This is a really beautiful, gritty story about the end of a marriage and what comes after, including how to heal from trauma and cling to those we love.

“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” (361).

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I understand why Kennedy Ryan is popular because this is very readable. It’s also very predictable, so predictable that I couldn’t get into cause I was just racking up how many times I saw what was coming next. ( )

This was very well-written. I loved the conversations on mental health (especially in the Black community), the precious care given to Yasmen’s struggles, and the second chance at love. The author made me feel actual emotions for Yasmen and Josiah. Not to mention the book was funny too. I was rooting for these two the whole time.

This is basically a 5-star read for me, but I’m removing a star due to the PTA love scene. I’m sorry (not really) but that mess turned me off. Y’all go somewhere with that. I know their burning passion was on the level of horny teenagers, but y’all need to do better than that. Get a room! LOL

Anyway, I’d be interested in reading more from this author.

4.5 ( )

First of all, I want to say that I am absolutely in love with Kennedy Ryan's writing style and story telling ethics. Before I Let Go pulls you in from the very beginning. I can relate the being a mother and going through a nasty separation when it comes to relationships. The characters are very detailed and well thought out. I hope that there is a sequel to this book because BABYYYYYYY.....This book is everything. I am so very grateful to have received an ARC copy of Before I Let Go. Because of this I am most definitely pre-ordering the physical copy ASAP! Also, I am definitely planning on re-reading this because how could you not?? Every thing about this story makes me want to keep motivated and keep going no matter what life may throw at me. Thank you for writing this book. This is definitely a life changer for me! ( )

*4.25 stars*

Kennedy Ryan is an auto-buy for me so even though this book has my least favorite romance trope, I still jumped on it eagerly.

I was not disappointed. This book was written so beautifully and I felt every bit of angst. I could tell that the mental health bits were written from a place that understood it. I absolutely LOVED the therapy representation. I am so on team "get Black Men to therapy" and this had that.

Yamen and Josiah just made sense you know? Of course the chemistry was scorching, it's Kenndedy Ryan! LOL. but asides that, I just enjoyed their relationship arc. No-one was perfect and although Josiah annoyed me sometimes, I still fully understood where he was coming from.

The supporting cast to was stellar, and I can't wait to read the next books in the series.

4.25 stars because the book had wayy less plot than her usual books but this was still so good to read.

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and the Forever Books for the ARC. ( )