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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This book left me speechless! It was all that and more. From the first page to the last, Marni Mann captures the reader and doesn’t let go. Before You was so good, 5+ stars good!!!!
I will say very little about the story as you need to read it and experience it as you go. Two strangers meet on a plane, and the story is anything but routine. It is filled with intrigue, surprise, sadness, happiness and secrets. This book had everything and Marni’s writing and her characters are so well done. The story is told from alternating people and times. It covers the past, present and hopes for the future.
The feelings of happiness and sadness were felt throughout the story, and journey of the characters. Marni Mann will keep you guessing with her twisty turns and secrets throughout,but you will be engrossed in it. I read it in one sitting and wished it wasn’t over. It is one of my favorite reads of 2019! It is a standalone and a must read book. It stayed with me even after the last page was read, and other stories followed. The story and characters are with me forever. This is a definite and immediate 1-click book!
I just started reading Marni Mann’s books in 2019 when a friend recommended I read When Ashes Fall back in January. I was very impressed with her writing and gift of creating an intriguing story. All of her books have very different kinds of subject matter and romantic themes. All of her characters are complex, the book plots are complicated with twists and turns that keep the readers captivated while turning the pages. By the last few chapters of the book she is wrapping it up with a shocking revelation which validates the happily ever after in a more sincere way. Marni Mann has become one of my favorite authors. I could not wait to read Before You.
Before You is a different kind of forbidden taboo romance. There is so much more than the older man/ younger woman romance, this is a story of FATE bringing two people together and not allowing them to escape their connection.
Billie Paige began her normal work routine when she boarded Flight 88. Little did she know that the handsome stranger sitting next to her would become her lifeline. She also didn’t know he would become her confidant, her strength, and the love of her life. Age didn’t make a difference, Flight 88 was behind them, and their future should have been soaring. The only problem is Jared has been keeping secrets. Flight 88 was only the beginning of the nightmares which she and Jared Morgan share. Jared is hiding something more than she can handle.
FATE has a different agenda and will never allow their connections to be broken. They can’t change with Fate or their real destiny.
Marni Mann held me captive while reading this book. The element of horror, suspense, fear, heartbreak is all wrapped up in an unforgettable romance that eventually finds a happily ever after. The journey to the ending was a reading event!
I highly recommend reading Before You by Marni Mann!
Before You by Marni Mann is such an amazing story that will have you hooked straight from the start. It’s one of those books that will have you fully engaged with the characters and the story all the way until the very end. It’s a book that you won’t be able to put down or let go until you finish and that is how Ms. Mann’s writing is- addictive and engaging.
Before You is told from a dual perspective in first-person, the third-person point of view. The story is told from present day/past 2 couples POV. Billie and Jared who met on a fated airplane journey are the present day POV and Andrew and Honey who met at a hospital are the past POV.
I’m going to tell you- get the tissues handy. This book is quite the emotional rollercoaster ride. There are twists, turns, raw, angsty, heartbreaking, hot, sizzling, deep, touching, gritty, gripping, feels, and yes- real moments that will have you either sobbing like a baby or yelling at your kindle. Realness! Without giving anything away, this is quite the story and it will captivate you up until the very end.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Some stories had the power to change lives forever.
I’d say EVERY STORY Marni writes, makes you a better reader, an in depth reader. She changes your perspective, makes you more observant. You discover emotions you never thought you had…
I’d been dying to read this book ever since Marni started it in March this year. She’d forewarned me,”my next book will make you cry even worse” and I believed her, But still I like climbing the altar to lay my heart for her to pierce with her stories every time!!
Marni is truly a versatile writer, every book manages to surprise me, annihilate me and impact my soul. From super sexy to dark, from mysterious psychological thrillers to poignant heart crunches, she rocks each Genre, each trope. She showcases her ability to hit bullseye in readers with every word. Her characters are compelling and impactful, her writing superbly sublime. This time she has delivered a layered story revolving around grief and healing in a way that strikes every emotional chord. It’s beauty lies in the plot complication coupled with Infinite angst, an unputdownable read that had me turning pages at breakneck speed. I read continously and rapidly, racing towards the end with a thumping heart.
Chapter one gives us a mystery which hangs like a curtain against which the story plays out. Happenstance plays a role in getting Jared Morgan a seat next to vivacious and successful food vlogger – Billie Paige, on the airplane. Their chanced meeting takes a violent turn and the whole world turns upside down. Their life legit goes heads down feet up in the air from that point on….
“It needed to stop. The chemistry, the teasing—all of it. I had to make my intentions clear and remind her again of why I was here before this went too far, and I couldn’t pull us back. Because if we really went there, all I would do was hurt her, and she couldn’t handle any more pain. That just meant things had to halt right now.”
