Before Eve

by S.E. Green

Secrets don’t stay buried—especially the dangerous ones.

She’s running from her past. Which might be the one thing she can’t escape.

In the silent dark of night, she leaves everything behind—her name, her home, and the man who destroyed her childhood. Now living as Eve Lake, an unassuming roadie, she learns to survive in the shadows, never staying in one place long enough to be found.

Until West. The magnetic lead singer of a rising band whose quiet kindness and soulful voice cut straight through her defenses. With every song, every look, he pulls her closer—and threatens the fragile walls she’s built around her heart.

But Eve’s past is a shadow that won’t stay buried. And falling in love may be the most dangerous risk of all. Because the man she’s running from doesn’t forgive.

And he doesn’t lose.

282 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

S. E. Green is the award-winning and best-selling author of young adult and adult books. She grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn’t even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that, she was hooked! When she’s not writing, she's usually traveling or hanging out with a rogue armadillo that frequents her backyard.

Reviews

[Kisses47 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the fantastic third son and wanted more by this author.

This was not it.

There should be a huge YA description on books written from the POV of a 16 year old.

Harlequin romance for teens.

Could not finish.

[Haynie · Rating 3 out of 5]

confused

I liked that the ending but throughout the entire book I was confused abt whether I was reading a young adult novel and if I should be enjoying reading about a child wanting to have sex. It was weird. I’m glad she finished the book appropriately but not my cup of tea to be reading about two kids flirting and falling in love (yes I get he was 18 but it just feels childish to read about their love).

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teen love story

A team love story about a girl who is abused by her father and runs away, changes her name and meets a young man. She falls in love with. There’s so much more to the story, but I hope this is enough to inspire you to read it.

[Valerie Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not a bad story. It’s a teen read. I finished it but was ready for it to be over.

[Faye Cooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish it, young teen reading, not for me

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed reading. One of the things that I enjoyed about this author is their ability to pull me into the story from the start. I also enjoyed this author's creative details that made the story feel realistic. This is a well written story about love and the dangerous risk that comes with it. Eve has been running from her past until she meets West. As Eve's past comes crashing to the present and along with it a man who does not forgive. What happens between these two you won't soon forget. I enjoyed both of these characters and what they brought to the story. Their is great growth along with chemistry which made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I highly recommend.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly a new author to me with a story that kept me wanting to reading, I did have trouble putting this one down as I kept wondering how everything was going to work out for Eve. The story and the characters were believable and I came to like some of them, they even made me smile at times.
Towards the end I did need a few tissues and I will gladly read more from this author.
I received a free review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good story. Laura is in a horrible situation and she knows it is about to get worse. With the help of her bestie, she becomes Eve and runs away. It is here that she finds friendship, learns what love is and sees how a family could be. When she is found and brought back, she has to find away to not break and once again get out. This one will hit you in the feels in so many ways.

[Cyndi Fulco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, easy-to-read drama! The characters pulled me in from the very beginning, and the way the story unfolded kept me intrigued all the way through. The ending was a little far-fetched, but somehow it worked, and I found myself satisfied with how everything came together. Plot and characters kept the pages turning! I would say this is more a Young Adult Book for sure!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She ran, leaving everything behind her even her name. She never wanted to be drawn back into it so she never stayed in one place for long. Falling in love could ruin it all for her and brining the past back for her to face. See if she can keep safe
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and wow a powerful read

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

just wow

Having read the Nell Bach series within a week, I read this in one day. So moving and well written. Lived every breath of Eve. All that she went through resonates with her readers. I am sure that West still has further issues to resolve.

Is my favourite author at the moment.

[Debra K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready to have your heart broken!

SE Green, this review is for you! The way you wrote this book and the words you used completely undid me! You grab me from the very beginning and used me up! I needed the good ending and I thank you for that!

[Alice Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Before Eve” Review following.

Jumping right into the stories is paramount. This story takes off running. You won’t know until later what brings us to this point.
I really enjoyed it. There are so many good parts, I wouldn’t know where to start.

[Jami Catalano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book in one day! Loved everything about it! This is a new to me author and after reading The Third Son I couldn’t wait to order more books! This one did not disappoint as the characters are so real and likable!! Would make a great movie!

[Marilyn Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful

I absolutely LOVE this author's books. Each book I've read is short and immediately grab your attention and your soul. You can almost place yourself into these books. I highly recommend Ms. Green's books. Wonderful author!

[Denise Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

It’d 3.39am and I’ve just finished this. I literally couldn’t put it down. Definitely worth a read. No ott sex just a great story of a young woman overcoming the worst parent. A young man who actually respects her . Very different very how it should be. Enjoy.

[Jonna Sherock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book

This book holds you from the beginning. Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you cry. Sounds so familiar. This really happens in real life.

[Robin Ann Steinhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!

A true love story filled with so many hardships. Couldn’t stop reading this book! West & Eve just loved them!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!

I am so glad I read this book. It is a wonderful story. It was so well written. Oh and Eve was so strong! The ending was so wonderful!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and is the first I have read with this author. It had humor and suspense, I will definitely be checking out more of her books.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved The Third Son, but this was dire! 🥱

[Lynn Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

A powerful story! Had my heart breaking…racing…and calmly ending in a satisfying way. It was a quick read, you definitely don’t want to put it down!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kerri Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick, yet deep read. Hits a lot of tough topics, but does it well. I highly recommend this book.

[Melba Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it slowly.

Read this story slowly and remember that this is a reality for some people. It’s not just fictional but reality.

[Nancy Trapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Eve

What a amazing book. A book full of emotion’ love and finding yourself. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Beth Klekamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a day, I couldn't put it down! Well written and the characters had depth and heart. Highly recommend.

[Paranormal Kiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good, but I wanted more development of West and Eve's relationship. I also wanted a more detailed ending with them. It felt too abrupt.

[Maryann Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Katya · Rating 1 out of 5]

YA book
Too simple and repetitive. Coundn't finish it!