GRR Reviews Before I Knew by Jamie Beck

Colby is ready to turn over a new leaf by opening her restaurant in Oregon, but the sudden departure of her chef mean she had to hire Alec, old family friend with a Michelin star. But more than two years ago, Alec's brother lost his life on a dare by Colby's husband... and Colby's husband, already in the midst of bipolar mania (something Colby chose not to spread around), committed suicide months later. Now, both Alec and Colby with guilty conscience. She lamented about not seeking help for her husband sooner, and he felt bad about going into a depression after his brother's death and lost his restaurant. There is also family drama ("her husband killed my boy"). But now, Alec has recovered and wants to resurrect his career. However, can he admit to himself, that he has always loved Colby from a distance. Now that they have to see each other daily, and she's technically her boss... will they go all the way? And what secrets may they be keeping that will destroy all they worked for?

There was WAY too much angst in this book. Every page I turn, there's some sort of guilt and shame. ARGH, it's depressing. EVERY character is miserable. I felt as if I'm reading some tragedy. Gah. Both MC's are just... total pushovers.  She felt guilty. He felt guilty. And all that guilt dragged down the plot.

Category: Contemporary

Overall Rating: 3/5

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