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Before, There Was You
Liz Markley has it all—a happy marriage, her dream job, and a promising future. But when her husband takes a year-long teaching position out of state, she throws herself into a new job in a new city.
What she doesn’t expect is to have to work alongside her first love, Kate Masterson.
When their paths cross, Liz is forced to relive the choices she made and starts to wonder if her life really is as perfect as it seems.
Can Liz figure out who she is while working in close proximity with the one who got away?
What she doesn’t expect is to have to work alongside her first love, Kate Masterson.
When their paths cross, Liz is forced to relive the choices she made and starts to wonder if her life really is as perfect as it seems.
Can Liz figure out who she is while working in close proximity with the one who got away?
- GenresLesbian
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2019
About the author
Kit Harlow
2 books10 followersCoffee-fiend, #lesfic author, and digital nomad living life on the road.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 21, 2020
**'It is a pleasure to achieve, if any writer can, a clear running prose that is simple yet full of surprises..'
Nice read!
Just a very well told story from beginning to end. Highly recommended!
Nice read!
Just a very well told story from beginning to end. Highly recommended!
March 16, 2019
This one is a hard one to rate. So I'm going to give 2 ratings.
The first one, 3.5. Liked the story. Liked most of the characters, Liz I did find very bitchy and self centered at times, but that can be overlooked. There is some chemistry between the MC's. I did like Katie's character. There is quite a-lot of repetitive parts of the book and at some point you just want to knock there heads together and get a room.
Now the second rating..... 1 star. I don't like to read a book where cheating is involved. And the majority of this book there is cheating. This is just my personal preference. Hence the reason for 2 ratings. Other people may not have a issue with infidelity, and if not, should give this book a chance.
I will read future books by Kit Harlow. :)
The first one, 3.5. Liked the story. Liked most of the characters, Liz I did find very bitchy and self centered at times, but that can be overlooked. There is some chemistry between the MC's. I did like Katie's character. There is quite a-lot of repetitive parts of the book and at some point you just want to knock there heads together and get a room.
Now the second rating..... 1 star. I don't like to read a book where cheating is involved. And the majority of this book there is cheating. This is just my personal preference. Hence the reason for 2 ratings. Other people may not have a issue with infidelity, and if not, should give this book a chance.
I will read future books by Kit Harlow. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2020
I give this one 3.75 Stars. I enjoyed the story. Of course Liz drove me a little bonkers (especially towards the end). Kate was my favorite. It really was a touching story that shows how heart break can effect two people so differently. I did feel the romance was a little on the long side. I think it was worth the read.
June 3, 2019
I started optimistic and got impatient about half way through. The characters make variations of the same decision multiple times in similar situations that the story feels like it’s on repeat which in turn makes the characters and their decisions frustrating. There’s also noticeable repetition of explaining the same feelings and phrases.
May 9, 2019
Decent enough book! Characters are well written and sort of likeable. But the further I got into the book the less interesting it seemed.
The biggest down turn in the book was for me. The MC making the same mistake again. Clearly knowing it wouldnt make any of the parties involved happy, and then we just keep reading about how much she regretted it. That whole choice really didnt made any sense to me. Same with the ending, I just dont get Kathy's choice...
The biggest down turn in the book was for me. The MC making the same mistake again. Clearly knowing it wouldnt make any of the parties involved happy, and then we just keep reading about how much she regretted it. That whole choice really didnt made any sense to me. Same with the ending, I just dont get Kathy's choice...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
I don't want to be harsh especially with a new author and I was really torn about whether I should leave a review or let it pass. I decided to just put it under spoiler tags in order to not ruin it for other people.
First, this Lizzie character is something else. Let me tell you that she identifies as a lesbian who happened to fall in love with a man and married him!!!! As if this wasn't enough, in the first half of the book we understand that she clearly enjoys intimacy with her hubby several times even though she supposedly has feelings for Katie, her ex-gf. WTF , hope the author doesn't know many lesbians like Lizzie lol.
Long story short, this book is a repetitive mess where both MCs seem unable to make up their mind on whether they want to be together or not, their decisions and reactions are ridiculous and the dialogue is atrocious.
I feel bad that I have to leave such a bad review but I literally feel like I've burnt several million brain cells trying to finish this book.
First, this Lizzie character is something else. Let me tell you that she identifies as a lesbian who happened to fall in love with a man and married him!!!! As if this wasn't enough, in the first half of the book we understand that she clearly enjoys intimacy with her hubby several times even though she supposedly has feelings for Katie, her ex-gf. WTF , hope the author doesn't know many lesbians like Lizzie lol.
