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Before Anyone Else
As a designer of upscale restaurants, 30-year-old Bailey Ann Edgeworth can go into an empty space and immediately see what it would take to transform it into a beautiful and memorable spot. She learns transforming her own life is another proposition entirely. It can get messy, and it doesn’t always go according to a neat blueprint. Bailey’s brother, Henry, and his best friend Griffin are stars in the restaurant field. They are known as the “Color Wheel Boys” because of their renowned Buckhead restaurants Vert, Blanc, and Noir. Bailey is determined to chart her own course; to not be forever known as Hank’s daughter, Henry’s sister, or “whatever” she is to Griffin.
Bailey’s dreams propel her to New York, where her vision garners accolades and fame. After a perceived rejection by Griffin, she rushes into an impetuous marriage with an enigmatic English chef. Their combined charisma and desire lift them to the top of the culinary world. Just when she seems on the verge of having it all, a shocking betrayal throws Bailey's world into chaos. She begins a spectacular downfall, complete with secretive drug use, shady associates, and her career in turmoil. Just what are the secret ingredients to transforming food, a dilapidated building, and one’s own life into something extraordinary?
Before Anyone Else examines the complicated relationship between love and ambition and explores how our earliest relationships and experience shape us into who we ultimately become.
Bailey’s dreams propel her to New York, where her vision garners accolades and fame. After a perceived rejection by Griffin, she rushes into an impetuous marriage with an enigmatic English chef. Their combined charisma and desire lift them to the top of the culinary world. Just when she seems on the verge of having it all, a shocking betrayal throws Bailey's world into chaos. She begins a spectacular downfall, complete with secretive drug use, shady associates, and her career in turmoil. Just what are the secret ingredients to transforming food, a dilapidated building, and one’s own life into something extraordinary?
Before Anyone Else examines the complicated relationship between love and ambition and explores how our earliest relationships and experience shape us into who we ultimately become.
299 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 25, 2020
BEFORE ANYONE ELSE is a grappling read about a young woman named Bailey who has the talent and eye for design while also trying to find herself navigating through a world of strong men in the restaurant scene. As Bailey tried to find the balance between love and ambition, she was steered towards where it all began, before anyone else.
I loved the writing of this book, and how quick the pacing of the story was with its short chapters. The narrative is in the first person as we discover and unfold this story from Bailey’s perspective.
I love seeing the change in Bailey as she goes through life finding her own way and making her mark in the design world through hard work and determination. Though her heart was with Griffin who was Bailey’s first crush, first kiss, and first everything before anyone else, life meandered unexpectedly, to her marrying a talented English chef named Elliott.
Just as life would have it, coming back home was always what we longed for after a long journey through life. Coming home for Bailey had always been with Griffin.
With a beautiful fast paced story about the firsts in our life, the family we were born to have, and those we choose to be our family, ‘Before Anyone Else’ taught us that love and family was more important than any ambition, fame or money.
I loved the writing of this book, and how quick the pacing of the story was with its short chapters. The narrative is in the first person as we discover and unfold this story from Bailey’s perspective.
I love seeing the change in Bailey as she goes through life finding her own way and making her mark in the design world through hard work and determination. Though her heart was with Griffin who was Bailey’s first crush, first kiss, and first everything before anyone else, life meandered unexpectedly, to her marrying a talented English chef named Elliott.
Just as life would have it, coming back home was always what we longed for after a long journey through life. Coming home for Bailey had always been with Griffin.
With a beautiful fast paced story about the firsts in our life, the family we were born to have, and those we choose to be our family, ‘Before Anyone Else’ taught us that love and family was more important than any ambition, fame or money.
February 9, 2020
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a free copy to review. This book comes out March 24th.
Bailey has spent her whole life making a name for herself in the interior design world and trying to break free from her father, brother, and best friend’s legacies as Michelin Star chefs. Just as she has started to rise in her own profession, she falls into a whirlwind romance with a renowned English chef, and falls into his world of big energy highs and crashing lows.
I tried really hard to give this book a fair chance but honestly I was just so BORED when I was reading it. I had to force myself to keep opening the book and reading. I swear I read the same page about five times, absorbing nothing. I just never felt any real depth to the characters or any motivation for why they did the things they did. Everything was very surface level, and nothing got fleshed out the way it should have.
I think the premise was super interesting but I just don’t think it was executed very well and the writing just was not there.
TW: alcoholism and substance abuse
Bailey has spent her whole life making a name for herself in the interior design world and trying to break free from her father, brother, and best friend’s legacies as Michelin Star chefs. Just as she has started to rise in her own profession, she falls into a whirlwind romance with a renowned English chef, and falls into his world of big energy highs and crashing lows.
I tried really hard to give this book a fair chance but honestly I was just so BORED when I was reading it. I had to force myself to keep opening the book and reading. I swear I read the same page about five times, absorbing nothing. I just never felt any real depth to the characters or any motivation for why they did the things they did. Everything was very surface level, and nothing got fleshed out the way it should have.
I think the premise was super interesting but I just don’t think it was executed very well and the writing just was not there.
TW: alcoholism and substance abuse
May 13, 2020
While I am very grateful to the author for the gifted copy of this book, this book is very much not for me.
Even though our MC Bailey is supposed to be a 30 something, she reads more like a teenager in terms of emotional development.
Bailey’s constant referral to her father as “daddy” induces so many eye rolls. I get that this is a cultural thing in the Deep South of the US, but I just don’t have the patience for it.
Also, after 100 pages of only a 300 page book, I expect to be pulled into the story either because of the plot, characters, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, I don’t particularly like any of the characters and the plot is slow to say the least.
Even though our MC Bailey is supposed to be a 30 something, she reads more like a teenager in terms of emotional development.
Bailey’s constant referral to her father as “daddy” induces so many eye rolls. I get that this is a cultural thing in the Deep South of the US, but I just don’t have the patience for it.
Also, after 100 pages of only a 300 page book, I expect to be pulled into the story either because of the plot, characters, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, I don’t particularly like any of the characters and the plot is slow to say the least.
November 30, 2019
Early edition book club read.
This was an ok book. Captured my interest. Read in a couple of days. Loved the family dynamic. Easy to follow.
Liked the "My men" reference throughout the book as it was different.
However, not the best writing. I loved the premise, but felt the writing didn't hold up. Made me think this was rushed to get in for a deadline. With some work this could be a really great book.
This was an ok book. Captured my interest. Read in a couple of days. Loved the family dynamic. Easy to follow.
Liked the "My men" reference throughout the book as it was different.
However, not the best writing. I loved the premise, but felt the writing didn't hold up. Made me think this was rushed to get in for a deadline. With some work this could be a really great book.
March 25, 2020
Before Anyone Else captured my interest from the very first page. The main character of the book, Bailey, is from Atlanta, raised by her father, her older brother, and her brother's best friend. The men work in the restaurant industry and Bailey develops a love for restaurant design. She strikes out on her own in New York, working for the best restaurant designer in the business and hoping to make a name for herself. Along the way she experiences trials, success, love, and heartbreak -- which help her discover who she truly is, what she truly values, and who she truly loves.
I was completely enamored with Bailey throughout the book. I kind of want to be her. Any woman who has worked to figure out herself, struggled with questions about who she is and what she wants, or fought the negative feedback and self-talk that she's heard throughout life will appreciate this novel. Before Anyone Else is a celebration of womanhood and the relationships, experiences, and hardships that shape us. The novel is sweet, savory, sensual, and sensational -- a real treat for the mind, the heart, and even the senses with beautiful design imagery and descriptions of opulent food. Do not miss this delectable treasure of a book!
I was completely enamored with Bailey throughout the book. I kind of want to be her. Any woman who has worked to figure out herself, struggled with questions about who she is and what she wants, or fought the negative feedback and self-talk that she's heard throughout life will appreciate this novel. Before Anyone Else is a celebration of womanhood and the relationships, experiences, and hardships that shape us. The novel is sweet, savory, sensual, and sensational -- a real treat for the mind, the heart, and even the senses with beautiful design imagery and descriptions of opulent food. Do not miss this delectable treasure of a book!
June 29, 2020
3.5 stars
Before Anyone Else is a charming second chance romance set in the culinary world of NYC and Atlanta. Bailey is a young talented designer who specializes in restaurant design. She comes from a family of restauranteurs, with all the important men in her life being successful chefs, including Griffin, her brother's best friend and business partner, with whom she has been in love since forever. Bailey dreams of being successful in her own right, so she leaves Atlanta for NYC to pursue her dreams. In New York, she meets Elliott, an attractive English chef, who sweeps her off her feet. But will Bailey be able to escape Griffin's pull and their shared history?
Before Anyone Else is the story of self-discovery, family, belonging, and second chances. With short chapters and captivating prose, this was a quick and enjoyable read. If you are looking for a sweet (not spicy) contemporary romance make sure to add BAE to your TBR.
*I won a copy of this book in a social media giveaway.
Before Anyone Else is a charming second chance romance set in the culinary world of NYC and Atlanta. Bailey is a young talented designer who specializes in restaurant design. She comes from a family of restauranteurs, with all the important men in her life being successful chefs, including Griffin, her brother's best friend and business partner, with whom she has been in love since forever. Bailey dreams of being successful in her own right, so she leaves Atlanta for NYC to pursue her dreams. In New York, she meets Elliott, an attractive English chef, who sweeps her off her feet. But will Bailey be able to escape Griffin's pull and their shared history?
Before Anyone Else is the story of self-discovery, family, belonging, and second chances. With short chapters and captivating prose, this was a quick and enjoyable read. If you are looking for a sweet (not spicy) contemporary romance make sure to add BAE to your TBR.
*I won a copy of this book in a social media giveaway.
July 19, 2022
3.5 rounded up
This novel follows a woman in her early 30’s, with flash backs to some points in her younger adult years, as she makes a name for herself separate from her famous family members & finds love. I loved the unapologetic portrayal of a woman with ambition and a complicated love life. It is a contemporary romance featuring a love triangle- a trope that I haven’t read much of and think is possibly a little underrated. Some of the plot reminded me of the docu-series Bad Vegan, without the weird other-dimension, eternal life for your dog aspect.
The main downside for me was experiencing a little bit of culture shock at how very Southern the characters were. So if a grown woman calling her father daddy bothers you, beware…
Other than that, I could very much relate to Bailey as someone who focuses on her professional ambition above almost anything else. I could empathize with her as someone who grew up motherless and without many female role models and how that left her at a disadvantage in navigating love. The author has done a wonderful job incorporating interior design into the story as well as writing about fine dining in a deliciously immersive way.
This novel follows a woman in her early 30’s, with flash backs to some points in her younger adult years, as she makes a name for herself separate from her famous family members & finds love. I loved the unapologetic portrayal of a woman with ambition and a complicated love life. It is a contemporary romance featuring a love triangle- a trope that I haven’t read much of and think is possibly a little underrated. Some of the plot reminded me of the docu-series Bad Vegan, without the weird other-dimension, eternal life for your dog aspect.
