.
So we've got Ari, this wedding planner who's basically like "love is dead" (relatable), and she gets this fancy gig planning this huge society wedding in New York. Plot twist! The groom is Tom, her holiday fling from eight years ago who ghosted her after their steamy Icelandic airport meet-cute. Oh, and surprise! He's also the baby daddy who doesn't know he's a baby daddy.
But here's the thing - they kept dropping Spanish all over the place with zero translation. Like, hello? Not all of us took Spanish in high school (or if we did, we only remember how to ask where the bathroom is 😅). It's giving very "I forgot there was a test today" energy - just all over the place.
The whole story felt like it was written by someone having way too much caffeine - jumping around everywhere, can't focus, total chaos. You know when you're trying to follow someone's story but they keep going off on random tangents? That's this book in a nutshell.
Even with all those juicy tropes (second chances! holiday romance! love at first sight!), it just... didn't work. It's like when you're making a recipe and all the ingredients sound great but somehow it still turns out meh.
If you're into Emily Henry or Tessa Bailey, maybe... keep looking? This isn’t it, guys. 🤷♀️ Well, at least not for me.
July 25, 2024
I really liked the premise of this book. A wedding planner brought in to plan the "wedding of the year" only to find that the groom is her long lost love... that had a lot of potential plot directions and I was excited to see where it would take us.
Spoilers below ----------
There's so much I like about this book, but also a few big things that I struggled with. I'll start with those. I didn't understasnd the Spanish conversations which wasn't a huge deal but it did add to the frustration I was already feeling from a few too many flashback scenes and my inability to connect with Tom's character. Without going into much detail on that, I'll just say that I can't understand why he kept up his lies through their relationship in the past or why he handles the present day situations the way he does. I had a difficult time liking him when he wasn't talking to his daughter until the last few pages with Ari. I also would loved to have seen more of them after they get together.
I did like Tom's relationship with Raine almost as much as I liked Marnie, Stella, Sebastian, and Luis. I feel like the supporting characters carried much of the book, but I didn't dislike that at all. I loved the author's writing style (Spanish-sans-translations moments aside), and would happily seek out more work from Sharon Ibbotson.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC to review.
Spoilers below ----------
There's so much I like about this book, but also a few big things that I struggled with. I'll start with those. I didn't understasnd the Spanish conversations which wasn't a huge deal but it did add to the frustration I was already feeling from a few too many flashback scenes and my inability to connect with Tom's character. Without going into much detail on that, I'll just say that I can't understand why he kept up his lies through their relationship in the past or why he handles the present day situations the way he does. I had a difficult time liking him when he wasn't talking to his daughter until the last few pages with Ari. I also would loved to have seen more of them after they get together.
I did like Tom's relationship with Raine almost as much as I liked Marnie, Stella, Sebastian, and Luis. I feel like the supporting characters carried much of the book, but I didn't dislike that at all. I loved the author's writing style (Spanish-sans-translations moments aside), and would happily seek out more work from Sharon Ibbotson.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2024
I am not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope, but I did like the blurb for this and was grateful to the author for giving me a copy to read and review.
It's not often I see multiple points of view written in the third person, but weirdly, in works in this book.
Throughout the story, there are flashbacks to Ari and Tom's life on how they met, separated, and the bits in-between.
I liked the story and how it was written, and I also liked that Ari didn't immediately get back together with Tom. She thought about it, she took her time.
I didn't have a lot of love for Tom, he grew on me but I liked Ari. She knew what her heart wanted, but she was smart.
I had a knot in my stomach for part of the book because I was anxious that Marnie was going to try and rip Riene away from Ari, but thankfully the cast of side characters were actually really likable. Especially Stella, Sebastian, and Luis. The banter and the loyalty were on point, and I loved them.
The little snippets in Spanish were nice, but having to guess what was being said, I think, took away the flow and the meaning to the reader.
It would be nice to have an insight into Ari and Tom's big day. The mayhem and madness that would ensue with her brother would be well worth a read! Food for thought 😅
All in all, I really enjoyed this second chance romance, and I'd definitely recommend it.
It's not often I see multiple points of view written in the third person, but weirdly, in works in this book.
Throughout the story, there are flashbacks to Ari and Tom's life on how they met, separated, and the bits in-between.
