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neasnovelnest's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
At this point I’m convinced I was meant to read Kennedy Ryan works right now and that I mentally wasn’t ready to read her books way back when…I am SO glad I started this journey because every single book so far has spoken to me and truly feels like it’s been helping me heal through so much pain I didn’t realize I was holding onto. The focus on grief and depression in this was spot on with the hurt I am currently working to overcome. This book will be my top 5 reads of 2024 for sure. I connected with both Si and Yas on the deepest of levels and I’m grateful for this book. Truly a work of art.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Grief
sophiesometimesreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is my first Kennedy Ryan book and, let me tell you, it definitely won't be my last! I absolutely loved this.
The writing was absolutely wonderful and the characters felt so layered and real. I had so many feelings over the journey these characters went on, not only together but individually too.
It was also great to read about two characters who were older and had children together, as it is something I haven't read in a romance before.
There is a deep exploration of grief, death, loss and depression in this novel, so please be aware of that and check the content warnings before reading. In saying this, I felt the depiction of depression and therapy was done thoughtfully, and I liked how therapy was depicted not only as a means for Yasmen to work through her depressive thoughts, but as a tool for self-improvement for other characters as well.
Pretty much the only thing that dropped it half a star for me was bc it had a bit too much spice for my liking, and it felt like a couple of those scenes dragged and were unnecessary for the plot and character development BUT I do have a low spice tolerance so I can definitely see this not being an issue for many people.
Though there were many painful moments through this book, I had a great time reading it and the ending and resolution was beautiful. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to pick up the next book in this interconnected series.
The writing was absolutely wonderful and the characters felt so layered and real. I had so many feelings over the journey these characters went on, not only together but individually too.
It was also great to read about two characters who were older and had children together, as it is something I haven't read in a romance before.
There is a deep exploration of grief, death, loss and depression in this novel, so please be aware of that and check the content warnings before reading. In saying this, I felt the depiction of depression and therapy was done thoughtfully, and I liked how therapy was depicted not only as a means for Yasmen to work through her depressive thoughts, but as a tool for self-improvement for other characters as well.
Pretty much the only thing that dropped it half a star for me was bc it had a bit too much spice for my liking, and it felt like a couple of those scenes dragged and were unnecessary for the plot and character development BUT I do have a low spice tolerance so I can definitely see this not being an issue for many people.
Though there were many painful moments through this book, I had a great time reading it and the ending and resolution was beautiful. I would highly recommend this book and can't wait to pick up the next book in this interconnected series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Death of parent
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Dementia
ciaobellareads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
At first I wasn't sure I'd love the book. Some of the characters had me upset in the beginning, but as the story developed I grew to understand the characters better. I honestly couldn't put the book down. I 100% see why people recommend this book. I definitely would add this to my list of titles to buy. I borrowed it from the library and had to return it so I didn't get the chance to read it again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
heytherebriana's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
taliaalongi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Dementia and Car accident
csimonsensays's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, and Suicidal thoughts
fkshg8465's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story happens everyday all over the world, but this story is the way I want to see each of those other stories end.
Really appreciated the girlfriends too. Filled in some blanks I didn’t know were there in the sequel, which I’d read first.
Really appreciated the girlfriends too. Filled in some blanks I didn’t know were there in the sequel, which I’d read first.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
yajairat's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
When it comes to romance books, I rarely read ones that deal with a second chance romance. Or those involving a formerly married couple with a life they had built together, now learning to navigate that while not being together. It's refreshing! I think overall, this was a good and fast read. I loved how it dug deep into the root of their problems, and we got to see their healing journeys. There are some really heavy topics discussed, and I think Ryan wrote about them beautifully. She doesn't shy away from writing about the difficult parts of marriage, and the hard work it takes to save a relationship. I ultimately want to believe that a couple is going to make it in the long run, well beyond the last page of a book. Yasmen and Josiah are for-lifers! I liked seeing how something as traumatic as a separation can affect children, and how their family dynamics healed as well. Also the friendships were really meaningful and well-written.
Only some qualms with the book - I found it to be repetitive at times. Felt like I kept reading about the stakes a little too much. Also this is just me being petty, but have to take off .25 for the constant use of the word breasts throughout this entire book. I swear I saw it about 200 times. Not even just when they were having sex! It could be a description of Yasmen's outfit and it's going to mention breasts. Please! Synonyms or something!
Only some qualms with the book - I found it to be repetitive at times. Felt like I kept reading about the stakes a little too much. Also this is just me being petty, but have to take off .25 for the constant use of the word breasts throughout this entire book. I swear I saw it about 200 times. Not even just when they were having sex! It could be a description of Yasmen's outfit and it's going to mention breasts. Please! Synonyms or something!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Sexual content
hollaylonn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Car accident, and Pregnancy
rosie_valadez's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent