From USA Today bestselling author Marni Mann comes Before You, a new contemporary romance and a devastating examination of the things we find, the things we make, and the things we lose. It was supposed to be a typical work trip. New York to San Francisco, window seat, exit row. Maybe a mimosa.Then, seat 14B sat down. When our eyes met, the flight became anything but routine.I could pinpoint … became anything but routine.
I could pinpoint the moments in my life where everything changed forever.
Meeting Jared on that flight was first.
Falling in love with him was second.
Discovering the secrets he kept was third.
Putting my broken self back together and forgetting what I learned would be difficult. Forgiving Jared would be impossible.
He said, before me, nothing mattered. But after him, nothing would ever be the same.
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Since listening to Before Ashes Fall, I’ve been a bit scared to read/listen to Marni Mann again. Not because I didn’t like her story but because I felt way too many feelings. My heart ached and I cried. I cried a lot. I know some people enjoy a good heart-wrenching crier but I wasn’t prepared for the way it touched me. The sobs that wracked my body! So to say I was going to proceed with Marni Mann books with a bit of caution is an understatement.
Before You is like living through high impact, high intense sport… my heart was constantly speeding up just to put on the hard breaks! I don’t know what Marni Mann does to make me feel her stories so strongly but I do, I feel them deep down in my heart, in my gut! This one even more so. There was a certain character that I related to so closely that I remember those monthly struggles and the aches that go along with it. I could rant and rave here. I won’t. Everyone should experience Before You as Marni Mann set out for it to be delivered.
Mann’s writing is getting better with every passing story. I didn’t know who to ache for in this story. I do as the book went on and on that I started to feel an apprehension building in myself. I knew that something was about to happen. I knew I wasn’t going to life what happened. I didn’t. But again, this book, sigh… it was captivating. I was totally hypnotized by the story. Add in these amazing narrators and there was no possibly way this isn’t worth the entire 5 stars I’m giving Before You. If you have the opportunity to listen to this audiobook, I highly recommend it. It’s one of the best stories and narration.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
I’m absolutely addicted to Marni Mann’s storytelling. With Before You, there are many moving parts with a fistful of different characters to keep track of, going back and forth between their stories. 30 years separates the beautiful love story of Honey and Andrew with the steamier albeit no less intense relationship between Billie and Jared. As usual, Mann provides a head-scratcher of a tale, getting me more and more involved until that gasp out loud, ‘a-ha’ moment where everything falls into place despite the cut of the jagged pieces that got us there.
I’m floored. I admit my lack of detective skills when it came to figuring out what the connection btw these characters would be at the conclusion of this book but wow, never did I guess just how entangled they were. Each story on its own kept me turning the pages, hoping for Honey and Andrew to have the family they so desperately wanted. And with Jared and Billie, I just wanted for them to have some semblance of peace after what they go through together and to perhaps find in the other what their spirit now lacked.
This book is filled with excruciating emotions yet at times were extremely subtle. But I felt them all and couldn’t pretend that I wasn’t afraid at how the loose ends would ultimately be tied up. I was fully invested in their desires and feelings of dread when all of their worlds seemingly spiral out of control.
Sifting through the paths of this maze was never easy but Mann’s prose kept me engaged even when I was confused as all hell. And I’m here to say that every puzzling moment was well worth the extraordinary explanation that honestly had me all kinds of shocked. But that’s what I both expect and need from this author. I don’t want the usual and Mann delivers impeccably once more.
Before You is not an HEA nor is it even an HFN in my opinion. To me, it has a potential for some happy that only time will tell.
A real page-turner, I was deliberately vague about the circumstances these characters endure so please go in blind and enjoy this wild ride like I did. It’s a 5 star read that will certainly blow you away.
Another amazing book by Marni Mann that blew my mind away! I’m telling you, her books are an EXPERIENCE! This book joins When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann as one of my Top Books of 2019. No kidding! Lady made my list twice in one year! On top of writing stellar romance books, she also throws in twists and turns that you don’t ever see coming. It’s contemporary romance with a twist.
“The second we kissed, every fear I’d had was confirmed. This was a mistake. One I couldn’t stop from happening.”
This books features Jared and Billie. They meet on a plane, big things happen on the plane (no spoilers from me!), and they become instantly connected. But man…their love story was intense. The way this author sets up her story, you just know that there is something deep hiding under the surface just waiting to get out. That’s an amazing thing that Marni Mann is good at….writing an all-encompassing story.
Jared is mysterious and elusive. He fights their love connection left and right, but eventually he falls, and MY GOD it’s beautiful. Jared and Billie together are perfection. Because of what they’ve experienced together, there’s almost a sagging relief when they fall in love.
“That was what happened when you found your soul mate. You loved them forever.”
