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Before. After. Always.
Unexpectedly, loss can teach us how to love.
For Eliza Walsh, life is full of risk. She knows a thing or two about pain, and not just from her job as chief resident at the hospital. She's reeling from a car accident that took the life of the only woman she's ever loved, and her parents' betrayal has strained their relationship to the point of nonexistence.
But Blake Navarro enters the picture and challenges Eliza's cautious way of living. Blake's everything she isn't: open, carefree, and a little reckless. When Eliza discovers that Blake, too, is healing from a huge loss, she feels seen, understood, and less alone.
As Eliza and Blake fall for each other, they heal in ways they never expected. But when Eliza's troubled past catches up with her, it changes everything, and she has to decide if fully opening her heart is worth the risk.
For Eliza Walsh, life is full of risk. She knows a thing or two about pain, and not just from her job as chief resident at the hospital. She's reeling from a car accident that took the life of the only woman she's ever loved, and her parents' betrayal has strained their relationship to the point of nonexistence.
But Blake Navarro enters the picture and challenges Eliza's cautious way of living. Blake's everything she isn't: open, carefree, and a little reckless. When Eliza discovers that Blake, too, is healing from a huge loss, she feels seen, understood, and less alone.
As Eliza and Blake fall for each other, they heal in ways they never expected. But when Eliza's troubled past catches up with her, it changes everything, and she has to decide if fully opening her heart is worth the risk.
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2021
9 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Lee Miller
9 books176 followersMorgan Lee Miller started writing at the age of 5 in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. Since there is absolutely nothing to do there, she entertained herself by writing her first few novels by hand.
She currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her two feline children, Milo and Elsa. She has a serious problem with oversharing pictures of her cats on Instagram and promises never to apologize for it.
She currently resides in Washington, D.C. with her two feline children, Milo and Elsa. She has a serious problem with oversharing pictures of her cats on Instagram and promises never to apologize for it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 16, 2021
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher (Bold Strokes Books) in exchange for an unbiased review'
**'Everything that you as a writer think is worth writing may NOT necessarily worth writing and might also be irritating for readers to read...'
Okay read!
I've read two of Ms.Lee Miller's other books and did really enjoyed both but for some reason or the other I just could NOT get into or connect with a majority of 'BEFORE.AFTER.ALWAYS's' storyline -- has an enticing blurb but it just seems way too dull.
During the storytelling, both leading characters (Eliza & Blake) and a few other secondary ones are viewed as over 30 adults but at times their roles felt teenager-ish (YA) -- re: the 'BEFORE' in the title and this author's past writings that centered on teenage love.
I do not want to post any harsh criticism on what I thought this book should or could have been because I really don't wanna sway other interested readers from checking it out. Everyone might read the same book but in the end will have so many different opinions and that's what I'm hoping will transpire.
One thing I can say is that Ms.Lee Miller is very meticulous about all things pertaining to medicine and medical expertise -- with vivid and vibrant details.
Furthermore, my brief summation should not surmise to play any role in how other readers react to the book. The premise is a bit unique and might be just what others deem satisfactory.
**'Everything that you as a writer think is worth writing may NOT necessarily worth writing and might also be irritating for readers to read...'
Okay read!
I've read two of Ms.Lee Miller's other books and did really enjoyed both but for some reason or the other I just could NOT get into or connect with a majority of 'BEFORE.AFTER.ALWAYS's' storyline -- has an enticing blurb but it just seems way too dull.
During the storytelling, both leading characters (Eliza & Blake) and a few other secondary ones are viewed as over 30 adults but at times their roles felt teenager-ish (YA) -- re: the 'BEFORE' in the title and this author's past writings that centered on teenage love.
I do not want to post any harsh criticism on what I thought this book should or could have been because I really don't wanna sway other interested readers from checking it out. Everyone might read the same book but in the end will have so many different opinions and that's what I'm hoping will transpire.
One thing I can say is that Ms.Lee Miller is very meticulous about all things pertaining to medicine and medical expertise -- with vivid and vibrant details.
Furthermore, my brief summation should not surmise to play any role in how other readers react to the book. The premise is a bit unique and might be just what others deem satisfactory.
April 22, 2021
This is the most frustrating book I’ve read in a while. There’s so much potential but I almost dropped it several times. I didn’t because this is my fourth book by this author and I had faith in her.
At eighteen, Eliza Walsh lost everything: the love of her life, the plans they had made for their future, her respect for her parents. Thirteen years later, as she enters the last year of her residency, Blake Navarro, an easygoing and very talented chef, makes her experience feelings she hasn’t known since she was a teenager. Not only is the spark she’s been looking for – and dreaded at the same time – in full bloom, but through Blake’s welcoming family, Eliza comes to realise how much she misses her own parents.
Seriously, people, talk to each other. And listen. Communication goes both ways. You know, I love second chance romances and one of the reasons I do is that authors have to work hard to make me believe that what once went wrong can now go right. The second chance in this novel isn’t romance, it’s the relationship between Eliza and her parents, and the reason they’ve been estranged is so fucked up it made me cringe. I’m not saying it’s not plausible, because life can fuck up too, but damn, it’s frustrating. In real life, I don’t do regrets, or not much. I move forward. I don’t believe in dwelling on the past (my anxiety doesn’t always agree but I treat that as an epiphenomenon). I learn and move on. If I read a book about time wasted, I need to believe it was worth it. I’m not entirely convinced here. I can, with a little effort, persuade myself that it works because Eliza was so young and in so much pain at the time.
Another issue is the redundant commentary that makes some sentences feel like more tell than show even though the showing is there too. A good example of that is how Blake got into cooking: the reader is told the story, then a couple of pages later, Blake tells it to Eliza in almost the same words.
All this made it rather difficult to get – and stay – into the story. I’m glad I didn’t give up, however. The characters are wonderful. I loved both MCs at first sight and the secondary characters are fantastic too. They’re mostly family and I wish Malai, Blake’s best friend, played a bigger part.
And the Christmas moment is beautiful and so moving. Every interaction with Eliza’s parents brought tears to my eyes. A book that makes me cry is clearly worth reading and I’d recommend it even if only for those moments.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
At eighteen, Eliza Walsh lost everything: the love of her life, the plans they had made for their future, her respect for her parents. Thirteen years later, as she enters the last year of her residency, Blake Navarro, an easygoing and very talented chef, makes her experience feelings she hasn’t known since she was a teenager. Not only is the spark she’s been looking for – and dreaded at the same time – in full bloom, but through Blake’s welcoming family, Eliza comes to realise how much she misses her own parents.
Seriously, people, talk to each other. And listen. Communication goes both ways. You know, I love second chance romances and one of the reasons I do is that authors have to work hard to make me believe that what once went wrong can now go right. The second chance in this novel isn’t romance, it’s the relationship between Eliza and her parents, and the reason they’ve been estranged is so fucked up it made me cringe. I’m not saying it’s not plausible, because life can fuck up too, but damn, it’s frustrating. In real life, I don’t do regrets, or not much. I move forward. I don’t believe in dwelling on the past (my anxiety doesn’t always agree but I treat that as an epiphenomenon). I learn and move on. If I read a book about time wasted, I need to believe it was worth it. I’m not entirely convinced here. I can, with a little effort, persuade myself that it works because Eliza was so young and in so much pain at the time.
Another issue is the redundant commentary that makes some sentences feel like more tell than show even though the showing is there too. A good example of that is how Blake got into cooking: the reader is told the story, then a couple of pages later, Blake tells it to Eliza in almost the same words.
All this made it rather difficult to get – and stay – into the story. I’m glad I didn’t give up, however. The characters are wonderful. I loved both MCs at first sight and the secondary characters are fantastic too. They’re mostly family and I wish Malai, Blake’s best friend, played a bigger part.
And the Christmas moment is beautiful and so moving. Every interaction with Eliza’s parents brought tears to my eyes. A book that makes me cry is clearly worth reading and I’d recommend it even if only for those moments.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2021
4 Stars
“Before.After.Always.” by Morgan Lee Miller is a book on moving on after loss. It’s not a fun, easy book to read as it tackles some heavy topics such as grief and homophobia. Even so, I found that I really enjoyed it.
Eliza Walsh is the chief resident at the hospital where she meets Blake Navarro. Blake requires surgery after a motorcycle accident and afterwards they hit it off.
I really liked Eliza and Blake together. Eliza lives with anxiety and panic attacks from a past trauma that includes the death of her girlfriend. Blake is patient, kind, and understanding about Eliza’s trauma as she too understands loss after losing her brother in war.
This isn’t an easy book to read at times. Eliza hasn’t been in a serious relationship since her girlfriend died when they were 18 and she has quite a few triggers. Not only did she lose her girlfriend, she hasn’t spoken to her parents in almost 10 years because of reasons relating to her girlfriend’s death. She’s at a point in her life where she does want to move on and love again but it isn’t a walk in the park getting there. Blake doesn’t let these triggers and panic attacks get in the way of their blossoming relationship. She just wants to be there for Eliza to help her heal and move on.
Blake is more on the light-hearted side. She has a bit of a reputation for being a player and a flirt. She was hurt in a previous relationship and has spent the last few years just having fun. She’s now at a point in her life where she’s wants to settle down and start a family. I loved her attitude and personality and thought it was exactly what Eliza needed to help with her healing process.
The one main thing I had an issue with is the main conflict. (I don’t want to spoil things so this will be a bit vague.) Blake had been so patient and understanding until she wasn’t. I felt the lack of understanding on her part was very out of character for how she’d been the rest of the story. I did feel like her fears from her previous relationship had a lot to do with it and I could understand it to that point. However, with her knowing how Eliza was slow to change, especially in their relationship, it was hard for me to grasp her attitude around the whole situation.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, even with the lack of understanding and miscommunication. It pulled on my heartstrings and left me happy in the end. This is my first book by Miller and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
“Before.After.Always.” by Morgan Lee Miller is a book on moving on after loss. It’s not a fun, easy book to read as it tackles some heavy topics such as grief and homophobia. Even so, I found that I really enjoyed it.
Eliza Walsh is the chief resident at the hospital where she meets Blake Navarro. Blake requires surgery after a motorcycle accident and afterwards they hit it off.
I really liked Eliza and Blake together. Eliza lives with anxiety and panic attacks from a past trauma that includes the death of her girlfriend. Blake is patient, kind, and understanding about Eliza’s trauma as she too understands loss after losing her brother in war.
This isn’t an easy book to read at times. Eliza hasn’t been in a serious relationship since her girlfriend died when they were 18 and she has quite a few triggers. Not only did she lose her girlfriend, she hasn’t spoken to her parents in almost 10 years because of reasons relating to her girlfriend’s death. She’s at a point in her life where she does want to move on and love again but it isn’t a walk in the park getting there. Blake doesn’t let these triggers and panic attacks get in the way of their blossoming relationship. She just wants to be there for Eliza to help her heal and move on.
Blake is more on the light-hearted side. She has a bit of a reputation for being a player and a flirt. She was hurt in a previous relationship and has spent the last few years just having fun. She’s now at a point in her life where she’s wants to settle down and start a family. I loved her attitude and personality and thought it was exactly what Eliza needed to help with her healing process.
The one main thing I had an issue with is the main conflict. (I don’t want to spoil things so this will be a bit vague.) Blake had been so patient and understanding until she wasn’t. I felt the lack of understanding on her part was very out of character for how she’d been the rest of the story. I did feel like her fears from her previous relationship had a lot to do with it and I could understand it to that point. However, with her knowing how Eliza was slow to change, especially in their relationship, it was hard for me to grasp her attitude around the whole situation.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, even with the lack of understanding and miscommunication. It pulled on my heartstrings and left me happy in the end. This is my first book by Miller and I’m looking forward to reading more from her.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2021
3.5 stars. I find this book very hard to rate. It was up and down, there were some issues that didn’t make sense to me and/or annoyed me, but at the same time the story engaged me and I enjoyed reading it, this is really one of those books for which I would like half star rating, but I’ll rate it up for the overall feeling I got.
After losing a loved one Eliza blocked herself off from connecting to anyone on a deeper level and she mainly focused on becoming a surgeon. Now, in her last year before taking her boards she meets Blake (a patient) and she has to confront her grief in order to open up. Blake is also no stranger to grief herself and is therefore the perfect person to understand and help Eliza and I liked them as a couple. Blake is the head chef in a Mexican restaurant owned by her uncle and I enjoyed the moments with Blake’s family, it instantly feels good.
My biggest issue with this book was the mis/non-communication, and not only between Blake and Eliza, but also between Eliza and her family. There were several things that seemed blown out of proportion and could have easily been avoided with only a little bit of communication (and not only from the main characters). There were also a couple of inconsistencies including some repetition and dropped threads (like Eliza’s sister who seems to almost disappear towards the end of the book).
This was the first book I read by Miller and I liked the writing style and the way this book evoked emotions in me. There were some bumps, miscommunication being the biggest one, but overall, I enjoyed it. This is not a light read as the main topic is about loss and grief, so it was emotional and sad at times (yep I needed a tissue once or twice), but some warm, happy moments also lighten things up.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After losing a loved one Eliza blocked herself off from connecting to anyone on a deeper level and she mainly focused on becoming a surgeon. Now, in her last year before taking her boards she meets Blake (a patient) and she has to confront her grief in order to open up. Blake is also no stranger to grief herself and is therefore the perfect person to understand and help Eliza and I liked them as a couple. Blake is the head chef in a Mexican restaurant owned by her uncle and I enjoyed the moments with Blake’s family, it instantly feels good.
My biggest issue with this book was the mis/non-communication, and not only between Blake and Eliza, but also between Eliza and her family. There were several things that seemed blown out of proportion and could have easily been avoided with only a little bit of communication (and not only from the main characters). There were also a couple of inconsistencies including some repetition and dropped threads (like Eliza’s sister who seems to almost disappear towards the end of the book).
This was the first book I read by Miller and I liked the writing style and the way this book evoked emotions in me. There were some bumps, miscommunication being the biggest one, but overall, I enjoyed it. This is not a light read as the main topic is about loss and grief, so it was emotional and sad at times (yep I needed a tissue once or twice), but some warm, happy moments also lighten things up.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
A decent love-after-loss story.
I think it's ironic that the first person who makes Eliza want to pursue a relationship with after years of being inactive in that department is her patient. It feels somewhat like fate is at play, to lose a fiancée in a vehicular accident and to find love again in a similar fashion.
