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genesis_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Minor: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
hellosarahpham's review
- 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
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage, and Grief
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
auteaandtales's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I think the extremely challenging topics in this book were handled well, although I have never been through anything like that before so I’m not the person to ask, and I think the breakup made sense, but the thing I struggled with was that I felt no chemistry. It didn’t feel natural. Not to say that none of this tugged at my heartstrings, a lot of this book is very emotional. I especially appreciated the relationship between Yasmin and Deja and the discussions on therapy and grief.
I loved the friendships, as well, and I’m really excited to get to know them more in book two! I enjoyed a lot about this book, and I even enjoyed them a lot together, I just wish we got some more banter and emotional bonding between them instead of what felt like was mostly a sexual bond, because I’m sure there’s more to them than that.
But my first Kennedy Ryan book is complete and I look forward to reading more, as I liked the writing style and the humour and the way difficult things were handled as well as the relationships in the ‘background’ characters. Also, there was a bit of miscommunication, but it was nice seeing adults communicate properly for the most part as well.
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Grief
clarkf87's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Grief and Abandonment
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
booksalacarte's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
jg34's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
This book deals with grief and loss in a heart breakingly real way. You can feel the pain through the pages (or headphones in my case). We catch this broken family two years after two tragic losses that tore them apart. They are rebuilding themselves and their relationships. They are opening up and putting in work in ways that were too painful before. And we get to watch it all!!
I love and feel for Yaz. After losing two family members back to back she is paralyzed by pain. Life keeps moving without her though and in her grief she makes the decision to end things with Josiah. A decision she bears the guilt for as she sees Josiah trying to move on and unable to trust Yaz anymore.
Josiah hides his pain. He keeps things running and needs Yaz and feels like a failure that he cannot fix her and bring the family back to how it was before. After Yaz gives up on them, his heart is broken and that loss is something he cannot cope with.
We watch them work through this with maturity and grace. It’s messy, kids are involved, friends and family opinions play a role, but can they come out on top????
Clearly this is not a lighthearted romance. Be ready for tears. But it’s worth it.
Final takeaway: everyone needs therapy!!!!
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
jimins's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Suicidal thoughts
demyajanayxo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Dementia
daniallreads's review against another edition
- 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
Because if all tear-jerking stories are this good, I am throwing out all my rom-coms. (Kidding, I'd NEVER)
Real talk, this book is pure perfection. I think I was sold on to Kennedy Ryan's book as soon as I discovered how the entire story was focused on mental health. I love books that help promote a healthy noggin space. This book is all about experiencing loss & grief but how depression can affect not only you but all the people around you. Life is hard. You see that through the character in "Before I Let Go" and having a hand to hold when working through tough moments is so important.
I really respect romances that aren't just a love story. "Before I Let Go" is everything. Understanding loss & grief. The positivity of therapy and being gentle with your mental. Navigating a separated family. Friendships with a strong bond. Being strong to express your emotions.
But don't get me wrong, she delivers when it comes to the romance. I am still fanning my face over her from finishing this book four days ago. That school auditorium scene. ermygawd.
I highly recommend the audiobook. I thought everything about it was perfect. Wesleigh Siobhan & Jakobi Diem nailed the narration. Their voice acting fit the characters well. The pacing was perfect at 1.0 speed. The entire performance felt natural. It's easy to listen to. I found myself always excited to go back to listening.
🧡 Second Chance
🧡 Multiple POV
🧡 Dealing with Grief
🧡 Mental Health Rep
🧡SPICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
🧡 One Bed
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Miscarriage and Grief
jennaniho's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Yasmen and Josiah, confront emotional repression, grief, and resilience, as well as the positive effects of therapy and mindfulness. Kennedy Ryan humanizes these characters to the point of making you identify them in people in your life. In Yasmen I saw my mother, my friends, while in Josiah I saw my father, my husband, and my uncle.
Is a truly inspiring story and a must read!
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Abandonment