Content warnings per the book: Death of loved one (off page), stillbirth, depression, grief, passive suicidal ideation (no attempts)

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I thought this book was simply stunning.

There's a line where Josiah tells his pre-teen daughter that things between Yasmen and him are "grown folks" business, and that strikes me as a good way to describe the story. There's a lot of difficult stuff here and the content warnings might make it *too* difficult for some readers, but this reader thought it was all treated with a great deal of sensitivity and care and love.

We bring ourselves and everything we've experienced to the books we read, so inevitably some stories will resonate with us more than others. And while I absolutely enjoy reading about young people falling in love, I was indescribably moved by the descriptions in this book of long-term love and partnership in the face of struggle and loss.

Ryan's prose about the kind of intimacy that only comes from time--from seeing each other bend and break--is gorgeous. The way in which Josiah and Yasmen are incompatible in terms of how they handle grief was very relatable, as was Yasmen's depression and how she fights her way out of it. It's often difficult to untangle postpartum depression (I speak from experience), which is such a complex cocktail of circumstance and brain chemistry and hormonal hurricanes. Josiah can't "fix things" for Yas. And she can't will herself to get better. There are no shortcuts: she needs time and therapy and medication.

I don't usually love children on page in my romance reads, but in this case it's absolutely essential to the relationship. I didn't skim past the parts with the kids, which is saying a lot since they are the same age as two of my own.

To me, this is a very brave and important book. Pregnancy loss is still not discussed as openly and often as it should be, considering how common it is, and stillbirth even less. And in a world where women's reproductive rights are under assault, Yasmen's story serves as a reminder that there really is no such thing as an "easy" or "low-risk" pregnancy.

I will have more to say, I think. This one will stick with me.

This is my first Kennedy Ryan book and I wasn’t sure if this book would live up to the hype and I am relived it did. You are taken on a journey of hurt and healing with these characters and rooting for them to find their HEA. I enjoyed this story a lot and will definitely check out other books by this author.

Kennedy has done it again. I truly don't understand how she writes such beautiful, sad, deep, complex books. She is an artist and she does wonders.

I ended this book with tears leaking out of my face. Just overwhelmed with sadness, hope, love. Yasmen and Josiah are divorced, not because they don't love each other anymore but because they suffered a huge loss that neither of them truly recovered from and their relationship suffered. They are both in so much pain but they are linked together with their restaurant and their children so still in each others lives. They pretend they have it all together but when Josiah "moves on" with someone else, and Yasmen tries to do the same, their feelings push to the forefront. And they begin to deal with the things they pushed aside during their loss.

Make sure to check the TWs for this as they are pretty strong.

I loved Yasmen - she is so vulnerable, and she tries hard to model that for her kids. I loved her relationship with her best friends (and can't wait for their books). And although she is still so sad, the way that she took care of herself, and continues to do that, is just so beautiful to witness. And Josiah - this is like the perfect book to celebrate therapy. And therapy for Black men and boys! What a wonderful father. What a wonderful man.

I can't say enough how much I love this book and I need y'all to pick it up.

*Thank you to forever for my copy!

this is a big, meaty drama-filled book. This isn't just marriage in trouble, it's the marriage was over! But they are still so committed to coparenting and working together, that they are always in each other's orbit. I talked about this on the season opener of fated mates. very angsty,

First off, thanks to @netgalley, @readforeverpub, and @kennedyryan1 for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Pub date: 11/15/2022
My rating: 5⭐️ 😍
Add this one to TBR/pre-order, friends!

Some things I loved and what you can look forward to in this story:
🧡 Dual POV, second-chance romance, one bed trope!
💛 Emotional and raw, but also has moments of joy & humor
🧡 Explores grief, trauma, therapy, and how everyone processes differently
💛 Depiction of co-parenting and family dynamics
🧡 Black love, amazing tension & spice 🔥
💛 Great female friendships - I love Hendrix & Soledad!

Please consider these CW/TW ⚠️ before reading: depression/grief, suicidal thoughts, loss of a child/stillbirth, divorce.

This book was incredibly beautiful and had me in my feels. Each character, especially Yasmen & Josiah, had such depth and complexity, it was so easy to connect with, sympathize with, and FEEL right along with them. I’ll be thinking about this book a long time. I feel like if you like Talia Hibbert (specifically her Ravenswood books), you’d enjoy this book!

💬 This was my first Kennedy Ryan book, time for me to work on her backlist! What should I read first? I see sports romance 👀😏

Also, this is the most gorgeous cover! I read on my kindle but I may need a copy anyway 😅

Once again Kennedy Ryan delivers an emotional, gripping second chance romance that is so raw and real you'll feel like these characters are your friends and family when you finish.