Long story short, this book is a repetitive mess where both MCs seem unable to make up their mind on whether they want to be together or not, their decisions and reactions are ridiculous and the dialogue is atrocious.
I feel bad that I have to leave such a bad review but I literally feel like I've burnt several million brain cells trying to finish this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
This was so good and hurty hurt in the beginning but it got too repetitive and flip-floppy as the story went on. But look--I'm an admitted angst fiend so of course I still gobbled this up.
March 16, 2019
I loved this book. It was a pretty realistic story without making it a fairy tell. I love these types of books but I’m always left wanting to know more about how the characters lives move along. I can’t wait for another book from this author.
April 17, 2019
4.5 rounded down
March 8, 2019
Read it.
All the wasted years. Heart wrenching stuff but go on and read it. One of my favourite books and would read it again.
All the wasted years. Heart wrenching stuff but go on and read it. One of my favourite books and would read it again.
June 18, 2019
The writing was just so... lazy.
So many corners were cut, writing this book, I expected it end up at the beginning, because the story was a circle Liz's husband conveniently went fromHallmark movie romantic, to Lifetime movie neglectful, as soon as Katie came back into Liz's life, with no real explanation why. The author casually, almost callously used drug addition, as a cheap way to show Katie took the break up hard. The side characters all seemed the same. Liz would have the same revelations over and over again. One particular thing that really bothered me, was Liz's husband somehow didn't knoww who Katie was, or how serious it got between her and Liz. He obviously inherited Katie and Liz's circle of friends. You would think one of them would set the guy staight about Liz's so called "experimental fling with a woman," even if Liz did not.
In the end the kiss of death for this book, was that I didn't think Katie should take Liz back. Liz stomped on Kate's heart twice. While the first time was mutual, Liz was completely at fault the second time. It might have helped if there was an underlying reason that Liz had trouble committing to Katie. A deep seeded fear or doubt about being with a woman. Homophobic parents she didn't want to disappoint. A fear of Kate's drive to achieve her goals, even if it meant throwing the status quo out the window. Some hurdle that Liz could overcome to show Katie, and the reader that she was indeed ready to settle down and commit.
So many corners were cut, writing this book, I expected it end up at the beginning, because the story was a circle Liz's husband conveniently went fromHallmark movie romantic, to Lifetime movie neglectful, as soon as Katie came back into Liz's life, with no real explanation why. The author casually, almost callously used drug addition, as a cheap way to show Katie took the break up hard. The side characters all seemed the same. Liz would have the same revelations over and over again. One particular thing that really bothered me, was Liz's husband somehow didn't knoww who Katie was, or how serious it got between her and Liz. He obviously inherited Katie and Liz's circle of friends. You would think one of them would set the guy staight about Liz's so called "experimental fling with a woman," even if Liz did not.
In the end the kiss of death for this book, was that I didn't think Katie should take Liz back. Liz stomped on Kate's heart twice. While the first time was mutual, Liz was completely at fault the second time. It might have helped if there was an underlying reason that Liz had trouble committing to Katie. A deep seeded fear or doubt about being with a woman. Homophobic parents she didn't want to disappoint. A fear of Kate's drive to achieve her goals, even if it meant throwing the status quo out the window. Some hurdle that Liz could overcome to show Katie, and the reader that she was indeed ready to settle down and commit.
June 23, 2019
A story about life as emotions & facades of choices, regrets & chances
“I want you to be happy. But sometimes, you have to fight for that happiness.”
“She was my secret and she was my heart. Though I constantly fought against it.”
“I realized that my life had become nothing more than a lie, a charade I'd accepted in favor of a seemingly simpler reality.”
“Things change and if you can’t change with the times, change your attitude.”
+ • + • + • +
An emotional tale about lost love, mistakes made, righting wrongs & healing heartache.
*********************************
** POTENTIAL SPOILERS ALERT **
*********************************Absolutely wonderfully written, the story just flowed almost effortlessly & easily.
With characters that become so authentic they truly become like real people in your mind & a riveting plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing & seemingly so real, that I could actually feel the pain, loneliness, anger, betrayal & desperation.
But, seriously though…
—WHY were they both so determined to make their lives as miserable & difficult as possible, knowingly & repeatedly sabotaging every opportunity for happiness!!!
It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me optimistic riding this emotional rollercoaster.
“I want you to be happy. But sometimes, you have to fight for that happiness.”
“She was my secret and she was my heart. Though I constantly fought against it.”