You also get the side, past-tense love story of Honey and Andrew. They’re swoon-worthy and their love is unpredictable, sugary sweet, and it serves a purpose in the overall storyline!
This book had me BAWLING. It’s guaranteed to make you ugly cry and bring on all the feels.
Go into this story blind! You won’t be disappointed!
Marni Mann, who are you, and what have you done to my soul?!
I am at a lose for words. I have NEVER read a story that has settled into my bones and left me speechless, and that is saying something. This was a first time read for this author and I have been thoroughly mind f*cked, left to ponder, ugly cry, crawl into a corner and sob for days. I refuse to give away spoilers, this is a story that you simply must read to get the goodness, but I promise you, it will change you as a reader. It did for me.
The intensity, the secret, the heartbreak, the soul crushing love, this story is a Hallmark movie, a romance movie and a tragedy all rolled into one, topped with a dollop of lusty sex. Billie and Jared are two of the best characters I have ever had the pleasure to read about, their emotions, their interactions with one another, and the pain that they experience together, it’s so real.
This story is one that people will read for years and years to come. This is simply a one click buy that you must purchase!
Gah!! Words can not describe how much I love this story by Marni Mann. It is so poignant and romantic it took my breath away at times. It will make you feel a whole gamut of emotions. I laughed and cried and could not help but feel like this author had a peephole into my soul as this story burrowed it’s way into my heart forever changing me! This was perfection!
Without going into any details, in typical Mann fashion, Before You was a twisty mindboggler where the unexpected is the only thing that can be expected. This story is filled with equal amounts of love and heartbreak with a twist that no one will see coming. I loved all the characters in this story and the overall message of how one little ripple can cause lasting consequences. I will cherish this story because of how it made me feel during and after reading it. That’s a main takeaway after reading a story by Marni Mann: You will walk away forever changed, viscerally affected and gasping for more . Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
5.5 Amazing Stars!
I was blown away with Before You, a beautiful and poignant love story. Or stories, I should say, but I’m getting ahead of myself. I went through a gamut of emotions while reading it; fear, hope, sorrow, anguish, joy…you’ll go through an emotional wringer with this book. It’s amazingly written and multifaceted; two stories within a story, with different timelines and points of view, running not really parallel, but rather interwoven, until you have a jaw dropping ‘AHA!’ moment and realize why the second story was so very important.
“Billie Paige was exactly what I wanted in a woman—intelligent, independent, and gorgeous. She just wasn’t a woman I could be with.”
This book will definitely go on my #TopRead2019 list! I won’t go into details, read the blurb, you really want to go in blind and experience it on your own. For those readers who normally shy away from emotional reads, don’t miss this one, I promise you it will be worth the tears you’ll spill!
“Some stories had the power to change lives forever.”
This story can almost be briefly summarized by this quote:
“Billie…I would do anything for you.”
I’m not sure if I’m helping my case, trying to convince everyone to read this story, but it’s been a few days since I finished Before You and I still get a knot in my throat, thinking about Billie and Jared. And Honey and Andrew. I loved this story!
Where do I even begin? Before You is Marni Mann’s third contemporary standalone this year and I feel like they’re part of this pattern of elaborate mind game stories that she wants you to get completely sucked into so your brain is fried and delighted by the end. Does that make sense? OK good.
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“Jared wasn’t the loudest sound I’d ever heard, but his voice caused my chest to ache the worst.”
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Before You is the story of Billie and Jared, their meeting, their love, their secrets. It is so intricately woven and told in such a way that you’re guessing the entire time. Did I mention theirs a third POV? There is. It is wild and it is lovely and it is making me want to cry. I can’t give anything at all away with Before You but I guarantee you will be hooked at the prologue! It captivated my heart and kept me guessing throughout.
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Marni Mann once again changes the romance game. I’m gasping for air and subsequently smiling like a school girl at her crush by the end. Like what just happened? It was EVERYTHING!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
It was supposed to be a typical work trip. New York to San Francisco, window seat, exit row. Maybe a mimosa. Then, seat 14B sat down. When our eyes met, the flight became anything but routine. I could pinpoint the moments in my life where everything changed forever. Meeting Jared on that flight was first. Falling in love with him was second. Discovering the secrets he kept was third. Putting my broken self back together and forgetting what I learned would be difficult. Forgiving Jared would be impossible. He said before me, nothing mattered. But after him, nothing would ever be the same.
This book is amazing. When you pick it up be prepared to not be able to put it back down. To say this one is a emotional roller coaster is a understatement. This too has to be one of the most original books that I have read in a long long time. This is a story within a story spanning years. Jared is a huge mystery and I will go ahead and tell you not to even try to figure him out. You won’t do it and it will be so shocking when all is revealed. Just enjoy him for who he is. I fell so in love with everyone in this book. I was invested in them and the words are just so beautiful you can’t help but to devour it and then sit back and process what you have just read. Marni Mann always writes from her heart. You can feel it in everyone of her books. This one will go down as one of my favorite Marni Mann books. She can do dark just as well as tearing your heart out of your chest. All the adventures she takes you on are nothing short of amazing. This is is a must read. If you only read one book this year it needs to be this one.
