A hermit as of late, Laney has grown accustomed to lazing in bed and snacking away while binging her favorite shows on repeat. The last place she, an insecure vet receptionist, wants to be is center-stage. So, when her best friend spurs her into the spotlight and crowns her maid of honor, she panics.
Unrecognizable to herself, Laney decides to shed sixty pounds in eight months. To meet her goals in time for the wedding, she enlists the help of a personal trainer, but winds up in the scorching-hot gym owner’s hands instead. However, there’s more to Michael than meets the eye.
As Laney’s journey unfolds, Michael’s assertiveness, support, and passion spill into her in more ways than one. Not only does her physique transform, so does her confidence and her career. But her ex, Blake, resurfaces and the threads of her fairy tale begin to unravel.
Laney’s progress derails, her relationship gets turned upside down, and all she ever dreamed of goes up in smoke. However, she’s not the pushover she once was. She’s fed up, and ready to fight for her future. But to secure her happy ever after, she’ll have to defeat the true demons of her past and embrace love in all its forms–even in ways she’s vowed she never would.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Author: Irvina
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Irvy
Publication Year: 2025
ASIN: ABC00001
ISBN: 000000000 -
billionaire
instalove
fated mates / soulmates
love at first sight
past coming back to haunt them
childhood trauma
dark past
never marry
class divide
fish out of water
peril
meet cute
gym
transformation
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Before & Ever After is equal parts whimsical and romantic, and intense and serious. It deals with subject matters that some readers may find sensitive and/or difficult to read.
Note: The following trigger warnings may contain spoilers.
emotional abuse
domestic violence
graphic depiction of violence
cyberbullying
stalking
childhood abuse & exploitation (character briefly explains past events)
body shaming & negative self-talk
weight loss