“I realized that my life had become nothing more than a lie, a charade I'd accepted in favor of a seemingly simpler reality.”
“Things change and if you can’t change with the times, change your attitude.”
+ • + • + • +
An emotional tale about lost love, mistakes made, righting wrongs & healing heartache.
*********************************
** POTENTIAL SPOILERS ALERT **
*********************************Absolutely wonderfully written, the story just flowed almost effortlessly & easily.
With characters that become so authentic they truly become like real people in your mind & a riveting plot lines that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing & seemingly so real, that I could actually feel the pain, loneliness, anger, betrayal & desperation.
But, seriously though…
—WHY were they both so determined to make their lives as miserable & difficult as possible, knowingly & repeatedly sabotaging every opportunity for happiness!!!
It made me smile, made me cry, made my heart ache & made me optimistic riding this emotional rollercoaster.
May 9, 2019
Remembering
Harlow makes several interesting points in her novel, but two stand out the most. As with any relationship that ends badly, there is always that nagging question of what went wrong and what might have been if love really conquered all. But the other question, the question that Liz struggles with, the question of what it takes to feel confident and comfortable in your own mind and what your sexuality means to you, is especially significant, if not painful until you reach a place of self acceptance.
Is it okay to love beyond all reason, but be too afraid to care? As individuals we have routines and expectations and responsibilities that fall within our sense of normalcy. Overtime, we have a sense of decorum. But is this really living? As we come closer to the anniversary of Stonewall, I feel that it is important to note that true freedom isn’t settling or running away from love, but embracing love even in the face of overwhelming fear.
I thank you for your novel, Ms. Harlow.
Harlow makes several interesting points in her novel, but two stand out the most. As with any relationship that ends badly, there is always that nagging question of what went wrong and what might have been if love really conquered all. But the other question, the question that Liz struggles with, the question of what it takes to feel confident and comfortable in your own mind and what your sexuality means to you, is especially significant, if not painful until you reach a place of self acceptance.
Is it okay to love beyond all reason, but be too afraid to care? As individuals we have routines and expectations and responsibilities that fall within our sense of normalcy. Overtime, we have a sense of decorum. But is this really living? As we come closer to the anniversary of Stonewall, I feel that it is important to note that true freedom isn’t settling or running away from love, but embracing love even in the face of overwhelming fear.
I thank you for your novel, Ms. Harlow.
April 13, 2019
Damn it
I'd just put first lesbian romance novel to bed and was ready to copyright it and publish. Then I read this and realized what it needed. So it's time to go baçk obe more rewrite. Yes I am a man but my real friends have always been lesbian. My book is sheer romance I didn't feel I have the right to add explicit sex so that is left to the readers imagination. But I made a promise to my best ffriend who was gay that she would never be forgotten as she died my hand the book is dedicated to her.
You made me cry, you made me feel like love really could conquer all. made me glad I read it. I truly hope you do well and am a new fan!
I'd just put first lesbian romance novel to bed and was ready to copyright it and publish. Then I read this and realized what it needed. So it's time to go baçk obe more rewrite. Yes I am a man but my real friends have always been lesbian. My book is sheer romance I didn't feel I have the right to add explicit sex so that is left to the readers imagination. But I made a promise to my best ffriend who was gay that she would never be forgotten as she died my hand the book is dedicated to her.
You made me cry, you made me feel like love really could conquer all. made me glad I read it. I truly hope you do well and am a new fan!
March 24, 2019
I’m a sucker for a second chance
I loved this. Katie and Liz thought their lives were settled until they bumped into each other again and their worlds were turned upside down. How would you feel seeing the first love of your life after so many years?
As my header states I’m a sucker for a good second chance. I loved the initial emotions between Katie and Liz. It felt real. Their emotions felt genuine and I felt their emotions right along with them.
I loved this. Katie and Liz thought their lives were settled until they bumped into each other again and their worlds were turned upside down. How would you feel seeing the first love of your life after so many years?
As my header states I’m a sucker for a good second chance. I loved the initial emotions between Katie and Liz. It felt real. Their emotions felt genuine and I felt their emotions right along with them.
October 26, 2019
Interesting Story!
The ups and downs in this story started to get to me but in the end it was good. I liked the chemistry between Liz and Katie and although not happy about the cheating I saw the need. Misguided loyalty can lead to so many problems which was clearly a catalyst in this story. But Love Is Love and sometimes it does win out. I did like it and the supporting cast was just as important. I am going to check out more of Kit Harlow.