I KNEW she couldn’t resist twisting the story around, but NOTHING could have prepared me for the big bang theory that just hit me in the face like a falling brick.
I loved the fact that Marni didn’t let the situation resolve easily
Trust and forgiveness had to be earned and closure was achieved after the gauntlet was run through.
The BEST PART was the Ending!!! Perfectly tied up on a note of hope of Maybe………
Jared Morgan was intense, profound and complete lover. His capacity for suffering and patience to seek redemption was staggering. His righteousness made him a beautiful and attractive human being inside out
“You didn’t stare at this man because of his looks, although he was extremely handsome. You stared at him because underneath his piercing gaze and expensive suit was someone profound.”
He’s matched in equal fervor and passion by Billie, who’s a dogmatic professional personality. She hides her guilt and suffering as well as Jared does. It was a perfect match made in heaven…till the accidents on earth make it a living Hell.
I cant/won’t /sha’nt tell you anything more except that this story makes you dread & sigh…. You MUST read this fabulous story, which speaks to my heart as a foodie. Lots of sentiments get referred to food, which makes my heart and Tum very happy
“That was our friendship. Like a spicy tuna roll—simple with a kick.”
It’s easily one of the top books of the year!!!
No amount of Stars can do this mindblowing book justice. All the accolades, praise and infinite stars belong to her
5 buckets full of tears
“Some stories had the power to change lives forever. This story changed an entire town”.
What an absolutely fantastic novel. Before You was an engrossing, gripping story that captivated me from the start and had me hooked until the very end. This novel was two stories in one but they were both so well written and so different that you will be eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next, as it will keep you guessing not knowing what to expect. Both stories will give you all the feels and take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride but you will enjoy every moment of this journey and when it all comes together you will be left stunned and speechless.
The characters were well developed and you will love them all even the secondary characters. Honey and Andrew, Billie and Jared two different couples, two different romances yet one no less important, no less emotional than the other
This is a story about love and loss, about healing and forgiveness, about the consequences of actions and its ripple effect on the lives of other.
I dont have enough words to adequately describe how much I loved this novel. Without a doubt a top read for 2019, Before You is worthy of more that a 5 star status and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of contemporary romance.
OMG! This book has left me with such a book hangover, I have not been able to read another since. It is a story of two couples. Two romances wrapped up into one story. A tragedy that reminded me of when the USA stood still. When these two couples lives intertwine, it is not a twist, it is a brick wall. I could not breathe, speak, or even think. I had to read that chapter over 3 times before it actually sunk in. I was guessing throughout the book and that ending, I never saw it coming. Marni Mann delivers so much with each and every story, has me hanging on each and every word and most of all, has me so addicted to her books.
Honey and Andrew have a taboo relationship. I really liked their story. It was sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. Honey is sweet, maybe that is why she is named as such. She only wants to please Andrew. Andrew is so protective of Honey from the first time he meets her. He loves her so deeply. The compassion and understanding these two have, so many dream about.
Billie and Jared are a relationship of survivors. It is their story that pulls you in. It is the strength of Billie that made me only want the best for her. Jared saved her. He protected her when she needed it the most. it was natural for Billie to fall in love with him. I could not stop thinking of these two. They grabbed my attention and did not let go until the end!
5 Stars
Before You is the all new, phenomenal story by Marni Mann. I seriously have NO WORDS! Ms. Mann has knocked this book out of the park. I swear, she continues to amaze me with every story she writes and Before You was no different. It is full of heart, passion, and characters that are truly unforgettable.
You know how much you love your favorite authors and love every story they put out no matter what? Well for me, I fell in love with Ms. Mann’s words before anything else. Her imagination fascinates me and after reading The Assistant, I wasn’t too sure she could ever top it. But BOY WAS I WRONG!!! Before You was everything I hoped it would be but so much more than I was expecting. Billie and Jared’s story was so impactful. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same. Yes I know it’s fiction, but damn-this story blew me away. I was fully connected to the characters and felt every single emotion they felt. The writing was pure perfection and everything flowed well. Before You is one story I will come back to again and again. Highly recommend reading this book!
This story was full circle fantastic. There’s not been one book I’ve picked up by this author that didn’t make me itch to go directly to the back of the book to get some answers. That’s how compelling and mysterious her writing is. Every book leads us on the amazing race, gathering facts, living through two story lines trying to find out why or how these stories collide. Then it’s like a freight train ran you over when you finally get to that point and understand how the two fit together. I had suspicions, but Marni Mann surprised me this time for sure.
There is a lot of heart break, but there’s a whole lotta love here between these couples too. This author has a way of being subtle with the hot-o-meter as well, but it’s always oh-so-good. This is definitely not one to miss even though I say that about all of her stories. So thought provoking and jaw dropping and every bit worth the time. One of my best of 2019!
