GAH, Kennedy Ryan. Just knows how to rip your heart out and mend it back together.
I am not a newbie when it comes to the queen herself. I very much love her books, and although they take an emotional toll on any reader who has the honor of reviewing and reading one of them, for that reason they are extremely well written. I don't read many books that deal with second chance romance, especially with couples who are divorced and are trying to fall back "in love" with each other again, but this one just did a number on me. I felt that emotion from both characters and definitely had those moments where I was just rooting for them the whole time and wanted to shoo anyone that got in their way, but also was just angry that they were at odds at all. All that's to say, the tension in this book, coupled with the steaminess and burn was everything I wanted and more from the queen herself. A job well done.

I'm convinced that Kennedy Ryan knows exactly how to pull at every heartstring while crafting a novel that will have us feeling all of the emotions by the time we're finished. Before I Let Go is so exquisitely written and it's one that I would highly recommend.

Yasmen and Josiah Wade thought their love would go the distance. They got married, had two children and started a business, but then when they least expected it, they were dealt a series of blows that challenged them both as people and as a couple. They weren't able to save the marriage, but they co-parent and continue to be co-workers.

Following the divorce, it's clear that Josiah still loves Yasmen, but he also understands how difficult everything was on her and how he had to let her go. Yasmen has gone to therapy and is starting to become stronger, learning from therapy and also from the people in her life. While both Josiah and Yasmen try to move on with other people, it just doesn't feel right. Will these two be able to have the tough conversations and learn from their past mistakes to enable them to try again?

The characters that Kennedy Ryan has created are so realistic, raw, flawed, and human, which I love. There is so much emotion, angst and hope in this story and it just goes to show that second chances to exist if you're willing to work hard enough to get to the desired outcome. Simply put, this is an amazing work of art.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Wow! Did you ask for an ALL THE FEELS, kind of book? Because Ms. Ryan delivered! Josiah and Yasmin are a divorced couple going through everything that entitles moving on after unspeakable heartbreak. When you marry someone it’s not just the two of you, it’s the kids, extended family, business, house, cars, bank accounts. Everything! And when you’ve been with someone for so long, how do you navigate life without the person you thought it was going to be your forever? Just wow! This book is a beautiful tale of mature love where not everything is rainbows and unicorns but it is love after all.

(Thank you Forever Publishing for an e-arc of a copy of Before I Let Go. All Thoughts and opinions are my own. )

CWs: Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Stillbirth, and Divorce.

1. Second Chance trope / Divorced couple/Co-parents
2. One-bed trope ( OHHH MYYY!!!)
3. 2 years of pent-up longing & pining
4. Garage Spice ( Kennedy said TURNNing THE HEAT UPPPPPP!!!!!)
5. Mental Health/ Therapy rep
6. The spice meter (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️)

Kennedy Ryan had me sobbing, shaking, and Hyperventling, head-to-toe shaking, on the verge of shattering. I was parched, starved, and yearning after I finished this book. It was un-put-downable. Ryan has a possessive grip on writing intimacy, the magnitude of loss, joy, and second chances. Before I let go is an absolute winner of how relationships need work and nuanced discussions about mental health and healing. Best romance book of the year! I've read Before I Let Go seven times. It's truly a masterpiece. If this is the first book you're picking up by Kennedy Ryan, prepare a box of tissues beside you as you will be hit with a wave of violent emotions.

Before I let Go is the first novel of the Skyland series that takes place in Atlanta. Readers follow Yasmen and Josiah Wade; A couple that seems unshakable. A love that is supposed to last forever. A forever that tastes hot and sweet and ravenous. But when life throws devastating blow after blow, their love wasn't enough to salvage it. Now nearly two years passed, and they are both moving on with co-parenting, and managing their successful business. Yet, the air crackles between them, a familiar current drawing them together as they begin to wonder if they are ready to let go of everything they once had. Like a carousel, spinning of fingers whispering across the skin, Hot illicit kisses,after-f*ck glows, anger, and resentment crackling and festering as truths are being confessed as they try for a second chance. This book will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It's so beautiful.

These are my Favourite Quotes from the book.

We had the kind of chemistry that burned everywhere it touched—skin, bed, hearts. Nothing was safe, and if there is one thing I want to be after my last few perilous years, it’s safe.

Our traumas, the things that injure us in this life, even over time, are not always behind us. Sometimes they linger in the smell of a newborn baby. They surprise us in the taste of a home-cooked meal. They wait in the room at the end of the hall. They are with us. They are present. And there are some days when memories feel more real than those who remain, than the joys of this world.

“God, yes,” he rasps and lowers his mouth to me.

“You have to make peace with that woman, Yasmen, because she is you. She’s not someone you banished with therapy and meds. She is you. You cannot dissociate from her. Until you reconcile that, you won’t find true peace. Until you have compassion for her instead of judgment, you cannot fully heal.” She grabs her pen and pad from the side table, lifts her head, and stares me down. “So let’s set a date.” “A date? For what?” “We need to put it on the calendar, the day you’re going to forgive yourself and get about the business of living your life.” “Um, pretty sure it doesn’t work like that.” “It can work like that. You can’t change what has already happened.

“This is mine tonight, Yas.” His voice is half growl, half groan.

You know when people say once you start you can’t stop ? it’s exactly what happens i guarantee you will
lose yourself wholly and completely in Before I let Go….
I don’t know why i expected any different in all honesty… Kennedys writing is always so intriguing, so compelling, mezmerizing consuming and continues to blow you away with each read.

Kennedy Ryan’s love stories are always special and unique. The chemistry and connection between Josiah and Yasmen is electrifying intense and so deep true soul mates given a second chance.
I’m not a fan of slow burn but when the plot of the story is so good like this, and so much deeper than just the romance i would never have even noticed because i was too lost in everything else happening but when it happens it’s fireworks.

But what she does best is intwine subjects so sensitive and raw yet so real and intense. So honest and heart wrenching, meaningful,
Raises awareness of these subjects giving people a better of understanding and see things from a different point of view. Brings comfort and strength to those who suffer, to know they are not alone, to give them hope, to show ways of support and encouragement. Life isn’t easy, tragedy happens and everyone deals and copes in different ways.

You can enjoy some books, love them even. Rate them 5star but then every so often you read one that’s completely stand out from the rest, unique, special. Hits you a little different than the rest - imprints your heart and stores in your head as one you’ll never forget - that’s Before I let go.

Before I Let Go is a heartbreaking yet beautiful and intense novel about a couple who, after facing multiple devastating blows, ends their marriage. However, they are still very much connected by their kids and their shared business and slowly they find themselves slowly drawn back together. Yasmen and Josiah's pain and emotions felt very real as did their mental health struggles. Some of their scenes were painful to read at times, knowing how hurt they both were by what transpired. This is the kind of book that will hurt your heart to read but their ending felt deserved. I thought the other supporting characters, especially their children, were very detailed and felt real which definitely made understanding all the dynamics easier. This was an extremely emotional story, definitely check the trigger warnings before reading. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very thoughtful and realistic portrayal of a couple who has been through it all: passion, marriage, children, building a business together, and tremendous loss. What really kept me invested in this book is the deep personal work the main characters are both doing. Josiah needs to think about his role in his relationship, why it didn't work, and why he needs to process his own trauma. Yasmen needs to forgive herself for her depression and the way she struggled in the past. They are both great parents who make mistakes (don't we all), and caring co-parents and friends. You really root for them to get back together, both because it's very hot when they do, but because you genuinely believe that they are right for each other.

If you like an emotional book with great character-building, this is the perfect pic.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC Of this book.

Before I Let Go is an emotional, gritty, and inspirational read about a deep love between two people who were truly made for each other but lost their way, and how they managed to find their way back to each other after time, some healing and a lot of work.

Yasmen and Josiah had a love like no other, but their relationship was challenged more than they ever could have imagined after a couple of devastating life events, leading to the dissolution of their marriage. While they couldn't save their marriage, they have managed to continue to run their business and they co-parent their children pretty successfully.

This story was heartbreaking and beautiful and poignant in so many ways. The author tackled some extremely difficult life topics and she did it with a great deal of knowledge, sensitivity and grace. I adored all of these characters and their journey. My heart bled for them all as they navigated their feelings as well as when they grew and opened themselves up to understanding the experiences of other members in their family.

This book had me hooked from the start. The writing was stellar, the characters likable and personable and the life challenges 100% relevant. I was definitely rooting for Yasmen and Josiah to find their way back to each other and have the happily ever after they so deserved.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a ridiculously silly thing to be excited about, but there are recipes at the end of this book! We get to read about all this great food and then, we can make it ourselves. I loved this book and it made me cry and laugh and ache, but then I got to the end, and those recipes are like my own personal happily ever after. This is one of the best depictions of food as love and healing that I’ve read.

Before I Let Go is a second chance romance between a divorced couple who are still running a business and raising kids together. When Yasmen and Josiah’s marriage ended, they chose to focus on being good co-parents to their two kids and good co-owners of their upscale soul fusion restaurant in Atlanta. After being divorced for two years, they’ve mostly found their rhythm.

The biggest challenge of a second chance romance is convincing the reader that the couple had good reason to break up and that enough has changed that the things that broke up the couple before won’t break them up again. The losses the couple suffered in a short period of time would challenge any couple. Yasmen has spent the two years prior to the book healing herself, learning to take care of her own emotional wellbeing, and rebuilding her life. Josiah is still trying to power through, feeling like taking care of his family’s need for financial stability is enough.

Kennedy Ryan is a master of her craft. At the beginning of the book, no matter how much love and attraction there might be between Josiah and Yasmen, it’s clear that they are not ready to be together again. There’s still too much unresolved grief and anger. Ryan gives the story time to breath and evolve without ever feeling like there are unnecessary pieces. She makes some lovely choices in showing how Yasmen and Josiah are continuing to grow as people (which relates directly to the recipes at the end of the book). Ryan is equally compassionate and tender with her characters’ fragilities and strengths. As someone who has explode their life during bouts of depression, I really appreciated the way she advocates for her characters to forgive themselves.

Before I Let Go is an angsty book, but also warm and filled with humor. I’m excited that this is the first of a series and I do hope that in addition to Yasmen’s friends getting their own books, we also see Vashti get her happily ever after. I could write all day about everything that’s right with this book, but I want you to have the joy of discovering it yourselves.

CW: grief, death of parents and parental figure off page, pregnancy loss, depression, past thoughts of self harm, therapy, trauma, divorce.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Forever and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

You don't just read a Kennedy Ryan book, you feel every page and every word. Before I Let You Go is all the emotions, feels, vibes, plus the steam in the most beautiful prose. This story is chicken soup for the mind, body, and soul. Kennedy broke my heart into a million pieces, then stitched it back up with the happily ever after that I needed.

Thank you, NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Sometimes life deals us such a bad hand, we are paralyzed by the hurt. We are fearful to move on yet scared to stay stuck. Enter Josiah and Yasmin who are magical together even after divorce. They work together in all things family and work. They co-parent and run a dream business together but the real magic happens when they work through their hurts, stereotypes, and miscommunication to remember why they fell in love. Before You Let Go by Kennedy Ryan is a beautiful example of learning to forgive so you can love again and be loved!

I will be revisiting this story when its released on audio on 11/15/22.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you @netgally and @Forever -Grand Central Publishing for an ebook copy!!

4.5 stars.

This was a wonderfully written second chance romance about a married couple who faced unimaginable difficulties and ultimately end up divorced. To their credit, they successfully co-manage a restaurant and do their best to effectively co-parent. Still, there seems to be this lingering spark between them, and it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore... Will they find their way back to each other? Or is the damage irreparable?

What I loved: The emphasis on mental health and value of therapy in working through personal and familial strife. The vulnerability of these characters was also fantastic. Kennedy developed these characters with such thought and care-- I really felt that I knew who they were. Also, I absolutely loved the family dynamic. She captured the difficulties of having children with their own struggles and how children of divorce cope. Fans of romances with substance will absolutely love this one.

Before I Let Go has left my heart full of hope and love.

Josiah and Yasmen are fictional characters but they are so real! I related to their story on all the levels.

They are divorced, living separate lives while still maintaining a business together. Each are trying to move on from the hurt and pain of their past but sometimes fate takes things into their own hands.

Such a great book. I would definitely recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let's set the scene here... Yasmen and Josiah fell in love in back in college. Josiah realizes how much he's in love with Yasmen down to the exact moment he fell in love with her. He proposes & they start a business together and eventually, a family. They have a love that runs deep and build a beautiful life together in Atlanta. Literally started from having nothing and now fast forward several years later, they have 2 kids a prospering restaurant but are divorced after suffering two major losses in the same year - how can they recover?
Yasmen is on a journey to rediscover herself, her joy, rebuild her family and the love she still has for her ex-husband. Josiah must cope with this new life and try to move on. But he doesn't know if he will be able to trust Yasmen again.

This is a beautifully written story about love, loss and finding yourself through all that life throws at you. Kennedy Ryan does a great job of providing detail that sets each scene. The language is relatable and I love that it's not too descriptive of how black people normally talk. Lastly, the sex scenes have GREAT detail. The angst and build up makes for an intensely burning fire that you can't wait to feel.

