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Before We Ever Spoke
Cleveland, Ohio. 2006.
After a chance encounter, three people soon find out that life can sometimes thrust us into the public eye - even when taking great measures to avoid it.
Cooper Madison was the best pitcher in baseball after being drafted number one overall in 1996 from the small Gulf Coast town of Pass Christian, Mississippi. One year after announcing his sudden and shocking retirement, he finds himself seeking anonymity in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cara Knox is the youngest sibling to three older brothers. After a tragic work accident to her closest relative, she has built up a tough exterior as she begins her final year of college at Cleveland State University.
Jason Knox, Cara's oldest brother, is the lead detective on Cleveland's Edgewater Park Killer case. After months without a suspect, he is feeling the heat from his media-hungry chief.
Serendipity intervenes, and all three learn that perception and reality are paths that rarely ever intersect.
After a chance encounter, three people soon find out that life can sometimes thrust us into the public eye - even when taking great measures to avoid it.
Cooper Madison was the best pitcher in baseball after being drafted number one overall in 1996 from the small Gulf Coast town of Pass Christian, Mississippi. One year after announcing his sudden and shocking retirement, he finds himself seeking anonymity in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cara Knox is the youngest sibling to three older brothers. After a tragic work accident to her closest relative, she has built up a tough exterior as she begins her final year of college at Cleveland State University.
Jason Knox, Cara's oldest brother, is the lead detective on Cleveland's Edgewater Park Killer case. After months without a suspect, he is feeling the heat from his media-hungry chief.
Serendipity intervenes, and all three learn that perception and reality are paths that rarely ever intersect.
- GenresContemporarySports
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2018
31 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Dan Largent
3 books13 followersDan Largent resides in Olmsted Township, Ohio with his wife, April, and three children, Brooke, Grace, and Luke.
His bestselling debut novel, BEFORE WE EVER SPOKE, was released in June of 2018 to rave reviews from readers and critics, alike. The sequel, AFTER EDGEWATER, has a release date of June 18, 2019.
Dan has appeared on TV and radio programs across the country to discuss his books and share his unique journey.
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Dan was born during the "Blizzard of 1978" to his parents, Jeff and Anne, before spending the majority of his childhood in nearby Strongsville, Ohio. Prior to starting 9th grade, Dan moved back to his birthplace of Berea and graduated in 1996 from Berea High School.
Dan completed his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (Grades 1-8) at THE Otterbein University, where he was also a 4 year letterman in football, President of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, a DJ on the former 101.5 FM The Rock, RA, Assistant Hall Director, and an esteemed member of the Otterbein Food Service Advisory Board (true story).
After a failed attempt to play football professionally, Dan came to his senses and began his true calling as a 7th grade teacher. In addition to teaching, Dan was an assistant football coach and also the Head Baseball Coach at Olmsted Falls High School from 2010-2017. During his first season at the helm, the Bulldogs reached the school's first ever State Final Four and Dan received the Greater Cleveland Division I Coach of the Year award.
In 2013, Dan was honored to receive the PTA Teacher of the Year award for the Olmsted Falls City School District. That same year he was also recognized as the NEOEA Positive Image Award winner for positive contributions to the teaching profession in Northeast Ohio.
Despite those accolades, Dan feels that his greatest accomplishment is being a father to his three children: Brooke, Grace, and Luke.
His bestselling debut novel, BEFORE WE EVER SPOKE, was released in June of 2018 to rave reviews from readers and critics, alike. The sequel, AFTER EDGEWATER, has a release date of June 18, 2019.
Dan has appeared on TV and radio programs across the country to discuss his books and share his unique journey.
----
Dan was born during the "Blizzard of 1978" to his parents, Jeff and Anne, before spending the majority of his childhood in nearby Strongsville, Ohio. Prior to starting 9th grade, Dan moved back to his birthplace of Berea and graduated in 1996 from Berea High School.
Dan completed his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (Grades 1-8) at THE Otterbein University, where he was also a 4 year letterman in football, President of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, a DJ on the former 101.5 FM The Rock, RA, Assistant Hall Director, and an esteemed member of the Otterbein Food Service Advisory Board (true story).
After a failed attempt to play football professionally, Dan came to his senses and began his true calling as a 7th grade teacher. In addition to teaching, Dan was an assistant football coach and also the Head Baseball Coach at Olmsted Falls High School from 2010-2017. During his first season at the helm, the Bulldogs reached the school's first ever State Final Four and Dan received the Greater Cleveland Division I Coach of the Year award.
In 2013, Dan was honored to receive the PTA Teacher of the Year award for the Olmsted Falls City School District. That same year he was also recognized as the NEOEA Positive Image Award winner for positive contributions to the teaching profession in Northeast Ohio.
Despite those accolades, Dan feels that his greatest accomplishment is being a father to his three children: Brooke, Grace, and Luke.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Great local references which were fun to read. And the fact I went to college with the author is icing on the cake! You will enjoy this book.
August 9, 2018
A wonderful debut novel - I couldn't put it down! This story is a great combination of drama, sports, romance, and crime. Cooper Madison and Cara Knox are well-developed characters that will definitely draw you into the tale. The novel is set in Cleveland, OH, which makes the storyline even more captivating for readers in Northeast Ohio. Since I am familiar with many of the locations in the book, I was easily able to jump right in and immerse myself in the romance and drama. A highly recommended read - I am excited to see more from Largent!
June 25, 2018
Cooper Madison was the best pitcher in baseball, a year after his announcement to retire he was hiding away in Cleveland, Ohio. His retirement came suddenly and shocked everyone. The other main character in this book is a young woman by the name of Cara Knox, who is a senior in college. She works as a delivery driver for Stucky’s restaurant, which leads her to be in the right place at the right time.
I started reading the book and fell in love with it before I knew what was happening. This story was beautifully written, great world creating and I really enjoyed the characters. When Cooper and Cara met sparks were instantaneous and you can’t help but smile the rest of the book. I probably looked really happy, smiling ear to ear reading in the nail salon. One of the best things I liked about this book was a saying that Cooper and Cara had with each other. I try really hard not to create any spoilers and I believe everyone should be able to experience the book as there reading, not through a review. That being said, I will not tell you what it was. What I will tell you is that it is simplistic but also extremely romantic. Be warned you will fall in love with them and their love story even more.
To tell you the truth this is one of my new favorites. This was a wonderful debut novel. I definitely recommend this book, it is an easy read and is just an all around fun romantic story. You won’t want to put it down!
I started reading the book and fell in love with it before I knew what was happening. This story was beautifully written, great world creating and I really enjoyed the characters. When Cooper and Cara met sparks were instantaneous and you can’t help but smile the rest of the book. I probably looked really happy, smiling ear to ear reading in the nail salon. One of the best things I liked about this book was a saying that Cooper and Cara had with each other. I try really hard not to create any spoilers and I believe everyone should be able to experience the book as there reading, not through a review. That being said, I will not tell you what it was. What I will tell you is that it is simplistic but also extremely romantic. Be warned you will fall in love with them and their love story even more.
To tell you the truth this is one of my new favorites. This was a wonderful debut novel. I definitely recommend this book, it is an easy read and is just an all around fun romantic story. You won’t want to put it down!
June 21, 2018
Largent’s debut novel is one that you won’t want to put down. The realism and life that he gives his characters, and their complex relationships, will surely draw you in and keep you wanting to know what happens next. This book is an extra treat for natives of Northeast Ohio as many famous landmarks, local haunts, and small town neighborhoods are given the spotlight in every chapter.
An intelligent combination of drama, humor, romance, and suspense, Before We Ever Spoke is sure to speak to readers across many genres. I highly recommend this book & hope to see more from the author!
An intelligent combination of drama, humor, romance, and suspense, Before We Ever Spoke is sure to speak to readers across many genres. I highly recommend this book & hope to see more from the author!
August 12, 2018
this story catches you from the beginning.the baseball player in trouble life to a ambitious college girl who is smart and does everything with a great amount of energy.The story keeps involved till the
very end.
very end.
January 12, 2019
To begin with the “Before We Ever Spoke” novel is one of the best I ever read, the novel was very realists and emotional. The “Before We Ever Spoke” novel is Dan's first book however, the way it was written showed experience in writing and I was amazed.
The style was nice, the plot was whole and rigid, and “the show do not tell” appeared in many occasions. the Characterization was perfect it pushes life inside characters, the realistic approach made you feel that many character traits is from Someone You Already Knew. the environment and theme were connected and well described. it makes it easier for the reader to sink in his imagination. and easily Connected with the story.
I loved Cara's personality and how she acted during the story action parts, the dialogue was realistic also and the words used directly related to our daily life speech. The book was edited well and almost with no grammar or spelling errors which impressed me as it is rare these days to get a novel with no such errors
In general, the story was entertaining, and the high pace made it a page-turner. I surely recommend this book and if there is a sequel and I hope so, for sure I will get it as soon as it will be available.
The style was nice, the plot was whole and rigid, and “the show do not tell” appeared in many occasions. the Characterization was perfect it pushes life inside characters, the realistic approach made you feel that many character traits is from Someone You Already Knew. the environment and theme were connected and well described. it makes it easier for the reader to sink in his imagination. and easily Connected with the story.
I loved Cara's personality and how she acted during the story action parts, the dialogue was realistic also and the words used directly related to our daily life speech. The book was edited well and almost with no grammar or spelling errors which impressed me as it is rare these days to get a novel with no such errors
In general, the story was entertaining, and the high pace made it a page-turner. I surely recommend this book and if there is a sequel and I hope so, for sure I will get it as soon as it will be available.
Read
June 17, 2018I couldn't put this book down. The mark of a good author is when reality fades around you and you blink back into reality some time later. I was so drawn in to this story that I felt like I was there observing from the corner. The storyline grabbed me from the beginning and the relationships were genuine. An added bonus for me was that book was set in Cleveland, I know where the places in the story are and I can place myself there. This is such a captivating story with wonderful ups and sad downs, real people with real issues. I was moved to tears by the reaction of a character at the culmination of the book. When a book is crafted in such a way to draw that kind of emotion, it demonstrates the qualities of a talented author.
Read
September 10, 2019The book, Before We Ever Spoke, by Dan Largent, may seem like only a romantic novel but it is much more than this and has a great plot. There are multiple main characters in this book. The first is a girl named Cara Knox. Cara ia a senior at Cleveland STate University. She also works as a delivery person at a place called Stucky's. The other main character in the story is Cooper Madison. Cooper was the best pitcher in the major league after being the number one draft pick. Cooper suddenly and shockingly retired after his father died in a hurricane. He then sook solitude in Cleveland, Ohio. The main setting of the story is Cleveland, Ohio. The main theme of this story is people are not always as they seem. Cooper madison became a recluse after retiring. He would never talk to people but soon learned that some people are great once you get to know them. A point of conflict in the story is when Cara figures out the whole internet knows about her. She has self confliction as she tries to figure out whether it is worth dating Cooper even if she has to fight the public. I personally thought I wouldn't like this book, but I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes books with lots of themes.
June 23, 2018
I could not put this book down! Looking forward to more from this author.
April 17, 2020
What a wonderful experience this book is! It's hard to believe this is the author's first published novel. I am looking forward to all the rest!
June 14, 2020
Fun fast CLE read
August 28, 2019
The book, Before We Ever Spoke, by Dan Largent, may seem like only a romantic novel but it is much more than this and has a great plot. There are multiple main characters in this book. The first is a girl named Cara Knox. Cara ia a senior at Cleveland STate University. She also works as a delivery person at a place called Stucky's. The other main character in the story is Cooper Madison. Cooper was the best pitcher in the major league after being the number one draft pick. Cooper suddenly and shockingly retired after his father died in a hurricane. He then sook solitude in Cleveland, Ohio. The main setting of the story is Cleveland, Ohio. The main theme of this story is people are not always as they seem. Cooper madison became a recluse after retiring. He would never talk to people but soon learned that some people are great once you get to know them. A point of conflict in the story is when Cara figures out the whole internet knows about her. She has self confliction as she tries to figure out whether it is worth dating Cooper even if she has to fight the public. I personally thought I wouldn't like this book, but I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes books with lots of themes.