The main downside for me was experiencing a little bit of culture shock at how very Southern the characters were. So if a grown woman calling her father daddy bothers you, beware…
Other than that, I could very much relate to Bailey as someone who focuses on her professional ambition above almost anything else. I could empathize with her as someone who grew up motherless and without many female role models and how that left her at a disadvantage in navigating love. The author has done a wonderful job incorporating interior design into the story as well as writing about fine dining in a deliciously immersive way.
April 20, 2020
There are so many words and emotions after reading this novel that I am struggling to put my feelings onto paper. I had no idea that this book was EXACTLY what I needed, when I needed it, during all of this quarantine sadness. I have been heavy on mystery/thrillers lately and to read a novel that while HEAVY, was very uplifting and powerful. As I read the last page, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad that the story was over and was left wanting more - NOW!
I was gifted a copy of Before Anyone Else by the author whom I connected with on Instagram a few weeks ago. Leslie is as utterly charming as her book. It almost feels like I've known her forever and she is truly such a nice person. I was immediately smitten by the cover (which is huge for me), but was more charmed by the synopsis. Before Anyone Else examines the complicated relationship between love and ambition and explores how our earliest relationships and experience, shape us into who we ultimately become.
For anyone who is a sucker for reading novels about "first love," you'll be immediately taken by this one. Though some could argue this was a rather predictable story, I would beg to differ. Hooten introduced another strong male character into the novel who was extremely likeable up until 75% through. I will say, the way she constructed him (loving, adoring, faithful) made the big twist a shock for me. I certainly didnt see it coming. I also love that Bailey was 100% connected to Griffin throughout the novel - no matter their phase of life, relationship status or physical location. They had a very beautiful story - full of love, trust and admiration. I really appreciated the slow burn storyline and for someone who doesn't love details, I read every single word on every single page of this book and still wanted more. Some parts are more difficult to read than others and there is a heavy focus on drug use and abuse, so if that is not something that sits right with you, this may not be the best novel to choose.
Leslie, you are a GEM. Thank you for trusting me with this review. I think you're brilliant and I am desperately waiting for your next novel to publish!
I was gifted a copy of Before Anyone Else by the author whom I connected with on Instagram a few weeks ago. Leslie is as utterly charming as her book. It almost feels like I've known her forever and she is truly such a nice person. I was immediately smitten by the cover (which is huge for me), but was more charmed by the synopsis. Before Anyone Else examines the complicated relationship between love and ambition and explores how our earliest relationships and experience, shape us into who we ultimately become.
For anyone who is a sucker for reading novels about "first love," you'll be immediately taken by this one. Though some could argue this was a rather predictable story, I would beg to differ. Hooten introduced another strong male character into the novel who was extremely likeable up until 75% through. I will say, the way she constructed him (loving, adoring, faithful) made the big twist a shock for me. I certainly didnt see it coming. I also love that Bailey was 100% connected to Griffin throughout the novel - no matter their phase of life, relationship status or physical location. They had a very beautiful story - full of love, trust and admiration. I really appreciated the slow burn storyline and for someone who doesn't love details, I read every single word on every single page of this book and still wanted more. Some parts are more difficult to read than others and there is a heavy focus on drug use and abuse, so if that is not something that sits right with you, this may not be the best novel to choose.
Leslie, you are a GEM. Thank you for trusting me with this review. I think you're brilliant and I am desperately waiting for your next novel to publish!
March 27, 2020
Bailey is a talented interior designer of upscale restaurants in NYC. She has a unique gift of taking the owners vision, and her vision, and creating something better than either could have imagined. If only her own life was so easy to create. Her brother Henry runs three successful restaurants in Atlanta with his best friend Griffin, who also happens to be her best friend and sometimes friend with benefits. If only they could both see it goes to much deeper than friends with benefits. Bailey knows she needs to be in NYC in order to truly take her career where she wants it to go. On her first solo job in the big city, Bailey meets Elliot and falls into a whirlwind relationship ending in marriage. But Griffin is always in the back of her mind…
I really loved this book! I thought the design aspects were so great and I loved traveling with Bailey as she started a project and the process of where it ended. I definitely wanted to scream at the book a few times because I hated Elliot. I thought the background of the relationships between Henry, Griffin, and Bailey were fascinating and I think this book faced some serious issues that are a very real part of the restaurant world. I laughed, I screamed, and in the end this book filled me with happy thoughts! I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give spoilers but I highly recommend grabbing a copy when it comes out next month!
I really loved this book! I thought the design aspects were so great and I loved traveling with Bailey as she started a project and the process of where it ended. I definitely wanted to scream at the book a few times because I hated Elliot. I thought the background of the relationships between Henry, Griffin, and Bailey were fascinating and I think this book faced some serious issues that are a very real part of the restaurant world. I laughed, I screamed, and in the end this book filled me with happy thoughts! I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give spoilers but I highly recommend grabbing a copy when it comes out next month!
May 6, 2020
“I want to be yours. Free and clear. I want to be able to look at your face and say ‘I love you. I loved you before anyone else. I will love you after everyone else.’” - Leslie Hooton, Before Anyone Else
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So many words and feelings about this book! I loved every single page. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more, and I had a huge smile on my face when I finished.
Bailey and Griffin’s love story was written brilliantly. I was so absorbed and invested in their relationship. Their relationship wasn’t easy, but the wait was so worth it!
Bailey was such an amazing character. She was strong and knew what she wanted. She didn’t make any apologies for working hard and going after things. I loved how she wasn’t scared and just went for it. She also had a softer side which made her vulnerable and naive. When her world collapses around her she must find a way to save herself.
This wasn’t just a love story, but a story about finding yourself, second chances, and how to not give up.
Leslie Hooten’s writing was memorizing and brilliant. Her writing was so comforting. I am a huge fan and I will buy every book she writes. Please stop what you are doing and buy this phenomenal book. You will not regret it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So many words and feelings about this book! I loved every single page. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more, and I had a huge smile on my face when I finished.
Bailey and Griffin’s love story was written brilliantly. I was so absorbed and invested in their relationship. Their relationship wasn’t easy, but the wait was so worth it!
Bailey was such an amazing character. She was strong and knew what she wanted. She didn’t make any apologies for working hard and going after things. I loved how she wasn’t scared and just went for it. She also had a softer side which made her vulnerable and naive. When her world collapses around her she must find a way to save herself.
This wasn’t just a love story, but a story about finding yourself, second chances, and how to not give up.
Leslie Hooten’s writing was memorizing and brilliant. Her writing was so comforting. I am a huge fan and I will buy every book she writes. Please stop what you are doing and buy this phenomenal book. You will not regret it!
April 15, 2021
I really enjoy finding a new author (to me) and immediately know that I will pick up and read every book she writes from now on .I loved the easy flow of writing style , the characters are strong ,Whitty, uniquely real, they come to life on the pages , its like meeting up with your friends and talking for hours about life, this is comfortable and brilliant read! I would recommend everyone to give this author a chance and read "BAE", the reader will not be disappointed!
July 8, 2022
Fun fact: my first book tour ever was last year for Leslie Hooton’s book called The Secret of Rainy Days. I was so excited and couldn’t believe that I received her book for free in exchange for posting my thoughts. And best of all, I loved it!
Well, I’ve done many book tours since then, but one thing didn’t change from that first book tour to this one…once again, I loved Leslie’s book.
This author is an incredible storyteller. I always become so invested in the characters and they start to feel real to me. This book tackles a lot of difficult topics and I felt like I was right in the emotional trenches with the characters.
There’s a complicated love triangle involving Bailey (the Southern gal who moves to New York to make a name for herself by designing interior spaces), Griffin (her first love and the guy that never really leaves her heart), and Elliott (the charming restaurateur that takes her by surprise). This book takes us through Bailey’s journey on deciding who she will choose and what she’ll learn about herself along the way.
I won’t go into much detail for the sake of spoilers, but to me, Bailey’s decision was so easy! I knew who I wanted her to pick from the start and my mind never changed.
There is a followup to this book that just came out (After Everyone Else) that I will be reading and reviewing very soon!!
I received this book for free as part of an Instagram book tour.
Well, I’ve done many book tours since then, but one thing didn’t change from that first book tour to this one…once again, I loved Leslie’s book.
This author is an incredible storyteller. I always become so invested in the characters and they start to feel real to me. This book tackles a lot of difficult topics and I felt like I was right in the emotional trenches with the characters.
There’s a complicated love triangle involving Bailey (the Southern gal who moves to New York to make a name for herself by designing interior spaces), Griffin (her first love and the guy that never really leaves her heart), and Elliott (the charming restaurateur that takes her by surprise). This book takes us through Bailey’s journey on deciding who she will choose and what she’ll learn about herself along the way.
I won’t go into much detail for the sake of spoilers, but to me, Bailey’s decision was so easy! I knew who I wanted her to pick from the start and my mind never changed.
There is a followup to this book that just came out (After Everyone Else) that I will be reading and reviewing very soon!!
I received this book for free as part of an Instagram book tour.
September 16, 2020
This breezy book captured my heart from the first pages. This book, with its short chapters, relatable characters, and evocative descriptions, reminds me of a tapas menu full of delicious, small dishes. It's the perfect beach read, but it also contains some profound questions about claiming an identity for oneself, and about what makes love work when faced with setbacks and challenges.
June 23, 2022
I loved this book and am thrilled about her next book. Bae is such a relatable and likable character and I love how Hooton makes grammar, food, and architecture characters as well. Excellent, light read; yet, so intriguing that I didn’t want to put the audiobook down. Excellent narrator too. Also loved the book cover. Her book The Secret of Rainy Days is fabulous as well. Great author!
April 4, 2020
I loved this book! Fascinating story, and the writer painted such beautiful pictures of the spaces Bailey designed. I was intrigued on several levels. I read it over a weekend and it was a great way to forget the troubles of the world.
July 12, 2022
As a person who loves design and used to work in merchandising I loved seeing the behind the scenes of Bailey's process of designing restaurants.
Griffin 💗
Griffin 💗
April 1, 2022
At thirty-one, Bailey Ann Edgeworth has always been surrounded by strong men- she is Hank’s daughter and Henry’s sister. Henry is one half of a renowned restaurant team with his best friend Griffin. Bailey is not sure exactly what relationship she and Griffin have but they have always been there for each other. Bailey is restaurant designer and she moves to New York City to make a name for herself, out of the shadows of her family. As she begins to grow her business, Bailey starts a relationship with and quickly marries a temperamental chef. The marriage proves to be more than she bargained for and her relationship with Griffin remains strained. Will Bailey be able to make name for herself and find happiness in love? This is a lovely story about family, love, and ambition.
March 23, 2020
Thank you Leslie Hooten for the advanced copy in exchange for a review.
What a cute story! I loved Bailey and watching her grow throughout the book. Her career as a designer was so interesting to me, and I liked watching it take off. The characters were well done - I especially connected with the issue of addiction with her brother Henry. Her relationship with Griffin was frustrating yet realistic, and I just wanted to shake them and say JUST BE TOGETHER! And Elliott - ew. I always think it's great when an author can make you dislike a character, and man did I dislike Elliott.
This was a great book to read to take my mind off of the current crisis we are facing. Well done!
What a cute story! I loved Bailey and watching her grow throughout the book. Her career as a designer was so interesting to me, and I liked watching it take off. The characters were well done - I especially connected with the issue of addiction with her brother Henry. Her relationship with Griffin was frustrating yet realistic, and I just wanted to shake them and say JUST BE TOGETHER! And Elliott - ew. I always think it's great when an author can make you dislike a character, and man did I dislike Elliott.
This was a great book to read to take my mind off of the current crisis we are facing. Well done!
May 15, 2020
Thank you to Turner Publishing and author Leslie Hooton for the ARC of Before Anyone Else.
I think this book got better as it went along. I enjoyed Bailey's story, her growth, her blossoming into the woman she became by the end of the book. But I also had some issues with it.
The fact that Bailey refers to her father as only "Daddy" throughout the entirety of the book was kind of hard to swallow. I understand the cultural aspect that played a part here. But all the same, I struggled, especially in the beginning, to not be completely put off to the point of laying down the book each time she called him Daddy instead of saying something like "my dad" or "my father."
The development of Elliott as a character was also where I found this novel lacking. I didn't care about him as much and maybe that was intentional on the author's side. But when his Big Reveal happened, it wasn't so much shocking or devastating as it was a moment of "good, get him out of the way." I appreciated the real-life struggles that each of the characters face, even to the point of Bailey getting married so impulsively given that she's only in her mid to late twenties. Someone breaks your heart, you dive head first into someone else as a way of coping. But that emotional shortfall really juxtaposed with her business savvy and it almost made me want to shake her because she should be smarter than this, shouldn't she?
There were also some big moments that I wish would have been focused on a bit more, while other moments could have been left vague.
All that being said? I enjoyed this book after about the first third. After I got used to her calling her dad "Daddy" every time and the constant references to punctuation marks and commas and prepositional phrases. I liked Bailey as a person. I loved the men in her life. I loved the environment and the attention to detail about her surroundings. I felt her ups and downs. The writing could have used some work. The repetitiveness of certain phrases could have been toned down. But the vibe of the story was there. It was colorful and hopeful and light-hearted. It was a story of new beginnings and second-chances.
It was good.
I think this book got better as it went along. I enjoyed Bailey's story, her growth, her blossoming into the woman she became by the end of the book. But I also had some issues with it.
The fact that Bailey refers to her father as only "Daddy" throughout the entirety of the book was kind of hard to swallow. I understand the cultural aspect that played a part here. But all the same, I struggled, especially in the beginning, to not be completely put off to the point of laying down the book each time she called him Daddy instead of saying something like "my dad" or "my father."
The development of Elliott as a character was also where I found this novel lacking. I didn't care about him as much and maybe that was intentional on the author's side. But when his Big Reveal happened, it wasn't so much shocking or devastating as it was a moment of "good, get him out of the way." I appreciated the real-life struggles that each of the characters face, even to the point of Bailey getting married so impulsively given that she's only in her mid to late twenties. Someone breaks your heart, you dive head first into someone else as a way of coping. But that emotional shortfall really juxtaposed with her business savvy and it almost made me want to shake her because she should be smarter than this, shouldn't she?
There were also some big moments that I wish would have been focused on a bit more, while other moments could have been left vague.
All that being said? I enjoyed this book after about the first third. After I got used to her calling her dad "Daddy" every time and the constant references to punctuation marks and commas and prepositional phrases. I liked Bailey as a person. I loved the men in her life. I loved the environment and the attention to detail about her surroundings. I felt her ups and downs. The writing could have used some work. The repetitiveness of certain phrases could have been toned down. But the vibe of the story was there. It was colorful and hopeful and light-hearted. It was a story of new beginnings and second-chances.
It was good.
March 30, 2020
This book was a hard one for me to rate. In some ways, I really liked it and in others it was truly lacking.
I'll start with the positives. The story itself was fun and refreshing. A little predictable when it came to Bailey and Griffin, but I liked the descriptions of the food throughout. In fact, I'm almost always a huge fan of any book that uses food as part of the story. I can always connect with food, especially being pregnant and self quarantined; I'm snacking 20 times a day! Give me all the food. Seriously.
The characters were interesting but didn't have much depth. I didn't connect with any of them and also didn't feel much growth out of any of the characters except Henry. As a matter of fact, Henry seemed to be the only character in the book with a clue. Bailey and Griffin had this obvious connection but literally never talked about it. I don't know if it was supposed to just be assumed that they were only friends with benefits, but why not have the conversation? Both of them had obvious feelings for each other but it was never brought up by either of them. It was so frustrating how no one seemed to show any emotion in the story except maybe jealousy. Bailey was honestly my least favorite character, which stinks because she was also the main character. She was just extremely naive, almost to the point that it wasn't even believable - especially when it came to Elliot.
Things picked up for me a little toward the end. Bailey and Griffin finally started to grow as characters. The ending was predictable, but most romances are. I think this was a good story, but it had some problematic areas (i.e. a five month old baby toddling and speaking, the excessive use of the term "my men"). It reads like a first novel, which it is and is to be expected. I do think it's a cute and lighthearted book that can be devoured in a sitting or two, it just wasn't the book for me.
I'll start with the positives. The story itself was fun and refreshing. A little predictable when it came to Bailey and Griffin, but I liked the descriptions of the food throughout. In fact, I'm almost always a huge fan of any book that uses food as part of the story. I can always connect with food, especially being pregnant and self quarantined; I'm snacking 20 times a day! Give me all the food. Seriously.
