What do you think?
Rate this book
Before Him
“Think of the worst breakup you ever had. If it didn’t end with your boyfriend asking you for a threesome the day after taking your virginity, I’ve got you beat. All I’ve ever wanted was to experience a love like my parents had. They told me all those stories about love when I was a little girl, and how it’s the key to living happily ever after.
Well, I started to think those were all lies. Love is a trick, and it doesn’t exist. Who needs romance when it only ends with you crying your eyes out? So I went on strike two years straight: no love, no men… and it was going well!
But then this guy Steven smiled at me and then his best friend Michael kissed me and, well, this story is so complicated there has to be a good ending to it. Right? Or maybe my Fairy Godmother’s a major bi-tch.”
Well, I started to think those were all lies. Love is a trick, and it doesn’t exist. Who needs romance when it only ends with you crying your eyes out? So I went on strike two years straight: no love, no men… and it was going well!
But then this guy Steven smiled at me and then his best friend Michael kissed me and, well, this story is so complicated there has to be a good ending to it. Right? Or maybe my Fairy Godmother’s a major bi-tch.”
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2019
191 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Portia Moore
28 books1,457 followersPortia Moore is an Amazon and iBooks bestselling author of romantic suspense, including the popular If I Break series, the Her series, and the Collided series, which combined have sold over one million copies across all platforms. Located in the chilly Midwest, her favorite vacations are anywhere that's hot and sunny with a beach, reading the same kind of heart-pounding, twisty, edge-of-your seat romantic thrillers that she loves to write. When that's not possible, she loves drinking wine, cooking (also with wine) and spending time with her little family of one human child and two furbabies, one that barks and one that meows.
Sign up for text alerts by texting Portia to 797979
Follow Portia on Instagram @Portiamoorewrites
Join my Reader group on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/Porti...
Visit My Website: Portiamoore.com
Join me on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/portiamooreb...
Sign up for text alerts by texting Portia to 797979
Follow Portia on Instagram @Portiamoorewrites
Join my Reader group on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/Porti...
Visit My Website: Portiamoore.com
Join me on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/portiamooreb...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 15, 2019
So AMAZING!
Easily hooked to the end. Captivating storyline with endless intrigue, gripping emotions and exciting chemistry. An amazing read without fail by this fantastic author who always has me wanting her next read.
Merged review:
So AMAZING!
Easily hooked to the end. Captivating storyline with endless intrigue, gripping emotions and exciting chemistry. An amazing read without fail by this fantastic author who always has me wanting her next read.
Easily hooked to the end. Captivating storyline with endless intrigue, gripping emotions and exciting chemistry. An amazing read without fail by this fantastic author who always has me wanting her next read.
Merged review:
So AMAZING!
Easily hooked to the end. Captivating storyline with endless intrigue, gripping emotions and exciting chemistry. An amazing read without fail by this fantastic author who always has me wanting her next read.
July 15, 2019
Greatest series ever
This book was so good and you get a better view of Laurens past and get to know more about her and her parents also raven! I loved it!!
This book was so good and you get a better view of Laurens past and get to know more about her and her parents also raven! I loved it!!
Want to read
August 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/5/2019)! 🎁
July 14, 2019
Lauren Lauren Lauren
I started this series when the first book came out and I have to say, I truly feel like I know these people. The characters are my friends. This book gave me details about my girl Lauren that I didn’t know I needed. I feel like I know her better and am able to appreciate the rest of the series a little bit more. Portia girl your stories and the way that you tell them amaze me. If I could give 10 stars I would. All of Portia’s books are a must read.
I started this series when the first book came out and I have to say, I truly feel like I know these people. The characters are my friends. This book gave me details about my girl Lauren that I didn’t know I needed. I feel like I know her better and am able to appreciate the rest of the series a little bit more. Portia girl your stories and the way that you tell them amaze me. If I could give 10 stars I would. All of Portia’s books are a must read.
