From author Nikki Ash comes a new, contemporary, stand-alone romance.Live hard. Love harder. Trapped under my controlling mother’s expectations and rules, I’ve lived my life for everyone but me. My only escape—a carefully guarded list of things I can only dream of doing. One by one, I slowly find the courage to start living. And that dream becomes a reality the moment my lips crash against a … moment my lips crash against a mysterious stranger’s in a drunken attempt to check another item off my list.
Only I wasn’t prepared for how that one kiss would alter the course of my entire life. In a single night, everything changes.
Ethan Romero is the opposite of everything I’ve ever known. He’s the dark to my light. The corruption to my innocence.
He shows me that life is more than a list of experiences to check off. It’s about living in the moment so you don’t miss the ones not on the list—the ones you didn’t even know you wanted.
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Have you ever thought about all the things you want to do in your life before you die?
The book Before I die, by @authornikkiash, brings a story of a young woman, Nevaeh, whose upbringing was very strict and has been raised within the walls of the Catholic church. Due to the fact that her mother has always hindered her efforts to grow as an independent and confident woman, she finds herself in need to live life out of her comfort zone. So she writes down a list of things she wants to do before her time comes.
That’s when she meets Ethan, a guy who’s the exact opposite of what she believes to be the safest choice for her when it comes to men. He is hot, rich and impersonates the bad boy like no other man Nevaeh has ever met.
The circumstances under which they meet are really peculiar, and their reactions towards each other are unexpected and really fun!
AND THEN there’s a plot twist which makes us hold our breaths and enhances the experience with this book. Whoah!
My favorite thing about Before I Die is the way the author brings up how different Ethan and Neveah are, but never casts a negative light on that. It’s so entertaining to see how they work those things out, respecting and not attempting to change each other. The ending is really satisfying and it gives us all the feels.
Being my third Nikki Ash book in a row, I have to say that this one sealed the deal as to making her one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.
What a great ride!
Before I Die is not at all what I expected but an incredible story none the less. Nikki Ash brings all the FEELS. I read this in one sitting! This was an addicting read with angst and suspense mixed with an intense emotional and physical connection that I just couldn’t get enough of. Neveah has barely experienced life. She is 24 years old and has been weighed down by judgement of her mother and her religious beliefs. She has done everything to make her happy but she is getting tired of living her life based on her mother’s expectations of her and has made a list of things she wants to do before she dies. First up is going to a club on her birthday. What she doesn’t expect is to check off two more items from her list in the same night. Get drunk and kiss a stranger. That kiss is out of this world. Explosive and soul searing. A kiss she cannot stop thinking about. Ethan has a bit of a darker side and seems the exact opposite of Neveah but gosh I love that man. He is so supportive of Neveah and all her dreams. He is running a club with some illegal activity running through it but will stop at nothing to keep Neveah protected and away from any harm. He is harboring some fears and pain from the past and my heart broke for him in the flashback scenes. There were parts of Neveah’s character that bothered me. She was in her head a lot. She was stubborn and lacked confidence in her choices and decisions. She had a hard time speaking up to her mother but meeting Ethan changes her world and her insecurities become a thing of the past. This was an unpredictable story. Every time I thought I knew the direction the story was going I would get a twist or turn I never saw coming. Nikki Ash provided a gripping, suspenseful, emotional love story with Before I Die and I highly recommend it.
When I first started reading this book I was a little worried. I am not a religious person, nothing against it, it’s just not my cup of tea. But then I thought, No, I have never been disappointed in any book from Nikki, and continued on. Boy!!! Did she ever deliver!! I’m not sure what I thought would happen in this book but all my theories were blown out of the water a few chapters in!! It was riveting, a true edge of your seat, non stop, emotional, beautiful ride.
Neveah was truly innocent, her life had been run by her mother for way too long. If she couldn’t figure out how to break free, she might be trapped forever. Her dreams and a list were the only things that kept her going. The list contained everything she had ever wanted to do but most of the items would require her to defy the rules. Would she be brave enough?
Her birthday changed everything, one defied rule started a domino effect. Would she finally be able to spread her wings and fly or would her world come crashing down?
Holy Moly, I was a mess! This book certainly tested my heart several times. It was amazing! It went from sweet and innocent to dark and dirty and everywhere in between. I really thought I was going to be mad at Nikki for leaving me hanging, but she came through Be prepared to expect the unexpected!
“…because for the first time in my life, I realize I’m no longer just surviving, getting through each day, but instead actually living. My heart feels full and content — I feel happy.”
Nevaeh has lived her whole life doing what she thought was “right,” or what other people told her was acceptable. Unfortunately for her, this has limited her experiences and caused her world to truly lack the color that comes with living life to the fullest. When a friend takes her out to a nightclub and she encounters her ex (who is a huuuuuge jerk), this is the first time Nevaeh truly does something crazy and … kisses a stranger! This basically amounts to nothing more than making her ex jealous, but gives her the little push she needs to open her eyes just a bit more.
