Before I Do

By: Sophie Cousens

Narrated by: Emma Sidi

A heartwarming and playful novel about the ones we love and the ones we lose by the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year

What would you do if 'the one that got away' turned up the night before your wedding?


Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are polar opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey’s found herself wondering if Josh really is "The One."

So, when Josh’s sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey’s "What If? guy"—the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with—Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred’s appearance the night before she is due to get married can’t be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humor?

Critic reviews

One of Reader's Digest's 30 Most-Anticipated Books of 2022

"A thoughtful and romantic story about the moments and choices that change our lives in unexpected ways….Cousens has created something special with this lovely tale." —Washington Independent Review of Books

"[R]efreshing…Cousens masterfully switches between past and present to deliver a satisfying love triangle that will pull in even those who don’t normally gravitate towards love stories with this theme. Witty and heartfelt, Before I Do takes a familiar trope and turns it on its head, and readers will find themselves tearing through this book to find out how it ends." —Booklist

"Cousens puts a clever spin on the standard rom-com trope of the love triangle….The true heart of the story is about her struggle with her past and whether she’s willing to create a new, more honest future for herself. A charming and surprising take on a classic love-triangle formula." —Kirkus Reviews

"Cousens…charms with this witty and emotionally rich story… [and] enhances this lighthearted rom-com with some truly touching moments as the authentic characters grapple with tough decisions. Readers will be especially drawn to Audrey, a woman unafraid to chase her own happiness and face challenges head-on. This is sure to charm." —Publishers Weekly

"[R]eaders will cheer Audrey on as she disentangles herself from the what-might-have-been love triangle….Cousens (Just Haven’t Met You Yet) offers up a chaste, heartwarming romance." —Library Journal

"The perfect feel-good book." —Reader's Digest

"I am the biggest fan of Sophie Cousens! She always delivers a true, laugh-out-loud, romcom with a ton of depth, and Audrey may be my favourite heroine. Before I Do could easily be her best book yet!" —Lizzy Dent, author of The Setup

"Utterly charming, clever, and truthfully romantic, Before I Do is a breath of fresh air. Sophie Cousens' books always surprise and delight." —Lauren Ho, author of Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic and Last Tang Standing

"I adored this novel! Funny, clever, poignant, with characters that just leap off the page. I loved how I was never sure quite how it was going to end, and I kept thinking about it even when I wasn't reading. Thoroughly recommend!" —Emily Stone, author of Always, In December

"A total page-turning—with an endearing protagonist and packed with humor and warmth, Before I Do is a dazzling romance. This book is definitely 'the one'!" —Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth

Way too long

This story had an interesting concept but by the time it ended, I didn’t like the female character very much.

Lead character and her scapes.

Delightful read. Loved the characters and voices, the scapes and adventures. Recommend for nice summer read.

Light, happy rom-com

Really enjoyed this book!
It’s a mostly light, easy book with enough depth to give the main character substance but not so much that it gets rough to read (or hear). You get to know her enough to understand and appreciate her conflict. The love interest and other supporting characters are less developed, but it doesn’t take away from the story because you know everything you need to and it doesn’t get too wordy.
The cussing was little, no raunchy sex scenes, no pushed agendas. (i wish audio books were rated so i know which ones i can play with my littles around!)
I also liked the narrator. Enjoyable with diverse voices and accents for different characters and great inflection.
Classic happily ever after with just the right amount of conflict! On-par for Cousens.
I would recommend.

Love, love love

Great story and great narration. I thoroughly enjoyed. The ending wraps everything up so well. I highly recommend taking the time to listen.

Unusual story line

Unlike other reviewers I would not call this funny or feel good story (until the end). The author did a good job of telling the story of an immature/self-absorbed woman trying to figure out who she is and who she thinks she is. Although she has a close relationship with her mom, her mom was not a good example for relationships. The hero is someone you want in your life and boyfriend. Lots of angst but the story kept you wanting to know what happens, this author does a good job at that. I really like "Just haven't met you Yet" and I will read more from this author. Narration was great.