This was my first book by Kennedy Ryan and won't be my last. I'm looking forward to the series!

TW: depression, miscarriage/stillbirth, suicidal ideation

4.5 ⭐️

Co-parents to their two children and business partners for their up and coming restaurant, Yasmen and Josiah work through their grief and loss of family and their marriage with therapy. Feelings, however, have never faded. Yasmen and Josiah’s hearts still beat for each other, the missing half to their whole. Will they have their second chance at love, life, and family?

My first Kennedy Ryan, y’all! It was an emotional romance, sprinkled with some rom-com vibes, that dealt with serious topics of death of a baby and depression, but also how therapy was the characters’ saving grace. The angst was killer though! For the first half of the book, it was a slow build. With the dual POV, I knew Yasmen’s and Josiah’s mutual feelings, but damn! Just talk already! Overall, a read that could’ve probably be shortened, but I enjoyed nonetheless because it was beautifully written.

Kennedy Ryan is one of the best storytellers of our time, and Before I Let Go is no exception. It’s a gripping and emotional love story between a divorced couple who very much still love each other and work to find their way back to each other, despite the odds.

Yasmen and Josiah were once madly, desperately in love, when a series of devastating losses broke apart their family, but when the dust settles and the healing begins, is that brokenness irrevocable?

It’s a raw and beautiful story, filled with the gorgeous writing only Kennedy Ryan can provide. It does not pull any punches about the reality of depression, grief, and loss, but at the same time will make you laugh and cheer.

There’s a great cast of secondary characters, their kids were great and as realistically flawed as their parents. Yasmen’s friends were hilarious and I assume the next books in the series will be about them, which I look forward to.

Is it a romance? I’m not sure. It’s a love story with an HEA for sure, but I felt like it was more about mental health, therapy, finding and healing yourself before you heal your relationship. Though Josiah and Yasmen’s relationship was the obvious prize at the end of the journey, I felt this was a bit more about the journey than the destination, and I loved every moment.

Excellent!! Josiah & Yasmen the power "it" couple who everyone said had that once in a lifetime love, great marriage, kids and thriving business. Now divorce, co-parenting and business partners. The pain of grief and loss and how they both handled it drove them apart. The hurt is raw and devasting. The love is evident with heart an soul even after 2 years of divorce and dating other people. Depression is real in this second chance story.

I want to thank @netgalley and @kennedyryan1 for this amazing ARC. It was such an honor to read. This is my first time reading a book by this author and i am in love with her writing style. This book was soo amazing and it keeps your attention start to finish! Who doesnt love second chance romances? Josiah and Yasmen’s relationship was so real and so relatable. When reading, I felt EVERY single emotion that Josiah and Yasmen felt. It was almost as if i was watching a movie. Sometimes just being in love isnt enough in relationships/marriages; you need more than that. Ive never had couple goals in books, but Josiah and Yasmen take the cake. Seeing how much pain they both endured with life but was still able to find grounds to co-parent and run their business together was just everything. Wheww! Yasmens daughter, Deja reminds me so much of myself when i was younger. It made my heart smile to see the relationship she ended up having with her mom.

My favorite quote from the book:
“Whats that for, I ask, my voice emerging like gravel. He nods to my face with a faint smile. “For the tears”
(Once you read this book, you’ll know why i chose this specific quote)

Please go get this book. You wont be disappointed!!! My favorite book of 2022!!

This is the first book I have read by Kennedy Ryan & Ms. Ryan, you have made a fan out of me!!

This book was heartbreakingly beautiful and so raw. I was brought to tears by the journey of self-love, forgiveness, and healing both MCs went through. I connected with this book on such a deep level, and although I have not been through the things Yasmin has, I felt her to my core, and that is because of the immaculate writing of this book. I also loved how it discusses therapy in such a positive light and provides positive examples for people who might connect with Josiah.

I just can’t say enough about this beautiful second chance romance other than GO PREORDER!!

As soon as I finished reading, I went and preordered the book myself, because I NEED the physical copy and will be rereading it many times to come.

This book….this book!!! Loved this book and these characters from start to finish!

Kennedy Ryan writes characters who you know; flawed, imperfect, and full of heart which made this book the perfect combination of heart and soul, family, loss, and love. I felt for this family and all they had been through, I rooted for every single character. This author is a master of her craft!