As a long-time reader of K Ryan, I knew going into this book that her writing would be impeccable, and the story would have depth, but what was uniquely beautiful about this book was that it was so bold, relatable and raw. You can FEEL every intense emotion from the heroine and hero, and you just know that this author poured her mind, body and soul into this heartbreaking and poignant story.

Although the chemistry and connection between Yasmen and Josiah is effortless and all-consuming, their tragic past set up walls and boundaries between them that take a lot of hard work, love and patience to break down. Their fight, passion, devotion, and determination are fierce; their children and friends are phenomenal secondary characters; and the setting, storyline, and obvious life-long love between Josiah & Yas make this one epic love story you do not want to miss!

Well done once again K Ryan!!! This is an absolute MUST READ!! Bravo!

Wow
I’ve always know Kennedy Ryan was an amazing story teller but this just hit so many spots. So many emotions and parallels for me, the biggest being depression after pregnancy loss and how differently the people in a relationship process grief. How difficult it is to hold a family together. It was heartbreaking but so real.
One of my favorites I’ve read all year.

Kennedy Ryan really “knocked it out of the ball park” with this one! This beautifully written story of a couple who goes through heartbreak is captured in such a way that has you rooting for them from beginning to end.
My goodness, I loved the second chance romance, the will they won’t they get back together. It was hot!
I am ever so grateful for the light that is shed on the gift of counseling to assist in healing the wounds that life can throw at us. TW: miscarriage, depression, loss of parents.

Thanks NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this.

Kennedy Ryan is one of my absolute favorites. She writes stories that gut me and then pieces me back together again. Before I Let Go reminded me why second chance is easily becoming one of my favorite tropes.
Every character felt real. I rooted for some relationships and I hoped that others would fail. Ugh. There aren’t enough words for how much I enjoyed this book!

Another stunning, beautiful read from Kennedy Ryan! Before I Let Go follows Yas and Josiah, who have been divorced for two years but still co-parent and run a restaurant together. The divorce happened during a hard time in their lives and was the only way out for Yas. Now that she is starting to feel like herself again, she's coming to terms with the fact that Josiah is moving on and though they may still have feelings for each other they both have fears -- especially with their kids to consider. She's scared to ask him to take her back but when they are stuck in the same room during an overnight trip for work, Yas realizes she wants to have Josiah any way she can.

Couldn't put this book down! I had to know how their story would end. This is definitely a book of letting go and forgiveness. If you enjoy second chance at marriage books like Second Chance Vow by M. Robinson or Forget Me Not by QB Tyler, then I highly recommend this read. Before I Let Go does cover topics like depression and loss. But as well has sweet and spicy moments... those secret moments between Josiah and Yas were everything!! ... can't believe they got caught.

This book is about loss and love, but mainly loss. Who we lose, what that loss takes from us, and how it transforms every part of our lives at the point when we are most vulnerable and incapable of seeing how much it fundamentally changes us. I’ve heard it described as a mix of women’s fiction and romance, but I think it’s heavily in the women’s fiction category.

I love Kennedy’s writing and reached for the book any time I had a spare moment, but the heart of the romance started much later than the beginning of the book. This book is heavy and a little long, but if you’re going into it knowing that it is a deep exploration of grief and depression, of clawing your way to the other side of it, or finding ways to sit with it, then this is the book for you!

5/5! Wow!

To call this book a 2nd chance romance feels incomplete. This was an exploration of grief and the journey to healing while also showcasing how 2 hearts/people meant for each other can find themselves back to each other but its going to take a lot of work.

What I appreciate most is the care and nuance and substance that is added here while still keeping many of the elements that make romance books special.

So beautifully written. I was a highlighting fool while reading this.

This book took you through a lot of emotions and brought to light so many issues people deal with everyday. It was not only entertaining but I feel like everyone could learn and take something from it. Kennedy Ryan has done it again with a wonderful book!!

CW: Depression rep and thought of suicide mentioned in past
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Review
I was absolutely hooked to this book the moment I started reading it.
Tropes:
🫶🏼Second Chance romance
🫶🏼Divorced couple with two kids
🫶🏼Great Chemistry
🫶🏼Only One Bed
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I really enjoyed this book. The author takes the time to show us how things are problematic between the now divorced couple and their slow progress into resolution. These two had no problem in the chemistry department and were always and still are very much attracted to each other.

However, there are things in their past that caused the divorce. It’s coming to terms with that, talking about it, and forgiving each other.
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I won’t spoil you with anything in this book. Overall,it’s a great story.
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My only issue (which is a me issue) is that I was always bored when I read the scenes with the female friendships. I didn’t feel like it added much to the story everyone the heroine and her friends met and spent time together. I was constantly skimming those scenes. Also, there was just too much inner monologue (it was necessary) for me as compared to dialogues. I was constantly skimming through the book. And if I am not compelled to read and absorb every word and if I’m not a 100% obsessed with the story, it’s not a 5 star.
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The Steam was good. Nothing extraordinary but it added more depth to their relationship.
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I recommend it. It was a great romance with lots of emotions, therapy and reconciliation. A great second chance romance.