I think timing plays a part in making this storyline work. While Eliza still holds on to the memories of her first love and has occasional PTSD triggers, she is at the point where she is ready to move forward with the right person. And I was convinced early on that Blake is the right person. Blake understands grief like Eliza does, having also lost a loved one before. And despite having a penchant for taking risks, Blake is also patient and considerate when it comes to Eliza and she does try to stay away from high-risk activities for Eliza's sake. So that scored some points in my book and sealed the fact that I like Blake very much. And I immersed in their relationship which I thought was pretty rock solid so I was blindsided by the black moment that seemed to undo everything I thought was good. That tore me up when it happened.
Family plays a huge role in this book. I love how tight and welcoming Blake's family is. And this is important because it encouraged Eliza to try to mend her own family relations, which is a step towards her own healing.
I enjoyed this quite a bit overall. First book I've read by Miller and it definitely won't be the last.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think it's ironic that the first person who makes Eliza want to pursue a relationship with after years of being inactive in that department is her patient. It feels somewhat like fate is at play, to lose a fiancée in a vehicular accident and to find love again in a similar fashion.
I think timing plays a part in making this storyline work. While Eliza still holds on to the memories of her first love and has occasional PTSD triggers, she is at the point where she is ready to move forward with the right person. And I was convinced early on that Blake is the right person. Blake understands grief like Eliza does, having also lost a loved one before. And despite having a penchant for taking risks, Blake is also patient and considerate when it comes to Eliza and she does try to stay away from high-risk activities for Eliza's sake. So that scored some points in my book and sealed the fact that I like Blake very much. And I immersed in their relationship which I thought was pretty rock solid so I was blindsided by the black moment that seemed to undo everything I thought was good. That tore me up when it happened.
Family plays a huge role in this book. I love how tight and welcoming Blake's family is. And this is important because it encouraged Eliza to try to mend her own family relations, which is a step towards her own healing.
I enjoyed this quite a bit overall. First book I've read by Miller and it definitely won't be the last.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2021
Content warnings: panic attacks, PTSD, motor accidents, loss of loved ones, surgery, hospitalization, homophobia, outing, conversion therapy (pray the gay away)
I loved Miller’s YA duology All the Worlds between Us (my review of ATWBU & ATPTY) and have been looking forward to Before. After. Always. for months. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Dr. Eliza Walsh (31, lesbian) lost her girlfriend of four years when she was eighteen in a car accident where she was the driver. Now, thirteen years later, she is a surgeon on her last year of residency and still not entirely ready to love again. When Blake Navarro (30, lesbian, Mexican American) enters the ER with multiple fractures after a motorcycle accident, Eliza becomes intrigued by this flirty patient. After discharge, Eliza decides to take up on Blake’s invitation to Mezcal Cocina where she works as a head chef. Would it be so wrong to get to know this reckless woman?
Told through dual third-person points-of-view, the writing and emotional descriptions were great right off the bat. Their voices were distinct in the beginning but that sort of faded as the story went on. While I never really felt a lot of chemistry between Eliza and Blake, I rooted for them from the start. They were good together. Both of them have lost people that are important to them—Eliza’s girlfriend and Blake’s brother—and the understanding they have for each other on the subject of grief is wonderful. Miller captured the froze-up brain of panic attacks well and the trauma of losing loved ones was palpable through the thoughts and narrative. There is always a sense of longing in the sentences.
The story is a little bit more about Eliza making peace with her past, her experience of losing her love at eighteen and her nine-year estrangement with her parents, than about Blake. We have the contrast between the Walshes, who seem to be not understanding of Eliza, and the Navarros, who are very invested in Blake’s personal life. I like that Blake’s heritage is clearly acknowledged given that she is a head chef at her uncle Hugo’s Mexican restaurant. During the read, I had to order some burritos and chips with guac because all the food Blake was cooking made me so hungry.
The conflict was pretty dramatic. To be honest, I’m not sure why it blew up the way it did; it felt less like not talking and more about them not listening to each other, but I felt both of their frustrations and anger that it didn’t end up as a surprise. I also like how it didn’t happen too late into the story and the ending didn’t feel rushed. Most of the things I could see coming from miles away so none of the events seem too random. Could it have been avoided? I don’t think so. Loss is such a central theme that a dramatic conflict was the only way to wake the both of them up.
Miller tackled the tough subject of grief in Before. After. Always. It didn’t feel too painful reading, but all the emotions were there. The story between Eliza and Blake is mostly cute, and after all the suffering they endured through losing people they loved, they deserved the very sweet and happy final chapter.
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Gabriella!
I loved Miller’s YA duology All the Worlds between Us (my review of ATWBU & ATPTY) and have been looking forward to Before. After. Always. for months. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Dr. Eliza Walsh (31, lesbian) lost her girlfriend of four years when she was eighteen in a car accident where she was the driver. Now, thirteen years later, she is a surgeon on her last year of residency and still not entirely ready to love again. When Blake Navarro (30, lesbian, Mexican American) enters the ER with multiple fractures after a motorcycle accident, Eliza becomes intrigued by this flirty patient. After discharge, Eliza decides to take up on Blake’s invitation to Mezcal Cocina where she works as a head chef. Would it be so wrong to get to know this reckless woman?
Told through dual third-person points-of-view, the writing and emotional descriptions were great right off the bat. Their voices were distinct in the beginning but that sort of faded as the story went on. While I never really felt a lot of chemistry between Eliza and Blake, I rooted for them from the start. They were good together. Both of them have lost people that are important to them—Eliza’s girlfriend and Blake’s brother—and the understanding they have for each other on the subject of grief is wonderful. Miller captured the froze-up brain of panic attacks well and the trauma of losing loved ones was palpable through the thoughts and narrative. There is always a sense of longing in the sentences.
The story is a little bit more about Eliza making peace with her past, her experience of losing her love at eighteen and her nine-year estrangement with her parents, than about Blake. We have the contrast between the Walshes, who seem to be not understanding of Eliza, and the Navarros, who are very invested in Blake’s personal life. I like that Blake’s heritage is clearly acknowledged given that she is a head chef at her uncle Hugo’s Mexican restaurant. During the read, I had to order some burritos and chips with guac because all the food Blake was cooking made me so hungry.
The conflict was pretty dramatic. To be honest, I’m not sure why it blew up the way it did; it felt less like not talking and more about them not listening to each other, but I felt both of their frustrations and anger that it didn’t end up as a surprise. I also like how it didn’t happen too late into the story and the ending didn’t feel rushed. Most of the things I could see coming from miles away so none of the events seem too random. Could it have been avoided? I don’t think so. Loss is such a central theme that a dramatic conflict was the only way to wake the both of them up.
Miller tackled the tough subject of grief in Before. After. Always. It didn’t feel too painful reading, but all the emotions were there. The story between Eliza and Blake is mostly cute, and after all the suffering they endured through losing people they loved, they deserved the very sweet and happy final chapter.
I received a digital review copy from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Gabriella!