The characters were interesting but didn't have much depth. I didn't connect with any of them and also didn't feel much growth out of any of the characters except Henry. As a matter of fact, Henry seemed to be the only character in the book with a clue. Bailey and Griffin had this obvious connection but literally never talked about it. I don't know if it was supposed to just be assumed that they were only friends with benefits, but why not have the conversation? Both of them had obvious feelings for each other but it was never brought up by either of them. It was so frustrating how no one seemed to show any emotion in the story except maybe jealousy. Bailey was honestly my least favorite character, which stinks because she was also the main character. She was just extremely naive, almost to the point that it wasn't even believable - especially when it came to Elliot.
Things picked up for me a little toward the end. Bailey and Griffin finally started to grow as characters. The ending was predictable, but most romances are. I think this was a good story, but it had some problematic areas (i.e. a five month old baby toddling and speaking, the excessive use of the term "my men"). It reads like a first novel, which it is and is to be expected. I do think it's a cute and lighthearted book that can be devoured in a sitting or two, it just wasn't the book for me.
May 2, 2020
I have never read a book quite like this before I have never read a book about a restaurant designer who wanted to be that since she was a little gir.
Her brother and his best friend we're also to in the restaurant business having very successful restaurants and she went off to the big city New York the try to make a name for herself and restaurant interior design decorating.
Needless to say Miss happens happen along the way like a bad marriage drugs and everyday life which leads her to have nothing and to build her life back up to where she wants it to be thanks to her brother and his best friend she is able to do that regain her life and her self-esteem and I'm able to get her life back in order to a bi to a happy place or she is loving and satisfied and once all that she could one in this world.
This book is a 4-star story but the 5-star rating because of the uniqueness and then depth of the characters you really feel for all the characters get to know them get to know the in and outs of them feel empathy for them and you really feel like you get to know them personally I really enjoyed this book and I truly hope that if you have a TBR or I looking for a good read you will sincerely consider putting this on your list because it is a war a book well worth reading.
I can only hope that author take a chance on books like this that are not on the norm represent a great story the people will enjoy as long as they get the publicity out there and word of male reviews whatever it takes this is a person's first first book and if you can get a chance it is also an audible and it is a very enjoyable book captivating you will be sympathetic and non sympathetic with the characters and it is very intriguing book and I will highly recommend it to everybody
Her brother and his best friend we're also to in the restaurant business having very successful restaurants and she went off to the big city New York the try to make a name for herself and restaurant interior design decorating.
Needless to say Miss happens happen along the way like a bad marriage drugs and everyday life which leads her to have nothing and to build her life back up to where she wants it to be thanks to her brother and his best friend she is able to do that regain her life and her self-esteem and I'm able to get her life back in order to a bi to a happy place or she is loving and satisfied and once all that she could one in this world.
This book is a 4-star story but the 5-star rating because of the uniqueness and then depth of the characters you really feel for all the characters get to know them get to know the in and outs of them feel empathy for them and you really feel like you get to know them personally I really enjoyed this book and I truly hope that if you have a TBR or I looking for a good read you will sincerely consider putting this on your list because it is a war a book well worth reading.
I can only hope that author take a chance on books like this that are not on the norm represent a great story the people will enjoy as long as they get the publicity out there and word of male reviews whatever it takes this is a person's first first book and if you can get a chance it is also an audible and it is a very enjoyable book captivating you will be sympathetic and non sympathetic with the characters and it is very intriguing book and I will highly recommend it to everybody
March 30, 2020
Before Anyone Else is a heartwarming story of following your dreams and finding yourself in the face of personal heartbreak. Bailey Ann Edgeworth (Bae) is an interior designer for upscale restaurants. After working with mentor and award winning designer Julian, she’s ready to strike out on her own in the Big Apple.
I loved watching Bailey grow into herself with her own unique vision and burgeoning confidence. It took a while to get there but it was well worth the ride. Bailey is as endearing as she is ambitious and successful, and Griffin is my new book boyfriend!
The writing in this story is sharp and the plot moved quickly. The short chapters were perfect to keep the action going. And Bailey’s best friends Reggie and Elle were a delight. They always had Bailey’s back but weren’t afraid to speak their minds either.
My only quibble was with the way Bailey always referred to her brother, Henry, and his best friend/co-owner Griffin as “my men.” It seemed a bit artificial but I’m not from the south where it may be used more commonly.
Thank you Leslie Hooten for sharing BAE with me in exchange for a review. So happy this one landed in my lap!
I loved watching Bailey grow into herself with her own unique vision and burgeoning confidence. It took a while to get there but it was well worth the ride. Bailey is as endearing as she is ambitious and successful, and Griffin is my new book boyfriend!
The writing in this story is sharp and the plot moved quickly. The short chapters were perfect to keep the action going. And Bailey’s best friends Reggie and Elle were a delight. They always had Bailey’s back but weren’t afraid to speak their minds either.
My only quibble was with the way Bailey always referred to her brother, Henry, and his best friend/co-owner Griffin as “my men.” It seemed a bit artificial but I’m not from the south where it may be used more commonly.
Thank you Leslie Hooten for sharing BAE with me in exchange for a review. So happy this one landed in my lap!
June 22, 2020
“Life is too short not to be surrounded by beauty.”
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Bailey Edgeworth grew up in the restaurant industry the daughter of a well established chief and the sister of an up and coming chief and restaurant owner (one half of “The Color Wheel Boys”) but she doesn’t know how to cook. Her father strongly believed that women do not belong in the kitchen, so Bailey looked elsewhere to channel her vision. She found it in designing upscale restaurants and university cafeterias. She takes the time to sit in all parts of the empty space and reimagines it so that anyone would feel welcomed in the beautiful and memorable spot, winning awards and notoriety in the process. Her dreams bring her away from her family and the love of her life, Griffin, in Atlanta to NYC, where she becomes best friends with her two roommates who try to teach her the ways of “lady world” since Bailey grew up with her men. In NYC, she finally has the space and freedom to not just be a comma to someone. One new project introduces Bailey to Elliott, an Englishmen creating a new restaurant with no vision. Bailey see’s his question mark and is taken in by his cooking and their long conversations, eventually she becomes his muse. But being Elliott’s muse is more draining than rewarding. Then Bailey’s work is betrayed and she must face her relationship and it’s consequences. When she is at her lowest, she returns to Atlanta, her brother and her before anyone else. Will they be enough to repair her?
•
Bailey Edgeworth grew up in the restaurant industry the daughter of a well established chief and the sister of an up and coming chief and restaurant owner (one half of “The Color Wheel Boys”) but she doesn’t know how to cook. Her father strongly believed that women do not belong in the kitchen, so Bailey looked elsewhere to channel her vision. She found it in designing upscale restaurants and university cafeterias. She takes the time to sit in all parts of the empty space and reimagines it so that anyone would feel welcomed in the beautiful and memorable spot, winning awards and notoriety in the process. Her dreams bring her away from her family and the love of her life, Griffin, in Atlanta to NYC, where she becomes best friends with her two roommates who try to teach her the ways of “lady world” since Bailey grew up with her men. In NYC, she finally has the space and freedom to not just be a comma to someone. One new project introduces Bailey to Elliott, an Englishmen creating a new restaurant with no vision. Bailey see’s his question mark and is taken in by his cooking and their long conversations, eventually she becomes his muse. But being Elliott’s muse is more draining than rewarding. Then Bailey’s work is betrayed and she must face her relationship and it’s consequences. When she is at her lowest, she returns to Atlanta, her brother and her before anyone else. Will they be enough to repair her?
October 15, 2024
So let me start by saying that Ms. Hooton is a local author here in Charlotte, and to know her is to love her. She is simply a gem of a human. I feel so guilty I just now got around to reading one of her books, and boy have I been missing out. Catch me adding her other two books to my Amazon cart asap!! This book had all kinds of good tropes going on- friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, and a serious love triangle! There’s a touch of suspense, and an inside look of a toxic relationship and the strength it takes to get out of it. Bailey’s character transformation is beautiful and you will fall in love with her boys ❤️
Bailey, aka Bae, can walk into any space and transform it into something amazing. Her whole life though, her success has been tied to other people. Specifically her brother Henry and his best friend, Griiffin who are known for their 3 renowned restaurants in Buckhead, Ga. She wants to make a name for herself, and starts her first solo restaurant project in NYC with an English Chef, Elliot. When she feels rejected by her first love, Griffin, she throws herself into a relationship with Elliot, and man oh man is it a recipe for disaster!!
Bailey, aka Bae, can walk into any space and transform it into something amazing. Her whole life though, her success has been tied to other people. Specifically her brother Henry and his best friend, Griiffin who are known for their 3 renowned restaurants in Buckhead, Ga. She wants to make a name for herself, and starts her first solo restaurant project in NYC with an English Chef, Elliot. When she feels rejected by her first love, Griffin, she throws herself into a relationship with Elliot, and man oh man is it a recipe for disaster!!
July 11, 2020
DNF at 50%
I had high hopes for this book because it’s rare that I find a protagonist who shares my name, however, she and the rest of the characters were flat and boring.
Bailey had some love triangle thing going on and that will typically force the reader to pick a team and root for one outcome over the other but I could not have cared less about the trio because they (and their relationships) lacked depth and realism.
Another aspect I couldn’t come to grips with was the stiff, formal dialogue (does the author know what a contraction is?!).
Maybe there would’ve been redemption if I could’ve suffered through and finished... but I had to give up because this book was really off to me and I can’t quite put my finger on why.
Here’s a direct quote from the book that basically sums it up:
“Paragraphs that began with ellipses followed by disconnected prepositional phrases and commas, peppered with air quotes, a truckload of exclamation points thrown in for good measure, and an end with question marks.”
I had high hopes for this book because it’s rare that I find a protagonist who shares my name, however, she and the rest of the characters were flat and boring.
Bailey had some love triangle thing going on and that will typically force the reader to pick a team and root for one outcome over the other but I could not have cared less about the trio because they (and their relationships) lacked depth and realism.
Another aspect I couldn’t come to grips with was the stiff, formal dialogue (does the author know what a contraction is?!).
Maybe there would’ve been redemption if I could’ve suffered through and finished... but I had to give up because this book was really off to me and I can’t quite put my finger on why.
Here’s a direct quote from the book that basically sums it up:
“Paragraphs that began with ellipses followed by disconnected prepositional phrases and commas, peppered with air quotes, a truckload of exclamation points thrown in for good measure, and an end with question marks.”
August 19, 2020
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel. Although the synopsis had me intrigued, I am not always a fan of “coming-of-age love stories”. However, Leslie Hooton drew me in pretty much from page one. Once I sat down with this book I simply couldn’t stop!
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I really enjoyed the diversity in the characters. Although most of them are part of the restaurant industry, each character has their own distinct personality. I found Bae very relatable, even if a bit naive at times. We all make mistakes and have to learn how to pick ourselves back up again. And it is so much easier to do just that when you are surrounded by people who really love you.