Before You by Marni Mann was a puzzle which engrossed me and intrigued me till the last word. The story line kept me glued to the pages as I eagerly turned pages to understand what is happening. It was a brilliantly crafted romantic suspense with an edgy, intense and soul deep feel.
Billie Paige is a highly successful food vlogger and reviewer. Jared Morgan is owner of a very famous security company. Billie is charming, lively, full of joy and sweetness. Jared is silent, dark, brooding and intense with his ragged handsome looks and bossy personality. Their worlds and personalities could not be far from another. But they collide nevertheless. And their fates have been intertwined a long time ago. Their connection is desperate, needy and overwhelmingly obsessive. They find solace, peace and healing. But the scars are about to reopnened and hurt like hell.
I need you to go in blind. Like I did. I did not even read the blurb. The story moves across time, place and person effortlessly. You will feel the lives of all these people including the lead couple Jared and Billie are interconnected by an invisible and cruel thread but you will not know for sure till the very end. I could literally taste the secrets unravelling. My heart raced and guts churned in anticipation of the heartbreaking and tragic yet very fitting twists. If unputdownable needs a definition, this book would fit perfectly. It would be uncomfortable sometimes. Jared and Billie’s ever changing relationship with all the fire, heat and blood was simply amazing.
Before You by Marni Mann was exhilarating, nerve wrecking and exceptionally written. Marni Mann created an epic and unforgettable story of love, loss, passion and forgiveness.
Received ARC for Honest review
Marni Mann has wowed again with this dark emotional romance in Before You, absolutely blindsiding me with a compelling and thrilling storyline that kept me guessing until the very end. It was very clever and packs an incredible emotional punch.
The prologue had such an air of mystery that I was immediately hooked and needed to read the whole book. I got totally immersed in the story of all of these characters all the while wondering about a certain character and when I would know more. This narrative within this story 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 true Marni Mann, twisty fashion. Two heart-breaking and emotional romances entwined into one impactful story of love, tragedy and forgiveness.
Very few books surprise me nowadays but this one did. I loved forming theories in my head while reading and was heading in the right direction but the Marni cleverly threw me off and the move was perfectly executed.
Overcoming grief, learning how to forgive and faith in love are the crucial elements Marni Mann has used to make Before You such an incredible read. Her style of fluid writing is phenomenal, her characters are beyond exquisite and the dialogue is perfectly realistic. This story is unforgettable.
Before you is such a unique story with so much pain and heartbreak, where two people go through some difficult situations.
The story and the characters are so different than other books I’ve read. I love when I read a book and I get sucked in and feel I’m part of the story. This is one of those books.
How does one go on after reading a Marni Mann book? Each and every time I finish I cannot concentrate on any other read. Her characters constantly dominate my thoughts weeks after. Again she has my heart beating fast, this time for Billie and Jared.
ʙᴇᴏʀᴇ Yᴏᴜ is full of suspense, intrigue, and questions. Marni Mann has provided you with the puzzle pieces; but are they from the same puzzle? I was glued to the pages from the very first chapter and honestly couldn’t wait to see what Marni had in store for us. I have read many of her books and she blows me away each and every time. Only this author can give you two stories and have them come together so harmoniously into an intricately explosive tale that will detonate your heart and mind.
ʙᴇᴏʀᴇ Yᴏᴜ is a well written, thoughtfully executed book that put me through a myriad of emotions. It is an impassioned story of love, loss, and healing. Many find comfort in food when dealing with life’s intricacies and Marni mingles this factor within this convalescent tale. Billie Paige, a food reviewer’s life is impacted in ways she could never imagine when she encounters Jared Morgan in a not so coincidental meeting on Flight 88.
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Heartbreakingly beautiful. Such an original tale of soulmates destined for each other and the twists in life that bring them together and also tear them apart. The story is a page turner I couldn’t put down. I needed to know every detail…every moment of these characters’ lives and what tied them to each other and drew them closer. The love stories were so moving and brought tears to my eyes. Just an emotionally gripping book that I won’t soon forget.
4.5
This is my second Marni Mann ARC. I was so excited to receive this one… I devoured it overnight.
My first Marni Mann read was When Ashes Fall, so you can’t really blame me for bracing myself up for the impact… but I was so relieved and glad I didn’t ugly-cry in this book.
I’ve never read anything like it before… it made me anxious as I swiped the book page after page. Like in all Marni Mann fashion, you should definitely expect the unexpected.
The pacing was great and the characters were intriguing… At first I didn’t quite get the connection of the prologue to the rest of book, and it was something that kept on plaguing me as I went through the pages… but I always reminded myself that I’ve read When Ashes Fall and it didn’t make sense until the end.