May 10, 2021
Before. After. Always. is my fourth book by Morgan Lee Miller and her writing never does disappoint! This latest novel deals a lot with loss and grief, and trying to find hope and love again despite it all. I enjoyed both Eliza and Blake as main characters and I thought that they both complimented each other really well - Eliza who always thought things through properly while wanting to take things slow, and Blake who was enthusiastic and a risk-taker. Morgan's writing is once again really easy to just fall into and enjoy and at times it felt like I was reading the book equivalent of a sitcom or a movie, so if you like books like that this is definitely one for you! One thing I really enjoyed about this is seeing some of Miller's characters from other books popping up - like Reagan and Blair from Hammers, Strings and Beautiful Things visiting Blake's restaurant!
There were a couple of things in this book, though, that I didn't love as much as in her previous ones - primarily the miscommunication trope. I hate the miscommunication trope and I don't think I've ever read it done well. It really could have been sorted out if they'd had one conversation after Eliza's celebratory drinks, as Blake suggested, and it just wasn't my favourite 'conflict' she's ever written. I also wasn't a huge fan of the way Blake's sister was written - she's meant to be in her late twenties but most of the time talked and acted like she was a teenager.
Overall, though, this was a great read - a lot more of an emotional read than I'm used to, but I really enjoyed it regardless!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
There were a couple of things in this book, though, that I didn't love as much as in her previous ones - primarily the miscommunication trope. I hate the miscommunication trope and I don't think I've ever read it done well. It really could have been sorted out if they'd had one conversation after Eliza's celebratory drinks, as Blake suggested, and it just wasn't my favourite 'conflict' she's ever written. I also wasn't a huge fan of the way Blake's sister was written - she's meant to be in her late twenties but most of the time talked and acted like she was a teenager.
Overall, though, this was a great read - a lot more of an emotional read than I'm used to, but I really enjoyed it regardless!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
April 24, 2021
I feel like a lot of people's enjoyment of this book will be related directly with how much they dislike conflict based upon miscommunication.
With that said, I enjoyed Before. After. Always. Very much.
I've been a fan of Morgan Lee Miller's since the All the Worlds Between Us books. I really enjoyed them and appreciated how she handled character growth over those two books, And when I saw she was writing a book about two very hurt people coming together and healing, I was very excited as I'm a sucker to see people heal.
Both Eliza and Blake are dealing with extreme loss in their lives, Eliza from the loss of her long time girlfriend (and subsequently her family), and Blake with her brother. And this has put them both into a long term stage of arrested development. And it's after they meet and are drawn to each other where they feel comfortable enough to open up to each other and begin to grow and heal.
And I'm going to be honest, I'm a feeler, and a cryer and this book had me in my feelings in many different occasions. This book was incredibly touching throughout and I really enjoyed it and how it explored broken people healing.
There is the main conflict though. And it is based primarily upon miscommunication and Blake and Eliza not listening to what the other really wants. This is kinda difficult to get through. Miscommunication definitely isn't among my favorite tropes as a reader, but also I get why it works in this book- and it's because of what these characters have been though in their respective pasts and the walls they instinctually can put up. So while I didn't love it exactly, I do understand it here.
I liked this book, And quite a bit actually. It hit my heartstrings hard and had lovable characters. 4.25/5
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review
With that said, I enjoyed Before. After. Always. Very much.
I've been a fan of Morgan Lee Miller's since the All the Worlds Between Us books. I really enjoyed them and appreciated how she handled character growth over those two books, And when I saw she was writing a book about two very hurt people coming together and healing, I was very excited as I'm a sucker to see people heal.
Both Eliza and Blake are dealing with extreme loss in their lives, Eliza from the loss of her long time girlfriend (and subsequently her family), and Blake with her brother. And this has put them both into a long term stage of arrested development. And it's after they meet and are drawn to each other where they feel comfortable enough to open up to each other and begin to grow and heal.
And I'm going to be honest, I'm a feeler, and a cryer and this book had me in my feelings in many different occasions. This book was incredibly touching throughout and I really enjoyed it and how it explored broken people healing.
There is the main conflict though. And it is based primarily upon miscommunication and Blake and Eliza not listening to what the other really wants. This is kinda difficult to get through. Miscommunication definitely isn't among my favorite tropes as a reader, but also I get why it works in this book- and it's because of what these characters have been though in their respective pasts and the walls they instinctually can put up. So while I didn't love it exactly, I do understand it here.
I liked this book, And quite a bit actually. It hit my heartstrings hard and had lovable characters. 4.25/5
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 18, 2021
3.2 stars for Before. After. Always.
The story is about how to heal from trauma, how to trust again, and 'attempt' to move on with your life after a loss. The book was ok, some parts felt a little unnecessary and in parts slightly predictable. Nothing massive happens, and I felt myself losing focus in some areas of the story. But it's a lovely outcome, with getting the chance to reconnect with loved ones.
This was my first book by Morgan Lee Miller, and I look forward to reading further books by her.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
The story is about how to heal from trauma, how to trust again, and 'attempt' to move on with your life after a loss. The book was ok, some parts felt a little unnecessary and in parts slightly predictable. Nothing massive happens, and I felt myself losing focus in some areas of the story. But it's a lovely outcome, with getting the chance to reconnect with loved ones.
This was my first book by Morgan Lee Miller, and I look forward to reading further books by her.
I was given a copy for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
This is my first read by Morgan Lee Miller and I can see the potential in the story and the writer, but in this book, it was just a bit off the mark for me.
As a person who is sadly very familiar with loss stories like this one are very emotional for me because they either hit close to home, or they miss the mark and annoy me. Before. After. Always. falls somewhere in between. When you are familiar with a certain subject it influences how you enjoy a book and look at what is going on. In any other romance I'd say the story of Eliza and Blake is sweet, however, the narration of their loss and their story just doesn't sit right with me.
I feel like the author at one point maybe decided to switch the story from the first-person POV of Eliza to a third person of both mains. But Eliza remained the main focus and Blake doesn't get the attention I think is needed. Most things about Blake are narrated first and told by Blake to Eliza after, this makes for weird reading. I do like both characters, they are passionate about their careers and are really cute together, they complement each other. Level-headed and slightly overthinking everything doctor Eliza and chef Blake who goes through life at 100 miles an hour searching for the next adrenaline rush. Both just want a woman to fill their heart and understand the pain of their loss.
Blake lost her marine brother to the war in Iraq and Eliza lost her girlfriend in a car accident. What is confusing for me is how long ago these events happened. Blake's brother died between 17 and 19 years ago and Eliza's girlfriend 13 years. The blurb made it seem like their losses were more recent. Continuity is a bit off in the book as well that's a real nuisance. Also Eliza's sister is her best friend and a therapist, how come this family is so shattered and no one is trying to make amends? Makes no sense...
Look, I'm probably being extremely critical because of how I feel about the subject of loss. Some parts of the book were enjoyable and as I said I like both characters. Please read other reviews of this book to decide if it is for you or not.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
As a person who is sadly very familiar with loss stories like this one are very emotional for me because they either hit close to home, or they miss the mark and annoy me. Before. After. Always. falls somewhere in between. When you are familiar with a certain subject it influences how you enjoy a book and look at what is going on. In any other romance I'd say the story of Eliza and Blake is sweet, however, the narration of their loss and their story just doesn't sit right with me.
I feel like the author at one point maybe decided to switch the story from the first-person POV of Eliza to a third person of both mains. But Eliza remained the main focus and Blake doesn't get the attention I think is needed. Most things about Blake are narrated first and told by Blake to Eliza after, this makes for weird reading. I do like both characters, they are passionate about their careers and are really cute together, they complement each other. Level-headed and slightly overthinking everything doctor Eliza and chef Blake who goes through life at 100 miles an hour searching for the next adrenaline rush. Both just want a woman to fill their heart and understand the pain of their loss.
Blake lost her marine brother to the war in Iraq and Eliza lost her girlfriend in a car accident. What is confusing for me is how long ago these events happened. Blake's brother died between 17 and 19 years ago and Eliza's girlfriend 13 years. The blurb made it seem like their losses were more recent. Continuity is a bit off in the book as well that's a real nuisance. Also Eliza's sister is her best friend and a therapist, how come this family is so shattered and no one is trying to make amends? Makes no sense...
Look, I'm probably being extremely critical because of how I feel about the subject of loss. Some parts of the book were enjoyable and as I said I like both characters. Please read other reviews of this book to decide if it is for you or not.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
May 3, 2021
This is my first book by Morgan Lee Miller and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint! Miller’s writing is evocative and readable, and her characters are well-crafted, interesting, and lovable. This is a heavier romance that involves strong themes of loss and guilt, but I’d say that the overall tones are hopeful and sweet.
Surgeon Eliza Walsh (31, lesbian) is still struggling with the loss of her first love, Tess. She has PTSD and has panic attacks when certain memories are brought up, and it’s stated multiple times that she’s been to therapy. I found Eliza to be a nuanced character who’s reserved yet quirky in her own way, and I related to her journey of allowing herself to be seen. Losing Tess has made Eliza guarded when it comes to love, so she’s surprised when she starts to fall for the fun, incorrigibly flirty chef, Blake Navarro (30, lesbian, Mexican American). I smiled throughout their entire meet-cute and knew I’d end up having a good time with this book.
Blake’s voice throughout the story is distinct from Eliza’s, which was great to see. Blake is hilarious and has the kind of personality that lights up an entire room. She’s able to empathize with Eliza’s loss because she lost her brother, with whom she was very close (while Blake’s loss is definitely acknowledged, this book is more about Eliza’s loss as it directly interferes with her ability to find love). Aside from their shared feelings of grief, I thought Blake and Eliza complemented each other well: Blake is often impulsive to the point of reckless, but Eliza is there to talk reason into her when she needs it. Likewise, Eliza is often extremely cautious, and Blake is there to remind her that she doesn’t always need to be afraid.
When either of the main characters thinks about or confronts her past, the emotions are intensely palpable. There are a few flashback scenes throughout, and boy did they make me ache. The dynamics between Eliza and her estranged parents were frustrating, sad, and very realistic. On a lighter note, this book is full of delightful side characters including Blake’s entire family (gosh, I’d love to just hang out with them!), Eliza’s sister Violet and niece Emma, and Eliza’s friend and roommate Allison. There weren’t any pointlessly annoying side characters, thank goodness!
I thought the conflict was okay. It was maybe a little forced, but I thought it could be realistic considering their life situations at the time.
Overall, I thought this was great and I will definitely be reading more from Miller in the future.
content warnings/trigger warnings: alcohol (recreational), anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, car accident, hospitalization, medical stuff, serious injury, homophobia (off-page), conversion therapy (off-page), guilt, death of a partner, death of a sibling
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Hsinju! Check out her review here.
Surgeon Eliza Walsh (31, lesbian) is still struggling with the loss of her first love, Tess. She has PTSD and has panic attacks when certain memories are brought up, and it’s stated multiple times that she’s been to therapy. I found Eliza to be a nuanced character who’s reserved yet quirky in her own way, and I related to her journey of allowing herself to be seen. Losing Tess has made Eliza guarded when it comes to love, so she’s surprised when she starts to fall for the fun, incorrigibly flirty chef, Blake Navarro (30, lesbian, Mexican American). I smiled throughout their entire meet-cute and knew I’d end up having a good time with this book.
Blake’s voice throughout the story is distinct from Eliza’s, which was great to see. Blake is hilarious and has the kind of personality that lights up an entire room. She’s able to empathize with Eliza’s loss because she lost her brother, with whom she was very close (while Blake’s loss is definitely acknowledged, this book is more about Eliza’s loss as it directly interferes with her ability to find love). Aside from their shared feelings of grief, I thought Blake and Eliza complemented each other well: Blake is often impulsive to the point of reckless, but Eliza is there to talk reason into her when she needs it. Likewise, Eliza is often extremely cautious, and Blake is there to remind her that she doesn’t always need to be afraid.
When either of the main characters thinks about or confronts her past, the emotions are intensely palpable. There are a few flashback scenes throughout, and boy did they make me ache. The dynamics between Eliza and her estranged parents were frustrating, sad, and very realistic. On a lighter note, this book is full of delightful side characters including Blake’s entire family (gosh, I’d love to just hang out with them!), Eliza’s sister Violet and niece Emma, and Eliza’s friend and roommate Allison. There weren’t any pointlessly annoying side characters, thank goodness!
I thought the conflict was okay. It was maybe a little forced, but I thought it could be realistic considering their life situations at the time.
Overall, I thought this was great and I will definitely be reading more from Miller in the future.
content warnings/trigger warnings: alcohol (recreational), anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, car accident, hospitalization, medical stuff, serious injury, homophobia (off-page), conversion therapy (off-page), guilt, death of a partner, death of a sibling
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Buddy read with Hsinju! Check out her review here.
April 24, 2021
Good, but Not Great
Eliza is a Chief Resident at a busy hospital. She chose to become a trauma Dr after an accident left her fiancée dead thirteen years before. Since then, she has closed off her heart, unable to get past the loss. Blake is the head chef at her Uncle’s restaurant. Although she lives life to the fullest, she still feels the loss of her older brother who died in Iraq. A motorcycle accident brought the two women together and slowly the women get to know each other, bonding over the loss of a loved one. As they begin to fall in love, they begin to heal, but when pressures of the past and the future start to mount, will they have what it takes to stay together?
I liked this book for the most part. It was well written and interesting with characters who are very easy to care about. I loved watching these two women get to know each other and connect on all levels. There are all kinds of feels in this story and I found it moving and genuine, but there are believability problems for me… My main complaint is that no one really talks to each other… Eliza is estranged from her parents for nearly a decade when a simple conversation would have cleared up everything, Eliza and Blake break up over something so little that listening to what the other was saying would have kept them together, all the conflict was self-inflicted… another thing that bothered me, which is really silly, is that they both blush a LOT! Too much for me to believe and then later they don’t blush at all when they face new things that would have made them blush earlier…. This isn’t the best work by this author but I didn’t hate it and I would read it again. I hope this helps.
Eliza is a Chief Resident at a busy hospital. She chose to become a trauma Dr after an accident left her fiancée dead thirteen years before. Since then, she has closed off her heart, unable to get past the loss. Blake is the head chef at her Uncle’s restaurant. Although she lives life to the fullest, she still feels the loss of her older brother who died in Iraq. A motorcycle accident brought the two women together and slowly the women get to know each other, bonding over the loss of a loved one. As they begin to fall in love, they begin to heal, but when pressures of the past and the future start to mount, will they have what it takes to stay together?