Ethan, the stranger Nevaeh kisses in the club, did not suspect that such a woman would walk up to him and use him as a boyfriend for a few moments, but he can’t seem to get her out of his mind. Unfortunately for him, the next time he meets up with his mystery girl, is a situation that neither of them wishes to be in.
Now, what happens next I just … can’t tell you or it will totally give away everything that makes the story something special. What I can say is I was surprised at the turn of events and even more surprised by who Ethan truly was. The story lets in several interesting characters and gives some true insight into why these people grew up to be who they are. I also love to see the growth of Ethan and Nevaeh as they get to know each other and as they deal with the obstacles placed before them.
What I loved most about this story was the dichotomy of the two main characters – Nevaeh is a “good girl” and constantly trying to please those around her, while Ethan just … doesn’t care. When they come together, the beauty is in watching them mesh their two viewpoints together. Although the book took a bit of a dark turn, it definitely kept me intrigued.
Before I Die tells us the story of
Ethan and Neveah, two individuals that are polar opposites of one another, living in different worlds who are brought together one night and end up sharing a kiss which changes the course of their lives forever, Neveah’s in particular. Theirs was unique and unexpected story which will hit you with all the feels, prepare to go through a whole roller-coaster of emotions as you read of Neveah’s life changing experiences, join her as she spreads her wings and learns to fly with the guidance of Ethan, hot, sexy Ethan, this pair were different from one another in every way but they complemented each other, building off of one another’s strengths and the chemistry they shared was red hot, yes their story isn’t an easy one but it is beautiful and totally worth the read, don’t miss out get reading this fantastic five star read now, you won’t be disappointed.
Nikki Ash is a one-click author for me, no questions asked. She knows how to just make me feel everything. Before I Die is no different. I feel like Nikki Ash gets better and better with each book.
Ethan and Nevaeh are one of my favorite Nikki Ash couples. Nevaeh is innocent and Shelter, while Ethan is alpha and anything but innocent. These two couldn’t be more opposites but absolutely perfect for each other. Their chemistry and connection was just amazing to read and exactly what I would expect from Nikki Ash.
Nikki Ash just has a way with words that makes me feel her characters in my bones. She delivered this gut wrenching, emotional, beautiful story that left me needing more. Everything about this book was just perfect from the characters, to the plot, to the phenomenal writing.
Every book I have ever read by Nikki Ash has been a 5 star read. Every single one. No, I don’t know why I haven’t read every word she has ever written lol Before I Die was beyond a 5 star read for me and I think mainly it’s because it just sucked me in from the beginning. I was invested in Nevaeh from the get-go. I didn’t just read her struggle, I felt it. I knew from the blurb we were getting maybe a shy/naive type heroine but what we got was so much more. To be honest, I didn’t expect the story-line either LOL I mean … where to begin …
I don’t want to give away the plot because I loved being surprised by it and I’m hoping you guys are as well, but I don’t to say that this book is a lot more than just a romance journey. It’s a journey of growth and acceptance. Nevaeh was living life thru a certain lens until circumstances changed and that lens pretty much shattered and she decided to forge on … (confused yet? Lol) This is the part about reviewing I dislike the most. There are some books you just can’t talk about but yet you want the world to read! This is one of those books. And not because it’s some special, outside the box, better than anything else, story. No, because it’s surprising and thrilling and very well plotted!! It’s not a black and white story .. it has turns and forks that will keep you on your toes.
I cannot say this enough, this author consistently delivers a well thought out story with characters that grow and learn. Her storylines are always fresh and well plotted out. You cannot go wrong with one of her books. I never have.
I have not been captured by a book like this, in a long time.
This is so different than anything Nikki Ash has written on her own, and I absolutely loved it.
The dark aspects. The twists. The turns. The roughness. The innocents. It was all so beautifully written.
It’s one of those books, that gets to 90% and there is still so damn much that needs to happen and you know there is no way it can all work out, but some how does. Ahhhh…it had me on the edge of my seat and gripping my phone like no tomorrow.
Ethan is just…EVERYTHING!
What is on your bucket list? Have you ever thought about what you would want to do before you died?
Would your list be full of things, memories, places or people? Before I Die is a wonderfully written book by Nikki Ash that you won’t want to put down. Ethan and Nevaeh’s relationship is one that you won’t expect. They are from two different worlds, one is light and one of dark. How will their relationship work?
I loved this book and so will you. It should definitely be at the top of your TBR list.
What would you put on a bucket list? Do you dream of something to make it complete?
Ethan and Nevaeh’s relationship starts off unconventionally but the sparks are there from the beginning. Ethan may not be the typical white night but he definitely finds a way save Nevaeh. I wouldn’t mind him as my knight for a night. Before I Die should be at the top of your to be read list. You will love it!!! My list of favorites from Nikki Ash keeps growing.
Nevaeh and Ethan give us a story that will leave you thinking about them long after you are done. I have been sitting on this reviews for days and I still am not sure how to give it’s due.