July 21, 2019
The book I didn’t know I was missing
As a long time fan of the if I break series I have to say I didn’t know how much I needed this book till I read it. This lends a new perspective to a much loved story. It even inspired me to reread the entire series. Fantastic book and fantastic series. A definite must read if you are looking for a new type of romance to shake up you reading list.
As a long time fan of the if I break series I have to say I didn’t know how much I needed this book till I read it. This lends a new perspective to a much loved story. It even inspired me to reread the entire series. Fantastic book and fantastic series. A definite must read if you are looking for a new type of romance to shake up you reading list.
August 9, 2019
Before Him
Laurens past is exposed in this story...This is before she met Cal. #teamcal! From the beginning I was very intrigued on how Lauren became the woman she is at the start. I was literally not prepared for any of this. Shocked at every turn! Only thing that would have made it for me more is if it ended with Cal saying "Hi, I'm Cal". If that was just the end...YES!!!!
Laurens past is exposed in this story...This is before she met Cal. #teamcal! From the beginning I was very intrigued on how Lauren became the woman she is at the start. I was literally not prepared for any of this. Shocked at every turn! Only thing that would have made it for me more is if it ended with Cal saying "Hi, I'm Cal". If that was just the end...YES!!!!
July 21, 2019
I love anything Portia Moore writes! Love that she wrote a prequel for Lauren - this book was right up there with the rest of the series which I absolutely loved - I devoured this book and per usual the characters are not only loveable but relatable - looking forward to more by this author!
July 25, 2019
5 stars
I love the If I break series and this prequel is a brilliant way to lure someone new into the series.
This book is an introduction to Lauren, one of the main characters in the series and once you've read it, you'll definitely want to keep reading.
I love the If I break series and this prequel is a brilliant way to lure someone new into the series.
This book is an introduction to Lauren, one of the main characters in the series and once you've read it, you'll definitely want to keep reading.
July 13, 2019
AMAZING
Another brilliant book, I just love the story of lauren and cal and I can't wait for the next one.
Another brilliant book, I just love the story of lauren and cal and I can't wait for the next one.
July 13, 2019
Another fantastic book
This book has you hooked from the first paragraph. A must read in the Broken series. well done Portia .
This book has you hooked from the first paragraph. A must read in the Broken series. well done Portia .
July 14, 2019
Love love love it
Fabulous, captivating and as addictive as all the If I Break series....I want more . Best books I've read and re-read and re-read and re-read and re-read.
Fabulous, captivating and as addictive as all the If I Break series....I want more . Best books I've read and re-read and re-read and re-read and re-read.
February 16, 2020
Life before the Tornado named Cal!💋
Okay, I really didn't need to read this book. Me personally didn't need to know how Lauren was before Cal. I think I would prefer Cal story. Either way it was good, but I browse through it quickly. It just may me realized Lauren record with choosing men was not good. She pretty much met guys that where into themselves even Cal. It just made me realized she needed to stand for herself, maybe she needed to be alone for bit and focus on a career and what she wanted to do with her life and meet a mature older guy.
Okay, I really didn't need to read this book. Me personally didn't need to know how Lauren was before Cal. I think I would prefer Cal story. Either way it was good, but I browse through it quickly. It just may me realized Lauren record with choosing men was not good. She pretty much met guys that where into themselves even Cal. It just made me realized she needed to stand for herself, maybe she needed to be alone for bit and focus on a career and what she wanted to do with her life and meet a mature older guy.
July 10, 2020
It's the Beginning
This is the story of how Lauren became who she is. Raven is her Aunt and takes her in after her parents die. Lauren went to school in her hometown at a community college and then transferred to a college in Chicago. She meets her best friend Angie in Chicago and her roommate Hillary and she meets Steven and Michael. I guess I should have read this first but it brought it all full circle for me about how Lauren and Cal came to be.
This is the story of how Lauren became who she is. Raven is her Aunt and takes her in after her parents die. Lauren went to school in her hometown at a community college and then transferred to a college in Chicago. She meets her best friend Angie in Chicago and her roommate Hillary and she meets Steven and Michael. I guess I should have read this first but it brought it all full circle for me about how Lauren and Cal came to be.