I liked the story and how it was written, and I also liked that Ari didn't immediately get back together with Tom. She thought about it, she took her time.
I didn't have a lot of love for Tom, he grew on me but I liked Ari. She knew what her heart wanted, but she was smart.
I had a knot in my stomach for part of the book because I was anxious that Marnie was going to try and rip Riene away from Ari, but thankfully the cast of side characters were actually really likable. Especially Stella, Sebastian, and Luis. The banter and the loyalty were on point, and I loved them.
The little snippets in Spanish were nice, but having to guess what was being said, I think, took away the flow and the meaning to the reader.
It would be nice to have an insight into Ari and Tom's big day. The mayhem and madness that would ensue with her brother would be well worth a read! Food for thought 😅
All in all, I really enjoyed this second chance romance, and I'd definitely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advanced copy of Before You Say I Do. I’m going to get right to the point, I LOVED THIS!! From the characters to the unique plot everything about this I loved.
Before You Say I Do follows Ari and Tom, their meeting/romance 8 years ago and then present day with Ari planning Toms wedding (to another woman). I enjoyed the flip flop between past and present and I really enjoyed the way it was done here as the past really gave insight to what was happening in the present.
As mentioned above the characters were amazing, Sebastian, Luis, Reine, and Marnie were my favorites!! The dynamic between Sebastian and Marnie had me audibly laughing at points. The only character I wasn’t fully in love with the whole time was Tom. Fort eh first 60-70% he was intolerable at times but the last 40-30% you could see his character development.
The only issue I had with this book was the random Spanish dialogue splattered throughout. It was just a bummer that they were not translated after the dialogue occurred.
I wished there was maybe one more chapter or even an epilogue to just give us readers a little sneak into the future and how things played out. Overall, I would really recommend this!!
Before You Say I Do follows Ari and Tom, their meeting/romance 8 years ago and then present day with Ari planning Toms wedding (to another woman). I enjoyed the flip flop between past and present and I really enjoyed the way it was done here as the past really gave insight to what was happening in the present.
As mentioned above the characters were amazing, Sebastian, Luis, Reine, and Marnie were my favorites!! The dynamic between Sebastian and Marnie had me audibly laughing at points. The only character I wasn’t fully in love with the whole time was Tom. Fort eh first 60-70% he was intolerable at times but the last 40-30% you could see his character development.
The only issue I had with this book was the random Spanish dialogue splattered throughout. It was just a bummer that they were not translated after the dialogue occurred.
I wished there was maybe one more chapter or even an epilogue to just give us readers a little sneak into the future and how things played out. Overall, I would really recommend this!!
August 8, 2024
Imagine having a whirlwind romance for six months. Unfortunately he needs to return home for his sick father, promising to return, but he doesn't. Eight years later all you have of him is a playing card and the daughter he doesn't know about. Then you learn he's the groom for the wedding you're planning.
This book had so much promise with such a great premise, but it felt like reading treacle. It took so long to get anywhere and there was too much telling, not showing.
I found myself skipping so much of the book as I was waiting for Ari and Tom to finally see each other, and it doesn't really happen until halfway through. There was also wasted chapters delving back into their past romance which didn't really serve much - we already know how they met, they clearly had a wonderful time and he withheld information about himse - let's get back to the present day fallout. It needed more action to really drive the story forward and also more character development. I also found too much time wasted with the inner thoughts of Marnie, Tom's mum.
Lots of promise, I would read another Sharon Ibbotson book, but I hope perhaps she changes editors, someone to help guide her character and plot development.
Thanks to Joffe Books/Chock Lit and NetGalley.
This book had so much promise with such a great premise, but it felt like reading treacle. It took so long to get anywhere and there was too much telling, not showing.
I found myself skipping so much of the book as I was waiting for Ari and Tom to finally see each other, and it doesn't really happen until halfway through. There was also wasted chapters delving back into their past romance which didn't really serve much - we already know how they met, they clearly had a wonderful time and he withheld information about himse - let's get back to the present day fallout. It needed more action to really drive the story forward and also more character development. I also found too much time wasted with the inner thoughts of Marnie, Tom's mum.
Lots of promise, I would read another Sharon Ibbotson book, but I hope perhaps she changes editors, someone to help guide her character and plot development.
