It has been a hot minute since I’ve read a Jewel E. Ann book, but I was desperately craving a book that would hit me in the feels. This author is pretty reliable when it comes to this style of writing.

“I don’t know how to love you and be married to you yet not be your wife.”

Before Us took me by surprise. I was not ready for what I was about to read. Yes, I had heard about how emotionally packed it was, but I still was not ready. I will admit that I didn’t have a full-on ugly cry until the end, but was severely choked up over the course of the book. I mean how could you not? This book embodies all the feelings, the constant fluid motion between these characters, and the need to make sense of what they are feeling. Before Us was true angst between the pages.

“He’s still in the past, and I’m racing toward my future. Living in the present is too hard right now, maybe impossible.”

I highly recommend tissues, solo reading in a dark corner (if you’re an ugly crier😭), and just open up and feel. The story of Zach, Suzie, and Emersyn is just amazing. The love, grief, friendships, healing, maturity, and life lived are what this book is all about. JEA knows how to write, and this book is the perfect example.

                      “Zachary Hays is the unreachable pinnacle for all other men. That sucks for my next husband.”