Before I Even Met YouAuthor: Karina Halle
Publication Date: April 24, 2017
Format: eBook
Pages: 324
Source: Purchased
I first met William McAlister when I was just a teenager.
He was handsome, had a beautiful wife and was on the verge of success, having just joined my father as his business partner. Mr. McAlister was full of smooth charm, but back then he was barely a blip on my radar. Just a family friend.
Fast forward ten years: I’m 25 years old and a single mom trying to make things right for her seven-year old son. I’ve made some mistakes, grappled with my demons and now I’m back in the city of Vancouver, getting a second chance at a better life.
I’ve started by working for my father’s production company as an executive assistant. My first day on the job and I already know I could have a promising career there.
That is until I see Will McAlister for the first time in a decade.
Now recently divorced and as sophisticated as always, Will has gone from being my father’s friend and business partner to something so much more.
We’re both older, for one thing, and he just oozes this worldly confidence and stark sexuality. Combined with his tall, muscular build and sharp suits, strong jaw and bedroom eyes, Will has turned into one hell of a distraction.
A distraction I’m having a hard time staying away from, considering his office is right across from my desk and I work with him in such close proximity.
But it’s just a harmless crush, right?
It’s just an innocent fantasy of screwing him on his desk, right?
It can’t ever be more because he’s my father’s best friend, business partner, and my boss.
Right?
Wrong.
Ahhh I love Karina Halle’s writing. I swear, her books always manage to hit all the feels, and this was no exception. I got a major case of the grabby hands when I saw there’s an age gap (16 years) between Jackie and Will. Oh, and that he’s her father’s best friend and business partner! Talk about forbidden romance. Wait, there’s more! Jackie returns after being gone for seven years and her dad puts her to work with his company, where she becomes Will’s assistant. So it’s forbidden and an office romance!
I loved these two together, especially when they were trying to keep things on the down-low. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and when they finally get together, they burn it up! I also really like that Jackie learns a few things about herself, love, and family along the way.
This really isn’t high in the angst department, but it does squeeze the heart at times. Love that feeling! It has a nice balance of sweet and sexy that is totally smile inducing. Overall, Before I Ever Met You has great characters, a great romance, and is just an all-around great story.
And bonus points for including one of my favorite songs.
I have not tried her books yet, but this one does keep grabbing my interest when I see reviews. I get grabsy over that sort of thing, too. 🙂
I need to try more books by this author. I only read one book but it’s true that I really enjoyed it
I love age gap romances!!! I love office romances!! So basically I need this book lol. Great review!
Yay, I’m SO happy you loved this book, Christy. It is one of my top favorites!!! Oh the hero is so YUMMY! ??❤️??
I still haven’t read a book by this author! I obviously need to though. I love a good age-gap romance. I feel a little weird about her being his best friend’s kid but I did read that one London Hale book that had that trope and enjoyed it so …
Glad this author continues to impress you!
Oh I really want to read this. I just love those sweet and sexy mixes!!
I haven’t read this author but this book sounds like one that I would like.
Did it feel a little strange considering he knew her as a young teen? I don’t mind a lengthy age gap between characters but that could feel a little too weird for me. How could he see her as anything other than that teen? I do love an office romance though. Oh how I’m so torn. I haven’t read anything of hers as yet but might keep an eye out when this one goes on sale and nab a copy. Wonderful review Christy and so glad you enjoyed it <3
Not really. As I recall, they didn’t have a whole lot of interaction when she was younger. He moved to the U.S. and she moved far away from her home and family, so it was almost like strangers when they came back together several years later.
Hmm, I was a bit worried that the daddy’s best friend thing would bother me but after reading your review, I don’t care, I want to read this one. It sounds like a good one. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Christy. This is going on my wishlist.
I still need to read a book by her and haven’t yet. This one sounds like one I could enjoy. Might start with this one. 🙂
That forbidden romance sounds like it has some amazing chemistry. 🙂
woah that is def quiet the age gap, but sounds like a fantastic plot 😀 glad you enjoying her writing
I still have three months to pop my KH cherry. Where do I start?!
Oh man, what a question. Okay, if you want a darker, gritty book go with Sins & Needles. It leaves on a bit of a cliffhanger and is part of a trilogy. She also has a paranormal/horror series I haven’t read yet, but other really like. If you want a more contemporary romance, I suggest Racing the Sun or The Pact. With The Pact, they’re BFFs for several years, seeing each other through other relationships before actually getting together. There’s also The Offer, which is great.
I vote The Pact!!! But that’s just my 2cents… Christy is really the KH expert!!! I swooned HARD with The Pact!!! Sins and Needles was too gritty for me – still good, though 🙂
Ooooh… a lot of lines should never be crossed in this romance, I think I’d love it too!
This does sound good. I love office romances and as long as they are both of legal age I enjoy an age gap romance.
Squeel!!!! I LOVE the sound of this one!!!! So much story going on and OH, such a worldly, studly man who can teach such wonderful things to Jackie 🙂 I’m such a dork… And yeah, I’m such a 70’s kid, I love that Wings song, too. Awesome review!
Who cares about an age difference if you’re in love? Happiness is too precious to let that stop you! I’m so glad this was such a good read!
OMG! I love the sound of this one. When it comes to romance, age difference is far from my concern and seeing how you liked it, makes me want to read it sooner!
I’m not a fan of office romance but this sounds good anyway. And I love that song. Great review!
what is it about forbidden romances huh??? we can’t get enough of them! LOL Glad your favorite author delivered smiles again! 🙂
Like some of the others mention, the whole father’s best friend thing had me wondering, but it sounds like it’s done in such a way that it doesn’t come across as awkward at all. I sometimes take issue with boss/employee romance, but it really depends on how it is handled–which I can’t know until I read it. LOL Your enthusiasm for this one has me wanting to give it a try, Christy! Thanks for sharing.
I need to read this book. It has all the aspects I enjoy reading.
Forbidden/office romance? Sign me up. This sounds like a great read.
I haven’t read this author yet even though I see so many reviewers loving her work. I do hope to catch up someday. I am not always a fan of office romances but I am glad that this one worked for you.
Ooh I like age gap romance! But whoa, her dad’s best friend? That definitely complicates things lol. And she’s his assistant?It’s like the forbidden romance trifecta, haha. I’m glad you liked it!
I keep hearing great things about Karina Halle, but I’ve yet to try her. Looks like I need to remedy that soon. Great review.