Thanks to Joffe Books/Chock Lit and NetGalley.
July 15, 2024
This book honestly gave me the feels
The Yes’s and No’s:
Angst? Oh yeah
Chemistry? Big time, palpable and hot
Cute kid?! Yes, the cutest
So many flashbacks only indicated by italics that go on for pages at a time? Unfortunately, yes
OW? Yes, but that is a big part of the plot and handled quite well (ishh)
AMAZING side characters? Yes, Sebastian and Luis are 🧑🏼🍳💋
A satisfying ending? Eh, I wish there was more of a lengthy HEA (there still certainly is one, but I wanted more from it)
This book is told from multiple POV: The MMC, FMC and at sparing times the MMC’s mom (idk why) and tells the story of a single mom Ari who falls completely in love with a man Tom on her year abroad. He ends up having to go back to the U.S because of a family emergency and leaves her only with a phone number that doesn’t work and (unknowingly) a baby
Years later she has never seen him again until she is planning a very high end wedding for a social media influencer and her fiancé TOM. Sh*t hits the fan as he sees her again and finds out he has a child
Although there were some aspects of this book I did not mesh with, over it was fun and enjoyable to read
The Yes’s and No’s:
Angst? Oh yeah
Chemistry? Big time, palpable and hot
Cute kid?! Yes, the cutest
So many flashbacks only indicated by italics that go on for pages at a time? Unfortunately, yes
OW? Yes, but that is a big part of the plot and handled quite well (ishh)
AMAZING side characters? Yes, Sebastian and Luis are 🧑🏼🍳💋
A satisfying ending? Eh, I wish there was more of a lengthy HEA (there still certainly is one, but I wanted more from it)
This book is told from multiple POV: The MMC, FMC and at sparing times the MMC’s mom (idk why) and tells the story of a single mom Ari who falls completely in love with a man Tom on her year abroad. He ends up having to go back to the U.S because of a family emergency and leaves her only with a phone number that doesn’t work and (unknowingly) a baby
Years later she has never seen him again until she is planning a very high end wedding for a social media influencer and her fiancé TOM. Sh*t hits the fan as he sees her again and finds out he has a child
Although there were some aspects of this book I did not mesh with, over it was fun and enjoyable to read
July 14, 2024
A great second chance romance.
Ari is a single mother who has been waiting 8 years for the father of her child to return. She is a successful wedding planner trying to expand her business to the United States. She finally has her first job in the states to plan the wedding of no other than the man she has been waiting for all this time.
Tom never forgot about Ari and he did go back for her but when he saw how happy she was he left and started a new life.
The author did a great job writing this second chance romance. When I first read the synopsis I was worried. Cheating is a hard limit for me. She handled everything perfectly. I also loved the passing of time. I never understood why authors think they need to rush everything. These two characters had a lot to get through. The author slowed them time to do just that.
If you like second chance romance, single mom romance you will love this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Choc lit for this title. This is my very honest review.
Ari is a single mother who has been waiting 8 years for the father of her child to return. She is a successful wedding planner trying to expand her business to the United States. She finally has her first job in the states to plan the wedding of no other than the man she has been waiting for all this time.
Tom never forgot about Ari and he did go back for her but when he saw how happy she was he left and started a new life.
The author did a great job writing this second chance romance. When I first read the synopsis I was worried. Cheating is a hard limit for me. She handled everything perfectly. I also loved the passing of time. I never understood why authors think they need to rush everything. These two characters had a lot to get through. The author slowed them time to do just that.
If you like second chance romance, single mom romance you will love this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Choc lit for this title. This is my very honest review.
July 28, 2024
Wedding planner Ari Lightowler doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after. Her job is to create the perfect magical wedding for demanding brides and not to think of her own loss. So when she is invited to plan the upcoming ‘society wedding of the year’ in New York she arrives at the sprawling estate to meet the happy couple. However, the groom is Tom Somerset, her long-lost love and the father of her child. Eight years ago, Ari and Tom had a whirlwind romance, only for Tom to have to rush home to New York. He was meant to return but he never did and so Ari never told him that she was pregnant.