This was a great story about love, depression, loss, growth, and second chances. It had my heart aching and my eyes tearing up, but it also put a smile on my face.. Yasmen and Josiah belong together, they have the type of love that people dream about, even while divorced. There are so many things that I loved about this book.I loved the small town feel of their neighborhood, the friendships, their relationships with their kids, and the restaurant setting. I loved that Kaseem and Deja were developed characters with realistic behaviors. Yasmen's friendships with Hendrix and Soledad are what we all want to have, some fun girlfriends that can talk about the hard stuff but also help you let loose. This book was heavier than I was expecting and the content warnings for this story could definitely be important to know about beforehand.

CW: loss of a loved one, loss of a child, depression, mention of suicide, divorce

5 wheel stars!

"I was meant for you and you were meant for me, and even when we got in our own way, even when we screwed up—because we both did, baby—even then my soul knew, my heart knew, it was wrong being away from you."

Do people remember the exact moment they fell in love? I do, I fall in love every single time with every Kennedy Ryan book that I read. Yas and Si are no exception, I loved and hurt for their story. It was beautiful, raw, real, soul-searching, and life changing. I don't know how I'll move on from this one, one of my favorite books of the year for sure. I encourage everyone to read this, but please check tw (mental health, depression, grief, loss). I also saw this is series, and I can't wait for what's next. I will forever keep asking for Yas and Si crumbs.

Yas and Josiah's book is so beautiful, and it starts with the beginning of their story. From the beginning I knew it was special. The book takes place years after the beginning as some things have changed--drastically. I was intrigued by Yas and Josiah's story from the beginning, and as the book progressed I was able to understand more about their story. Their story is not a straight line, there is bumps along the road. But it's clear to me that their love is everlasting as a wheel. Their story had me hurting and crying, but I also was so happy. My emotions were all over the place because this is such an emotional book. I was rooting for Yas and Si as a couple and as individuals. Ahh, the way they matured, the way their loved expanded, and the way they were able to understand their mistakes and the grief/loss. I loved Yas so much, and I whole heartedly agree, it's okay not to always be okay. The way Yas fought for herself, for her kids, and Si. It's never easy. Si, I loved him so much too. He came a long way from the beginning to the epilogue, seeing his journey was beautiful. Si's feeling were valid, Yas feelings were valid. We all process loss and grief differently, and I loved how Yas and Si in the process. Yas and Si are not perfect, they have flaws but they love with all their heart and it shows.

I actually loved all the side characters here. The girl squad (Sol and H!) is perfect. I was a little annoyed with Day, but I understand were she was coming from. & I can't wait to see what the series has in store with the next book. I need some Si and Yas crumbs please please.

once again, Kennedy has done it again. I will repeat, one of my favorite books. I always admired that Kennedy just keeps it real. I loved the awareness that Kennedy brings to mental health. Life is hard, so hard & I repeat again it's okay not to be okay. Here is to all the strong warriors fighting their battle with depression, grief and loss. It's not easy, but we'll get there. Wheels forever and till we meet again bc I can't wait for the next book.

Through the fire!

Josiah and Yasmen are a divorced couple, who when we are introduced to them, are successfully running a business together and co-parenting two children. But as we delve into their current dynamic, and get a closer look at how they ended up at this point…and where things stand moving forward, this is where it all starts to unravel.

When reading the synopsis for this story, I was drawn in by the possibility of a second chance at love for a once very happily married couple. And I was both anticipating and dreading the unveiling of what went wrong. But as the revelations that led to their present day status were uncovered, I realized that my emotions were heavily invested in this couple. To say they were tested in ways that for most would seem to be insurmountable is an understatement. And surprisingly, I didn’t choose a side, I was rooting for them both! The angst level is 10/10 and the heat factor is 100 degrees.

Combined with a supporting cast that adds to the narrative, this is a Kennedy Ryan story that you don’t want to miss. And if you’ve never read her work, it’s a great place to start! Definitely a 5 star read!

Trigger warnings: depression, complicated grief, still birth, passive suicidal ideation.

“Thank you NetGalley and Forever publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.”

Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Steam: 3/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Kennedy Ryan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Favorite non-spoilery quote: “I told her it wasn’t that I wanted to take my life,” she says. “But that I didn’t want to live it.”

This is my first ever book by Kennedy Ryan, and I’m pretty sure I picked her best book to start with. I’m torn between wanting to devour every book she’s ever written and never touching a single one of them because after this book, my expectations are quite literally in outer space. Before I Let Go is everything I want in a contemporary romance novel.

Let’s start with Yasmen, who was by far my favorite character. That’s not to say I didn’t absolutely love the rest of them, but she resonated with me so much. That quote I mentioned at the beginning is how I feel when my depression gets bad, but I hadn’t been able to explain it until I read that line. Yas’s experience with depression is very different than mine, but I felt it in my soul. Seeing her get back on her feet and able to live her life again was the highlight of this book for me.

I often find myself going into a romance novel with the expectation that the MMC’s entire personality will revolve around being hot and whipped. Josiah is definitely both of those things, but he’s also supportive, an incredible father, and he is willing to put in copious amounts of effort into fighting for what he wants. I didn’t relate to his character as much as I did Yas, but that’s because they coped with their grief in such different ways. I know that Josiah’s journey, heartbreaking as it is, will comfort many readers in the same way that Yasmen did for me.

The other characters in this novel stole my heart just as much as Si and Yas did. Their children, Deja and Kassim, are some of the best written kids I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t even want kids 😂. Yasmen’s best friends, Soledad and Hendrix, are freaking hilarious. The three women are so different yet they compliment each other perfectly. Soledad is an incredible mother, and Hendrix is the rich, childless badass I can only hope to become one day. Since BILG is book one of the Skyland series, I’m guessing (and hoping) that Hendrix and Sol will get their own books. 🤞

Before I Let Go is definitely joining the ranks of my favorite books, something I do not bestow lightly. If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles with depression, I promise you are not. But if you want more reassurance, read this book. It wrapped my heart in a warm blanket of emotion I can still feel, even now.

TWs: depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, loss of a child, divorce

Let me tell you: this book is AMAZING. (Heed CWs but I’ll talk about them at the end)

It's a second-chance romance with grown folks: a passionate couple who fell apart due to tragedy and, as one of the MCs puts it, incompatible grieving.

Second-chances are hard to get right: If breakup was the choice previously, what changed? What IS changing? And does the thing still keeping them apart feel real or contrived? I want to understand the characters, and believe they are acting in ways that suit their backgrounds and past experiences.

Ryan absolutely delivers. Each step Yasmen and Josiah take towards reconciliation makes sense for them: we see the multiple catalysts for change and can watch the progression of them rebuilding their love and trust. And it's also very clear what is keeping each from falling into the other's arms.

I was a bit hesitant to read this because of the tragedy mentioned in the description. Crucially, the story opens as they have turned a corner in recovery, and things are looking brighter. So the MCs have the strength to deal with remembering, and almost all of the descriptions of the tragedies happen in the context of the MCs talking to each other. They start to forgive each other and themselves for mistakes and hurts. They are *healing*.

Now let's talk content warnings. I was a bit blindsided by a previous Ryan book, which warned about a theme that's not triggering to me personally. But that content went on and on, on-page, and in 'real time' as the character experienced it.

This book is *not like that.* Things are described enough to understand them, but that's all.

Details and content warnings: (view spoiler)

Let me reiterate: I truly felt that all of the above was handled gently and presented as part of a healing process.

Netgalley is how I got this ARC, all feelings are my own.

My first Kennedy Ryan read did not disappoint!

Before I Let Go is a powerful and raw story that centers around Yasmen and Josiah, a couple who fell in love fast and young, convinced their bond would carry them through life together, until the very end. Unfortunately, due to several unimaginable losses and the grief that followed, their marriage dissolved and navigating this new reality for their family has been anything but easy. As Josiah and Yasmen work to raise their two children and run their business together as seamlessly as possible, unexpected feelings and new connections complicate matters. With themes ranging from grief, parenting and friendship, the balance that Ryan delivered in Before I Let Go was so masterful.

When I was approved for and ARC of this book, I was so excited to finally jump on the Kennedy Ryan train. I've seen so much love for her work online and knew I was probably missing out on something great. In Before I Let Go, the element I was most struck by was the emphasis on therapy, both the value of it and the lack of shame one should feel if they seek out help to manage whatever it may be they struggle with. After so much pain, I felt so much hope as many of the characters shared a piece of themselves so they could learn and grow.

All at once, Josiah and Yasmen's romance was honest and lovely and moving. Though it is beautiful to think a commitment made with vows and rings will last forever, that is not always the reality of life given how people change over time and individuals experience events they rarely ever deserve, testing their faith and stability. After allowing time, distance and more to heal certain wounds and actions to repair others, the development of Yasmen and Josiah's new dynamic, as the people they have become after all they went through, was so inspiring.

Please do look up content warnings before reading. Though Before I Let Go was a wonderful read, it was a heavy one with mentions of depression, stillbirth, suicide and more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever and Kennedy Ryan for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.