September 14, 2021
A Great Pre-Equal
The 'If I Break' Series is one of my favourite and I loved reading about all the characters involved in it. In this book you meet Lauren before Cal comes charging into her life and changes it forever.
I was sooooo excited for Portia’s next book and she DID NOT disappoint! Before Him was exactly what I wanted it to be and set up the “If I Break” series beautifully for any new reader!
The 'If I Break' Series is one of my favourite and I loved reading about all the characters involved in it. In this book you meet Lauren before Cal comes charging into her life and changes it forever.
I was sooooo excited for Portia’s next book and she DID NOT disappoint! Before Him was exactly what I wanted it to be and set up the “If I Break” series beautifully for any new reader!
November 9, 2020
This book costs $2.99 on kindle and I can honestly say it was not worth the price I paid for it. It was a decent read and I did enjoy learning a little more about Lauren and her background. However, I felt that the price was a tad steep for only 149 pages. (Guess I should have paid attention to the page count before purchasing).
Worth the read?: Yes
Worth the price?: No
Worth the read?: Yes
Worth the price?: No
March 2, 2020
An Enjoyable Read
A good, light hearted read, despite the repeated heart break. Poor Lauren. I can't wait to read her next chapters.
A good, light hearted read, despite the repeated heart break. Poor Lauren. I can't wait to read her next chapters.
March 11, 2020
i wish i could have read them all in order - its been so long since i read if i break - i forgot the story
August 28, 2020
Egg it on
Financing cheating and sweet revenge. Let's throw one f or old times sake. You never know until you try the next big chance might be around the corner
Financing cheating and sweet revenge. Let's throw one f or old times sake. You never know until you try the next big chance might be around the corner
December 1, 2019
I didn’t realize this was the prequel to a book that I didn’t really enjoy.
This didn’t add to the overall story but created a narrative where bad decisions left a young woman stuck in a pattern.
This didn’t add to the overall story but created a narrative where bad decisions left a young woman stuck in a pattern.
August 1, 2019
Finally!
Seeing Lauren's beginning helps to put her in a different light. If you've read the other books in the series, you see her as being standoffish and not so sure if things, but seeing what she went through brings it all home. I couldn't help but see the kind of comparison between Steven and Chris then Michael and Cal. Yes they are different people but when you look at them as a whole, Chris is the sweet one (like Steven) and Michael is the in your face, say it like it is (like Cal) and I absolutely loved it! Portia did an amazing job of bringing this book into the beginning of If I Break first book. From reading the whole series and knowing what she was about to find in that closet... My heart was beating fast all over again! I cannot wait for the next installment on the If I Break series! Amazing job as always!
Seeing Lauren's beginning helps to put her in a different light. If you've read the other books in the series, you see her as being standoffish and not so sure if things, but seeing what she went through brings it all home. I couldn't help but see the kind of comparison between Steven and Chris then Michael and Cal. Yes they are different people but when you look at them as a whole, Chris is the sweet one (like Steven) and Michael is the in your face, say it like it is (like Cal) and I absolutely loved it! Portia did an amazing job of bringing this book into the beginning of If I Break first book. From reading the whole series and knowing what she was about to find in that closet... My heart was beating fast all over again! I cannot wait for the next installment on the If I Break series! Amazing job as always!
July 20, 2019
Most awaited prequel
-----------------
“Who was that you were talking to? He’s freaking beautiful”
Lauren: “Trouble. I think he’s trouble”
Loved every bit of Lauren’s journey ‘before him’…….. No words to explain, beautifully written Portia!
Finished reading the book in around straight 5hrs on one go!
You made me re-read the series again. Thanks for walking us through Lauren’s beautiful brave soul until up to Cal
Ohh how I miss him.. I really want more of Cal & Lauren.. Ohh let us fall more in love with Chris! Lauren always deserve the best. She had been through a lot. She appears to be fragile yet one of the strongest souls. Love her. Just as the whole series, ‘Before Him’ was beautifully written too.
