Susanne’s Review:
A Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that I almost gave up on immediately… (and yes, I had my reasons!)
Thankfully, I kept going and it totally paid off!
The beginning of this novel was so Schmaltzy and Schmoopy, I honestly couldn’t take it! It was so very over the top, it made me ill. Then thankfully, it took a turn (which I knew it would) and became much more realistic, thus, I breathed a sigh of relief and continued on.
Let me explain: Lauren and Ryan are college sweethearts. MADLY in love. And when I say Madly, I mean, Over the Top, Sickly Sweet, In Love. For the first few years they are together, they are extremely happy. After they get married, however, their love starts to fade, and then well, their marriage falls apart. Now, I didn’t mean to cheer or anything (and forgive me for this as I’m not cold-hearted.. I swear), but their relationship was so unrealistic that when it fell apart, I was grateful, as it was so schmoopy that I was almost gagging.
As things fall apart, Lauren and Ryan decide to take a break, a trial separation if you will, for one year, to try and find their way back to each other and find themselves in the process.
Told through Lauren’s eyes, we see Lauren grow, find herself, and discover what it is she wants out of life and in a relationship. It is here, through this journey, that Lauren became a stronger more self-assured woman, and it is through this that I felt a connection to this novel. Bravo TJR for making me feel such a connection to a novel that I was initially wavering about! While I would have loved to have seen more of Ryan’s perspective, I ended up enjoying this novel and was cheering (truth!) for this couple when I got to the end of “After I Do.”
A novel about love, marriage, family, friendship, and life lessons that will make you believe.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
Books are a Girl’s Best Friend.com 
When I read you almost gave up on a TJR book my immediate reaction was, “Say it ain’t so!” I’m so glad it turned around for you. I’ve got to look this one up. Excellent review, Susanne💜
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LOL Jonetta! My review caught your attention though didn’t it?! (Baah!) Admittedly, I came really close to quitting at first (just ask Kaceey).. but then I hung in there and I’m so glad I did. Having been married (and divorced), I think this book highlights the trials and tribulations of marriage and lessons we learn. I highly recommend and I hope you like it!
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It worked! I’ve put the audiobook on my Audible wishlist.
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Yay! 🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
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Excellent review Susanne. I love your words ‘Schmaltzy and Schmoopy,’ – they made me shudder. Will put this at the bottom of my reading list for this author. ❤📚
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You might love this Sandy! I’ll say, schmoopy and schmaltzy are not my favorite type of reads.. so at first, I did shutter, but this book really grew on me. I might be alone in not loving “sappy” reads, but this is actually quite good once you get passed the love fest.
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Sappy is definitely not my thing either. I will read this, as I am planning on reading all her backtitles, but this will be at the bottom of the pile. ❤📚
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I’ve only read a couple of TJR books, but I always enjoy them. Good for you for sticking with it to the end. Great review.
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Thanks so much Wendy! I am happy to stick with a book when the writing is good, and TJR’s writing is spectacular! 🙂
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Nice
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Thanks so much!
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Your welcome
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