This was soooooo cute! I loved that Lucy and Dani had an instant connection and you could really feel it. I love the way that they bonded with each others kids but I do wish there was a bit more of it. Jonah and Ryan instantly knowing that there was something between their moms was very funny. I do wish that Lucy left Matt a bit earlier but I understand why it took that long.

I received an arc through netgalley.

3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️: I really enjoyed this quick read! I’m constantly searching for adult LGBTQIA+ books without the same plot reiterated. This one can be touchy for some who do not like reading about cheating in books (I’ve heard this quite often in reviews about glorifying cheating, etc.). There was a lot of bitterness between the spouses who dealt with cheating in this book, so take that information with a grain of salt if that is not your thing. Overall, it was a cute and quick story between two people still finding themselves in different points of separation in their lives.

Dani and Lucy meets through their sons Jonah and Ryan when they windup in a fight at school. They both are dealing with trying to give their sons great up bringing in the mix of having relationship problems with Dani ex Catriona who she is piss at for not only cheating but being engage to the person she cheated on with and Lucy who got pregnant young is in relationship with the father Matt which isn’t going great. Dani and Lucy didn’t expect an attraction towards each other when their lives isn’t going so great but as they grow closer so does their sons relationship. This was a good read even though it’s was beginning to be annoying with all the misunderstandings that could be easily avoided if they only communicate.


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Life after divorce is never easy. Sharing joint custody of your son ratchets up the degree of difficulty by a thousand. Dani Raye finally has her life under control until she meets the mother of her son’s best friend. Lucy Matthews’ life is falling apart. The only light she sees is her new friend Dani. 

This is a beautifully crafted complex story of love in all its disguises. McGeown leads us through Dani and Lucy’s lives as one tries to rebuild trust and the other to reassemble her life. This is not a sugar coated version of real life. This is the raw reality with all the deep hurts and harsh words. Yet it is also the rush of new love and passion which can consume us and tie us into knots at the same time. 

I love this story. It brought back memories of some difficult moments in my life and also some wonderful memories as well. McGeown’s writing is emotionally engaging from the onset. Her storytelling prowess is exceptionally mature for this, her third novel.

I emphatically recommend adding this to your reading list. You will not be disappointed.

I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An angsty read about two women's unexpected attraction after a visit to the principal’s office regarding a school fight between their sons. There was some unnecessary drama in my opinion and some questionable choices the main characters made. It was a pleasant read overall but I wish some topics were explored a bit more, like Dani and Lucy's previous relationships and their professional and artistic sides.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story has been good, considering. First of all, that it deals with two women who have just ended or are in the process of ending a relationship, each one separately. Then, that one of them is presumably straight, although her behavior has never indicated this. That the respective exes are for the most part hateful, even though they have no reason to behave the way they have. And finally, that there has been too much hesitation and doubts that go round and round. And let's not forget the children, which is the main reason Ryan and Lucy meet, since they attend the same school.

The story also has the complication of being told from two points of view, but not alternating, since most of it has been from Ryan's point of view. And Lucy, although she also tells us the reason for her actions in the first person, perhaps she doesn't have as much prominence. Or that has been my feeling. I have missed a bit of Lucy's artistic talent, only a few pieces of tableware are mentioned.

And the ending seemed a bit simple to me, although perhaps that was the intention, from a tortuous path they end with a simple beginning to their new relationship.

I think my biggest gripe with this book is that there was too much going on in such a short span of time (book length). All the trials and tribulations of the main characters would have translated a bit better if they were more fleshed out. It felt like missed opportunities to not go into more depth on some of the main’s previous relationship woes. Things are briefly mentioned but not really explored and it had me questioning why the main characters’ partners were so adverse to the idea of a new relationship. I am a big fan of dual-first pov books though, so we do see get an in depth look at how the characters are feeling but I felt as though there were a lot of things missing throughout the read.

This story brings together Dani and Lucy through their kids, who are not getting along in school. The two are trying to find a way to make things better not only for their children but themselves are previous failed relationships.
It's going to be a bumpy ride but might just be worth the trip.

Thank you #NetGalley #BoldStrokesBooks for this ARC

Dani is adjusting to her new life after divorce from ex-wife, Catriona as they try to co-parent son, Jonah.

Lucy's relationship with her partner, Matt is falling apart.

When Jonah and Lucy's son, Ryan get into a fight in school Dani and Lucy are thrust together.

I found this a very enjoyable read, full of great side characters. I really found myself rooting for Dani and Lucy despite the complexity of their situation.

It was refreshing to see a book set in Northern Ireland that wasn't about the troubles.

Looking forward to McGeown's next book.

Dani Raye and Lucy Matthews meet each other when they are called to the principal’s office when their sons get into a fight at school. They later spot each other at a gay club, the Basement, when Lucy is helping her brother celebrate his twenty first birthday. There is attraction between the two women, although Dani comes to find out that Lucy has a boyfriend, Matt, who is also the father of her son. As Dani and Lucy begin to spend more time together due to their sons improved relationship, the attraction grows as her relationship with Matt is on the rocks.

I found the writing to be good but very angst filled, with a lot of misunderstandings and potential lies between the characters. The drama was a little too prevalent for my liking, but perhaps others would prefer this level of apprehension. 3 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dani Raye and Lucy Matthews may have become quick acquaintances after their sons’ spat in school but what comes after is anything clear cut or easy.

Told from two points of view, the characters share a particularly painful type of experience and while the friendship develops, something else simmers.

“Sometimes, we didn’t get to choose who we fell in love with.”

Before She Was Mine might have a simple synopsis, but it’s actually an intense and angsty read loaded with complex characters, messy situations and well thought and sharp dialogues. It was easy to get invested and I really liked them as a pair. For what they have gone through they deserved better but as quick as their relationship developed, the heavier the odds are stacked against them. The author’s detailed work on the plot, characterisations and dialogues made this my favourite read of her books so far.

I just reviewed Before She Was Mine by Emma L McGeown. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

McGeown delivers two characters that are drawn to each other. Dani Raye is successful in her work helping companies improve their online presence. She is also divorced and co-parenting her son Jonah. Dani bristles and is angry that her ex is now engaged to the person she cheated with and who caused their split. Jonah gets into a fight at school with his friend and Dani meet Lucy Matthews the other boys mother. Lucy is six years younger having gotten pregnant when only 19. She lives with her boyfriend, the boys father, and is not happy in the failing relationship. Neither is expecting the attraction for the other.

I love the Dublin suburban setting and I like and feel for both characters and their current situations. The difficulty for me is that one of the main themes of the book is cheating. It is easy to identify with Dani’s anger at her spouses betrayal. So it is doubly hard that Dani is open to a relationship after the distress cheating still causes her. There are complexities to the situation that can make you fall on either side of the issue. The characters don't make choices I would choose but the story is interesting with many view points considered. There is drama, acceptance and understanding which is a lot. This is the second book I’ve read from the author both have left me feeling hopeful for a HEA. (3.5 Stars)

Got this because I liked this author’s book “Aurora”. Unfortunately I found this story didn’t do it for me. I think the author writes well and the book is very readable. I just couldn’t really get involved in the story line.
I've given it 3 stars because it is just my personal view and I think many readers will enjoy it.