This book is heartbreaking, heartwarming and swoon-worthy all rolled into one. It’s not an easy read because it’s more angsty than your normal romance but it’s also so worth it in the end. I just wished there was a longer epilogue… I felt like it was hanging… I don’t know, it’s probably just me but yes. I have all these burning questions… like what happened after the surprise Venetian dinner? What happened during the meeting the Dad??
Lastly, I’m sorry if I give anything away by saying this but let me just say that Andrew is just the friggin’ best… I wish I could find someone like him in real life… (sigh)
https://benderdreamergirl.blogspot.com/2019/10/before-you-by-author-marni-mann.html
Amazing, breath-taking story-writing.
When I started reading this story, I didn’t know where it was going to go. The prologue had seemed to be going in one direction and then chapter 1 just took a side road. I will readily admit to being confused, but I was already invested in finding out more. The book is made up of two separate stories. One set in the past, the other in the present, but it’s about two different couples. It might seem strange, but there is a connection, one that will break your heart in the end.
This is the telling story of soulmates meeting. Finding one another and the things that can tear them apart. A spell-binding, gut-wrenching tale of love, secrets and redemption. There is so much more to this book but you truly have to read it for yourself to find out just what happens in Before You by Marni Mann.
Billie Paige is a food vlogger that is about to embark on a typical journey in her world, traveling to California for a research trip… but it winds up being anything but typical. First she meets a man that completely takes her by surprise, Jared Morgan is gorgeous and protective, and so not the usual kind of man to catch her eye. Then the flight takes a terrible turn, panic and uncertainty settles in, and that leads her to put her life in the hands of her gorgeous seat mate… and from their things in her life just continue to go awry!
Before You is a mind-twisting tale that alternates between past and present, and brings you into the lives of two couples lives that will eventually weave together. From chapter to chapter this one had me scooting closer to the edge of my seat, dying in anticipation, and struggling to predict what would happen next… it’s downright thrilling! It’s words are compelling, dark and painful, evocative, and have the power to leave you breathless. This is not my first journey with this author, so I thought I had an inkling of what to expect, but she completely took me by surprise with this one… definitely one of her best to date! I loved this newest offering from Ms. Mann it had my full attention from page one, and tortured my heart and emotions in the best possible way! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Well Marni Mann has done it again. What you may ask. She wrote a book that will sock you right in the gut with emotion. As this story began to unfold I sat wondering what the twist was going to be and then it hit. She unfolded the story so well that even though you may be able to piece together what is about to happen it does not take away the toll it will have on your emotions. It packs a punch that Marni is becoming famous for.
The alternating POV’s and timelines set this story up perfectly. I don’t know that I had a favorite timeline since both were so important to the story as a whole. It was fun and also heart-wrenching to see the past and that only set the reader up for what was to come.
With all the twists and turns the book never loses focus on the emotional pull. Heartbreak and love, two things this author can weave a story with seamlessly. That is why I will always pick up a book by Marni Mann. My heart always hurts but her stories also always remind me I’m alive.
Wow…Marni you are amazing. This was not a typical love story. First, I have to say I was totally thrown off by the 3rd person flashbacks. I knew in the end it would all come together but I was confused. That being said, I really enjoyed it. I couldn’t put the book down.
This story was a roller coaster ride of emotions and I loved every minute of it. Great job!!
I wrote this review based on an advance reading copy that the publisher sent me.
Marni Mann has done it again! I keep thinking there’s no way she’ll be able to top her last book, but somehow she always manages to. Her ability to tell a story is breathtaking. She’s given us another book that will once more have you savoring each page, not wanting the end to come, but needing to know how it ends! She’ll break your heart, have you in tears, but you’ll still be glad you read the book!
Jared was such a perfect hero, but so mysterious, with so many secrets. You’ll fall in love with Billie and her sweet, happy personality…. and you’ll ache for the road they both have to travel thru this book. There are so many questions and secrets, and you’ll find yourself trying desperately to make the connections and figure out what’s being hidden. It’s written so well though, that it will keep you guessing! I highly recommend this book!
Marni Mann once again is brilliant and keeps us at the edge of our seats!
“Her chest was miserably tight, and her stomach felt the same. He had healed her once. And now, it felt like he was ripping those stitches apart.”
At one point during this amazing read I out loud said “oh noooo” and you just knew this was going to be a pivotal moment very soon! My stomach was already in knots waiting to see how this would come full circle.
I loved so much about this book…the way Marni went back and forth in time, the struggles, healing, real life obstacles and heartache, the passion, forgiveness, beginnings and endings. It was so real and raw. Your heart ached and soared throughout the story.
“I didn’t know how to say good-bye, how to wish for my life.”