Before I Do: a funny and unexpected love story from the author of THIS TIME NEXT YEAR

On the eve of her wedding to Josh, Audrey is completely thrown when Josh's sister turns up with a face from Audrey's past as her date for the wedding. Fred has long been Audrey's 'what if guy', even though the two only spent a day together years ago, he has always stuck in her mind. What then does it say that suddenly he is back in her life; is it fate trying to tell her something? Certainly as the wedding day unfolds with one disaster after another it begins to feel like it, and with Audrey growing more and more unsure of herself, will she actually say 'I do?'My third read by Cousens, and whilst I wouldn't say this was my favorite from her, it was still very solid, such that she is becoming a pretty reliable author for me personally. The book actually reminded me a little of Written in the Stars by Ali Harris, which had a similar concept, albeit which I thought was done better.The story is told with chapters that alternate from the build up to the wedding, to chapters from Audrey's past, some six-seven years ago, when she met Fred, and also charting the build up of her relationship with Josh some time later. We also get chapters further back in her past that go back to her childhood, and I appreciated how this all painted a vivid picture of Audrey, as we can see the events that have shaped her to become the person she is now, and in particular what has sown the seeds of insecurity so deep within her.I thought the formula worked well, as it keeps up guessing as to what will actually happen at the wedding, as the tension continues to build in the current day chapters, and as we watch both her relationships with Fred and Josh unfold in the past, as a reader one is left deciding who one wants her to choose. I will say that whilst her meet-cute with Fred was very sweet, it did feel rather too romanticized, and it was the more slow-burn relationship that evolved over time with Josh that I personally found myself more invested in, however, I won't give away spoilers as to how things ultimately play out.I do think though that the book is more than just a romance, as in many ways it is about Audrey's personal journey and her putting to rest past demons and insecurities, in order to embrace the life she wants and believe in herself. I liked the mother-daughter relationship between her and Vivian, and how Vivian's different relationships had impacted Audrey growing up.There were some great side characters here too, with special mention to Hillary and Granny Parker.Audrey, herself, I found myself coming to root for, even if I didn't always agree with her actions through the book and at times could be frustrated by her. However, I appreciated her growth and journey.Cousens injects her book with some great moments of humour, plenty of warmth and some genuinely touching moments too, such as when Audrey reads the last letter her Dad wrote to her. Yes, parts of the book felt a little over the top, however, it made for an escapist and feel good read.

After reading the authors last book, I Just Haven’t Meet You Yet and loving it. I could’nt wait to dive into Sophie’s lastest book. I sure has hell wasn’t disappointed. What a hilarous story this is…..I flipping loved it.I am actually lost for words with how to describe Before I Do It has gave me hours of entertainment and I am gutted I finished it in one sitting. I litterally could’nt tear myself away. Picture sitting there totally memerised in this story and find yourself laughing out loud and almost thoking on your drink because you are not expecting that LOL moment. That was me….This book is a pure gem.It is one of those books that transports you making you forget about real life and full of delightful characters that spring to life. I actually felt like I was there in the story with them.It would make a brilliant movie….This book is what a ROM COM is all about! It is heart warming and a full on entertaining read jam packed with emotion……It is flipping awesome! I cannot recommend it enough.

I liked the whole story. Some parts, were a bit of a distraction but all in all it was a good read

This was so cute. I saw so much of myself in Audrey, some scarily similar likeness, and I loved being able to read a story that I can identify with.I adored Josh, I loved their story!

Audrey is one day away from marrying steady, dependable Josh when Fred, the man she spent one incredible afternoon with and never saw again turns up at the rehearsal dinner. Through a series of flashbacks, interspersed with the lead-up to the wedding day, Sophie Cousens captures all of the insecurities, doubts, stresses, and what-ifs of a young woman who's grown up around infidelity.I absolutely ADORED this book, although I cried A LOT. I really felt Audrey's anguish throughout, it had me going backwards and forwards between the two men. With such a flighty maternal role model, it was no wonder she was clutching to the idea of settling with someone. Yet Josh was SO adorable, I felt guilty every time we read about Audrey and Fred, while simultaneously swooning at their obvious chemistry. I absolutely won't spoil the ending, but I think it was the perfect one.There are several supporting characters, and while I was initially overwhelmed in the first chapter, as the book progressed, every single one made sense and felt authentic. I loved Clara's honesty about marriage and motherhood, Miranda's heartbreak, Hillary's wise words, and especially Vivien's vulnerable moments. Inspite of her faults, it was clear she loved Audrey. The chapters with Audrey's father(s) were some of the most poignant. There are some much-needed comedic moments with Granny Parker, who is an absolute legend throughout the book. An emotional rollercoaster and a must read.Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Heat Rating:Emotional Rating: 🙈😬🥰😢🤦🏻‍♀️💕💔😭😍💓*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*