September 6, 2018
2.5 stars. I was very excited to read this book. My favorite thing in the world is Cleveland Indians baseball so I was here for this book. That part of it didn't really disappoint. However. In general, this book missed the mark. Sometimes it was a baseball book, sometimes it was a current event book, sometimes it was a cop/thriller, sometimes it was a romance. But hardly was it ever more than one of those things at a time. Great literature weaves them together and this was very choppy. It needed another good edit or two. And one of the biggest continuous "choruses" in the book drove me out of my mind. Lastly, there was, in my opinion, a giant thread left dangling.
I will always support local authors and for that I'm really glad I read this and I hope for his sake it does well! I know three people who know this author personally so even more so, I really hope he continues with his writing dreams and succeeds!
I will always support local authors and for that I'm really glad I read this and I hope for his sake it does well! I know three people who know this author personally so even more so, I really hope he continues with his writing dreams and succeeds!
August 26, 2018
I'm not sure what the official blurb is on about because it's sounds like everyone's involved in something dire--together. It's just related people in parallel story arcs that barely meet, except the people are related. That aside, it's not bad. The dialogue made me question the era (2006? So polite, it could've been 1966...), there was an obsession with hitting END at the end of every phone call, and the whole "Nothing." shtick annoyed me. Biggest question mark for me is how anyone walks away from the Cubbies!
February 19, 2022
This book was cute. A little bit predictable and a little bit all over the place. I feel there were far too many descriptors for everything that happened that felt like filler we didn’t really need. Definitely some sappy parts and some parts that put you on the edge of your seat. All in all it was a decent read and I picked up the second one because 1) support local artists (he lives near me and graduated with a coworker) and 2) I need to know where cooper and cara go.
June 13, 2023
Exceptional
April 9, 2020
Terrible language
The Langhorne worse the further i read including taking The Lord's name in vain. The main characters though well-drawn and developed have no personal morality. The author understand sports and describes them accurately. I wish the other reviews had revealed the language and mores. Boobbub has a much better rating system and Amazon should adopt it.
The Langhorne worse the further i read including taking The Lord's name in vain. The main characters though well-drawn and developed have no personal morality. The author understand sports and describes them accurately. I wish the other reviews had revealed the language and mores. Boobbub has a much better rating system and Amazon should adopt it.
July 2, 2019
I was thrilled to suggest this book for our book club. The author is local and that made reading this book enjoyable. The local references were fun to read about. The storyline felt juvenile as the character relationships progressed. Many things came together too easily for me. It is an easy read.
August 19, 2021
iI thought this book was a great, realistic take on what could happen between two people who meet randomly and fall in love. Of course it helps that it’s set in Cleveland, my beloved hometown. The main character is sort of the Joe Charboneau (you will have to Google him) of the Chicago Cubs so he takes time off and basically hides himself away in a luxury suite in a downtown Cleveland Hotel. This is one of the things I loved about this book, because I happen to have worked at Wyse Advertising in this hotel on the 10th and 11th floors. There was The Van Sweringen Suite, and old money “mansion” within Tower City that was a well kept secret. The place was gorgeous- so very appropriate that Cooper Madison lives in there or something like it. When Cara delivers food to his suite a tenuous connection is made. The story rolls along from there; they get to know each other slowly but steadily in a delightful series of adventures. There is a serious side to this story, too, and it’s continued in the next book, “Edgewater”. I hope Mr. Largent keeps writing this series.
February 1, 2022
Largent had a rocky start...he wasn't sure if he wanted to use present tense or past tense and kept vacilitaing between the two. I almost gave up, but I am so glad I didn't. This book and its sequel, After Edgewater, are the two best books I've read so far this year.
Largent explores themes of love and loss. Romantic love of course, but also love of family, children, and his city, Cleveland, Ohio. Largent's characters stayed with me long after I'd finished reading.
Largent explores themes of love and loss. Romantic love of course, but also love of family, children, and his city, Cleveland, Ohio. Largent's characters stayed with me long after I'd finished reading.
May 24, 2021
I never write reviews, but I wanted to save anyone from wasting time and money on this book! It is like a junior high school student wrote it. There was obviously no editor involved in the process. And the author tried to shoehorn a murder mystery into a romance novel. Anyone who gave this book high marks are either related to the author or were paid to do so.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews