Finally holding the book I'd eagerly awaited, I was drawn into a captivating tale of a couple navigating the complexities of a long-term relationship. In one night, I devoured the pages, feeling an uncanny connection to the characters who, despite their shared interests, found themselves unable to stand each other. The portrayal of their journey, complete with family dynamics and the delicate dance of adjusting even in separation, resonated profoundly.

Amidst the heartfelt narrative, moments of genuine laughter peppered the storyline, offering a welcomed relief. Yet, the overarching theme delved into the profound reflections of a relationship weathered by over two decades. The authenticity struck a chord, and I found myself both smiling and shedding a tear at the poignant finale.

The author masterfully weaves intricate details that make the story immersive, igniting a wish for life's simplicity, even as the narrative insists otherwise. This captivating tale, rich with reflections on love's endurance and the intricate dance of family dynamics, has left an indelible mark on my heart. A story that will surely stay with me forever, inviting contemplation on the beauty of human connections.

"You dont have to keep up, you just need to stay in the right place. A place I can always find you. That's what home is."

"You are My Times New Roman. The original, bold and classic."

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the arc.

Renee Carlino is hit and miss for me, but I'm always excited when she publishes a new book. This one was more on the miss side for me, but I think I'm likely to be in the minority.

First off, I found both Dani and Alex to be very unlikable. But I think this was the point? Often times in books, we're shown only the characters good traits. But here, I think Carlino was trying to emphasize the point that no one is perfect, especially in a marriage. We're meant to see that both Dani and Alex are to blame for what happened to their marriage. But I think we were shown too much of the bad, and simply told the good. I wanted to get a better understanding of why they loved each other and I don't feel like this was accomplished.

I also felt like the ending was rushed. Especially given what happens in the end, I wanted more. Again, I wanted more show and less tell.

Despite the fact I disliked more things than I liked, I read this book quickly and thought about the characters when I wasn't reading. I will definitely be recommending it to others.

This book, like most of Renee Carlino books made me sob! There’s just something about the way she writes couples that absolutely wrecks me. This one was no different.

Renee Carlino is one of my absolute favorite authors and having read a good amount of her books and having received this book as an ARC (thank you so much Netgalley and penguin random house) I can honestly say this is Renee Carlino’s best book yet.

The way I knew from the first couple of chapters that I knew this was going to be one of easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given to a book, along with being one of my favorite books I’ve ever read.

This story about Danielle and Alex really makes you feel a party of their story, apart of their relationship and the pain they are both feeling going through this divorce.

I can honestly say there were times I thought I knew how this story would end, but I truly wasn’t expecting that ending. I don’t think I’ve sobbed that hard about a book couple in a long time.

I couldn’t recommend “This Used To Be Us” by Renee Carlino enough to anyone and everyone. I already want to reread this book. I know it’s only January but this book is definitely going down as one of my favorites of the year!

I just turned the last page, and I'm in tears. Renee Carlino was born to write books, and I can't express how deeply this one moved me. I equally loved both main characters and admired their maturity (most of the time) while navigating one of the most challenging decisions any married couple could face. Witnessing Dani and Alex relive their memories, co-parent, and rediscover themselves was genuinely touching. I didn't want it to end, and when it did, I cried—really hard. In the end, it gave me hope.

Renee has a way of writing characters that feel so raw and real. The story of Dani and Alex was heartbreaking but also hopeful at the same time. Their journey was very unexpected with a lot of twists and turns and was very emotional at the end. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Before We Were Strangers is one of my favorite books of all time and I was so excited that Carlino was coming out with a new book!!

Renee Carlino knows how to write a gut wrenching love story that’s for sure and this was definitely the most emotional one I’ve read by her.

She has such a way of making characters feel like real people that you’re spending time with and not fictional people you’re reading. I didn’t want to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. And her chapter titles always get me 😭

I also think the second chance romance with a marriage is very relatable compared to one about childhood friends which I enjoyed.

Overall, I loved this book so much even though it absolutely destroyed my heart in the process. If you’re wanting an emotional romance, this is it.

I think I’m sitting at a 4.5 rating!

I now have the book hangover of the century. I’m not ready to let this story go. I can’t let it go. I want to keep reliving it, re-reading it. I want to experience this majestic love story over and over again and let it keep sinking deeper into my heart. Every time I re-read quotes, tears fill my eyes and the feels come flooding back. the beauty, the love, the loss, the healing, all of it. In every way, this is an unforgettable story.

Renée has done it again! I was obsessed with "Before We Were Strangers" so I was really looking forward to this release and it didn't disappoint. From the beginning, I was immediately drawn in by the story and the characters. You really feel the love in the beginning, empathize with both sides during the messy divorce and then find yourself crying alongside both of them when they finally make it back to one another only for it to be ripped away. Was a truly beautiful messy story, would absolutely recommend.

Renee Carlino knows how to write a heart wrenching romance book. This was outstanding as always. The conflict between the two main characters was so raw and realistic, which I appreciate when it comes to a contemporary romance. I loved this one

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc.

Renee Carlino has a way of ripping out your heart and putting it back together.

From page one, I was absolutely hooked into the story line. I really connected with the way the story was told and I could "hear" the characters in my head. I loved the short chapters and the multiple timelines. I loved the songs that matched a certain phase in the character's lives. I played the songs to enhance the experience of this book. This is unlike Renee Carlino's other books, but it is absolutely a masterpiece nonetheless. It broke me, it made me ugly cry, I laughed, I was frustrated, I fell in love with the characters all over again.

Absolutely grateful to the publishers for early access to this book. I am so in love and can't wait to re-read it when it publishes!

PS. My only complaint is that this book had to end. I need more of Renee Carlino's writing in my life!

Dani and Alex are great characters, and I enjoyed seeing them come together and drift apart. Their relationship seems very realistic. The story is emotional and messy, just like real life. This is not the most sophisticated prose, but the novel should appeal to many readers, especially those looking for a tear jerker. The message is nice as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance e-galley; all opinions are 100% my own.

Synopsis: Renee Carlino was a new to me author this year when I read Swear on This Life and loved it. When I had the chance to read her new arc I jumped at the chance. I don’t want to give too much away about this plot but it follows the story of a divorced couple.
Pros and cons: This story was relatable. It had so many enjoyable moments. It was love and romance and heart break. I have never had a story gut me like this one. It made me SOB. Like snotty, can’t breathe cry. READ IT (now if you can get the arc- or July when it’s released.) But just know that I forewarned you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing and Renee Carlino for this beautiful story.

This book is quintessential Renee Carlino-- it is emotional, messy, and full of realistic and rich characters. Further, there is a strong message that is brought to life on every page of this story. On a personal level, second chance romances paired with divorced couples can be challenging for me to read, but this was probably one of my favorite ones yet. Carlino will make you empathize with both Dani and Alex, flaws and all. And, as with all of her books, be sure you have some tissues nearby. It wouldn't be a Renee Carlino book, if I didn't tear up!

Thank you to Dial Press Trade for my ARC

So so so many stars for this one! Renee Carlino always knows how to break me. Full RTC

Read if you like:
-Messy love stories
-Marriage in crisis
-Second chances
-Characters in their 40s
-Books that make you cry