This book is so much more than a sweet romance; it is a story about finding yourself in the loneliest of places. About taking everything you thought you knew and throwing it out of the window.
Before I Die is a beautiful heart warming story, I can’t say enough great things about. Seriously…grab yours now!
Nikki Ash did an amazing job writing Before I Die. It has all the feels. One minute you are laughing and the next on the verge of tears. Nevaeh and Ethan are the perfect couple. She is the light to his dark. Both overcome horrible tragedies in their lives together. This is definitely a must read.
Naveah makes a list.
She checking it off.
She meets a stranger and it changes her life.
This book is fantastic!
I definitely give it 5/5 .
If you ever wanted to do a bucket list then this is the book to read!
This is a fantastic story with two amazing main characters. Nevaeh and Ethan are just wow! They grew so much throughout the entire story.
This book had so many twist and turns along the way that I wasn’t expecting. I loved watching Nevaeh dig deep to find herself. Then we have Ethan. That man was enough to bring me to my knees. He was so sweet and swoony you can’t help but fall in love with him. This wasn’t your typical love story. There was so much more to it.
I wasn’t sure want to expect from Before I Die, that being said, Nikki Ash exceeded alllll of my expectations for it! I was blown away by all of the emotions, the suspense and the beautiful love story.
“Live hard. Love harder.”
Great words to live by. Nevaeh grew up in a very strict, religious home. Given her background, it makes sense to how naive she is. She my alway tried to live her life to keep her mom happy.
“I’m going to die before I’ve ever lived.”
Now that she is living on her own with best friend, she realizes there is a lot she’s missing out on in life. She starts to write her bucket list of things she want to do before she dies. Who knew kissing a stranger in a club would actually end up saving her life??? It’s funny how life works out sometimes.
“I’m nobody’s white knight and it’s best she realizes that now.”
Ethan is Neveah’s complete opposite. Where Nevaeh is sweet and innocent, Ethan is sinfully hot, corrupt and ruthless. He can’t get that kiss out of his head. She’s definitely not his type, too good, too innocent, too pure for a guy like him. Who knew their lives would collide days later?? And it would have him fighting his attraction to her.
Before I Die is a beautiful love story full of hope, love, loss and forgiveness. Trust me when I say you need to read it
I loved this book. Nikki ash is always amazing nevaeh and eathan are amazing i could not put this book down read it one night!
5 “Live Hard. Love Harder” Stars
Before I Die had me hooked after only a few lines. It was so different than what I was expecting, but in such a good way. This novel can’t be labelled in one specific category as it is an amalgam of inspiring, emotional, suspenseful and steamy! Nikki Ash surpassed herself with this romance that has me dazzled!
As I previously mentioned, only a couple pages in and I was already captivated by this story. Neveah is a sheltered heroine, raised by a very religious mother, but she finally wants to spread her wings. Her desire to finally live the life she wants without fear is admirable. The night she starts this new journey, she meets Ethan and they share an instant connection. When they unexpectedly cross path again, Ethan becomes her savior and there’s not looking back.
I seriously loved that both main characters are opposites, but they don’t try to change the other. I felt they pushes each other to just be more. Ethan, as much as he’s an imposing alpha with a certain dangerous edge, doesn’t want Nevaeh to let go of her beliefs. He doesn’t ridicule her for her hopes and desires, but makes her embrace them. That’s what I love about their dynamic so much.
I don’t want to reveal too much about the storyline, because the story is best experienced blind. I treasured the protagonists and their exquisite love story paved with obstacles that only made their love get deeper. Nikki Ash wrote here another little gem!
This book took me in so many directions, I’m not sure what to say. I loved the growth Nevaeh had throughout the book, breaking away from her mother’s controlling ways and finding out who she was underneath the “perfect Catholic girl” exterior. I thought when I began reading that I knew what’s direction the book was heading, but halfway through it took a hard right and ended up in a place I probably should have guessed, but didn’t. Ethan is a fantastic book boyfriend, all protective and commanding, all the while keeping Nevaeh’s needs at the top of his mind. From the first kiss to the last page, I loved watching Ethan and Nevaeh’s relationship evolve and grow.
I must say I was a little bit scared to read this book. After seeing the title I already had a feeling that I will cry a lot in this book and I am not a big fan of that. But I thought I should give it a try and the book was not what I had expected … at all.
Before I Die is about Nevaeh. She grew up very religious and is the quit, sweet and innocent woman and but then one night changed everything for her. She went with her best friend to a club to celebrate her birthday where shot got drunk and has a steamy kiss with a stranger. Ethan. He is a hot, rich and successful business owner and is totally mesmerized by Nevaeh after their kiss. The development of their relationship is totally captivating!
Before I Die was my first book I’ve read by Nikki Ash and I really don’t know why I waited so long! It’s a contemporary romance, but I think it also had a few dark moments. The story is written in dual POV which I absolutely love! Would definitely recommend this book!
I got an ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.