The ups and downs in this story started to get to me but in the end it was good. I liked the chemistry between Liz and Katie and although not happy about the cheating I saw the need. Misguided loyalty can lead to so many problems which was clearly a catalyst in this story. But Love Is Love and sometimes it does win out. I did like it and the supporting cast was just as important. I am going to check out more of Kit Harlow.
August 26, 2021
A story about choices, second chances, about regrets. It’s really passionate since the beginning, i thought it had little details in the middle of the story, like at one point i felt i was looking at two teenagers finding love for the first time( but then again, maybe that’s what we all look like when we are in love lol) but i didn’t care because the story felt so real and emotional. I really liked it and i totally recommend.
April 12, 2019
I loved this book. The writing is excellent, this is the author's first book and I will look
for more of her books. Liz and Kate love each other. Life gets in the way. Liz moves on and
marries a man, then Liz meets Kate again at a job in Boston. The story is romantic, sad, happy,
it celebrates the power of love, true love I recommend it.
for more of her books. Liz and Kate love each other. Life gets in the way. Liz moves on and
marries a man, then Liz meets Kate again at a job in Boston. The story is romantic, sad, happy,
it celebrates the power of love, true love I recommend it.
May 12, 2019
I thought this book was ok. I felt like the storyline was believable, to an extent. I felt some of the things the main character, Liz, did and said did not add up. I also felt the will they won't they went on a little too long, which made the story kind of slow.
That being said, I think the storyline itself was interesting and I appreciated some of the emotion and rawness the story evoked.
That being said, I think the storyline itself was interesting and I appreciated some of the emotion and rawness the story evoked.
April 1, 2019
Good read
The book kept me interested until the end. At times it was difficult to understand the motivations of the main character but it was captivating nonetheless. A lot of angst created by the stubbornness and immaturity of the main couple.
The book kept me interested until the end. At times it was difficult to understand the motivations of the main character but it was captivating nonetheless. A lot of angst created by the stubbornness and immaturity of the main couple.
April 6, 2019
Pretty good twists. Worth reading.
Relatable characters, believable story. Interesting, well plotted and some actual surprises, which is hard to do in a romance. Absolutely recommend.
Relatable characters, believable story. Interesting, well plotted and some actual surprises, which is hard to do in a romance. Absolutely recommend.
April 14, 2019
A great read
This book is well written with great storyline and fantastic characters. This book had me gripped from the very first chapter. A first from this author but not the last. A lovely sweet read that I would recommend.
This book is well written with great storyline and fantastic characters. This book had me gripped from the very first chapter. A first from this author but not the last. A lovely sweet read that I would recommend.
May 15, 2019
Good read
I love the flow of the book. The characters are very relatable.One thing I enjoyed was the banter between the two characters. it would have been nice to get kates point of view though.
I love the flow of the book. The characters are very relatable.One thing I enjoyed was the banter between the two characters. it would have been nice to get kates point of view though.
August 18, 2019
Rollercoaster
What a ride this book is, I loved it! The characters were real, the tension was there, I mean what more can I ask of a fluffy book.
You want the feels give this book a go!
What a ride this book is, I loved it! The characters were real, the tension was there, I mean what more can I ask of a fluffy book.
You want the feels give this book a go!
March 19, 2019
Excellent book looking forward to reading other books by this author
March 21, 2019
Quality romance
Eloquent writing captures this story in a must read novel. The characters come to life and you feel their emotions.
Eloquent writing captures this story in a must read novel. The characters come to life and you feel their emotions.
March 23, 2019
🌈DREAMY🌈
Full of drama!💞 . Definitely satisfying!💞 . Loaded with sincere sentiment!💞 . If you are looking for that type of a story then this book will fulfil your search!😍
Full of drama!💞 . Definitely satisfying!💞 . Loaded with sincere sentiment!💞 . If you are looking for that type of a story then this book will fulfil your search!😍
March 27, 2019
Great book
Well written. Little repetitive angst but wonderful writing style. Kept me interested. Definitely worth reading. Will look for others by this author.
Well written. Little repetitive angst but wonderful writing style. Kept me interested. Definitely worth reading. Will look for others by this author.
April 15, 2019
Tough one
I know life isn’t always easy and the author did a good job telling that type of story it was extremely emotional.
I know life isn’t always easy and the author did a good job telling that type of story it was extremely emotional.
April 29, 2019
Liz and Kate are both great characters. This is a really heart warming story and I loved how the story was played out to the very end. I'd definitely recommend this book to others 😀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews