Before Now

Before #0.5

by Rhianna Burwell

Blake Meyer has the world at her feet. While attending college in New York, Blake meets the man of her dreams, Liam Perez. Liam is everything Blake has ever wanted in a boyfriend, but when Blake's life takes a sudden turn, their relationship is put to the test. In a story of love, betrayal, and trauma, Blake’s life comes crumbling down. In this emotional prequel, you will go through Blake’s worst moments with her and hopefully watch her come through to the other end. Before Now is #.5 in the Before Series and a prequel to Before You.

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2022

About the author

Rhianna Burwell is an Amazon best seller in erotica. Author of the Before series and the She Teaches Him series, available on Kindle Unlimited, she takes pride in writing spicy, realistic, and deeply satisfying romance and erotica. Rhianna currently resides in Minnesota, where—when she’s not writing erotica hot enough to melt all the winter snows—she enjoys curling up with her cat, avidly watching Grey’s Anatomy, and reading—her current fav is alien romance. Rhianna loves to hear from readers, who can connect with via any of her social media links.

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Reviews

[Britt]

This was a lot of things: Incredibly emotional, heartbreakingly accurate, soul destroying, and many other things on par with the likes of Colleen Hoover. My heart literally hurts right now writing this...I'm not sure if it's because I'm coming off 60 hours work weeks for the last 3 months or if I'm growing a heart in my old age, but I wanted to cry the whole time I read this book!

Blake is an incredibly complex and introspective character who is dealing with her life after assault. The book flashes between a "then" perspective, of how Liam and Blake met and fell in love, and a "now" perspective, of how they are individually and together handling life after her assault.

I initially picked up this book because I was drawn to the first book in the series, Before You, when I went hunting on Booksprout. The disclaimer for that book basically said it should be read after Before Now (the prequel), so here we are.

At first, I wasn't sure why she would be with a guy named Liam in this one and a guy named Oliver in the next one, especially after I liked Liam so much. I thought, "Oh no, does the worst happen and Liam dies on top of everything else???" I really couldn't fathom anything worse...Well, I was wrong.

Ultimately, I liked where this book ended and I can't wait to see how Before You continues Blake's story. I have a prediction that I will be crying happy tears by the end of it!

I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and Rhianna Burwell in exchange for my honest review.

5 phenomenal stars!

[Matthew Coffey]

Never in my life have I been so captivated by a prequel! This little book packs a mighty punch and is sure to get the emotions flowing. The author did a great job of writing realistic, everyday characters that you can get attached to. I really felt connected with the protagonist, Blake, as we got a glimpse into her life. From happiness to dread, I felt like I was standing right beside her. I can’t wait for the next book in the Before series!

[Haz]

This is the first book I've read by rhianna burwell and what a roller coaster of ride this book takes you on I enjoyed the characters Liam and Blake and especially the story it set your emotions to a high can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Howell]

This was a prequel to the book Before you and it did not disappoint! This was the perfect quick read for me especially since I feel like I’ve been in a book slump. I love Blake and Liam. And let me say this was pretty steamy and I was honestly surprised! Blake and Liam seem to have the perfect relationship but then something happens to Blake and the relationship between them changes. I highly recommend this book!

[Macee Grisenti]

I didn’t know if this was strictly necessary to read so I am reviewing it after I finished the book. I could see why people could read this first but it’s not 100% necessary. Anyone who gets triggered by SA stories wouldn’t need to read this first. The only thing they’d really miss out on was about Taylor and that would suck but the information isn’t necessary. That being said it was a nice way to meet Blake pre assault and a little after to see how much she changed.

[Shayleen Thornblad]

This book is so cute and amazing. Like you go into Blake’s mind with how she’s feeling and the trauma she went through. But meeting Liam was a good thing for her. But FUCK LIAM!!! How fucking dare him!!!!!! Anyway you should pick this book up and read it. And find out Blake’s journey, cause I can’t wait to see what happens.

[Tracy H]

Before Now
Before Series

by
Rhianna Burwell

Blake meets a guy and they start a wonderful relationship then something tagic happens and she struggles. She is trying to pick up the pieces but she finds out she is betrayed. This story is heartbreaking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E. L. Jacob]

I've read this prequel and it was terrible. The erotica that she was attempting to write was just trashy and how they flirted with one another was cringy and laughable. She needs a new editor because there were several errors. One of the errors that got on my nerves were the random commas in the middle of sentences for no reason.

[L H]

What an emotional story to lead in to this series. Things seemed to be going well for Blake and Liam and then...life happens to Blake and things go awry. I am looking forward to seeing where this goes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington]

Prequel . . .

Reading this prequel to learn of the betrayal, anguish, and trauma experienced by Blake Meyer can be helpful in putting the rest of the series in perspective. If it is too intense, please, just stop reading. You will be sharing some bad moments with her, but know there is hope.

[Maja]

This was my first read from this author. I absolutely loved the first person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. This was a quick read you'll read in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Kennedy]

Parts of this book are difficult to read, but I want to read the next part and hope that Blake finds someone better than Liam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[anneke]

I screamed, I giggled, a tear left my eye, and I blushed. This book was amazing. Blake is so relatable. Her story throughout this book was beautiful. It’s a pretty fire read.

[Vy]

Wanted to read “before you” & it said I should read this as the prequel before reading that story. I feel for the fl