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The Remembrance Trilogy #0.5

Before Ryan Was Mine

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When Ryan Matthews meets Julia Abbott for the first time at Stanford University, he immediately knows she will change his life.  They have an instant, unbreakable connection that goes beyond partying and palpable attraction. Although Ryan’s intelligence and good looks land him any girl he wants, he hesitates to cross that line with Julia because she is quickly becoming the best friend he’s ever had. 
 
As the bond between them grows stronger, they are both forced to watch the other cavort with the opposite sex and are unprepared for the deluge of painful emotions they feel. Ryan is consumed with jealousy and Julia’s heart is aching; yet they refuse to take the chance that could mean the loss of the very person they couldn't bear to lose. Though their love could be incomparable, their friendship is priceless; and something neither is willing to sacrifice.

 
Join Ryan and Julia on the beginning of the journey that has made Kahlen Aymes' The Remembrance Trilogy an international bestselling favorite among her readers.  
 
And so…
The Mad, Mad Love Begins...

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2014

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About the author

Kahlen Aymes

29 books2,081 followers
Kahlen is an award-winning author of sizzling hot, deeply moving contemporary romance. Her stories are filled with intense love, passion, angst and emotion that breathes life into her characters and leaves her readers captivated. She lives near Omaha, Nebraska with her daughter, Olivia and their three dogs. Creative by nature, she enjoys the arts, music and theater... But the love of her life is writing!

She has three finished series, and two stand-alone angst-filled, super hot novels; One Step Closer, a Stepbrother romance, and Trading Yesterday, the story of a soccer player who leaves behind the love of his life to follow his dream of playing professionally, only to realize, maybe too late, what really matters.

Representation: Hershman Rights Management

All books available on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes &n Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and BAM!

After Dark also on iTunes and Audible.
The Remembrance Trilogy and Prequel & The Famous Novels available soon on audio.

Follow Kahlen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kahlen.aymes...
Join her book club: Kahlen's Book Babes on Facebook
Sign up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/RuW4X
Join her Street Team: http://eepurl.com/Q_S6b

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5 stars
318 (47%)
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218 (32%)
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97 (14%)
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21 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog.
1,260 reviews10.1k followers
June 3, 2015
*****4.5 STARS*****


Ryan caused so many emotions, and I was addicted. Addicted to the rush of seeing him, addicted to the love I felt, addicted to his face, and addicted to the way only he could make me feel...and even to this awful, debilitating pain. I even needed it in some sick way.



 photo 4e5524f89f84093ee3bf8e14ab83c34f_zpszhxqclw8.jpg




This series is so special to me and will always have a piece of my heart. Whenever one of my friends tells me they haven't read it, I am always urging them to give it a try!! This is simply just a very beautiful love story. And Ryan Matthews is one hell of a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I read this soon after FSOG and just devoured this series.





The Remembrance series started with Julia and Ryan graduating from college and at that time finally admitting their true feelings but starting the next phase of their lives on opposite sides of the country. Julia was starting her job at a fashion magazine in Los Angeles, and Ryan was going off to Harvard Medical School. From then on we go on a journey through their lives that starts off with the beginnings of their beautiful relationship, and takes us through some really romantic times and then some really tragic moments as well. When I met Kahlen over a year ago, I had gone on and on about how much I truly loved this story and had asked her would she ever consider writing about Ryan and Julia's years together as "Just Friends" during their four years at Stanford University. Well she answered my prayers and what is even more awesome is she dedicated this prequel to her readers!!




This book completely twisted my heart with all the angst, but I absolutely loved it!! Ryan and Julia meet in Psych 101. From the moment they laid eyes on each other, they both felt an attraction. Right from the start Ryan knows that Julia is something special and he's not wanting to treat her like most of the women he's been involved with. He's never been the guy who does monogamous relationships. His main focus has been to maintain a 4.0 average in school and to make it into Harvard Medical. Now he actually wants a woman to be around for longer than a few dates. He thinks that they must remain friends. If they were to take things further, it would end up not working out and he'd lose Julia forever.