Five freaking stars. I am undone. You guys, this book! Before You is a May/December romance. Jared is a 47 year old security specialist with a very successful business. Billie, 30, is a food reviewer and has a very popular YouTube channel. They meet on a flight to San Francisco. The attraction is immediate. But Jared cannot have Billie. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t give anymore detail. Mann really weaved a very touching romance. I still have very few words other than I loved Before You! Definite book hangover. 5++ stars!!
There’s a vast variety of books out there. But you know the kind that you read, slowly digest and that leave you in utter shock, awe and amazement? The kind that literally have you wondering about the author and how they came up with something so utterly brilliant and has you wondering how their brain works to come up with such a plot?
Before You by Marni Mann was all of that and so much more. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
“Some things in life were a coincidence. My encounter with Billie Paige was not.”
There’s really not much that I can say without spoiling anything which I’d absolutely hate to do because this book is a journey and an experience and one you should have all on your own.
What I will say is that the entire time, I caught myself thinking: “Where is Marni going with this?”
“What is happening? How is she gonna end this? How’s she going to tie this all together?”
“What is going on?”
Before You will leave you at the edge of your seat with your jaw hanging wide open in shock, surprise and amazement. It’ll also leave you feeling incredibly full, content and satisfied. So unpredictable which is a rare find for me but can always be expected from this incredible author.
“In the forty-seven years I’d been alive, I’d learned something about women. There were those you couldn’t help but look at and those you just shouldn’t look at.
She was both.
That was rare.”
I loved Jared something fierce even though he had me worried the better portion of the book. And Billie was so vibrant. A beautiful, strong, independent woman that was captivating. I could definitely see the appeal for Jared.
Marni has a flawless, fluent narrative. Both concise and sharp but also so vivid and rich.
Be prepared for some mystery, major confusion, the penny to drop and some heat and steam thrown into the mix!
Take a chance on this food vlogger and security business owner. I promise they won’t disappoint you with their very hard earned ending. Before You is a unique story you won’t have read anywhere else, done in a poignant and professional way.
A very well deserved 5 NOODLES from me.
Before You is a COMPLETE standalone.
*Reviewed by Ali at Fallen For Books.
Marni Mann is AMAZING! I have read many of her books and I am always impressed, and this book was absolutely no different. In fact, I think this one has impressed me even more because I legit did not catch on to the interconnections and twist until a chapter before all was revealed!
A little angst, a little heartbreak, a little struggle in putting life back together after potential tragedy…a little mix of everything and put together so well, ending with the way it should.
Absolutely amazing. Definitely a 5 (noodle) star read!
At 30 years old, Billie Paige is a food vlogger who enjoys traveling to experience new flavors. On a flight to California, Billie meets a man that makes her feel alive, but her life abruptly changes bringing new challenges her way.
This narrative unfolds with uniquely shifting timelines and a focus on different couples. With the use of brief chapters punctuating the rising tension surrounding the need to connect all the dots, the plot arc comes together in a twisty fashion.
What I liked about this story was the unknown, and how at times it made me feel off kilter as a reader, because I wanted to make sense of it all. I also liked how these characters had to endure pain. Though the shorter chapters added to the overall enigmatic tone, at times, it prevented me from fully connecting with the emotional turmoil embedded within characters. But, with the reveal, all the plot points coalesce into a broader story showcasing the need for forgiveness and love.
Before You is a moving account of love and tragedy reinforced by strength from within.
What. A. Story!
Unique, compelling and emotional story with plenty of twists and unexpected surprises!
This book began slowly as 2 stories about 4 different people. However as the story developed and unfolded, the author masterfully gives hints of something else is happening in the story that’s much bigger.
How are these characters connected?
Or are they?
Jared and Billie meet during a fateful flight to San Francisco. Soon after they put their flirting yo the test a moment in time changes the course of their lives and their connection became more than they imagined.
I thought the story was heading BOOM, the author takes a sharp left and my heart literally aches at what was discovered!!
As Jared and Billie’s chemistry sizzles, Billie makes a painful discovery and confronts Jared forcing him to come clean about a secret he seems to be holding.
Billie and Jared seemed perfect for each other, but when painful discoveries are made everything she thought about their connection goes belly up.
Can you forgive regardless of what it is?
This book beautifully explores that concept.
This is a story of new beginnings, closure and forgiveness.
4.5 stars!
Having read and enjoyed one other novel written by Marni Mann, I knew when we had an opening and an opportunity to read something else, I’d take it.
