The Day Before
lemonhrts

The Day Before is a teen romance between Charlotte and Theodore (James) that blossoms when Charlotte is hired to tutor Theo before he changes schools.

I really appreciated the aesthetics of the cover design—it's visually striking. The tagline, 'Love when you least expect it,' is also a fantastic touch; it resonates well. However, I had some difficulty reading the top lines, specifically the part that mentioned "Book One in the ___ series." Perhaps it was just an issue on my end, but it was a bit unclear. That said, overall, I truly loved the cover, and I would certainly click on the book if I came across it.

I truly loved the aesthetics. I wish I could make covers like that but I'm struggling with that part.

Before I say anything, let me tell you that initially, I wasn't quite sure how the title related to the story, but after reading the second chapter, everything clicked. The title is, in fact, a perfect match for the plot. Having read a few chapters now, I'm definitely looking forward to 'the day before' the end of the month—if you know what I mean!

The sneak peek into the banter and subtle hints at Sydney's character were excellent. The summary is very intriguing, and including these details added an extra layer of curiosity for the reader. It was concise, yet informative, providing a glimpse of the characters' backgrounds and creating a good understanding of their personalities without unnecessary information.

The chapter names are very clever and unique, which I loved. The opening was captivating and hooked me from the first sentence—something that rarely happens. Personally, I often rewrite my opening lines multiple times before being satisfied, but your opening was outstanding.

The first chapter was filled with sarcastic humor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The humor and snarky remarks were spot on. The conversations between characters felt natural and reflected their ages accurately—a detail that is often overlooked by authors. Your ability to capture this essence is impressive, especially considering you mentioned that you are a teenager yourself. The chapter ended on a high note with the mom's call, which was hilarious. The small details, like the cat and its antics, added to the charm.

The plot, while not out of the ordinary, stands out due to your flawless writing. The way you play with words and character interactions makes it very engaging. Although I've only read the first few chapters, it would be great to see more emphasis on why Charlotte and Theo dislike each other. Flashbacks or scenes hinting at their rivalry could enhance this aspect. Additionally, Theo's perspective on their interactions, particularly when Charlotte comes to his room, would add depth to the story.

Charlotte is a well-developed character with her dry humor, sarcasm, and unique thoughts. Her jealousy and possessiveness towards Sydney when Theo reveals their long-standing acquaintance adds depth to her character. Her relationship with her cat and the revelations about her father's dark history contribute to her complexity. Despite these challenges, she manages to prioritize herself and her friendships.

Theodore, on the other hand, remains somewhat mysterious in the initial chapters. More information about him and his perspective on key interactions would be beneficial. However, I anticipate this will be explored in future chapters.

From what I understand, the book is expected to be around 30-32 chapters long, with each chapter representing a new day; considering the 'day before' things actually happens. While I appreciate this structure, a bit more detail in each chapter would be beneficial. Some days felt fast-forwarded, and more emphasis on interactions at home and school would help. Although the pacing felt a bit slow for me, if the book isn't intended to be a slow burn, increasing the pace or adding more scenes between the characters could enhance the narrative.

The grammar was impeccable. Despite your claim of not being well-versed in the language, you have done an excellent job. Every word seems to have been given immense thought, and the careful structuring and description are evident. Maintaining this quality of writing throughout the book is a remarkable feat.
Like I said, the writing is the real hero of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and might refer to your writing quality as a benchmark. Your talent is evident, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of your work. I hope you continue to write and publish many more books in the future.