The entire time I'm reading this, I just wanted to smack Ryan, but I couldn't help but fall so hard for him as well. He would go out on all these random dates and hook up with all these women to somehow ease the ache he felt being around Julia, but not being able to act on his feelings for her. AND every time he went out on those dates, it would break Julia's heart and bring her to tears but it also inspired her to draw amazing pictures of him because somehow it made her feel close to him. Some may think she was weak or a door mat, but I've read the entire series and I have never viewed her as that type of woman. She was just desperately in love with Ryan and that was her way of coping. Just as Ryan was desperately in love with Julia and his way of dealing with his feelings was to have meaningless one night stands.



Getting to spend some time again with Ryan and Julia was a real treat for me and I definitely think a re-read of this series is in my near future!!


I can't say enough about this series. I swear it really is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. The angst at times will hurt like hell but in the end this one is just amazing!!
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,817 reviews317 followers
December 23, 2014
4.5 stars!! This couple were one of the first couples I fell head over heels in love with, when I really started reading again, like a book a day reading this was one of the first books I came across and the incessant stalking of Kahlen Aymes began.

This couple hold a very dear place in my heart and to see what they went through before they were together left me heartbroken. These two were best friends, I mean they were inseperable, they knew what each other was thinking and could finish each others sentences, they knew everything there was to know about each other. However, taken that step out of friendship and into something more serious was a step neither of them really wanted to take through fear of destroying what they already had should it now work out.

I loved this prequel. I felt it was more poignant reading it after the trilogy as my connection to the characters was that much more deeper. However, if you are new to the series, it wouldn't harm reading this before the trilogy but for emotional reasons I would recommend sticking to the order they were released.

(full review to come)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,029 reviews90 followers
December 22, 2014
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *

~~ 5 Stars ~~

Before Ryan was Mine is the Prequel to Kahlen Aymes Remembrance Trilogy. This can be read before or after reading that trilogy, but I have to say that I was extremely glad I read it after, because then I was already aware of how their story turned out. The sexual tension in this novella is off the charts and would've drove me nuts not to know what happened between these two characters.

The Remembrance Trilogy is one of ALL TIME FAVORITE Series. I absolutely LOVED Ryan and Julia and their love story. So I was so happy to hear that Kahlen was writing their story of how they met and became best friends. Like with her trilogy, the writing was seamless and effortless. Kahlen has an amazing way of writing a story that sucks you in and you can't help but fall in love with all the characters. This is short novella, so it is a quick read, but still just as great as her full length novels.

In this prequel we get to see how Julia and Ryan met and became best friends. I absolutely LOVED both characters when I read the trilogy and I have to say that my feelings are still just as strong after reading this novella. Even though this prequel was a great addition to this series, I was pretty frustrated by the end of it. I wanted to smack both Julia and Ryan and tell them to wake up!!! I enjoyed how Kahlen wrote this story to cover the years they were in college, but nothing felt rushed and didn't drag out either. She gave us just enough to fully connect with the characters and see what we didn't get to in the first book of the trilogy.

If you are a fan of Kahlen Aymes and her Remembrance Trilogy or are looking for that really sweet fairytale of a love story then you don't want to miss this book and all the others in the series. Ryan and Julia will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart and I am sad to see their story come to an end :( I guess I just have to do a re-read :)

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Profile Image for Christine.
642 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2015
The Remembrance Trilogy is an unforgettable and powerful love story between best friends turned lovers. Ryan and Julia’s love story is truly beautiful. This prequel was a perfect fit for this trilogy. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend starting with this prequel. I wish I would’ve read it first. Before Ryan Was Mine takes us back to Ryan and Julia’s college years and the struggles they faced while hiding their feelings towards each other while staying the best of friends.

At times I was frustrated with Ryan and his constant insecurities when it came to his feeling for Julia. Because of his track record, he knew that when he met Julia she was someone special that he didn't want to lose. So hooking up with her was out of the question. But because he was so afraid of pushing the limits, his mixed signals and random hookups had her suffering. You could clearly see how in love they were with each other and that just made me want to shake both of them at times.

Ryan was the most beautiful man Julia had even seen. From the moment they met, Julia knew she had something special with Ryan. Their friendship was effortless yet being put in the “friend-zone” broke her heart a little more each day.

I applaud Kahlen for not giving details of Ryan’s random hook-ups. Of course, we knew they were happening but with it being purposely left out, it made it so much more bearable to get through. Ryan couldn't be tainted…he’s perfect!

I absolutely loved this prequel and am so happy that Kahlen wrote it for us. I loved that I was able to see more of how their friendship started and the struggles they endured along the way of becoming lovers.

4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,415 reviews231 followers
December 16, 2014
This was like taking a walk down memory lane. Kahlen takes us back to the moment when Ryan first laid eyes on Julia. We get an insight into all of his thoughts and feelings as he and Julia become friends.

Over the three years that they are at college Ryan constantly battles with his feelings for Julia. He is in love with her but also values his friendship with her above everything else. He thinks that taking the next step with her is too big a risk to take, he wants to keep her in his life and a relationship with her could ruin that for both of them.

Julia is in love with Ryan too and it is heartbreaking reading about how she deals with him dating and sleeping with other girls. Every time she tries to move forward and date other guys, Ryan steps in like a jealous boyfriend and manages to intervene. He can't have her but he doesn't want anyone else too either.

Knowing what the outcome of this couple's story is made this a lot easier to read but I did get annoyed with Ryan and all of his to-ing and fro-ing. Poor Julia was in a no win situation with him, her heart got constantly battered about and her college experience was laced with a lot of frustration and sadness at the hands of Ryan.
Luckily he came to senses and was honest about his feelings for Julia and they rode off into the sunset to live happily ever after.... okay that is not entirely true and if you haven't read The Remembrance Trilogy yet then I highly recommend you do!
Profile Image for Kelley.
55 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2015
I'm on the fence with this book--wanting to push it into the 4 start category, but it just wasn't there for me.

I love books about friends to more than friends. That is my FAVORITE trope. I've been Julia--in a best friend relationship that you wanted to be more (and yes, there was a "Ryan" at one time in my life, too!). I connected with Julia and her feelings--and even Ryan's feelings, too. The idea of losing your best friend is so very hard. The realistic nature of this couple made the book easy to read. The dialogue between characters was well written and believable (a bonus!).

While I know it's a prequel and there isn't a "happy ending" (of sorts...), I think what I struggled with was the constant "I love him" and "I love her" internal dialogue that these two had. I wanted to shout at one point, "WE KNOW!"

I haven't read the other books in the series, and from other reviews, fans really loved the backstory. So I would encourage folks interested in this series to read this one first--with the understanding that it is a bit on the "cliff hanger" side.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,921 reviews407 followers
December 17, 2014
I've read the After Dark series by this author which I loved. After reading this gem I'll certainly be jumping into The Remembrance Trilogy.

This author certainly knows how to write a beautiful story. It's the story of Ryan and Julia's friendship. They both want more than friendship but afraid that if they take the next step their friendship might suffer.

Brilliant storyline with real likeable characters. I loved this story.
Profile Image for JMV.
1,075 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2015
Received from the author for a honest review. If you have read the Remembrance Trilogy and ever wondered how they meet and how it all got started, this is for you. I did read the Trilogy and enjoyed the love story of Ryan & Julia. I'm not sure if I needed to know the beginning. I did like knowing how. U have they both felt the same from the beginning. It was a nice read and a perfect compliment to their story.
Profile Image for Samantha Christy.
Author 38 books3,216 followers
December 23, 2014
It was nice to see what got them to the start of book 1, but I felt like the book just ended. I thought she could have integrated it a bit into book 1. Probably not worth the read if you hadn't already invested yourself in the series (which I LOVED).
Profile Image for Karen.
1,460 reviews110 followers
November 17, 2016
Long long long long time since I read the Remembrance Trilogy. I am a one click addict. I forgot I bought this book, but I knew I had to read it.

I did a kindle shuffle into alpha order and lo and behold - treasure found, Julia and Ryan. They were very early in my kindle reading journey. Never ever would I find a Kahlen book in a book shop in the UK and this author is exactly why my reading choices changed, and changed for the better.

Finding Julia and Ryan again was like slipping into my comfy pants and taking my bra off. I loved their story, Before Ryan Was Mine was like the cherry on the top. I still got cross with them grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr just love each other. I can see it. Aaron can see it. Jenn can see it. ET on his planet can see it.

Sorry for the wait. I didn't forget to remember you always. Skype on Sunday at coffee time?
3,353 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2018
This was a pretty good read. It is the first book I have read by this author.

It is a prequel to the Remembrance Trilogy and we meet Ryan and Julia while they are in college. It shows how they met and become friends and both of them are afraid to admit they want more because they are afraid to lose their friendship.

They watch each other date other people and both are jealous. All of their friends and Ryan's brother think that they should be together, but both of them deny their feelings.

I thought the writing was pretty good, even though some of the dialogue was a little unrealistic for college kids. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator of the male character was a little stilted in his delivery so that took away from the book a bit. I got used to it, but it was a little weird.
Profile Image for Jamie Casey.
753 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2017
Fantastic taste of the flavors to come.

When I began this series it felt almost redundant at times but after finishing the series and reading this one it's just that Kaylen is so skilled at writing so detailed that it's unlike other authors and felt a little off for me. Having finished the entire series I have to say that I would definitely recommend this series. It's got a lot of layers to it and it's just very well written. Highly recommend.

Although I loved the first book in the series it was nice to read this too because it's where everything started. There are no more questions as to how they met and what they were like from the very beginning. It's all here in this book. I'm sad to see it end but am looking forward to reading some more or Kaylen's books.

Profile Image for Yolanda.
542 reviews
December 5, 2017
This book was a great as the other three. I know that I read the first book last, I just didn’t realise that they was a prequel. I love Ryan and Julia they make a great couple. I just like the way they put their friendship first rather than mess it up by putting their feelings for each other first. I don’t like giving to much away in an review because it might spoil it for someone that hasn’t read it.
Profile Image for Lori Shankle.
440 reviews
April 15, 2018
This was my first book by this author. This book gave me great characters and a storyline that had everything from friendship to love, from hate to love and much more. It tells a story of two people who become very best friends to each other and who secretly absolutely love each other and all the anguish they go through. I would definitely recommend this book. I cannot wait to start reading (today) the next book, The Future of Our Past.
Profile Image for Polly Barreto.
649 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2017
I need more!

Oh my gosh, I so wanted Ryan to make the first move...any move really. It's hard to make the jump from best friends to being in a relationship, but Ryan and Julia need (and I mean need) to make this jump!! I wanted to jump into this book and shove them together! Can't wait to see where Ms. Aymes takes this series.
Profile Image for Sonya.
298 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2020
Not my favorite type of story.

I'm not overly find of a long drawn out friends to lovers story so this felt like torture. The writing was brilliant and I loved the characters. If I could break down my rating, it would be the writing style a solid 5, story line 2. I'm definitely reading more from this author though.
83 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2017
This was such a good book. I originally purchased it with the Fearless Anthology. Julia and Ryan are deeply in love with each other but neither will act on their feelings because it is not worth the risk of ruining their friendship. It was very well written.
Profile Image for Anita.
1,021 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2019
Slow

For God sake you want to bang there heads together. There friendship is special but they love each other why can't either of them say it, friends and family can see it why can't they.
478 reviews
May 30, 2021
This was a prequel to the Remembrance Trilogy
The story of how Ryan met Julia and became her best friend, always watching out for her and taking care of.
So well written!
Definitely a reread!
Profile Image for Sabrina Ly.
447 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2021
I’m like Ryan, get ur head straight. She won’t leave if you’re more than friends. Why is there so much push and pull these days?
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
December 17, 2014
Like meeting up with old friends after too long apart, this book took me back to the beginning of not only Ryan and Julia’s story but mine too.
The Remembrance Trilogy probably had a bigger impact on my reading genre and selections initially than any other book, it was so totally encapsulating and I was hooked from then on.
It was strange going into a book already knowing all too well how the story ends, but it was just breath taking to get to experience more of this passionate love story, the untold but much hinted connection that was embedded in both Ryan and Julia from the very beginning
The initial contact, literally the second Ryan lies eyes on Julia, the story take flight!
It swoops and soars as it gives us all the special little moments that the two of them have, I loved that fact that we got to see, hear and feel the emotions that engulf the pair of them.
Living so close but so far is torture for Ryan, he spends every day with Julia as his best friend when really he wants nothing more than for her to truly be HIS!
But risking a relationship is not something he is not confident enough to try, his worse-case scenario is that they would fail and he would lose her from his life and that is a risk that he is not prepared to take. He NEEDS her and is not willing to risk not having her even if it means loving her from a metaphorical distance, because physically being distant is not an option, one day without her is one day too many!
But that is not to say that he is a gentleman about his feelings, he doesn’t make it easy on her because despite the fact that he wants nothing more than to have her to himself, he gets defensive about his feelings and all too often I had the impression that his jealousy had gotten the better of him, he determined what he wanted and at times it was to Julia’s detriment… if he wasn’t ready to man up, he could have stepped aside but he was never going to let anyone have his Julia and he did what it took to ward off any suitors that Julia may have had.
Julia is just as smitten, how could she not be.. Ryan is divine but like Ryan she can’t see a future without him in it and because of that we are with her every single torturously gut wrenching minute of every date that she knows he is on. She tries, she really does to be happy for him but this pair are so completely besotted by each other but they are running scared from the what if’s in life.
Neither can bring themselves to take the final step, to trust their hearts to lead them straight and to accept that together is exactly where they are destined to be.
A welcome addition to one of the best series on the market!!!
Profile Image for Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews.
884 reviews93 followers
December 17, 2014
Overall Rating: 4.5 Rockin’ ★★★★☆

How do you fight fate? A chance meeting in a college class starts a friendship that both parties want to take beyond the classroom. This is the beginning of Ryan and Julia’s story. It is the prequel to the Remembrance Trilogy by author Kahlen Aymes. This book will answer many questions about the beginning of their love story.

From the moment he spotted Julia in class Ryan Matthews knew that she was special. Julia was not a one night stand, she was a lady. His track record with women was not the best, mostly one night stands. So, Ryan made the decision to be BFF only with Julia no matter how much he wants her. He wants her to be in his life forever and will control his desires regardless the cost to himself. Ryan is amazed at the way Julia looks at things and sees their possibilities and worth. Will Ryan be able to deny himself the joy of having this remarkable women in order to keep her in his life as a friend?

He is the most beautiful man she has ever seen. Not only is tall, handsome and built, but he is also brilliant. From the beginning they are so in tune with each other that they are like twins. Julia knows that she loves Ryan and wants more than being his BFF. She is unwilling, however to be shut out of his life and will accept her place as friends only. Each day it becomes harder to separate the friends only with the feelings of love she has for him. They are inseparable, where one is the other is or they are texting. Can they become more than friends? Or will fate intervene?

Hero: Ryan Matthews 4.5 stars
Heroine: Julia 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Steam Level: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Yes! This is a story about building lasting relationships that go beyond friendship to true love! It has a sexy alpha male that thinks he knows best and a spunky young woman that sees the best in those she loves. There is a lot of sexual tension and need in this book.

Would I recommend this author: Yes! Each book that I read by this remarkable writer makes me want to read another! I really enjoyed her After Dark series and look forward to reading The Remembrance Trilogy next!

Before Ryan Was Mine
Kahlen Aymes

***Received an ARC of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Katherine.
168 reviews
December 18, 2014
I’m a HUGE fan of The Remembrance Trilogy, ever since I first met Ryan and Julia back in 2012 I was totally invested and in love with their story. 2012 was a great year as Romance and indie authors goes (in my opinion). I was captivated with all these stories that had come out that particular year, love stories that had me in awe. When thinking back to that year the book that in particular stands out for me is Kahlen Aymes The Future of Our Past & sequel Don’t Forget to Remember Me. I was floored by it, captivated, and as I previously said, I was in love with these two characters Ryan and Julia and their love story.

As I read this prequel I was immediately taken back to the previous books, as I reacquainted myself with the characters from the series, and yes if you’ve read The Remembrance Trilogy you know how things started out for the pair, but I love how Kahlen fully filled us in the story of two friends struggling with their true feelings towards each other and the line beyond friendship neither one would cross.

If you haven’t read this series yet, then I recommend you starting with this one Before Ryan Was Mine (0.5) the journey will flow effortlessly and it will be more chronologic to start it this way, and go down the journey from mere beginning till end.

I must say as much as I loved to see Ryan and Julia dance around their relationship and true feelings, and watching how their friendship blossoms and they become the Ryan and Julia we love, I was so frustrated with Ryan, he was so insecure and daft when it came to not pushing the limits of his friendship with Julia. How she suffered because of his mix signals, and his constant hookups with other girls, and lets not forget her undying love for him. Arrrrrg, Ryan got on my nerves, and he was my top favorite book boyfriend. I wanted to shake him to no end, maybe add a few slaps to wake him up.

Needless to say I love Kahlen’s writing and I’m so happy she gave us some more Ryan and Julia. If you’re a fan of The remembrance Trilogy, you’ll enjoy this prequel, and if you have yet to read this great series do so! You’ll enjoy it.
Profile Image for Katherine.
168 reviews
December 18, 2014
I’m a HUGE fan of The Remembrance Trilogy, ever since I first met Ryan and Julia back in 2012 I was totally invested and in love with their story. 2012 was a great year as Romance and indie authors goes (in my opinion). I was captivated with all these stories that had come out that particular year, love stories that had me in awe. When thinking back to that year the book that in particular stands out for me is Kahlen Aymes The Future of Our Past & sequel Don’t Forget to Remember Me. I was floored by it, captivated, and as I previously said, I was in love with these two characters Ryan and Julia and their love story.

As I read this prequel I was immediately taken back to the previous books, as I reacquainted myself with the characters from the series, and yes if you’ve read The Remembrance Trilogy you know how things started out for the pair, but I love how Kahlen fully filled us in the story of two friends struggling with their true feelings towards each other and the line beyond friendship neither one would cross.

If you haven’t read this series yet, then I recommend you starting with this one Before Ryan Was Mine (0.5) the journey will flow effortlessly and it will be more chronologic to start it this way, and go down the journey from mere beginning till end.

I must say as much as I loved to see Ryan and Julia dance around their relationship and true feelings, and watching how their friendship blossoms and they become the Ryan and Julia we love, I was so frustrated with Ryan, he was so insecure and daft when it came to not pushing the limits of his friendship with Julia. How she suffered because of his mix signals, and his constant hookups with other girls, and lets not forget her undying love for him. Arrrrrg, Ryan got on my nerves, and he was my top favorite book boyfriend. I wanted to shake him to no end, maybe add a few slaps to wake him up.

Needless to say I love Kahlen’s writing and I’m so happy she gave us some more Ryan and Julia. If you’re a fan of The remembrance Trilogy, you’ll enjoy this prequel, and if you have yet to read this great series do so! You’ll enjoy it.
Profile Image for I Love Story Time .
857 reviews13 followers
December 22, 2014

*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***

The Remembrance Trilogy is an unforgettable and powerful love story between best friends turned lovers. Ryan and Julia’s love story is truly beautiful. This prequel was a perfect fit for this trilogy. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend starting with this prequel. I wish I would’ve read it first. Before Ryan Was Mine takes us back to Ryan and Julia’s college years and the struggles they faced while hiding their feelings towards each other while staying the best of friends.

At times I was frustrated with Ryan and his constant insecurities when it came to his feeling for Julia. Because of his track record, he knew that when he met Julia she was someone special that he didn't want to lose. So hooking up with her was out of the question. But because he was so afraid of pushing the limits, his mixed signals and random hookups had her suffering. You could clearly see how in love they were with each other and that just made me want to shake both of them at times.

Ryan was the most beautiful man Julia had even seen. From the moment they met, Julia knew she had something special with Ryan. Their friendship was effortless yet being put in the “friend-zone” broke her heart a little more each day.

I applaud Kahlen for not giving details of Ryan’s random hook-ups. Of course, we knew they were happening but with it being purposely left out, it made it so much more bearable to get through. Ryan couldn't be tainted…he’s perfect!

I absolutely loved this prequel and am so happy that Kahlen wrote it for us. I loved that I was able to see more of how their friendship started and the struggles they endured along the way of becoming lovers.

Review by Chris


I Love Story Time Ratings:

5+ = ILST FAVORITE!
5 = LOVED, HIGHLY recommend.
4 = REALLY liked, recommend.
3 = GOOD, but needed more.
2 = It was OKAY.
1 = NOT for me.
Profile Image for I Love Story Time .
857 reviews13 followers
December 22, 2014

*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***

4.5 Stars!!

The Remembrance Trilogy is an unforgettable and powerful love story between best friends turned lovers. Ryan and Julia’s love story is truly beautiful. This prequel was a perfect fit for this trilogy. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend starting with this prequel. I wish I would’ve read it first. Before Ryan Was Mine takes us back to Ryan and Julia’s college years and the struggles they faced while hiding their feelings towards each other while staying the best of friends.

At times I was frustrated with Ryan and his constant insecurities when it came to his feeling for Julia. Because of his track record, he knew that when he met Julia she was someone special that he didn't want to lose. So hooking up with her was out of the question. But because he was so afraid of pushing the limits, his mixed signals and random hookups had her suffering. You could clearly see how in love they were with each other and that just made me want to shake both of them at times.

Ryan was the most beautiful man Julia had even seen. From the moment they met, Julia knew she had something special with Ryan. Their friendship was effortless yet being put in the “friend-zone” broke her heart a little more each day.

I applaud Kahlen for not giving details of Ryan’s random hook-ups. Of course, we knew they were happening but with it being purposely left out, it made it so much more bearable to get through. Ryan couldn't be tainted…he’s perfect!

I absolutely loved this prequel and am so happy that Kahlen wrote it for us. I loved that I was able to see more of how their friendship started and the struggles they endured along the way of becoming lovers.

Review by Chris


I Love Story Time Ratings:

5+ = ILST FAVORITE!
5 = LOVED, HIGHLY recommend.
4 = REALLY liked, recommend.
3 = GOOD, but needed more.
2 = It was OKAY.
1 = NOT for me.
Profile Image for Christina (christinareadsbooks).
219 reviews41 followers
July 24, 2015
A beautiful start to an amazing love story! If I could give this book a million stars I would... but I guess I will have to stick with 5.

I came late to The Remberance Trilogy. "Before Ryan Was Mine" was already written, so I had to decide... would I read this first, before the trilogy or after. Reviews said it didn't matter. Some were grateful that they had already read the trilogy. Listen ladies.... read "Before Ryan Was Mine" first!!!

It made the trilogy so much better because I knew their back story. I knew their struggles and their love from the moment they met in psych 101.

Some stuff below could be spoiler-ish so I will hide it.

Profile Image for Christine.
642 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2014
4.5 Stars!!

The Remembrance Trilogy is an unforgettable and powerful love story between best friends turned lovers. Ryan and Julia’s love story is truly beautiful. This prequel was a perfect fit for this trilogy. If you haven’t started this series yet, I highly recommend starting with this prequel. I wish I would’ve read it first. Before Ryan Was Mine takes us back to Ryan and Julia’s college years and the struggles they faced while hiding their feelings towards each other while staying the best of friends.

At times I was frustrated with Ryan and his constant insecurities when it came to his feeling for Julia. Because of his track record, he knew that when he met Julia she was someone special that he didn't want to lose. So hooking up with her was out of the question. But because he was so afraid of pushing the limits, his mixed signals and random hookups had her suffering. You could clearly see how in love they were with each other and that just made me want to shake both of them at times.

Ryan was the most beautiful man Julia had even seen. From the moment they met, Julia knew she had something special with Ryan. Their friendship was effortless yet being put in the “friend-zone” broke her heart a little more each day.

I applaud Kahlen for not giving details of Ryan’s random hook-ups. Of course, we knew they were happening but with it being purposely left out, it made it so much more bearable to get through. Ryan couldn't be tainted…he’s perfect!

I absolutely loved this prequel and am so happy that Kahlen wrote it for us. I loved that I was able to see more of how their friendship started and the struggles they endured along the way of becoming lovers.


*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
January 1, 2015
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Before Ryan Was Mine is the prequel to the Remembrance Trilogy. To those who have read the Remembrance Trilogy, this book is special treat. To those who have not read the Remembrance Trilogy, it is a delicious appetizer of what is to come.

The Remembrance Trilogy is an epic love story that spans over a decade. The love that Ryan and Julia share will touch your heart in so many ways. They will experience friendship, passion, heartbreak, confusion, trauma, and an unending dedication to one another. The highs and lows in their lives are what makes them a strong couple. The title of this series, The Remembrance Trilogy, is perfect because Ryan and Julia’s love story is unforgettable.

The prequel was published after the series released. It is a great way for fans of the series to experience Ryan and Julia meeting and building a friendship. For newbies to this series, it will get them hooked because of the friendship that Ryan and Julia share.

Kahlen Aymes reached deep when she created these characters. Their story is beautifully written.

This series is a must read. It is unforgettable. Ryan and Julia will capture your heart.
Profile Image for Andrea.
227 reviews
December 19, 2014
***ARC received in return for an honest review

5 huge stars for a fitting prequel.

Thank you Kahlen Aymes, for creating the most perfect and fitting prequel for The Remembrance Trilogy!!

What a wonderful way to begin an awesome series!
I loved The RemembranceTrilogy, it's one of my favourite series, and I didn't realise how much I'd missed this couple until I began reading the prequel. I fell in love with Ryan & Julia all over again, my heart was bursting and hurting at the same time with the emotion flowing between them. And, although I already knew the outcome I was shouting "just tell each other, why don't you?!"

If you've not read The Remembrance Trilogy then Before Ryan Was Mine is the perfect introduction to this powerfully emotional love story. You will fall in love with Ryan & Julia from the off. They will make your heart soar, sweep you up in their world and make you believe in the mad, mad, love they have for each other.

I was so engrossed in Ryan & Julia's story that I actually cried out in frustration when the book finished, not ready to leave them yet and then remembering, I already know!

Words can not express how much I loved this prequel, go 1-click now!! I'm off to re-read the whole series.
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