This was a unique story, with two characters forced to face what happened to them several years ago. This second chance romance did have plenty of sadness, particularly given how the outcome of their story could have changed. My one major struggle was in the inclusion of the Spanish dialogue without understanding its true context.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a unique story, with two characters forced to face what happened to them several years ago. This second chance romance did have plenty of sadness, particularly given how the outcome of their story could have changed. My one major struggle was in the inclusion of the Spanish dialogue without understanding its true context.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
Thank you to netgalley for providing me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
STOP what you think this book was about because it surprised me in the BEST way.
With a sprinkle of 'The Wedding Planner' I laughed - the banter of Seb and Luis and Stella. They were my favs and if i could be a fly on the wall and listen to them 24/7 i would.
I cried - when Tom met Reine MY HEART.
But what i loved beyond the lovable characters and exquisite banter was the writing style. It was beautifully descriptive, the plot unpredictable and the way the characters fell in love and we discovered how they fell in love to gein with was not cliche or cheesy, a territory rom coms can slide into at times. It captured the best of 2000's rom coms essence and i really hope this becomes a film in the future because i would watch it.
This was wholly refreshing and i LOVE a full circle moment where they end of the book ties in easter egg we saw mentioned at the beginning.
Loved loved, loved this.
STOP what you think this book was about because it surprised me in the BEST way.
With a sprinkle of 'The Wedding Planner' I laughed - the banter of Seb and Luis and Stella. They were my favs and if i could be a fly on the wall and listen to them 24/7 i would.
I cried - when Tom met Reine MY HEART.
But what i loved beyond the lovable characters and exquisite banter was the writing style. It was beautifully descriptive, the plot unpredictable and the way the characters fell in love and we discovered how they fell in love to gein with was not cliche or cheesy, a territory rom coms can slide into at times. It captured the best of 2000's rom coms essence and i really hope this becomes a film in the future because i would watch it.
This was wholly refreshing and i LOVE a full circle moment where they end of the book ties in easter egg we saw mentioned at the beginning.
Loved loved, loved this.
August 12, 2024
I received an advanced review copy of this book, to review as part of a tour with Hygge Book Tours.
This was a delightful romantic read. I enjoyed the way the author wrote, as I felt the characters were presented in a way that made them relatable and fun to read about, while at the same time, allowing readers to get to know them on a much deeper level. There were some characters that I liked or identified with more than others, but I think that's always the case.
I became emotionally invested in this, and was surprised to find myself slightly tearful in places. There were two people who intended to get married, but there was much more to it than that. I think romance readers will enjoy this. I found that it had well-written characters, it tugged at my heartstrings a little bit, and at the same time, it was heartwarming and satisfying.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This was a delightful romantic read. I enjoyed the way the author wrote, as I felt the characters were presented in a way that made them relatable and fun to read about, while at the same time, allowing readers to get to know them on a much deeper level. There were some characters that I liked or identified with more than others, but I think that's always the case.
I became emotionally invested in this, and was surprised to find myself slightly tearful in places. There were two people who intended to get married, but there was much more to it than that. I think romance readers will enjoy this. I found that it had well-written characters, it tugged at my heartstrings a little bit, and at the same time, it was heartwarming and satisfying.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
July 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
At one point, Ari says "there's a lot to like" about Tom. Really??? And what would that be? I couldn't stand Tom. It seemed like he spent half the book saying "I'm sorry." He and Ari were my least favorite characters. I loved Luis and Sebastian! So funny, and they practically had their own book going here. Which is not an exaggeration, considering this felt at least 100 pages too long. The way the "past" story lines were inserted in the middle of the chapters - and in all italics, no less - took me right out of the narrative. And unless you can read Spanish, you're going to miss a lot of what Luis says.
A great premise that would make a fantastic movie, unfortunately it didn't deliver for me.
At one point, Ari says "there's a lot to like" about Tom. Really??? And what would that be? I couldn't stand Tom. It seemed like he spent half the book saying "I'm sorry." He and Ari were my least favorite characters. I loved Luis and Sebastian! So funny, and they practically had their own book going here. Which is not an exaggeration, considering this felt at least 100 pages too long. The way the "past" story lines were inserted in the middle of the chapters - and in all italics, no less - took me right out of the narrative. And unless you can read Spanish, you're going to miss a lot of what Luis says.
A great premise that would make a fantastic movie, unfortunately it didn't deliver for me.
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