Cheers to Lauren’s little world to be filled with lot more love….!!
-----------------
“Who was that you were talking to? He’s freaking beautiful”
Lauren: “Trouble. I think he’s trouble”
Loved every bit of Lauren’s journey ‘before him’…….. No words to explain, beautifully written Portia!
Finished reading the book in around straight 5hrs on one go!
You made me re-read the series again. Thanks for walking us through Lauren’s beautiful brave soul until up to Cal
Ohh how I miss him.. I really want more of Cal & Lauren.. Ohh let us fall more in love with Chris! Lauren always deserve the best. She had been through a lot. She appears to be fragile yet one of the strongest souls. Love her. Just as the whole series, ‘Before Him’ was beautifully written too.
Cheers to Lauren’s little world to be filled with lot more love….!!
July 30, 2019
This was a wonderful story, my first read from this author. It's about Lauren and Daniel. It's their (love) story from the time they met in kinder garden all through high school. He becomes a member of a basketball team, she finally loses her virginity to him. I really loved the story, but thought that Lauren was a bit naive. I usually don't support when best friends are trying to put heroines down by telling them that they are naive, but in this case, I just felt, that Lauren was missing something and didn't want to see, while Mallory was just trying to open her eyes. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2019
Finally what I've been waiting for... I absolutely loved this book.. I love this who series slash spinoff... I believe that you get better and better... keep going...
Merged review:
Giiiiiiirrrrrrrllllllllll!!!!@@
IM BEYOND WITH THIS BOOK!!!!... I really didn't know if I could love this as much as the others but you've done it again...
Merged review:
Giiiiiiirrrrrrrllllllllll!!!!@@
IM BEYOND WITH THIS BOOK!!!!... I really didn't know if I could love this as much as the others but you've done it again...
October 6, 2019
This is Lauren’s story - the prequel to the If I Break series (which is currently free on Kindle amzn.to/31Rl3cT) - before she meets Cal.
This poor girl. So naive and just looking for her Prince Charming, but ended up with 2 frogs. Two cheating, good for nothing, frogs.
This made me want to read the story all over again. Cal is in my top 10 favorite Hero’s.
This poor girl. So naive and just looking for her Prince Charming, but ended up with 2 frogs. Two cheating, good for nothing, frogs.
This made me want to read the story all over again. Cal is in my top 10 favorite Hero’s.
July 29, 2019
This is a prequel for the If I Break series and boy I'm ready to start diving in those. It's short but it hooks you right into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2019
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. The story is an enjoyable funny romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2019
Intriguing
This book is good. It is well written & the storyline is great. The characters are fantastic. They k eep your interest all the way. Th e only bad thing is it is a cliffhanger.
This book is good. It is well written & the storyline is great. The characters are fantastic. They k eep your interest all the way. Th e only bad thing is it is a cliffhanger.
August 15, 2019
Love it
Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I will say this, why didn't she knock the hell out of Daniel and Mallory. Then there comes Michael another butt hole, who would even put up with the crap they dish out. I woulda kick them out of my life from the get go.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I will say this, why didn't she knock the hell out of Daniel and Mallory. Then there comes Michael another butt hole, who would even put up with the crap they dish out. I woulda kick them out of my life from the get go.
September 3, 2019
This is the prequel to If i break series and if you are fan then you would want to read this one. It shows the beginning of Lauren and its such a fantastic story. I was totally hooked from the beginning. This story helps to understand more of Lauren's character. Absolutely love it!!!!
September 21, 2019
Still in love with them
After reading this entire series, I 'm still intrigued by Cal and Lauren. Will Chris and Collin make an appearance?! This series should be a series of a movie on Netflix or Passionflix. It's just that good. Looking forward to reading HER!!!!
After reading this entire series, I 'm still intrigued by Cal and Lauren. Will Chris and Collin make an appearance?! This series should be a series of a movie on Netflix or Passionflix. It's just that good. Looking forward to reading HER!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews