Before You Go

Before #3

by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Dayton Calloway and I wouldn’t have gotten together if it weren’t for two pink lines.

After getting divorced, Francisca Dawson is attempting to find out who she is and how she wants her life to look. One thing she knows is that there isn’t room for a man in that equation. But then she meets Dayton Calloway. A man who is charming, funny, and unbelievably gorgeous. Unable to deny their connection, she gets lost in the moment and gives into his dirty mouth and skilled hands.

Actions have consequences.

Dayton knew that he never wanted to get married or have children. His upbringing before he entered foster care showed him that. So he took all precautions to make sure that wasn’t a possibility.
But like they say nothing is ever one hundred percent.
Now, he’s picturing life as a father and coming to terms with the possibility of having everything he never knew he wanted with a woman who is not only taking up space in his life, but that empty space in his chest.

Before you go, do you take a chance and risk it all, or do you just let go and possibly miss out on the most beautiful love you’ve ever known?
That’s what Dayton and Francisca will have to figure out.
Love is only as messy as you make it.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Surprise Pregnancy, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Found Family

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2025

About the author

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.

Reviews

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead 3.5*



Frannie is a recently divorced artist, she meets Dayton at a party her parents are hosting and they end up having a ons (really unprotected sex against a wall and he leaves immediately after😒). Weeks later she realises she's pregnant and tells him. He's initially shocked because he had a vasectomy because he didn't want kids. Eventually after doing some tests he realises she's telling the truth and they proceed to take things slowly as the pregnancy progresses. They live in the same building however so pretty soon feelings start to develop. Throw in some drama at work and get ex along with the adorable dog PJ as well as secondary characters who were the mcs of the previous books and we have this jem.

******
I didn't like beginning of their journey because of her hiding the pregnancy from her dad and him having to pretend to date his boss' mistress to protect that secret. The boss' mistress thing actually went nowhere so idk why it was even brought up🤦🏽‍♀️
Dayton wasn't as j/p as I expect from this author
All in all this was an enjoyable enough read

*****
No cheating
We met the h signing her divorce papers but it says she'd left the marriage a while before that.
Her ex appears as he wants her back but she isn't interested.
The H had never had a relationship 😑but no real details of his past.
Unprotected sex in their first encounter without any discussion of stds at any time 🤔
Cute epilogue with them married with their son and about to have another baby









Thoughts while reading
Currently reading


A recently divorced 31 year old woman being pregnant by another guy is a scandal? Big enough for him to be blackmailed into helping his boss? Just because her dad is a politician?? Eh? 🙄 in 2025 🤷🏾‍♀️
Why didn't he say no to the boss and fake date the h to mitigate the effects of the so called scandal then? Surely being pregnant for her boyfriend would've been better? 🤦🏽‍♀️

[Gi's Spot Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'I'll Choose You' Stars

AAAAAWWWWWWWWW... Before You Go was such an AMAZINGLY sweet, sexy and charming read! Dayton and Franny are so PRECIOUS together, I couldn't have loved them more. Ms. Reynolds truly gave us the most perfect and tender couple to finish this series, these three were the perfect addition to this Before series gang/brotherhood. One of the most HEART WARMING reads EVER!!!!


“You’re stuck with me, Franny. Ring or not, for the rest of my life, I’ll choose you.”


“We’re still taking this one day at a time.” His lips come to rest against my forehead as he continues to speak. “And every day, I’ll continue to choose you.”




ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review

[Jac K · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Maybe this is a me thing, but I found this book super bland bordering on boring for LARGE chunks. It felt like nothing was ever happening. Yes, they had sex and there was a surprise pregnancy that we’re told about in the blurb, but beyond getting to know each other, nothing else goes on.

Dalton is working on a case; he has a very small work issue that could’ve been dramatic involving his secretary that went nowhere. He had this “monster inside of him” trauma that just sort of disappeared. She wanted to find herself but got over that too. The blackmailer, no follow through. The ex, just floated in the background.

They faced no real obstacles, no huge conflicts, no drama, no action, no tension, nothing. Hell, even her telling him she was pregnant after him having a vasectomy generated nothing. No outrage, he just calmy accepted that she was telling the truth.

Bottom Line- Sweet but watered down chicken soup. The characters were likable; I just needed more excitement and ended up skimming several times.

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing around tropes with scatterbrained characters seems to be the new black.

[dee☁️]

Ehh won’t be rating this one , I didn’t love it didn’t hate it , it was just okay.
———-
Surprise pregnancy books HATE to see me coming

[Camii · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Estás pegada a mí, Franny. Anillo o no, por el resto de mi vida, te elegiré a ti"

Esta serie fue muy hermosa ♥️🥺.

Ame la historia de Dayton y Francisca, admito que al principio tuve miedo a la reacción de el sobre el embarazo porque realmente estaba negado a ser padre y pensé que su reacción seria negativa pero termino siendo un amor con ella.

Algo que me gusto es que primero tuvieron una linda amistad donde aprendieron a conocerse cómo amigos y que el dejara sus miedo atrás para ser realmente un padre y pareja presente para Francisca ya que sabía que ella necesitaba un compañero en esta etapa de su vida y que sin buscarlo ambos encontraron al amor de su vida ♥️... y lo mas importante no tiene dramas cosa que hace que se lea todo mas rápido y relajado.

[˚•—S—•˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Franny is such a great character, fun and sweet and doesnt seem to be as bogged down by her ex husband as she clains she was. Her family is amazing. Dayton is honest and a great friend/brother/uncle.

i felt it was lacking a bit compared to how A.R.R books usually have some drama, and there were so much potential for it here, but it never became anything. It was a just a sweet story of these two and their unplanned reationship and baby.

[Ally Cee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally nothing happens in this book. Accidental pregnancy after one night stand. They get together because of pregnancy. That’s it, that’s the story. The MMC has trauma that is supposed to be this big thing but they gloss over it. The FMC was just married and wants to discover who she truly is but does absolutely nothing to do that. No personality or growth in either character. Also what is with all the whispering!? This author needs to look up the definition of a whisper because just like her other books, she has her FMC doing it constantly and it makes no sense.

[Kelly (the book hussy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming off another surprise pregnancy book, it was hard not to compare the two. This one was done SO much better. And the characters were definitely better and more likable. Especially the Hero!

Having read the other books in this series, I knew going in Dayton was a manwhore. However, his past (other than him never having a serious relationship) was never mentioned. For that, I’m thankful.

I really liked the heroines family. I would totally be down for a book with the younger brother. And possibly the heroines bff….? Little age gap there. But I’m a fan of the older fmc/younger mmc trope.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who’s never had a relationship, nor wanted one, Dayton is everything a woman would want in a boyfriend and later husband and father. I really liked seeing the progression from the time they met to the epilogue. I loved this relationship!

[Katy | KD's Bookish Ways · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was worth the wait! I knew that I was going to love Dayton, but he exceeded my expectations. He showed Franny love and was there for her every step of the way. Franny is perfect for him. I loved seeing them fall in love as they went from a one night stand to an accidental pregnancy.

Franny was communicative with Dayton and him with her. She was incredibly mature and knew what she wanted. They took their time to develop and explore their love and it prevailed. They were vulnerable with each other and I felt it made their chemistry even better. I am blown away by ARR on this one!

It was great to see some familiar faces. Clay and Willow, Tucker and Miranda, and Miles and Emma pop up… all with kids in tow.

*ARC courtesy of the author and The Author Agency in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author, the publisher, and The Author Agency for providing a copy.*

[Judy Portelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dayton and Franny’s story was so sweet I loved every minute of it. This is a recently divorced heroine, opposites attract, friends to lovers, one night stand, accidental pregnancy. If you love an accidental pregnancy romance this one is for you. Sooo good.

[Heroesinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Francisca and Dayton Stars

'For the rest of my life , I'll choose you.'

This is Book 3 in the Before Series and although there is a story arc that runs through all the books, this reads well as a standalone. Franny is newly divorced when she crosses paths with assistant District Attorney, Dayton Calloway. A brief but passionate liaison seems to be a one off but when Franny discovers she is pregnant she has to track the handsome lawyer down and break the news.

I enjoyed this book. There is not much drama - in fact the drama came from an angle that I had not expected but it read very well. I love these characters - Dayton grew up in care and we met him in the earlier books about two of his foster brothers (Tucker - Before We Fall and Miles - Before This Ends . Their other foster brother is Clay - Until Willow ). This is a very character driven story and I was absolutely in the mood for that kind of read.

HEA? Yes
Cheating? No

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before You Go is Dayton’s story and if you have read Aurora’s previous books, you most definitely know Dayton!

🩷One night stand
🩷Neighbors to lovers
🩷Accidental pregnancy

Dayton and Francisca have one amazing night together. And ultimately, that night ends in a very, very surprise and accidental pregnancy.

Dayton never wants kids, but this man STEPS UP once he finds out that Franny is pregnant. I loved their sweet, low angst love story and just seeing them fall in love.

The side characters were great and it is always awesome to see previous couples living their best lives!

[Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

Aurora Rose Reynolds continues to be an author who delivers incredible romances. I can’t get enough of. I have literally read and loved every book by this author, and I cannot say enough, how amazing it has been to fall in love with the character she creates over the past 10+ years of reading her books. She always encapsulates so much swoon and heart and just connection into her words and what her character share and I truly can’t get enough. Her books are my happy place. They are stories that I look forward to every time I sit down to read a new one. They are worlds that I just can’t get enough of. And I think all of that speaks to what this author creates in each and every one of her books that I feel that in every way when I read and experience her words.

Before You Go had one of my all-time favorite tropes in it. It is an accidental pregnancy book about two people who were just looking for a night of fun, but end up experiencing so much more. Franny and Dayton definitely aren’t looking for anything serious, but everything changes when that plus sign pops up on the test. And I have to say I love getting to watch these two wade their way through all the uncertainty, all of their growing feelings for each other, and getting to see them embrace the beauty of what they shared and created. Those two have an undeniable connection and getting to watch them build a genuine friendship, a heart, touching and consuming relationship, and getting to see them come so far from where they start at the beginning of this book, was honestly so beautiful.

I absolutely love those two and everything they shared. I loved that they could be so vulnerable with one another. I loved that they made each other want things they never thought they would ever have. I loved that being together made them reconsider everything. I loved that being together made them feel everything. I loved that they just felt right. There was something so innately right and good about the two of them, what they shared, how they showed up for each other, and just what it all meant. That along with everything else’s author infuses into their connection, into their touches and kisses and everything in between just combines to make the perfect romance.

This story was just so easy to read and love. And I’m honestly not surprised by that one little bit because I could say that about every book by this author. She’s one of my favorite authors for a reason. I know when I sit down to read a book by her that I’m going to love it. That I’m going to melt with these characters, that I am going to get an incredible story I won’t be able to put down, and that I will just love every moment. That was true through every word of this book. I especially loved getting to be back with these family of characters because they have each been through a lot. And it has honestly been so sweet and meaningful getting to see them each find their much deserved happily ever after. This book not only gave me an incredible love story with Franny and Dayton, but it brought me back to a world of characters that I will truly never get enough of.

I just loved reading this book. I loved how these characters really grew. a love that was so honest and vulnerable. I loved how they made each other feel things they might not have been ready for at times, but that were so true and deep. I loved that they pushed each other to be honest and real with not only one another, but themselves. I also loved that there were so many incredible layers and pieces to the story. There was the romance between this couple, there was this found family that they are a part of, there was a little bit of a suspense, plot line that added another layer to this world, but more than that there was also just so much love and heart and connection. I felt that in every page of this book and it just had me loving every bit of what I was reading.

Love and life are full of unexpected terms, and this book with Franny and Dayton definitely shows you that. This couple definitely had a memorable start, and they have some hurdles to overcome throughout this book, but they are incredible and you will love getting to be along with them on their journey as they find their way through it all. Their honesty, their connection, and the heart that they weave together through every second of this book is truly the best. And it will have you believing in everything that could be between them. These two might’ve had a very unexpected start, but their story together is beautiful, meaningful, and so very sweet and hard touching. It’s also got a firework level of connection and spice and that combines to make a book of the unexpected so beyond beautiful.

The way these characters show up for each other, the way they fight for what they’re feeling, and what they worked towards together to build is truly the best. And my heart was in every breath of it with this author and how she created these characters, their story, and every piece of this world. Aurora Rose Reynolds truly delivers everything in her books, and this one just showed me that again and again. I’m already counting down the days to the next time. I get to read a book by her and my heart is ready.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a swoon-worthy, accidental pregnancy romance, Before You Go is the book you've been waiting for.

Freshly divorced Franny, is ready for a fresh start and to discover who she truly is. Dating was definitely not on her radar, but when she meets Dayton, he's intense, scares her in a good way and makes her question her decision to swear off men...Dayton doesn’t think he has much to offer women, but a good time. He's sworn off relationships and definitely never wanted to kids. But, when he meets Franny, all bets are off. When it comes to Franny, he never stood a chance.

Before You Go was a terrific read from beginning to end. The characters were easy to relate to and instantly stole my heart. Dayton and Franny had instant chemistry and undeniable connection, yet I loved that they took things day by day and really got to know one another.

There's not much to say other than I simply loved this book. It was sweet and sexy with very little drama. The epilogue made my heart soar and i just loved getting lost in their story. If you're a fan of slow-burn, swoon-worthy romances, you won't want to miss Before You Go.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review *

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a guy who is SO certain he’s not cut out for relationships or parenting, Dayton certainly does all the right things. And honestly, he is smart enough to know that he needs to listen to his brothers when it comes to figuring out who he truly is inside. Even with his initial denial of events because of his past experience, he’s quick to get real answers and make things right. Who wouldn’t love someone like that?

And Franny? Well, she’s fabulous from the start. She’s not mean or vindictive. She’s not playing games. And she’s not afraid to go it alone, but she’s also not ashamed to admit that going it together is better.

She and Dayton have an excellent story that goes from one meeting to one night to one address to one perfect forever and I only wish that I already had more to read from this author. I’m pretty sure I’m impatient, but I can’t help it.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Francisca has just gotten a divorce and is trying to find herself. Dayton is at a party thrown at her parent's house and they connect. Neither one is looking for anything more than one night. Things don't exactly go according to plan and they find themselves in a situation neither one of them even thought they were going to be in. Franny overthinks things with Dayton constantly. He, who was the one who I thought would need coaxing, realizes he needs to let her adjust to them. He takes things slow and allows Franny to catch up with their new reality. His boss had some real shady issues and I liked how Dayton told Franny the truth right away. I liked both of them and thought their story fit in well with the other stories in this series.

[Elizabeth Neal]

Unless it was and I missed it -- admittedly, I skimmed in some parts, I wish Dayton would've explained why he left so abruptly immediately following what was so supposed to be a one-night stand. It felt off - to her, him, and the reader -- yet, they never (that I saw) spoke of it. Even just him stating what she made him feel scared him or something like that would've been appreciated.

Also, when discussing if twins run in their respective families, he said he didn't know because he was raised in foster care. Ummm...we're told that happened when he was thirteen. At that age, you have some knowledge of your relatives. I know it was done that way to lead into his history, but it struck me as odd.

[Nikenya Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and poignant surprise pregnancy romance. Franny is recently divorced when she meets and shares a passionate encounter with Dayton. She gets pregnant and she informs Dayton who’s surprised to say the least. Despite them not knowing each other well, they agree to be co-parents to their baby. Dayton and Franny get to know each other and their unorthodox situation leads to a profound love that neither of them were expecting.

I absolutely loved this book. Franny and Dayton were just perfectly yoked and their love story just gave me all the feels.
**I received an advanced reader copy of the book for free and I voluntarily leaving this review.**

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.8 Stars)
Newly divorced Francisca is a just ready to move on with her painting career and her single life & furbaby. When she meets a man named Dayton at a party her parents throw they seem to hit it off and have a little fun. She is single now so why not…well one night might end up being more when she happens to end up with more than just one fun night! Will these two strangers learn to start a whole new life with their unexpected news? This is a slower burn, sweet strangers to friends to lovers, oops pregnancy romance. Told In first person and dual POV.

[Pauline Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Francisca and Dayton's story.

I loved the accidental pregnancy trope and the way Dayton, despite his misgivings, stepped up to the mark.

Whilst his relationship with his nieces and nephews as well as precious PJ was simply beautiful, the relationship he nurtured with Francisca was equal parts swoon worthy and spicy.

It was so lovely to visit this ever extending family and catch up with what's happened since we last met.

In my opinion, there's simply nothing to beat inter-connected standalone novels, and Before You Go is definitely one to celebrate.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before You Go Small town accidental pregnancy romance

This story is an example of how two people who are absolutely not interested in anything more than a simple one night stand. No comittements, or promises to be more. Then something happens that makes them question their choices. The fun, excitement, the new possibilities and love that comes with new beginnings. Beautiful story.

[kayla’s kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dayton has childhood traumas— but he doesn’t let them dictate his life. He struggles with understanding his emotions.
Franny is a recent divorcee who got pregnant out of wedlock by Dayton. She’s trying to find herself while also dealing with a pregnancy.
They slowly but surely fall for each other.

[Maria Colón · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved everything about this sweet story. Franny and Dayton going from strangers, friends to lovers was everything. Everything from the first time they met to the epilogue had me hooked. I adore Franny’s parents and Dayton’s family as you already know is amazing. Dayton is everything any woman would want or any father would want for their daughter.

[Rocio Piotrowsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Aurora Rose Reynolds since 2020. My first book was Until November and I genuinely loved it, but as I continued reading the series, I felt that some of the books didn’t have much of a plot. I started this book today and I can honestly say I loved it. It has character development, a clear storyline, and a really nice structure. I liked that there was no unnecessary drama. Highly recommended.

[Evelyn alfonzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dayton es un abogado con un gran futuro por delante trabajando en la oficina del fiscal, conoce en una fiesta a Franni el encuentro de una noche deja sus frutos baby bump.
es un libro hermoso y muy familiar 😃

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usually Aurora Rose Reynolds gives me all the happies. She's my go to for a good story with some drama but always a great ending. I love her writing style and the story always flows so perfectly. Her books are always on my short list of books I can reread again and again.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but I was pleased with the way it went. Two people brought together by the unexpected, realizing that maybe this is exactly what they've needed all along. I love a feel good story. I will never pass up a book by Aurora. As always, I can't wait for more!

[Kim Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender and sweet.

[Karla Escutia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it from start to finish and it had my favorite trope one night stand chance meeting. Loved all the spice and love and the unexpected surprise.