Before You had an interesting organization. It started with a mysterious prologue and then it followed a couple’s storyline from the past and a couple’s storyline in the present. Obviously these storylines would have to intersect at some point, and I had some guesses early on (that were somewhat correct, kudos to me), but it wasn’t until the end that the intersection was clear. Up until that last 20%, I was curious and continually modifying what I thought the big reveal would be, soaking up details as I quickly read from chapter to chapter to try to figure things out: how were Honey and Billie and Jared were all connected and how would all of this end?
Of the two storylines, Billie and Jared’s was the focal point. Their crazy beginning (gah– there was one scene that was heartpoundingly too real) and aftermath were not what I was expecting and I liked how from the start this novel was trying to keep me on my toes. They had a connection that was forged by a harrowing event and as time passed became one of shared interests and passion. There’s was a love that seemed to be perfect, even though we kept being warned that it wasn’t supposed to be happening. But the heart wants what the heart wants and my heart wanted them to be together, dang it.
As I mentioned earlier, I had a few ideas and some were correct and some were so embarrassingly wrong, but it was that anticipation and desire to know what was going on that made this such a fun and unique read. I grabbed every spare second I had to try to read and when I got to the last 10%, I honestly felt it could go in one of two ways and I would’ve been okay with either, because either would’ve made sense–though I’m sure some readers would’ve not liked one of the scenarios. As this is a novel in the romance genre, it ended with the HEA and it worked but if I’m going to be honest, I wish there had been more chapters delving into that a little more. I finished the novel a little worried about how things would work…could they work…and that,my friends, is the sign of a good story. That I was still concerned and thinking about them after I finished means Marni Mann had me fully engaged and all in with her characters. Looks like there’s a nice long backlist to keep me entertained until she comes out with something new.
If you haven’t ever experienced a Marni Mann book, Before You is the perfect place to begin. You are instantly sucked into side by side stories, not knowing how they are connected but desperate to put the puzzle together.
It’s a love story unlike any other. You experience the heartbreak, the loss, the love, the forgiveness right along with the characters. Emotions so strong, you might as well be a food blogger right alongside Billie, or keeping secrets as Jared’s best friend. Marni’s ability to pull readers in is such an amazing talent.
Be prepared to read in one sitting. Be prepared to gasp, curse, swoon, and most all, love.
Oh wow talk about all the feels. Billie and Jared met when they sat next to each other on the plane. Things changed after that flight. It’s a swirl of emotions and secrets that when revealed o didn’t know how to feel. Before those secrets were revealed you saw the struggle in Billie to recover from an incident and Jared helping her. He just didn’t expect to fall in love with her. He used his age difference as an excuse but that didn’t stop Billie from falling for him and she didn’t care how much older he was than her. Her recuperation with Jared by her side was the most beautiful love story. Until the secret and omg!! I didn’t see that coming. Her reaction was understandable and honestly I didn’t know how the author was going to incorporate a reconciliation because this was a very tough secret to swallow. But I liked that it wasn’t rushed and he gave her space. I wanted more for the ending but I still Iker it.
I seriously devoured this book! If I didn’t have to sleep and work I would have finished in a matter of hours! Yes it’s that good!
The author has done this to me a few times already. She’s got me hooked from the first page then I have zero idea what’s happening until maybe 70% in.
This book is written in such a cool way. There is the standard two person point of view and then there is a third point of view simultaneously telling another story. When you finally figure out what’s happening you’ve smacked yourself in the head for not figuring out before and you are also bawling your eyes out. Fun times!
Exquisitely written. Full of emotion. Full of angst. Full of love. Full of betrayal. So full of everything!
I’d give this one more than 5 stars for sure! Loved every page of it!
Marni Mann
All I can do is encourage readers to go into this blindly and trust the amazing journey they are about to experience. This story was like no other I have read before and not sure I will ever read a story this powerful again. This book packed in it so many feels both happy and sad and a powerful love. The characters were written in an amazing fashion that really placed the reader right there in the midst of the story.
My heart is going to take a bit of time to recover from this one and so worth it!
The blurb pulled me in on this one and let me tell you, it was nothing like I expected. In true Marni writing it has twists and will shock you. Im indifferent to the book though and feel like the story isn’t over yet. I need a novella or extended epilogue to complete it.
This book was mind blowing! The first few chapters I was thinking “what the heck is going on here?” So, of course, I had to keep reading to figure it out. I was so entranced in the book that I couldn’t put it down. Marni Mann wrote a captivating, unique story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m pretty good at figuring out stories with suspense in them, but this one left me dumbfounded. I loved all of the characters, I loved the love story aspect, and I loved the mystery of trying to figure it all out. One of the best books I have read this year. I will be recommending Before You to all of my reading buddies.