Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

About:

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there’s only one match she’s committed to now–the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first-grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency’s requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My thoughts:

Why have I never read anything by Nicole before? I have no idea, but I have a new favorite contemporary romance author.

This book touched my heart so deeply. Starting with Nicole being a teacher (made me miss my classroom and kids), to Joshua’s fun-loving attitude.

The build up to their first kiss was spot on, the tension tangible in my heart.

And then the end…yes, I cried. I am a bit more sensitive these days but still, it was cry worthy. So, so good. The ending was perfection. And be sure to read the author’s notes at the end to give a bit more insight into the story and the meaning.

Visit Nicole here.

Grab your copy at you local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.