I liked this book for the most part. It was well written and interesting with characters who are very easy to care about. I loved watching these two women get to know each other and connect on all levels. There are all kinds of feels in this story and I found it moving and genuine, but there are believability problems for me… My main complaint is that no one really talks to each other… Eliza is estranged from her parents for nearly a decade when a simple conversation would have cleared up everything, Eliza and Blake break up over something so little that listening to what the other was saying would have kept them together, all the conflict was self-inflicted… another thing that bothered me, which is really silly, is that they both blush a LOT! Too much for me to believe and then later they don’t blush at all when they face new things that would have made them blush earlier…. This isn’t the best work by this author but I didn’t hate it and I would read it again. I hope this helps.
May 2, 2021
This was a really good book. Kept me engaged and reading to the very end. I can understand where the author was going with this when she wrote it. Yes, it's about grief, but it's about so much more than that too. I could feel the anxiety, hopelessness, loneliness, and love in this story. When you have people who are intolerant or ignorant of how their words and actions affect others especially if they are your children then you can do so much damage that it's hard to even have a decent adult life or move on is really heartbreaking. I was happy to see that in this story that Eliza had a sister and friend that supported her through some of her tougher times, and her feelings for Blake in the midst of overcoming some of her challenges was great to see. Blake and Eliza the main characters were so sweet and loving to each other and the supporting characters were just awesome. I loved every chapter of this book, and will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
May 13, 2021
As I start writing this review, I had to look back at the blurb on this to remember what it was about. I actually didn't read it that long ago and just could not remember. I think that is a clue on how I will review this book. It was for sure just average. There are reasons why. First being I could not remember what it was about. Yeah I mentioned that already. Second...for someone as smart as Eliza Walsh, she sure is stupid when it comes to anything outside of books. She seems like a reasonable person, but after 13 years you still have an issue with moving on. She has been to counseling and still struggles. I understand the PTSD but not the other issues with dating. Also, why hasn't she spoken to her parents? She talks to her sister and has encouraged Eliza to talk to them but just didn't. Seems odd. I wish that part of the story was smoother or not as complex. It seemed complex for no reason. Now lets talk about Blake, she sure is stupid for continuing to take the risks she does on recreational vehicles. Just dumb. Overall I liked Blake much better she just doesn't make very good decisions. I did like her family and other supporting characters. IDK, I just hated that Eliza and Blake seems juvenile in their actions. They really could be okay people if written slightly different. Now I do know this sounds like a lot of dislikes, but It still was an okay read. 3 stars
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
April 17, 2021
Eliza and Blake knows what loss is and how hard to get over it.
Eliza is chief resident where she meets patient Blake they go out to dinner where they both learn they suffer great loss as they get to know each other they start to heal.
I like the character of Blake she was flirty and didn’t push Eliza she let her open up when she was ready. Eliza who finally found someone where she can be seen and understood felt like she can breathe. Eliza relationship with her parents took awhile to heal despite having her sister as mediator well I say barely reconcile.
Overall a good read although some parts I felt the characters weren’t acting their age which I assume they are in their thirties I don’t know maybe it was dialogue that felt like they were much younger.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Eliza is chief resident where she meets patient Blake they go out to dinner where they both learn they suffer great loss as they get to know each other they start to heal.
I like the character of Blake she was flirty and didn’t push Eliza she let her open up when she was ready. Eliza who finally found someone where she can be seen and understood felt like she can breathe. Eliza relationship with her parents took awhile to heal despite having her sister as mediator well I say barely reconcile.
Overall a good read although some parts I felt the characters weren’t acting their age which I assume they are in their thirties I don’t know maybe it was dialogue that felt like they were much younger.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
April 19, 2021
Eliza Walsh is chief resident at a hospital in San Diego. Her life is stunted by a car accident that took her girlfriend's life before they left for college together. She achieves in her medical skills but not much else. Blake Navarro enters her world as a flirting patient. Later Eliza takes her up on an offer to have dinner at the restaurant where she is the head chef. Blake has known loss too with a brother who died serving in the Marines. As Eliza opens up to Blake their friendship and attraction grows.
I liked how the author shows two people dealing with grief differently. Blake is wonderfully patient in not demanding more than Eliza can share. I like Eliza, but she is still in a PTSD world, that is surprising for so long after the accident and years of therapy. I can’t imagine how she is surviving in SO CA and not choosing to drive. And I was also surprised at how long it has taken to give her parents another chance, especially with her sister as a connector. I cheered for Blake and Eliza coming together as a couple and particularly love the few sentences where they declare themselves girlfriends. But overall there isn’t a lot of happiness to make the book more enjoyable. Eliza barely has reconciliation with her parents when the dark moment arrives with Blake over their futures. Thank goodness the epilogue left me happy and believing in their HEA.
I like the book overall and it is a sweet romance. But know that dealing with grief is a driving force to the plot. (This isn’t a surprise, it is in the blurb.). Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I liked how the author shows two people dealing with grief differently. Blake is wonderfully patient in not demanding more than Eliza can share. I like Eliza, but she is still in a PTSD world, that is surprising for so long after the accident and years of therapy. I can’t imagine how she is surviving in SO CA and not choosing to drive. And I was also surprised at how long it has taken to give her parents another chance, especially with her sister as a connector. I cheered for Blake and Eliza coming together as a couple and particularly love the few sentences where they declare themselves girlfriends. But overall there isn’t a lot of happiness to make the book more enjoyable. Eliza barely has reconciliation with her parents when the dark moment arrives with Blake over their futures. Thank goodness the epilogue left me happy and believing in their HEA.
I like the book overall and it is a sweet romance. But know that dealing with grief is a driving force to the plot. (This isn’t a surprise, it is in the blurb.). Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2021
*I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Potential not seen through
I picked this book up as I absolutely loved the previous book I read by this author. And this book had so much potential! The beginning of this book had me hooked yet, somehow along the way, I started to be less engaged. By the end, instead of feeling elated at the immense HEA, I just felt disappointed.
I’m unsure what went wrong. I mean, long-term effects of PTSD is a thing and therapy doesn’t always help with completely taking away the anxiety and panic attacks, although it should help in easing them. Especially after a certain amount of time has passed. Eliza most definitely doesn’t have CPTSD (Complex PTSD), as that, as its name suggest, is a far more severe form of PTSD, caused by years of repeated trauma in childhood. Yet Eliza has never moved on from a severely traumatic event when she was eighteen (now being thirty-one). She’s achieved so much, is accomplished in so many ways, yet part of her is still stuck in the past. It is certainly possible, but for someone who is so strong in other ways, it’s not necessarily a hundred-percent believable. It’s not to say that otherwise strong and accomplished people do not have panic attacks and suffer from anxiety, but long-term PTSD is usually so debilitating that it prevents you from pushing yourself as much as you otherwise would, strong or not.
Then there’s Blake, broken in her own ways, still sore after losing her brother. She just gets on with things, only breaking down at the anniversary of his death. Yet she is still hung up about a bad breakup with a long-term girlfriend, from about the same time ago as Eliza. Blake has had a few short-term flings, but nothing serious in recent years, happy with that even if she does eventually want more. Eliza has barely dated at all since the accident, just going through the motions a few times hoping to find a spark.
How these two come together, through the understanding of loss, is cute. And when they eventually decide to call each other their “girlfriend”, that’s cute too. Yet their strange bout of miscommunication, not understanding each other, that wasn’t. Every relationship goes through it at some point, yet it was the lack of communication between the two that left me banging my head. They’re both stuck in their own world with their own fears, and neither wants to tell the painful truth of why they’re hurt. It takes yet another traumatic event to bring the two back together again.
I guess that parts of the story felt slow. Other parts felt predictable. Then there were little bits of repetition. Tension is good, but even the tense parts didn’t feel tense enough. I still had moments of rooting for both of them, with their slow progress towards going further in their relationship, yet something was still missing. I wish I could be less vague, but sometimes a book just doesn’t click.
All in all, not a bad read, but not as great as I was hoping.
Final rating: ★★★☆☆ – Sort of liked/OK
May 3, 2021
Eliza Walsh’s a doctor who doesn’t take the death of a young patient well. Understandable. Now she’s tending Blake Navarro, a woman who crashed her motorcycle. Needless to say Eliza doesn’t approve but she finds Blake some one that she’d like to know better.
Blake works as head chef at her family’s restaurant. She dates but now she’s becoming a bit more serious about her choices in finding a mate. Now the romantic dance starts.
Made it through the first half but just couldn’t continue. Story had the potential of being a really good read but for some reason Ms Miller. The reason I’m saying this is the fact that Ms Miller knows how to write a story. Was disappointed but look forward to reading her next book.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
Blake works as head chef at her family’s restaurant. She dates but now she’s becoming a bit more serious about her choices in finding a mate. Now the romantic dance starts.
Made it through the first half but just couldn’t continue. Story had the potential of being a really good read but for some reason Ms Miller. The reason I’m saying this is the fact that Ms Miller knows how to write a story. Was disappointed but look forward to reading her next book.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
April 18, 2021
ARC for honest review.
Miller is one of my favorite authors. I really appreciate that she tackles difficult topics like grief, depression and addiction in her writing. This book in particular takes on fear, grief and ptsd. And really resonated with me in the wake of my own recent loss.
Both MC’s have had a very important person in their life die unexpectedly. They each handle the grief of the loss very differently. Blake is fairly reckless, while Eliza is debilitated by fear. Just as in real life people can handle death in a multitude of different ways. I liked the glimpse into the early lives of each character. It helped to really understand them, their motivations, and their resulting emotions. It was great to see them come together and have a person that could really understand them and give them the balance they were each lacking in their lives. They’ll each still carry their loss with them forever but the presence of the other makes that weight much easier to bare.
Miller is one of my favorite authors. I really appreciate that she tackles difficult topics like grief, depression and addiction in her writing. This book in particular takes on fear, grief and ptsd. And really resonated with me in the wake of my own recent loss.
Both MC’s have had a very important person in their life die unexpectedly. They each handle the grief of the loss very differently. Blake is fairly reckless, while Eliza is debilitated by fear. Just as in real life people can handle death in a multitude of different ways. I liked the glimpse into the early lives of each character. It helped to really understand them, their motivations, and their resulting emotions. It was great to see them come together and have a person that could really understand them and give them the balance they were each lacking in their lives. They’ll each still carry their loss with them forever but the presence of the other makes that weight much easier to bare.
Read
April 25, 2021Before. After. Always. is a book about losing the person who means the most to you, the person who defines you and how to put the pieces back together again. Obviously there's some angst in this one - but it isn't overplayed.
Thirteen years after a tragic accident, Eliza Walsh is in her final year of surgical residency, focusing on her career and dealing with the repercussions of guilt and grief over the loss of her girlfriend.
Thirteen years after a tragic accident, Eliza Walsh is in her final year of surgical residency, focusing on her career and dealing with the repercussions of guilt and grief over the loss of her girlfriend.
April 29, 2021
I received an ARC copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Eliza is a doctor and Blake is a head chef at the family’s Mexican restaurant. Both are struggling through a trauma in their lives. One lost her lover when she was a teenager and still hasn’t really got over it and the other lost her brother. Both are still trying to heal even though it happened some time ago.
I was enjoying the book when I first started to read it. I zoomed through the first four/five chapters of the book in no-time at all but from there onwards Eliza was really starting to get on my nerves and that was putting me off wanting to read the rest of it, I did manage to finish but it was a struggle, a real struggle. I came very close to not finishing the book.
The characters had chemistry and seemed a good match, but, as I say, Eliza just wasted the second half of the book for me. I just completely went off her. I know she is still in a healing process from the death of her girlfriend and we all deal with these things differently. She was just frustrating the hell out of me. For that reason, I will say that this book just wasn’t for me and I will sit on the fence on this one.
This was the first book by this author that I have read. I will continue to read her other works in the future.
Eliza is a doctor and Blake is a head chef at the family’s Mexican restaurant. Both are struggling through a trauma in their lives. One lost her lover when she was a teenager and still hasn’t really got over it and the other lost her brother. Both are still trying to heal even though it happened some time ago.
I was enjoying the book when I first started to read it. I zoomed through the first four/five chapters of the book in no-time at all but from there onwards Eliza was really starting to get on my nerves and that was putting me off wanting to read the rest of it, I did manage to finish but it was a struggle, a real struggle. I came very close to not finishing the book.
The characters had chemistry and seemed a good match, but, as I say, Eliza just wasted the second half of the book for me. I just completely went off her. I know she is still in a healing process from the death of her girlfriend and we all deal with these things differently. She was just frustrating the hell out of me. For that reason, I will say that this book just wasn’t for me and I will sit on the fence on this one.
This was the first book by this author that I have read. I will continue to read her other works in the future.
June 6, 2021
Two women dealing with grief. Eliza Walsh, talented, chief resident, and dedicated surgeon. Eliza has spent many years attempting to work through the pain associated with losing the love of her life. Blake Navarro, talented chef living life to the fullest as she deals with the loss of her brother. Eliza has issues with her family. Blake has a caring and loving family. As Blake and Eliza interact with each other, it is not hard to see that they can benefit from each other.
As I read, I thought about the emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster of dealing with the death of a love one. I also thought about how we all deal with loss differently. It can be so hard to let go and move on.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
As I read, I thought about the emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster of dealing with the death of a love one. I also thought about how we all deal with loss differently. It can be so hard to let go and move on.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
April 27, 2021
I received a ARC in a online contest.
Good read! I'd give it a 7/10
Both Blake and Eliza are interesting characters, and I enjoyed their story. Blake's family, also is a riot. Writing is good, decent pacing, though the traditional 'break up then get back together' 3/4ths through the book felt predictable. Tho that may be me.
Overall, though, I would recommend this book.
Good read! I'd give it a 7/10
Both Blake and Eliza are interesting characters, and I enjoyed their story. Blake's family, also is a riot. Writing is good, decent pacing, though the traditional 'break up then get back together' 3/4ths through the book felt predictable. Tho that may be me.
Overall, though, I would recommend this book.
May 24, 2021
I really like the way Morgan Miller writes, and I also really like that her books are so different and non-tropey or formulaic. I always know that the story will be amazing, and full of angst. Each of the MCs here have lived through some really bad times, and neither are looking for a relationship. But neither can deny their chemistry, and decide to take a chance. It's an up and down ride, and there's lots of help from each of their families. I highly recommend this book when you're in the mood for something out of the ordinary that's really fulfilling.
December 27, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
The author is a very good writer with interesting characters from different backgrounds, witty dialogue, and enough conflict to torpedo any relationship. But the book is bloated because of the everlasting angst of one of the characters that should have been dealt with before the book began – her editors should have asked her to pare down the angst.
The author is a very good writer with interesting characters from different backgrounds, witty dialogue, and enough conflict to torpedo any relationship. But the book is bloated because of the everlasting angst of one of the characters that should have been dealt with before the book began – her editors should have asked her to pare down the angst.
June 14, 2021
REP: Lesbian main + side characters, Mexican main character.
TWs: death, grief, (mentions of) war, descriptions of injuries.
Genre: adult lesbian romance
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E-ARC kindly provided by the publisher.
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Despite not being the most well-traveled reader of romance in general, I have read other books by this author before and decided to pick this one up based on the fact that I did enjoy those two. However, those were distinctly young adult/new adult whereas this one is very much adult.
In this book, you’re following Eliza Walsh, a woman in her early thirties doing her medical recency at a hospital. Enter Blake Navarro, who ends up in Eliza’s care at the hospital. Sparks immediately happen, and when Eliza happens to meet Blake at the family restaurant where Blake works, it’s pretty clear that the two of them are meant to be.
What follows is your typical, true-to-script romance. It is very cute, not very surprising (but romance very rarely is) but very readable and easy to enjoy. What sets this book apart is how this book deals with grief – Eliza lost her lover, Tess, to a car accident when they were teens, whereas Blake grieves her brother Adrian, who was killed in Iraq. In fact, this book contained several very moving scenes which I really enjoyed because they worked to ‘break up’ the slight cheesiness of the romance.
Drama in general has a tendency to annoy me; it definitely didn’t in this case, rather it seems like something that’s normal for people my age (I’m roughly the same age as the characters) to go through.
My only slight complaint was that for a romance, this book was very long. Or at least, it felt like it. If you’re otherwise into lesbian romances, I recommend you pick this up because I did enjoy it.
TWs: death, grief, (mentions of) war, descriptions of injuries.
Genre: adult lesbian romance
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E-ARC kindly provided by the publisher.
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Despite not being the most well-traveled reader of romance in general, I have read other books by this author before and decided to pick this one up based on the fact that I did enjoy those two. However, those were distinctly young adult/new adult whereas this one is very much adult.
In this book, you’re following Eliza Walsh, a woman in her early thirties doing her medical recency at a hospital. Enter Blake Navarro, who ends up in Eliza’s care at the hospital. Sparks immediately happen, and when Eliza happens to meet Blake at the family restaurant where Blake works, it’s pretty clear that the two of them are meant to be.
What follows is your typical, true-to-script romance. It is very cute, not very surprising (but romance very rarely is) but very readable and easy to enjoy. What sets this book apart is how this book deals with grief – Eliza lost her lover, Tess, to a car accident when they were teens, whereas Blake grieves her brother Adrian, who was killed in Iraq. In fact, this book contained several very moving scenes which I really enjoyed because they worked to ‘break up’ the slight cheesiness of the romance.
Drama in general has a tendency to annoy me; it definitely didn’t in this case, rather it seems like something that’s normal for people my age (I’m roughly the same age as the characters) to go through.
My only slight complaint was that for a romance, this book was very long. Or at least, it felt like it. If you’re otherwise into lesbian romances, I recommend you pick this up because I did enjoy it.
May 12, 2021
“Death does not discriminate indeed.”
Grief is a journey. A life changing journey that can cause individuals to sink or fight to come up tops.
Before. After. Always. is a book about 2 ladies who met after suffering loss. Eliza Walsh met Blake Navarro while treating her from her motorbike accident. Although Eliza is drawn to Blake, she is fearful of losing someone all over again. On different processing speeds and methods to overcome grief, the pair has to learn to meet in the middle and fight to live again.
4 stars. The book was solid in describing the characters’ experiences and handling of grief. While Eliza is crippled with fear, the dare-devil in Blake stirred something in her. Regardless if you are cheering for someone to walk out of grief or has experienced it in any form, the book makes you hope again. Death is no doubt brutal but love always saves the day.
I just reviewed Before. After. Always by Morgan Lee Miller. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
Grief is a journey. A life changing journey that can cause individuals to sink or fight to come up tops.
Before. After. Always. is a book about 2 ladies who met after suffering loss. Eliza Walsh met Blake Navarro while treating her from her motorbike accident. Although Eliza is drawn to Blake, she is fearful of losing someone all over again. On different processing speeds and methods to overcome grief, the pair has to learn to meet in the middle and fight to live again.
4 stars. The book was solid in describing the characters’ experiences and handling of grief. While Eliza is crippled with fear, the dare-devil in Blake stirred something in her. Regardless if you are cheering for someone to walk out of grief or has experienced it in any form, the book makes you hope again. Death is no doubt brutal but love always saves the day.
I just reviewed Before. After. Always by Morgan Lee Miller. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
May 14, 2021
Morgan Miller has done it again!! This was truly a great book. I come from a medical background and found the medical parts spot, but the overall plot was well written. Miller had great character development and you were able to see why the characters were the way they were with their past revealed. This book made you laugh and it also made you cry. I was able to feel connected with the characters and feel what they were feeling. Life is not always easy and you see the struggles Eliza has gone through in the past and how those issues affect the present and future. To me this story felt very real and makes you feel a connection with these people. Couples face many trials and tribulations and Miller showed that very well.
Overall I think this book was a success and should be read by all. This author knows how to tug your heartstrings and get you connected with the characters, Eliza and Blake.
Great Job!
Overall I think this book was a success and should be read by all. This author knows how to tug your heartstrings and get you connected with the characters, Eliza and Blake.
Great Job!
May 19, 2021
This is a sweet romance and it is a nice story but I struggled a little bit with this one.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and how they met at the hospital after Blake’s accident but after that and until they met Eliza’s parents I couldn’t engage well with the story. Both main characters suffer from close death in the past and that’s why they are brought together and fall for each other which is a topic I usually like but for some reason I couldn’t relate with either of the main characters.
Didn’t understand the mandatory conflict and it felt a bit overboard reaction in both fronts, especially Blake’s I get that she had a bad experience with an ex but I would also be scared if somoene ask me to move in so quickly when I’m drunk and celebrating my biggest working achievement, so thought she was a selfish child.
Overall is an ok read
ARC provided in an exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and how they met at the hospital after Blake’s accident but after that and until they met Eliza’s parents I couldn’t engage well with the story. Both main characters suffer from close death in the past and that’s why they are brought together and fall for each other which is a topic I usually like but for some reason I couldn’t relate with either of the main characters.
Didn’t understand the mandatory conflict and it felt a bit overboard reaction in both fronts, especially Blake’s I get that she had a bad experience with an ex but I would also be scared if somoene ask me to move in so quickly when I’m drunk and celebrating my biggest working achievement, so thought she was a selfish child.
Overall is an ok read
ARC provided in an exchange for an honest review
May 6, 2021
I just couldn’t connect with this book. I really enjoyed this author’s last two books but this one didn’t shine like those. I found a lot of repetition between the two POVs and it made it seem like the plot was constantly stalling. I thought the major conflict could have been completely avoided with a page or two of legitimate communication between the main characters. I didn’t pick up on a whole lot of chemistry between the two main characters but I liked the characters as their own entities. Overall, I did enjoy some aspects, like the growth of the characters. I thought the dialogue was good and the story flowed well, besides the repetition.
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