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As much as I came to despise Bae’s husband, I applaud the author for being able to very vividly paint the two different sides of him. It is amazing how much addiction can truly change a person.
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If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly recommend picking it up!
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A special thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
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I really enjoyed the diversity in the characters. Although most of them are part of the restaurant industry, each character has their own distinct personality. I found Bae very relatable, even if a bit naive at times. We all make mistakes and have to learn how to pick ourselves back up again. And it is so much easier to do just that when you are surrounded by people who really love you.
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As much as I came to despise Bae’s husband, I applaud the author for being able to very vividly paint the two different sides of him. It is amazing how much addiction can truly change a person.
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If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly recommend picking it up!
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A special thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
July 6, 2022
Bailey has always been compared to her brother and childhood friend, who are both successful in the restaurant business. Also Griffin, this childhood friend has been her first love before anyone else. They have had an off and on relationship over the years. And while her brother and Griffin are successful in the restaurant business, Bailey wants to find her own way. She discovers she’s talented in restaurant decorating and learns from a very talented interior decorator who designed her brother and Griffin’s first restaurant. Finally she gets the courage to go out on her own. Since things are so unpredictable with Griffin, she decides to give him up and starts a relationship with a English chef, but it ends up being a disaster. It was interesting to see Bailey’s growth in this book and her relationships with her brother, Griffin, her father and her ex husband. I enjoyed the book and definitely recommend. Also noted this is a first of two books. Looking forward to reading the second one.
November 18, 2022
I enjoyed not only a behind-the-scenes peek into the restaurant world but a coming of age story full of romance, shopping and great food and drink!
My three favorite things about Before Anyone Else by Leslie Hooton:
1) Bailey’s drive and determination in both her professional life and personal life - her career was always very important to her and she never lost sight of it despite experiencing lows in her personal life; her personal life did not always go as she intended (as it goes for most of us) but she never let the bad things overcome her desire for personal happiness, even when it looked out of reach
2) The portrayal of female friendship - Elle, Reggie, Lea, Annabel - Bailey was surrounded by males in her life and had always lacked the female variable - once they did come along, some unbreakable bonds were craft
3) The character development - there were several people/relationships that I had one opinion about in the beginning and as the characters grew or true natures revealed and the relationships progressed, I had a different opinion - I was not a Hank fan or a Griffin fan in the beginning
Before Anyone Else shows Bailey’s battles with love and ambition and how they can be enemies at times, and at other times, allies.
As far as logistics go, I LOVED the short chapters in this book! I am one of those people who would rather read eight 5 page chapters than 2 twenty page chapters.
I cannot wait to hear the next part of Bailey's story in After Everyone Else!
My three favorite things about Before Anyone Else by Leslie Hooton:
1) Bailey’s drive and determination in both her professional life and personal life - her career was always very important to her and she never lost sight of it despite experiencing lows in her personal life; her personal life did not always go as she intended (as it goes for most of us) but she never let the bad things overcome her desire for personal happiness, even when it looked out of reach
2) The portrayal of female friendship - Elle, Reggie, Lea, Annabel - Bailey was surrounded by males in her life and had always lacked the female variable - once they did come along, some unbreakable bonds were craft
3) The character development - there were several people/relationships that I had one opinion about in the beginning and as the characters grew or true natures revealed and the relationships progressed, I had a different opinion - I was not a Hank fan or a Griffin fan in the beginning
Before Anyone Else shows Bailey’s battles with love and ambition and how they can be enemies at times, and at other times, allies.
As far as logistics go, I LOVED the short chapters in this book! I am one of those people who would rather read eight 5 page chapters than 2 twenty page chapters.
I cannot wait to hear the next part of Bailey's story in After Everyone Else!
October 21, 2020
Leslie Hooton’s debut novel, “Before Anyone Else” (Turner Publishing, 2020) is a story of hope and vision, reimagining spaces where we come together to celebrate meals and each other. At the same time, it is a story of restoring more intimate, fragile worlds where misfortune and happiness exchange places. Surrounded by loving, dynamic, southern men—her father Hank, brother Henry, and “best friend” Griffin—Bailey Ann Edgeworth grows into a young woman able to visualize and transform unrealized spaces into beautiful upscale restaurants, which reveal the owners’ and chefs’ individual stories. Ambition and imagination lead the Atlanta native to New York City, where success and the idea of love lead to trouble. True friends and family help Bailey find her way home, a path that reminds, as well as restores.
-from my interview with Leslie Hooton at Newfound - read more here: https://newfound.org/current-issue/in...
April 1, 2020
I have been reading and enjoying a great deal of contemporary romance lately. It always feel like a great escape. For me, this one was just an "okay" book. There were things about it that I liked and things about it that I didn't like. A couple of the things that I liked were that it revolved around the restaurant business and I liked how Bailey designed the interior of them. I thought that was cool! I also love a good best friends turned lovers trope. However, I didn't like how the book jumped forward in time so much. Even from the first to second chapter, there is quite a great deal of time that elapses, and this pattern occurs multiple times throughout the story. Just like the time jumping forward abruptly, it also seemed to jump forward in plots abruptly as well. One minute Bailey was meeting a guy and the next they were falling in love and the next he was married and the next there was trouble in paradise. The downward spiral happens rather quickly with little to no plot development in between. As I was reading, there were many times when the story felt trite or forced. I didn't hate the book, but I probably won't be recommending it, as there are many other better contemporary romance books that I enjoyed more. Thank you to the publisher for sending me a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
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